Chapter Sixteen: The Conquest of the Far West Central Pacific Railroad near Salt Lake, late 1860s,...

Chapter Sixteen: Chapter Sixteen: The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West

Central Pacific Railroad near Central Pacific Railroad near Salt Lake, late 1860s, Salt Lake, late 1860s, photographed by Alfred Hart photographed by Alfred Hart (1816–1908)(1816–1908)

Chapter Sixteen: Chapter Sixteen:

The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West

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Many “Wests”: Many “Wests”: Highly varied Highly varied topography - flat plains, high mountains, topography - flat plains, high mountains, deserts, lush forests, etc.deserts, lush forests, etc.

Many Peoples: Many Peoples: English-speaking English-speaking migrants to the West did not find empty migrants to the West did not find empty and uninhabited lands, but one with and uninhabited lands, but one with many peoples:many peoples: American IndiansAmerican Indians

MexicansMexicans

AsiansAsians

FrenchFrench

British CanadiansBritish Canadians MetísMetís people (mixed race) people (mixed race)

“Mount Rainier” (1898) by Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902)

The Societies of the Far WestThe Societies of the Far West


The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Societies of the Far WestThe Societies of the Far West

– The Western Tribes: Some resettled from the East, The Western Tribes: Some resettled from the East, but most were indigenous to the region.but most were indigenous to the region. West Coast: West Coast: Chinook, Chumash, Serrano, etc. Generally not Chinook, Chumash, Serrano, etc. Generally not

nomadic; relied on fishing, hunting, and even whaling. Many lived in nomadic; relied on fishing, hunting, and even whaling. Many lived in wooden longhouses.wooden longhouses.

Southwest: Southwest: Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and Zuni. Not nomadic; Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and Zuni. Not nomadic; farmers who relied on elaborate irrigation systems in this arid region.farmers who relied on elaborate irrigation systems in this arid region.

Resettled to “Indian Territory” (Oklahoma) from East of the Resettled to “Indian Territory” (Oklahoma) from East of the Mississippi: Mississippi: Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee. Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee. Many had been farmers and even had plantations before removal. Many had been farmers and even had plantations before removal.

Northern Plains Indians: Northern Plains Indians: Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne in the Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne in the Northern Plains. Many were horsemen who relied on the hunting of Northern Plains. Many were horsemen who relied on the hunting of buffalo.buffalo.

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4“Buffalo Hunt, Chase” (1844) by George Catlin (1796-1872)



– Indian DisadvantagesIndian Disadvantages Disease: Disease: Indian populations were highly vulnerable to infectious Indian populations were highly vulnerable to infectious

diseases that Euro-Americans brought West, like a smallpox.diseases that Euro-Americans brought West, like a smallpox. Environmental Vulnerability: Environmental Vulnerability: Euro-American incursions on tribal Euro-American incursions on tribal

lands interfered with traditional ways of life by fencing off areas for lands interfered with traditional ways of life by fencing off areas for farms and ranches.farms and ranches.

Plains Indians and Buffalo Eradication: Plains Indians and Buffalo Eradication: Federal authorities did not Federal authorities did not sponsor mass buffalo killings, but failed to stop them, knowing their sponsor mass buffalo killings, but failed to stop them, knowing their destruction undermined the Indian way of life. In 1850 there were 13 destruction undermined the Indian way of life. In 1850 there were 13 million wild buffalo on the Great Plains; by 1880, there were only a million wild buffalo on the Great Plains; by 1880, there were only a few hundred. few hundred.

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– Hispanic New MexicoHispanic New Mexico Spanish and Mexican Rule: Spanish and Mexican Rule: The Far West had been a part of The Far West had been a part of

the Spanish Empire for centuries, and then became a part of the the Spanish Empire for centuries, and then became a part of the Mexican Republic when it achieved independence in 1821.Mexican Republic when it achieved independence in 1821.

Economic Activity: Economic Activity: Spanish settlers mainly practice cattle and Spanish settlers mainly practice cattle and sheep ranching.sheep ranching.

