Expanding Westward

I. The West, 1840s-1890s

A. Manifest DestinyIt is “the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence

for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” – John L. O’Sullivan, 1845

B. Plains Indians

1. Great Plains

2. Horse and Buffalo

C. Different Worldviews

D. Natives Losing Ground

1. Silver and gold

a. California, 1849

b. Southwest, 1850s-1870s

c. Black Hills, 1880s

2. Farming

a. Homestead Act, 1862

b. Dawes Act, 1887

3. Railroads

a. Transcontinental, 1869

E. Violent Clashes

1. Sand Creek Massacre, 1864

2. Fetterman Massacre, 1866

3. Red River War, 1874-75

4. Battle of Little Bighorn, aka Custer’s Last Stand, 1876

5. Battle of Wounded Knee, 1890

II. Cattle, Cowboys, and Cultivation

A. Spanish/Mexican roots

B. Railroads encourage growth

C. The Cowboy’s End

D. Settling the Plains

1. land grants to railroads

2. life on the frontier

3. gov’t support