U.S. History Chapter 15 U.S. History Chapter 15

Looking to the WestLooking to the West..

The culture of the Plains Indians declines The culture of the Plains Indians declines as white settlers transform the Great as white settlers transform the Great

Plains. Meanwhile, farmers form the Populist Plains. Meanwhile, farmers form the Populist movement to address their economic movement to address their economic

concernsconcerns

Section #1: Moving WestSection #1: Moving West►Why did they want to go west?Why did they want to go west?

1.) Explore!1.) Explore!►The Great Plains, the Pacific Northwest, & the The Great Plains, the Pacific Northwest, & the

Southwest.Southwest. 2.) New Beginnings!2.) New Beginnings!

►In life, opportunity, etc.In life, opportunity, etc. 3.) Be own Boss!3.) Be own Boss!

►Can own their own farm.Can own their own farm. 4.) Overpopulated!4.) Overpopulated!

►East is way too crowded.East is way too crowded.

Moving WestMoving West►Big Business owned land.Big Business owned land.

RR companies profited as settlers moved.RR companies profited as settlers moved.►Land next to RR especially popular.Land next to RR especially popular.►Morrill Land Grant ActMorrill Land Grant Act

Created to support state colleges.Created to support state colleges.►Fed Gov’t gave land to state gov’t, they sold it Fed Gov’t gave land to state gov’t, they sold it

to fund agricultural land-grant colleges.to fund agricultural land-grant colleges.►Homestead Act (signed by Pres. Lincoln)Homestead Act (signed by Pres. Lincoln)

Fed Gov’t gave land directly to settlers!Fed Gov’t gave land directly to settlers!

Homestead ActHomestead Act►Gave 160 acres to anyone who:Gave 160 acres to anyone who:

1.) Had to be 21 or head of family1.) Had to be 21 or head of family 2.) Had to be American citizen, or 2.) Had to be American citizen, or

immigrant who has filed for citizenship.immigrant who has filed for citizenship. 3.) Pay the $10 registration fee.3.) Pay the $10 registration fee. 4.) Build a house and live on the claim for 4.) Build a house and live on the claim for

6 months per year.6 months per year. 5.) Had to farm actively for 5 consecutive 5.) Had to farm actively for 5 consecutive

years before claiming ownership.years before claiming ownership.►By 1900, more than 600,000 families By 1900, more than 600,000 families

filed claims.filed claims.

Problems with the Problems with the Homestead ActHomestead Act

►People couldn’t meet all the People couldn’t meet all the requirements.requirements.

►Some didn’t know how to farm and Some didn’t know how to farm and couldn’t make it work.couldn’t make it work.

►Dirt was hard, water scarce, and Dirt was hard, water scarce, and climate varied.climate varied.

►Fraud occurred often!Fraud occurred often!

It’s a “hard knock life” for It’s a “hard knock life” for settlerssettlers

►Water was scarce, used buckets to collect Water was scarce, used buckets to collect rain.rain. This carried “Prairie fever” or typhoid.This carried “Prairie fever” or typhoid.

►Working prairie sod was back-breaking Working prairie sod was back-breaking labor.labor.

►Women made soap, clothing, candles, Women made soap, clothing, candles, and preserved food.and preserved food.

►Families cooperated in raising Families cooperated in raising houses/barns, sewing quilts, husking corn, houses/barns, sewing quilts, husking corn, etc.etc.

African African Frontier Frontier AmericanAmerican WomenWomenSettlersSettlers

► Thousands of African Thousands of African Americans moved west Americans moved west after the Civil War.after the Civil War. To escape persecution To escape persecution

after Reconstruction.after Reconstruction.► Benjamin “Pap” Benjamin “Pap”

Singleton became the Singleton became the leader of a group of leader of a group of southern African southern African Americans planning a Americans planning a mass “exodus”.mass “exodus”. They called themselves They called themselves

Exodusters. Exodusters.

► Married women Married women experienced solitude experienced solitude as their husbands as their husbands went to look for work.went to look for work. Needed to stay at home Needed to stay at home

to prevent to prevent squatterssquatters.. Loneliness made Loneliness made

women want to go women want to go outside the home.outside the home.

► Western women Western women began to want the began to want the vote.vote.