Mexican-American War Mexican-American War (1846-1848): U.S. gains present-day (1846-1848): U.S. gains present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of states of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming (Texas had joined right before the war, and Wyoming (Texas had joined right before the war, triggering it). triggering it).

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– Hispanic New MexicoHispanic New Mexico Taos Indian Rebellion: Taos Indian Rebellion: In early 1847, Mexicans and Pueblos In early 1847, Mexicans and Pueblos

rebelled against the still forming U.S. military government, killing rebelled against the still forming U.S. military government, killing the governor. The revolt was savagely suppressed by U.S. forces, the governor. The revolt was savagely suppressed by U.S. forces, starting a slow process of pacifying the area’s tribes: Pueblo, starting a slow process of pacifying the area’s tribes: Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, etc.Navajo, Apache, etc.

Anglo-Americans: Anglo-Americans: When railroads When railroads are built through the region in the are built through the region in the 1880s and 1890s, Anglo-Americans 1880s and 1890s, Anglo-Americans begin to move in in greater numbers begin to move in in greater numbers to start mining and ranching. to start mining and ranching.

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Taos Pueblo, built ca. 1000-1400 A.D.



– Hispanic CaliforniaHispanic California Spanish Settlement: Spanish Settlement: Began with a string of Franciscan missions along the Began with a string of Franciscan missions along the

Pacific coast in the late 1700s, including San Diego (1769), San Gabriel Pacific coast in the late 1700s, including San Diego (1769), San Gabriel (1771), San Francisco (1776), Santa Barbara (1786); there were 21 built (1771), San Francisco (1776), Santa Barbara (1786); there were 21 built between 1769 and 1823.between 1769 and 1823.

Mexican Independence: Mexican Independence: Weakens mission system by 1830s as republican Weakens mission system by 1830s as republican Mexico reduces the power of the Church.Mexico reduces the power of the Church.

Californios: Californios: A class of elite Mexican landholders emerges after the missions, A class of elite Mexican landholders emerges after the missions, gathering up giant estates west of the Sierra mountains.gathering up giant estates west of the Sierra mountains.

Anglo-American Onslaught: Anglo-American Onslaught: The discovery of gold and the acquisition of The discovery of gold and the acquisition of California by the U.S. in 1848 meant disaster for the Hispanic landholders; California by the U.S. in 1848 meant disaster for the Hispanic landholders; many were violently driven from their lands by white prospectors or through many were violently driven from their lands by white prospectors or through fraudulent land deals. fraudulent land deals.

Dispossessed Hispanics: Dispossessed Hispanics: Mexicans and Mexican-Americans increasingly Mexicans and Mexican-Americans increasingly were pushed to the lower end of the the state’s working class, living in were pushed to the lower end of the the state’s working class, living in clusters called clusters called barrios barrios in places like Los Angeles.in places like Los Angeles.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded 1776



The Societies of the Far WestThe Societies of the Far West– Hispanic TexasHispanic Texas

Texas Independence: Texas Independence: White American cotton planters began to White American cotton planters began to move into East Texas in substantial numbers in the 1820s, and move into East Texas in substantial numbers in the 1820s, and outnumber the Mexicans by the 1830s; the Anglos fight a successful outnumber the Mexicans by the 1830s; the Anglos fight a successful war of independence in 1835-36, and Texas becomes the “Lone Star war of independence in 1835-36, and Texas becomes the “Lone Star Republic” until joining the Union in 1845.Republic” until joining the Union in 1845.

Mexican Landholders Dispossessed: Mexican Landholders Dispossessed: As in California, Mexican As in California, Mexican landholders were dispossessed through disadvantageous business landholders were dispossessed through disadvantageous business deals or outright force. Mexicans increasingly were forced into being deals or outright force. Mexicans increasingly were forced into being landless unskilled laborers in agricultural or industrial work. landless unskilled laborers in agricultural or industrial work.

