Expansion And Plains War Flashcards
When and where was the transcontinental railroad completed?
Promontory summit, Utah in may 1869
How did the transcontinental railroad impact the country?
Goods and people could now move by rail from coast to coast, made it easier for travel and trade
Why was immigrant labor used to complete the transcontinental railroad?
There was intense labor shortages especially in western portions.
Briefly describe the culture of Indians on the Plains prior to the growth of the western population.
Plain Indians were dependent on buffalos because they provided food, clothing and shelter. Lived in villages.
What events led to the growth of the population in the west after the Civil war?
The completion of railroads, manifest destiny, gold.
Describe the impact of the Homestead act?
Increased settlement of the western territory
What were some of the innovations in farming and ranching that led to changes on the plains? How did they impact the farmers?
Mechanical reaper allowed wheat and other cereal crops to double their crop size.
Barbed wire to bring measure of management to the cattle industry
How did the decimation of the buffalo affect plains Indian people?
Deprived them since buffalos were their main source of living and they had to leave their traditional ways for the demands of us government.
How did the Plains Indians resist western expansion?
They engaged in armed resistance
Analyze the impact of the battle of little big horn?
Many Indians were forced back to their reservation and with increased army pressure they had few victories
What were the consequences of Indian resistance to western expansion?
Loss of land and death
What is often considered the closing chapter of the plains Indians resistance?
The massacre of wounded knee. Death to hundreds of Sioux, women and kids