► Wyoming became the Wyoming became the first state to allow first state to allow women to vote in women to vote in 1890.1890.

Section #2: Section #2: Conflict with Native AmericansConflict with Native Americans

► Remember…Remember… Clearing the East of Indians; President Jackson; Trail Clearing the East of Indians; President Jackson; Trail

of Tears; Reservations; Assimilation; War.of Tears; Reservations; Assimilation; War.► Clashes of Culture!Clashes of Culture!

Indians and settlers looked at the world differently.Indians and settlers looked at the world differently. Settlers felt that the resources were there to be used.Settlers felt that the resources were there to be used.

►Settlers used large scale hunting, mining, and farming.Settlers used large scale hunting, mining, and farming. Plains Indians used only the resources they needed Plains Indians used only the resources they needed

for their actual needs.for their actual needs.►They saw the white settlers as being greedy and destructive.They saw the white settlers as being greedy and destructive.

► Look at land ownership… (page 439).Look at land ownership… (page 439).

Fighting begins, with the Sioux► Little BighornLittle Bighorn (most (most

famous battle of the famous battle of the Indian wars)Indian wars)

► The Black Hills of South The Black Hills of South Dakota had been set Dakota had been set aside for the Sioux and aside for the Sioux and Northern CheyenneNorthern Cheyenne

► 1874 - U.S. Army 1874 - U.S. Army exploring party found exploring party found goldgold Settlers went looking for Settlers went looking for

goldgold Gov. tried to buy the Black Gov. tried to buy the Black

Hills (Sioux considered Hills (Sioux considered land sacred)land sacred)

1875 and 1876 - Sioux 1875 and 1876 - Sioux warrior left their warrior left their reservations and united reservations and united under the leadership of under the leadership of Sioux chief, Sioux chief, Sitting BullSitting Bull

► Massacre at Wounded Massacre at Wounded KneeKnee After Sitting Bull died, After Sitting Bull died,

some American soldiers some American soldiers tried to arrest some tried to arrest some Indians who left their Indians who left their reservation.reservation.

Shots were fired and Shots were fired and more than 200 unarmed more than 200 unarmed Sioux (women & Sioux (women & children) were killed.children) were killed.

Chief JosephChief Joseph► Led the Nez Perce Led the Nez Perce

peoplepeople► Nez Perce lived in Nez Perce lived in

northwest (Oregon and northwest (Oregon and Idaho)Idaho) Fished for salmon, Fished for salmon,

gathered food, and huntedgathered food, and hunted► Chief JosephChief Joseph refused to refused to

sell land to governmentsell land to government► 1877 - Gov. ordered the 1877 - Gov. ordered the

Nez Perce people to Nez Perce people to move to a reservationmove to a reservation They fled and tried to They fled and tried to

evade the armyevade the army► Captured about 40 miles Captured about 40 miles

south of Canadasouth of Canada Chief Joseph made speechChief Joseph made speech Said that he would fight no Said that he would fight no

moremore

Indians way of life Indians way of life destroyeddestroyed

► Whites killed buffaloWhites killed buffalo Indians depended on buffalo to survive (how?)Indians depended on buffalo to survive (how?)

► As conditions grew worse and Indians were As conditions grew worse and Indians were forced onto reservations, many whites wanted forced onto reservations, many whites wanted to help & an Indian Rights Movement began.to help & an Indian Rights Movement began. Helen Jackson wrote, Helen Jackson wrote, A Century of Dishonor A Century of Dishonor and and

said, “It makes little difference…where one opens said, “It makes little difference…where one opens the record of the history of the Indians; every page the record of the history of the Indians; every page and every year has its dark stain.”and every year has its dark stain.”

► Some whites felt Indians should be more Some whites felt Indians should be more “civilized”“civilized” What does this mean? How can this happen?What does this mean? How can this happen?