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– The Chinese MigrationThe Chinese Migration Global Migration: Global Migration: Chinese were not only coming to U.S., but also Chinese were not only coming to U.S., but also

to Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, and the Caribbean, often as to Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, and the Caribbean, often as indentured servants (derogatorily called “coolies”); almost all coming indentured servants (derogatorily called “coolies”); almost all coming to the U.S. came by paying their own way and were not “coolies.” to the U.S. came by paying their own way and were not “coolies.”

Gold Rush: Gold Rush: Chinese immigration to California takes off in 1848; Chinese immigration to California takes off in 1848; 25,000 came by 1851, while by 1880, there more than 200,000 in the 25,000 came by 1851, while by 1880, there more than 200,000 in the U.S. Chinese gold prospectors faced discrimination, including many U.S. Chinese gold prospectors faced discrimination, including many California state laws in the 1850s and also violence at the hands of California state laws in the 1850s and also violence at the hands of competing whites.. competing whites..

Transcontinental Railroad: Transcontinental Railroad: Starting in 1865, 12,000 Chinese found Starting in 1865, 12,000 Chinese found work building the Central Pacific railroad, but experienced horrible work building the Central Pacific railroad, but experienced horrible working conditions. When the railroad was completed in 1869, many working conditions. When the railroad was completed in 1869, many lost their jobs and flocked to cities.lost their jobs and flocked to cities.

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– The Chinese MigrationThe Chinese Migration

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Chinese railroadlaborers on the Central Pacific



– The Chinese MigrationThe Chinese Migration ““Chinatowns”: Chinatowns”: In many western cities, Chinese areas emerged, with In many western cities, Chinese areas emerged, with

the largest growing in San Francisco.the largest growing in San Francisco.• Benevolent Associations: Benevolent Associations: Known as the “Six Companies” in San Francisco, Known as the “Six Companies” in San Francisco,

these acted as employment brokers, unions, dispute arbitrators, and social these acted as employment brokers, unions, dispute arbitrators, and social science providers.science providers.

• ““Tongs”: Tongs”: These secret societies sometimes acted as crime organizations, These secret societies sometimes acted as crime organizations, dealing in prostitution and opium.dealing in prostitution and opium.

• Work: Work: Chinese mainly worked as laborers, servants, and factory workers, Chinese mainly worked as laborers, servants, and factory workers, but also opened small businesses, especially laundries and restaurants.but also opened small businesses, especially laundries and restaurants.

Sex Ratio: Sex Ratio: In 1860, the ratio of Chinese men to women was 19-to-1; In 1860, the ratio of Chinese men to women was 19-to-1; by 1890 it was still high: 27-to-1. Many Chinese women were by 1890 it was still high: 27-to-1. Many Chinese women were imported as prostitutes, so an 1875 Federal law forbid the practice, imported as prostitutes, so an 1875 Federal law forbid the practice, but was used against nearly all female migrants. but was used against nearly all female migrants.

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The Societies of the Far WestThe Societies of the Far West– Anti-Chinese SentimentsAnti-Chinese Sentiments

State Laws: State Laws: Legislation persecuting the Chinese in California began Legislation persecuting the Chinese in California began to be passed in the 1850s.to be passed in the 1850s.

White Labor Movement: White Labor Movement: Working-class whites complained about Working-class whites complained about Chinese willingness to work for lower wages, leading to Denis Chinese willingness to work for lower wages, leading to Denis Kearney’s Workingmen’s Party of California in 1878, lobbying for a Kearney’s Workingmen’s Party of California in 1878, lobbying for a halt to Chinese immigration. About one-third of white settlers came halt to Chinese immigration. About one-third of white settlers came from the South, and brought their racial attitudes with them.from the South, and brought their racial attitudes with them.

Chinese Exclusion Act: Chinese Exclusion Act: Responding to West Coast pressure, Responding to West Coast pressure, Congress passed a law in 1882 denying further migration and Congress passed a law in 1882 denying further migration and naturalization for Chinese already in the country. The law was in naturalization for Chinese already in the country. The law was in effect for ten years, was renewed in 1892, and made permanent in effect for ten years, was renewed in 1892, and made permanent in 1902 (it was finally appealed in 1943, during WWII).1902 (it was finally appealed in 1943, during WWII).

