Chapter 17 Section 3 The Cattle Kingdom Flashcards
What factors led to boom and bust in the cattle industry?
The discovery of a new way to herd cattle and the expansion of the railroads led to a cattle boom; weather, a depression, and an increase in small farms led to the cattle industry’s decline.
Why did cattle drives cover long distances?
Cattle were driven from Texas to railroad lines, which were often far away.
What caused the rise of the cattle industry?
The expansion of the railroads into the West gave ranchers a way to supply beef to the entire nation.
How did American cowhands learn many of their skills?
Ranching began in Mexico, and the Spanish and Mexican vaquaeros taught many American cowhands about herding.
Why would an increase in population along the cattle trails help to bring the cattle drives to an end?
As population increased, the railroads would have extended to more places, making cattle drives unnecessary.
How did cow towns create the myth of the Wild West?
The rowdy behavior of cowhands taking a break from the trail captured the imagination of easterners who assumed every western town was the same.
How may the myth of the Wild West affected Native Americans and federal policy toward them?
Since the West was perceived as a lawless, violent place, Native American resistance to settlement may have been seen as another example of lawlessness that had to be harshly suppressed.
What skills did American cowboys learn from spanish and Mexican vaqueros?
The learned to ride, rope, and brand.
How did ranchers make a profit?
They sold adult cattle for a much higher price than they had paid for them as young calves.
Why did demand for beef drop?
A depression meant easterners could not afford to buy as much western beef.
How true was the myth of the Wild West?
The myth of the Wild West had some basis in fact, but was not entirely accurate.
What factors ended the cattle boom?
overpopulation of cattle, a cycle of harsh weather, a depression that led to decreased demand of beef, loss of grazing land, and the expansion of railroads.
What dangers did cowhands face on cattle drives?
fires, theives, bad weather, dangerous rapids and swamps
Why did cowhands take the risks of cattle drives?
They needed work and they had the necessary skills.
How did the expansion of railroads help to create a cattle boom?
Extending the rail lines meant cattle could be shipped more easily.