AssimilationAssimilation► Many white though that only Many white though that only solution was to make the solution was to make the Indians become more like Indians become more like the whitesthe whites- - Assimilation Assimilation - to adopt - to adopt the culture of the people the culture of the people around youaround you

► Dawes Act (1887)Dawes Act (1887) Intended to make Indians Intended to make Indians

give up their traditions and give up their traditions and accept White customsaccept White customs

Reservation lands were Reservation lands were divided up in farm plots for divided up in farm plots for families and individuals (40 families and individuals (40 to 160 acres)to 160 acres)

Any remaining land was Any remaining land was sold to white settlerssold to white settlers

Profits used to pay for Profits used to pay for Indian schoolsIndian schools

Indians who accepted the Indians who accepted the plots of land could become plots of land could become citizens for the 1st timecitizens for the 1st time

► Dawes ActDawes Act failed failed Many western Indians didn't Many western Indians didn't

want to settle down as want to settle down as farmersfarmers

Lacked tools and training Lacked tools and training

Many sold their plots to Many sold their plots to white settlers cheapwhite settlers cheap

► End 1800's - situation of the End 1800's - situation of the American Indians was tragicAmerican Indians was tragic 20th century U.S. 20th century U.S.

government finally realizes government finally realizes importance of Indian way of importance of Indian way of lifelife

What happened with Indian What happened with Indian Territory?Territory?

► 70 Indian Nations forced onto Reservations.70 Indian Nations forced onto Reservations.► After the Civil War, many settlers began to After the Civil War, many settlers began to

enter their government-given land.enter their government-given land.►Due to large amount of settlers Gov’t Due to large amount of settlers Gov’t

opened up 2 million acres of Indian opened up 2 million acres of Indian Territory, that hadn’t been assigned yet, to Territory, that hadn’t been assigned yet, to the settlers.the settlers.

►These settlers, “These settlers, “BoomersBoomers”, staked off ”, staked off hundreds of claims within a few hours.hundreds of claims within a few hours.

Oklahoma City had 10,000 resident at the end of the Oklahoma City had 10,000 resident at the end of the 11stst day. day.

►Some settlers, “Some settlers, “SoonersSooners”, had already ”, had already sneaked past the gov’t to stake a claim. sneaked past the gov’t to stake a claim.

Section #3: Section #3: Farming, Mining, and RanchingFarming, Mining, and Ranching

► Lumber was scarceLumber was scarce► Many settlers dug homes into Many settlers dug homes into

sides of ravines or hillssides of ravines or hills► Made Made soddysoddy or sod home by or sod home by

stacking blocks of turfstacking blocks of turf Snakes & bugs sometimes Snakes & bugs sometimes

crawled into crackscrawled into cracks Burned cow chips for fuelBurned cow chips for fuel

► Grew cash crops (wheat and Grew cash crops (wheat and corn)corn)

► Had to fight year around Had to fight year around battle against weather battle against weather (blizzards and extreme heat)(blizzards and extreme heat)

► Not enough rain, Not enough rain, unpredictableunpredictable

► Droughts/wind = dust storms Droughts/wind = dust storms and prairie firesand prairie fires

► Grasshoppers, locusts, boll Grasshoppers, locusts, boll weevils destroyed propertyweevils destroyed property

► Summer temps exceeded Summer temps exceeded 100’ 100’

New Technologies on the New Technologies on the FarmFarm

► Dry farming – planting crops that don’t require Dry farming – planting crops that don’t require lots of water & kept fields free of weeds.lots of water & kept fields free of weeds.

► New machines:New machines: More efficient plows, automatic drills to spread grain, More efficient plows, automatic drills to spread grain,

cornhuskers.cornhuskers.► Department of Agriculture, 1862Department of Agriculture, 1862

Gathered stats on markets, crops, and plant diseases.Gathered stats on markets, crops, and plant diseases. Published farming techniques (crop rotation, Published farming techniques (crop rotation,

hybridization, and preservation of water and topsoil)hybridization, and preservation of water and topsoil)

Bonanza Farms & Farmer’s DebtBonanza Farms & Farmer’s Debt► New machines and New machines and

techniques allowed techniques allowed farms to produce farms to produce more.more.

► Owners wanted to Owners wanted to reap a “bonanza” by reap a “bonanza” by supplying food to big supplying food to big populations in the populations in the East.East. Bonanza Farms Bonanza Farms

createdcreated►Controlled by large Controlled by large

business and managed business and managed by professionals.by professionals.

►More was produced More was produced and prices fell.and prices fell.

► Farmers invested Farmers invested in machines & in machines & raised crops raised crops yielded by yielded by machines.machines. If those prices If those prices

dropped, farmers dropped, farmers couldn’t pay off couldn’t pay off debt from machine.debt from machine.