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Lithograph of an Lithograph of an anti-immigrant anti-immigrant political cartoon political cartoon published in published in San Francisco San Francisco in the 1860s. in the 1860s.

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The Societies of the Far WestThe Societies of the Far West– Migration from the EastMigration from the East

Before the War: Before the War: Between 1840 and 1860, 300,000 people Between 1840 and 1860, 300,000 people traveled to the Far West via the overland trails, with two-thirds traveled to the Far West via the overland trails, with two-thirds going to California, and the rest going to Oregon and Utah.going to California, and the rest going to Oregon and Utah.

Homestead Act of 1862: Homestead Act of 1862: Allowed settlers to buy a 160-acre Allowed settlers to buy a 160-acre unit of federal land for a small fee if the buyer occupied it for unit of federal land for a small fee if the buyer occupied it for five years and “improved” it. While 160 acres worked for a five years and “improved” it. While 160 acres worked for a farm in the East, it was too small for grain farming in the Plains farm in the East, it was too small for grain farming in the Plains or ranching in the Far West, so subsequent legislation allowed or ranching in the Far West, so subsequent legislation allowed buyers to obtain bigger holdings. buyers to obtain bigger holdings.

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– Migration from the EastMigration from the East Transcontinental Railroad: Transcontinental Railroad: When completed in 1869, it greatly When completed in 1869, it greatly

accelerated the populating of the Far West.accelerated the populating of the Far West. Foreigners Settlers: Foreigners Settlers: Between 1870 and 1900, over two million foreign-Between 1870 and 1900, over two million foreign-

born settlers from Europe came to the Far West. Foreigners could take born settlers from Europe came to the Far West. Foreigners could take advantage of Homestead Act if they declared their intention to become advantage of Homestead Act if they declared their intention to become citizens. citizens.

New Western States: New Western States: Many territorial governments were organized in the Many territorial governments were organized in the 1860s; once the population reached 60,000, a territory could apply for 1860s; once the population reached 60,000, a territory could apply for statehood. New states included: Nevada (1864), Nebraska (1867), Colorado statehood. New states included: Nevada (1864), Nebraska (1867), Colorado (1876), North and South Dakota (1889), Montana (1889), and Washington (1876), North and South Dakota (1889), Montana (1889), and Washington (1889). Utah was denied until 1896 due to the issue of Mormon polygamy. (1889). Utah was denied until 1896 due to the issue of Mormon polygamy.

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The Changing Western EconomyThe Changing Western Economy– Labor in the WestLabor in the West

High Wages: High Wages: A shortage of labor lead to high wages, but A shortage of labor lead to high wages, but working conditions were often very rough, and unstable: when working conditions were often very rough, and unstable: when the harvest was done or railroad line built, workers were let go.the harvest was done or railroad line built, workers were let go.

Multiracial Working Class: Multiracial Working Class: English-speaking whites mostly English-speaking whites mostly occupied management and skilled labor positions, but unskilled occupied management and skilled labor positions, but unskilled laborers were multi-racial: European immigrants, Mexicans, laborers were multi-racial: European immigrants, Mexicans, African Americans, Chinese, Filipinos, and Indians. The labor African Americans, Chinese, Filipinos, and Indians. The labor pool was more multi-racial than back in the West. pool was more multi-racial than back in the West.

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The Changing Western EconomyThe Changing Western Economy– Three Dominant Industries in the Late 19Three Dominant Industries in the Late 19thth--

Century WestCentury West Mining Mining Ranching Ranching Commercial FarmingCommercial Farming

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The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Changing Western EconomyThe Changing Western Economy

– The Arrival of the MinersThe Arrival of the Miners Mining Booms: Mining Booms: The 1849 Gold Rush was the first of many The 1849 Gold Rush was the first of many

booms; cycles of “placer” mining, followed by deeper booms; cycles of “placer” mining, followed by deeper corporate mining, and finally abandonment or limited mining. corporate mining, and finally abandonment or limited mining.

