Westward Expansion (1860-1895) Flashcards
Homestead Act (1862)
bill that encouraged settlers to move west. Gave them 160 acres of land to any settler who was a citizen and could farm the land.
Massacre at Wounded Knee (1890)
battle that was the last large-scale attempt by Native Americans to resist American settlement. Federal soldiers opened fire on Native Americans: killing more than 200
Dawes Act (1887)
act designed to break up Native American tribes by offering individual Native Americans land to be used for farming/grazing
Farmers’ Alliances
organization to unite farmers at statewide/regional levels. policy goals included more available farm credits and federal regulation of the railroads
Populist party
formed in 1892 by members of the Farmers’ Alliances, the party: designed to appeal to workers in all parts of the country. Favored a larger role of government in American society, progressive income tax, and direct methods of democracy
Turner Thesis (1893)
thesis by Frederick Jackson Turner suggesting that innovation would become more woven into American society. Democracy and self-determination are essential to westward expansion.
Morrill Land-Grant Act
speculators
bonanza farms
large farms that would dominate agriculture in the West in the late 1800s. They used large machinery and workers were hired to perform small, specific tasks.
Exodusters
large number of ex-slaves who left the South and moved to Kansas after Reconstruction ended. Many failed to find satisfaction there due to the hostility of Kansas residents.
Anaconda Copper Company
large mining syndicate typical of many companies involving mining in the western U.S. during the 1860s+70s. They used heavy machinery and professional engineers. Many prospectors would search for precious metals and sell their claims to such companies.
Timber and Stone Act (1878)
Bill that allowed private citizens to purchase forest territory on the West coast. However, instead of citizens, many lumber companies moved westward and bought up land claims from civilians.
Sioux
plains tribe that resisted westward expansion and were eventually settled in South Dakota. They fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn and nearly 200 were killed at Wounded Knee.
Battle of Little Bighorn
In 1876, Colonel Custer and his men were killed by a group of Cheyenne and Lakota warriors. This was the last major victory by Native American forces over the U.S. Army.
Ghost Dances
Religion practices by Lakota tribesmen to keep spirits up in wartimes. They believed a Native American messiah would come to banish the whites and return land and buffalo to the tribes. Overseers became frightened and arrested Sitting Bull and killed hundreds at Wounded Knee.