Conflict and tension (law and order) Flashcards
What were the reasons for lawlessness?
Claim jumping, isolated towns, racism towards Chinese, mining camps, not enough officials, rapid population increases, alcohol, gambling, prostitution.
How were the problems solved?
Vigilance committees were set up, and Miner’s courts were set up to settle disputes.
Who appointed the US Marshall?
The president.
What were the US marshalls responsible for?
A state or territory
What did Town Marshalls deal with?
Saloon fights/ shootings
Where did sheriffs work?
In counties
What could sheriffs ask people to do?
They could ask locals to form a posse to catch criminals.
What were other solutions to Law & Order?
When a territory reached 60,000 people it could become a state with its own legal system, until then the federal government was in charge of this area. They appointed 3 judges for court cases and a US marshal
What was the impact of the Civil War on Law and order?
Men defeated South resented US Government laws
What was the impact of railroads on law and order?
New towns in the West created by railroads called ‘Hell on Wheels’, grew quickly, no law enforcement, lots of fighting, prostitution and drinking.
What were ‘Cow Towns’?
It was where cowboys went after being paid to drink, gamble and fight.
What was another problem for Law and Order?
Trains moved valuables and were targets for robberies.
How did the problems improve?
Rail and telegraph improved communication between officers, Cow towns banned weapons, Banks and railroads companies employed Pinkerton detectives to track down robbers.
Who was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid was a gang member who grew up in poverty and became involved in range war (Lincoln County War)) between cattle barons.
How did Billy and his gang easily escape and hide?
The law enforcement was weak and corrupt.