Gold: Gold: Discovered around Pike’s Peak in what is now Colorado in 1858, Discovered around Pike’s Peak in what is now Colorado in 1858, creating the city of Denver, while in 1859, gold was also discovered in creating the city of Denver, while in 1859, gold was also discovered in what is now Nevada; later in 1874, gold was found in the Black Hills of what is now Nevada; later in 1874, gold was found in the Black Hills of the Dakotas.the Dakotas.

Silver: Silver: The Comstock Lode near Virginia City in what is now Nevada in The Comstock Lode near Virginia City in what is now Nevada in 1858 proved even more valuable than the gold.1858 proved even more valuable than the gold.

Copper: Copper: The Anaconda copper mine opened in 1881 proved a much The Anaconda copper mine opened in 1881 proved a much more stable source of income.more stable source of income.

Gender Disparity: Gender Disparity: Mining camps were overwhelmingly populated by Mining camps were overwhelmingly populated by men; few women came, prostitution was common.men; few women came, prostitution was common.

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The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Changing Western EconomyThe Changing Western Economy

– The Cattle KingdomThe Cattle Kingdom Mexican Roots: Mexican Roots: Techniques and equipment like branding, round-ups, Techniques and equipment like branding, round-ups,

roping, saddles, and spurs had all been developed by Mexican ranchers roping, saddles, and spurs had all been developed by Mexican ranchers before Anglos came.before Anglos came.

Open Range: Open Range: The public domain grasslands of the Great Plains gave The public domain grasslands of the Great Plains gave owners vast space within which to graze their cattle, roughly 5 million owners vast space within which to graze their cattle, roughly 5 million heads of cattle roamed the area by 1865. “Long Drives” became shorter heads of cattle roamed the area by 1865. “Long Drives” became shorter by the 1870s due to agriculture and closer railroads.by the 1870s due to agriculture and closer railroads.

““Range Wars”: Range Wars”: Fights broke out between cattlemen, sheep breeders Fights broke out between cattlemen, sheep breeders from California and Oregon, and farmers from the East.from California and Oregon, and farmers from the East.

Decline of the Open-Range Industry: Decline of the Open-Range Industry: As the industry became larger, As the industry became larger, there was not enough grass to feed the massive herds. Two bad winters there was not enough grass to feed the massive herds. Two bad winters and a hot summers in the late 1880s largely destroyed this model, which and a hot summers in the late 1880s largely destroyed this model, which was replaced by a system of enclosed ranches.was replaced by a system of enclosed ranches.

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The Conquest of the The Conquest of the Far WestFar West

The Cattle Kingdom, ca. 1866-1887

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The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Romance of the WestThe Romance of the West

– The Western Landscape and the CowboyThe Western Landscape and the Cowboy ““Rocky Mountain School”: Rocky Mountain School”: Painters like Albert Bierstadt Painters like Albert Bierstadt

(1830-1902) and Thomas Moran (1837-1928) produce (1830-1902) and Thomas Moran (1837-1928) produce dramatic canvases that capture the extreme landscape. dramatic canvases that capture the extreme landscape.

Cowboys Mythologized: Cowboys Mythologized: Nineteenth-century dime novels and Nineteenth-century dime novels and later works such as later works such as The Virginian The Virginian (1902) by Owen Wister (1902) by Owen Wister (1860-1938) idealized the figure of the cowboy.(1860-1938) idealized the figure of the cowboy.

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show: This touring spectacle led by This touring spectacle led by the real-life frontiersman and Indian fighter, Buffalo Bill Cody the real-life frontiersman and Indian fighter, Buffalo Bill Cody (1846-1917) mixed real Western history with mythology, often (1846-1917) mixed real Western history with mythology, often having real participants enact their parts; Cody played Custer in having real participants enact their parts; Cody played Custer in a reenactment of Custer’s Last Stand. a reenactment of Custer’s Last Stand.

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Green River Cliffs, Wyoming (1881) by Thomas Moran



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The Romance of the WestThe Romance of the West– The Idea of the FrontierThe Idea of the Frontier

Romantic Vision of the Frontier: Romantic Vision of the Frontier: Writers like Mark Twain (1835-1910) Writers like Mark Twain (1835-1910) and the painter and sculptor Frederic and the painter and sculptor Frederic Remington (1861-1909) promoted an Remington (1861-1909) promoted an idealized vision of the West. idealized vision of the West.

