American Westward Expansion Flashcards
What allowed people and goods to travel across the country in just a week
Transcontinental railroad
What was the main purpose of the homestead act
To encourage settlement on the Great Plains
Why did cattle drives come to an end
Because they were no longer necessary once railroads reaches Texas
What technology was used to help pioneers turn the Great Plains into productive farmland?
Steel plow, barbed wire, and windmill
What is a homestead
A piece of land given to a settler by the US government with the conditions that land to be worked for five years
The quest for __________ was a pull factor in luring many settlers to the west
Gold
Why was the battle of wounded knee significant
Because it was the last major battle between the US and the American Indians
What was a major challenge faced by the Union Pacific Railroad
Conflict with the American Indians
How do American Indian groups keep traditions alive today
By gaining more control over land, Maintaining tribal languages, and sharing tribal stories
What were some reasons that the government wanted to move American Indians two reservations
Because new towns, farms, and ranches were developing, the government wanted the land for railroad expansion, and the government wanted the gold in the Black Hills
What is a push factor
Causes people to want to leave their home or area and move to another location for better opportunities
Why were cattle drives profitable for Texas ranchers
Because cattle could be sold for more money in the East
The decline in Buffalo herds, spreading telegraph railroad lines, and the arrival of minors, farmers, and ranchers threatened the way of life for…
American Indians of the Great Plains
What was the Battle of Little Big Horn known as
Why
Custer’s last stand
Custer was killed along with his entire forces
What is desecrate
To violate the sacredness of something