► Land speculation Land speculation increased this.increased this. People would buy People would buy

more than they more than they could manage.could manage.

Striking it Rich!!!!Striking it Rich!!!!►Gold Rush, California, 1849 (Sutter’s Gold Rush, California, 1849 (Sutter’s

Mill)Mill) People really thought they could strike it People really thought they could strike it

rich with no problem.rich with no problem.►Chinese men began to mine gold after Chinese men began to mine gold after

the Transcontinental RR was built.the Transcontinental RR was built.►Most did not strike it rich.Most did not strike it rich.

Many went home empty handed, leaving Many went home empty handed, leaving behind mining ghost towns.behind mining ghost towns.

Cattle IndustryCattle Industry► Learned industry from Mexicans.Learned industry from Mexicans.

Cowboys' roots were in Texas.Cowboys' roots were in Texas.► Since Buffalo were gone, was Since Buffalo were gone, was

room for cattle!room for cattle!► Joseph McCoyJoseph McCoy organized 1st organized 1st

cattle drive.cattle drive. Cattle sold for $40 per head in the Cattle sold for $40 per head in the

east ($3 per head in Texas) east ($3 per head in Texas) ► Cowboys manage the long drive.Cowboys manage the long drive.

Taking cows from open range to Taking cows from open range to cow towns, where waited for RR.cow towns, where waited for RR.

Fears/Risks: stampedes, cattle Fears/Risks: stampedes, cattle thieves, bad weather, 18 hr day, thieves, bad weather, 18 hr day, etc.etc.

12 cowboys, 3000 cows.12 cowboys, 3000 cows.

End of the Open RangeEnd of the Open Range

►Late 1800's, long drives end Late 1800's, long drives end and so does cattle driving. and so does cattle driving.

► Joseph Glidden, invents Barbed Wire.Joseph Glidden, invents Barbed Wire. Fences Cattle in, no more open range!Fences Cattle in, no more open range!

►Cowboys had overproduced cattle.Cowboys had overproduced cattle.►Overgrazing, tick fever, bad weather from Overgrazing, tick fever, bad weather from

1883 to 1887 destroyed whole herds1883 to 1887 destroyed whole herds►Ranchers began keeping smaller herds Ranchers began keeping smaller herds

that yielded more meat per animal.that yielded more meat per animal.

Section #4: PopulismSection #4: Populism►Farmer’s ComplaintsFarmer’s Complaints

Crop prices were dropping, big business and the Crop prices were dropping, big business and the gov’t wouldn’t help.gov’t wouldn’t help.

►Farmer’s and Traffic:Farmer’s and Traffic: Tariffs helped farmers by:Tariffs helped farmers by:

►Protecting them against competition from farm Protecting them against competition from farm imports.imports.

Tariffs hunt farmers by:Tariffs hunt farmers by:►Raising the prices of manufactured goods.Raising the prices of manufactured goods.►Preventing foreigners from earning the American Preventing foreigners from earning the American

currency they needed to buy American crops.currency they needed to buy American crops. Reduced the international market for American farm products.Reduced the international market for American farm products.

Mo’ Money Mo’ ProblemsMo’ Money Mo’ Problems►More $ the Fed Gov’t puts out – inflationMore $ the Fed Gov’t puts out – inflation

Helps people who sell things.Helps people who sell things.► If Gov’t reduces $ supply – deflationIf Gov’t reduces $ supply – deflation

Helps people who lend money, interest.Helps people who lend money, interest. Dollar is greater, drop in prices of goods.Dollar is greater, drop in prices of goods.

► Post Civil War, Americans had a Deflation.Post Civil War, Americans had a Deflation.►Monetary PolicyMonetary Policy

The Fed Gov’t plan for makeup and quantity of the The Fed Gov’t plan for makeup and quantity of the nation’s money supply, thus emerged as a major nation’s money supply, thus emerged as a major political issue.political issue.►Supporters of inflation and deflation begins to speak out.Supporters of inflation and deflation begins to speak out.

Gold Standard vs. Free SilverGold Standard vs. Free Silver► Supporters:Supporters:

Gold Bugs: bankers and Gold Bugs: bankers and wealthy industrialists.wealthy industrialists.