Frederick Jackson Turner (1861-Frederick Jackson Turner (1861-1932): 1932): Historian who delivered an Historian who delivered an address entitled “The Significance of address entitled “The Significance of the Frontier in American History” at the Frontier in American History” at the 1893 meeting of the American the 1893 meeting of the American Historical Association in Chicago.Historical Association in Chicago.

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The Broncho Buster by Frederic Remington (1909)



““The existence of an area of free The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession land, its continuous recession and the advance of settlement and the advance of settlement westward, explain American westward, explain American

Development.”Development.”

Frederick Jackson Frederick Jackson TurnerTurner

Yet the land was not exactly “free”…Yet the land was not exactly “free”…

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The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Dispersal of the TribesThe Dispersal of the Tribes

– White Tribal PoliciesWhite Tribal Policies Traditional Policy: Traditional Policy: Tribes were separate nations with Tribes were separate nations with

whom treaties could be negotiated, but also as dependent whom treaties could be negotiated, but also as dependent wards of the president (“domestic dependent nations”).wards of the president (“domestic dependent nations”).

““Concentration” Policy: Concentration” Policy: An 1851 policy assigned all An 1851 policy assigned all tribes to a reservation administered by the Bureau of tribes to a reservation administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; an 1867 Indian Peace Commission Indian Affairs; an 1867 Indian Peace Commission recommended moving all to Oklahoma and the Dakotas.recommended moving all to Oklahoma and the Dakotas.

Buffalo Herds Decimated: Buffalo Herds Decimated: Amateur and professional Amateur and professional hunters target these herds; 15 million in 1865 drop to hunters target these herds; 15 million in 1865 drop to under a thousand by 1875.under a thousand by 1875.

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The Dispersal of the TribesThe Dispersal of the Tribes– The Indian Wars (1850s through 1880s)The Indian Wars (1850s through 1880s)

Growing Indian Resistance: Growing Indian Resistance: As white incursions increased, Indians As white incursions increased, Indians stepped up attacks on U.S. Army soldiers, stage coach lines, and stepped up attacks on U.S. Army soldiers, stage coach lines, and settlementssettlements

Sand Creek Massacre (1864): Sand Creek Massacre (1864): Friendly Cheyenne and Arapaho Friendly Cheyenne and Arapaho were attacked unexpectedly by a Colorado territorial militia, killing were attacked unexpectedly by a Colorado territorial militia, killing as many as 160 men, women, and children.as many as 160 men, women, and children.

““Indian Hunting”: Indian Hunting”: White vigilantes attack Indians sometimes in White vigilantes attack Indians sometimes in retaliation, but also just to exterminate: civilians killed roughly 5,000 retaliation, but also just to exterminate: civilians killed roughly 5,000 Indians in California between 1850 and 1880.Indians in California between 1850 and 1880.

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The Conquest of the Far WestThe Conquest of the Far West The Dispersal of the TribesThe Dispersal of the Tribes

– The Indian Wars (1850s through 1880s)The Indian Wars (1850s through 1880s) Sioux Rebel: Sioux Rebel: In 1875, the Sioux rebelled and left their Dakota territory In 1875, the Sioux rebelled and left their Dakota territory

reservation under Crazy Horse (c.1840-1877) and Sitting Bull (c.1831-reservation under Crazy Horse (c.1840-1877) and Sitting Bull (c.1831-1890).1890).

Custer Defeated: Custer Defeated: In June 1876, 2,500 tribal warriors defeated a force of In June 1876, 2,500 tribal warriors defeated a force of 700 men of the Seventh Cavalry led by Gen. George Armstrong Custer 700 men of the Seventh Cavalry led by Gen. George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876), slaughtering nearly all of them.(1839-1876), slaughtering nearly all of them.

