Key words

Question 1

Band

Answer 1

A group of people, mostly families who formed part of a larger tribe, for example of Ogala Sioux

Question 2

Buffalo

Answer 2

A plains animal that was central to Indian life.

Question 3

Chief

Answer 3

Leader of band/tribe but not elected. Became chief due to wisdom, healing power or skills as a warrior.

Question 4

Counting Coup

Answer 4

Touching an enemy in battle and getting away without being injured

Question 5

manifest destiny

Answer 5

Idea that it was God’s will that white Americans should settle over all of America.

Question 6

miners court

Answer 6

Miners who set up their own court to settle disputes over claims

Question 7

nomadic

Answer 7

People who do not live in one place.

Question 8

pioneers

Answer 8

The first explorers

Question 9

polygamy

Answer 9

Having more than one wife

Question 10

prospector

Answer 10

People looking for gold mines.

Question 11

Sherriff

Answer 11

Individuals responsible for keeping the law in counties.

Question 12

Sioux

Answer 12

The biggest tribe on the Plains, made up of smaller tribes and bands e.g. Ogala, Hunkpapa and Dakota

Question 13

tribal council

Answer 13

A group of elders/chiefs who made decisions for the tribe/band.

Question 14

Oregon trail

Answer 14

A 3000km long trail used by those who wanted to reach California from Missouri. It crossed the Great Plains

Question 15

tipi

Answer 15

Home of the Plains Indian, made out of buffalo hide and wood. Could be packed up quickly

Question 16

scalping

Answer 16

Taking the scalp of a person a warrior has beaten as a prize and to stop them coming back in the afterlife

Question 17

vigilantes

Answer 17

Ordinary citizens that decides to punish suspected lawbreakers itself instead of using the official system

Question 18

warrior society

Answer 18

A group of warriors from a band who hunted and protected the band

Question 19

travois

Answer 19

a sledge to carry heavy/lots of resources