Chapter 26: The Great West and the Agricultural Revolution 1865-1896 Flashcards
- Why has the Plains Indians resistance to white encroachment played such a large part in the popular American view of the West? How is that mythical past related to the Indians actual history?
The Plains Indians resistance to white encroachment played a large role in the popular American view of the west. With the invasion of white settlers and soldiers came retaliation from the Indians. Chiefs engaged in warfare with the soldiers in a desperate attempt to keep a hold on their land. This view of the natives took a prominent position in the American view of the West. This view can be observed in popular books, movies, and posters that were created for entertainment purposes after that time. This past is exaggerated to the point of myth. The mythical past I related to their history of warfare, but in reality, there is so much more to the culture of the Indians.
- Why was the passing of the frontier in 1890 a disturbing development for many Americans? Was the frontier more important as a particular place or as an idea?
Many disturbing developments occurred with the passing of the frontier in 1890. On such development was the expanded network of Indian boarding schools. Another was the push towards Indian Individualism. Both were negative because they took away an important part of the Native American Culture: family structure. During this time many Indians also lost millions of acres of their land. The frontier was not necessarily more important as an idea or place, it was important both ways. People were desperate to gain more land, for the hope of opportunity as well as for the sake of the land itself.
- Was the federal government biased against farmers and workers in the late nineteenth century? Why or why not?
From the perspective of a farmer, the federal government was certainly biased against farmers and workers in the late 19th century. They over assessed farmers’ land and forced them to pay local taxes. Easterners, on the other hand were able to conceal their bonds in safe deposit boxes. High protective tariffs produced large amounts of money for manufacturers. Discontented farmers spoke up, becoming involved in organizations like the Greenback Labor party, where they hoped to gain improved labor condition.
From the perspective of a farmer, the federal government was certainly biased against farmers and workers in the late 19th century. They over assessed farmers’ land and forced them to pay local taxes. Easterners, on the other hand were able to conceal their bonds in safe deposit boxes. High protective tariffs produced large amounts of money for manufacturers. Discontented farmers spoke up, becoming involved in organizations like the Greenback Labor party, where they hoped to gain improved labor condition.
McKinley believed that when business succeeded, so did the laborers; if he put up the protective tariff, the depression would disappear. Bryan ran on a platform of free silver to help end debts. Bryan was radical, whereas McKinley attempted to stick with the majority. Therefore, McKinley chose to avoid the issue of labor reform after his election and Bryan provided a greater representation of the agrarian past. Bryan said, “we will answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them: ‘You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns (pg. 620).” He felt that lower tariffs would benefit the working class and bring about an end to the depression, so much so that he called McKinley’s gold standard a “crown of thorns,” implying that McKinley and the Republicans would be committing a heresy against the laborers if they were allowed to proceed.