Chief Joseph (1840-1904): Chief Joseph (1840-1904): This leader of the Nez Percé marched 550 of This leader of the Nez Percé marched 550 of his people 1,321 miles in 1877 toward the Canadian border before being his people 1,321 miles in 1877 toward the Canadian border before being captured for killing four white settlers in Idaho.captured for killing four white settlers in Idaho.

““Ghost Dance”: Ghost Dance”: A religious revival among the Sioux in 1890 is A religious revival among the Sioux in 1890 is interpreted as a prelude to hostilities by U.S. forces. interpreted as a prelude to hostilities by U.S. forces.

Wounded Knee Massacre: Wounded Knee Massacre: On Dec. 29, 1890, the Seventh Calvary tries On Dec. 29, 1890, the Seventh Calvary tries to round-up 350 starving and freezing Sioux in South Dakota, and to round-up 350 starving and freezing Sioux in South Dakota, and shooting accidentally starts; 200 Indians and 40 white soldiers are killed.shooting accidentally starts; 200 Indians and 40 white soldiers are killed.

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The Dispersal of the TribesThe Dispersal of the Tribes– The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887

Gradual elimination of tribal land ownership plannedGradual elimination of tribal land ownership planned Provides 160 acres for each head of family, but must Provides 160 acres for each head of family, but must

occupy the tract for 25 years to take full ownership.occupy the tract for 25 years to take full ownership. Bureau of Indian Affairs takes Indian children away to Bureau of Indian Affairs takes Indian children away to

special schools to promote assimilation and Christianity. special schools to promote assimilation and Christianity.

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The Rise and Decline of the Western FarmerThe Rise and Decline of the Western Farmer From Boom to Bust: From Boom to Bust: Only a trickle of farmers came before Only a trickle of farmers came before

the war, but it became a deluge after it. the war, but it became a deluge after it.

– Farming on the PlainsFarming on the Plains Cheap Rail Rates: Cheap Rail Rates: To encourage settlement, fares west To encourage settlement, fares west

were very affordable.were very affordable. Scarce Water: Scarce Water: A series of dry seasons after 1887 made A series of dry seasons after 1887 made

some arable land into “semidesert,” forcing some to some arable land into “semidesert,” forcing some to abandon their farms.abandon their farms.

Reverse Migration: Reverse Migration: Some settlers returned back east to Some settlers returned back east to escape a cycle of indebtedness.escape a cycle of indebtedness.

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Map of the Northern Pacific Railroad (Royalty-Free / CORBIS)

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The Rise and Decline of the Western FarmerThe Rise and Decline of the Western Farmer– Commercial AgricultureCommercial Agriculture

Overproduction: Overproduction: Between 1865 and 1900, farm output Between 1865 and 1900, farm output increased prices dramatically, lowering prices for increased prices dramatically, lowering prices for agricultural goods. agricultural goods.

– The Farmers’ GrievancesThe Farmers’ Grievances Grievances against Railroads: Grievances against Railroads: High freight ratesHigh freight rates Belief in Conspiracy: Belief in Conspiracy: Instead of overproduction, farmers Instead of overproduction, farmers

blamed woes on the railroads, bankers charging high blamed woes on the railroads, bankers charging high interest on loans, and inadequate currency in circulation.interest on loans, and inadequate currency in circulation.

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The Rise and Decline of the Western FarmerThe Rise and Decline of the Western Farmer– The Agrarian MalaiseThe Agrarian Malaise

Isolation: Isolation: The isolation and boredom of farm life The isolation and boredom of farm life (especially in the winter) creates a sense of alienation; (especially in the winter) creates a sense of alienation; children leave for the city.children leave for the city.

Obsolescence: Obsolescence: Farmers often felt left behind by the new Farmers often felt left behind by the new urban culture developing the cities.urban culture developing the cities.

New Political Movements: New Political Movements: This malaise among farmers in This malaise among farmers in the 1890s led to a new engagement in politics by rural the 1890s led to a new engagement in politics by rural farmers.farmers.

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Chapter Sixteen: The Conquest of the Far West Central Pacific Railroad near Salt Lake, late 1860s,...

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