► Position:Position: A Gold Standard would A Gold Standard would

limit the amount of limit the amount of money in circulation and money in circulation and deflate prices.deflate prices.

► Benefits:Benefits: The economy would be The economy would be

more stable. The more stable. The wealthy would have wealthy would have protection for their protection for their money.money.

► Supporters:Supporters: Silverites: silver miner, Silverites: silver miner,

farmers, and debtors.farmers, and debtors.► Position:Position:

The unlimited coinage of The unlimited coinage of silver would increase the silver would increase the money supply and inflate money supply and inflate prices.prices.

► Benefits:Benefits: The economy would be The economy would be

stimulated. Farmers stimulated. Farmers would get more money would get more money for their goods; debtors for their goods; debtors would more easily repay would more easily repay loans.loans.

Gold BugsGold Bugs► 1873 – supporters to tight money won.1873 – supporters to tight money won.

$ was on a bimetallic standard.$ was on a bimetallic standard.►Currency consisted of gold or silver coins or US treasury Currency consisted of gold or silver coins or US treasury

notes that could be traded in for gold or silver.notes that could be traded in for gold or silver. 1873 – To ensure economic stability, Congress 1873 – To ensure economic stability, Congress

put the nation’s currency on a gold standardy.put the nation’s currency on a gold standardy.►Reduced amount of money in circulation because the Reduced amount of money in circulation because the

money supply would be limited by the amount of gold money supply would be limited by the amount of gold held by the gov’t.held by the gov’t.

Conservative Gold Bugs were pleased.Conservative Gold Bugs were pleased. Many were big lenders who liked the idea of being paid Many were big lenders who liked the idea of being paid

back in money backed by the gold standard.back in money backed by the gold standard.

SilveritesSilverites►Mostly silver-mining interests and Mostly silver-mining interests and

western farmers, were furious at the western farmers, were furious at the nation’s move to a gold standard.nation’s move to a gold standard. Claimed the end of silver as a monetary Claimed the end of silver as a monetary

standard would depress the prices of farm standard would depress the prices of farm produce.produce.►Called for free silver – unlimited coining of Called for free silver – unlimited coining of

silver dollars as a means of increasing the silver dollars as a means of increasing the money supply.money supply.

Silverites & Bland-Allison ActSilverites & Bland-Allison Act►The Bland-Allison Act (1878)The Bland-Allison Act (1878)

Huge victory for Silverites.Huge victory for Silverites. Required the Fed Gov’t to purchase and Required the Fed Gov’t to purchase and

coin more silver, increasing the money coin more silver, increasing the money supply and causing inflation.supply and causing inflation.►Passed by Congress, vetoed by President Passed by Congress, vetoed by President

Hayes, and Congress overrode veto.Hayes, and Congress overrode veto. Treasury Dept. did not follow through.Treasury Dept. did not follow through.

Organizing Farmer ProtestOrganizing Farmer Protest►The GrangeThe Grange

Helped form farming cooperatives.Helped form farming cooperatives.►Where farmers saved money by buying goods Where farmers saved money by buying goods

in large quantities.in large quantities. Pressured state legislatures to regulate Pressured state legislatures to regulate

business on which farmers depended.business on which farmers depended.►Grain elevators that stored crops and RR that Grain elevators that stored crops and RR that

shipped them.shipped them.

►Was popular, but Farmers wanted Was popular, but Farmers wanted more options…more options…

Farmer’s AlliancesFarmer’s Alliances►Wanted:Wanted:

Federal regulation of RRFederal regulation of RR More $ in circulationMore $ in circulation Creation of state departments of agricultureCreation of state departments of agriculture Farm creditFarm credit

►Women served as chief officersWomen served as chief officers Mary Elizabeth Lease said, “raise less corn, and Mary Elizabeth Lease said, “raise less corn, and

more hell!”more hell!”► African Americans had their own “Colored African Americans had their own “Colored

Farmer’s Alliance.”Farmer’s Alliance.”►Natural disasters fueled these alliances.Natural disasters fueled these alliances.

How would the Federal Gov’t help?How would the Federal Gov’t help?

An Inactive Gov’tAn Inactive Gov’t► In all elections, 1876-1892, no candidate won In all elections, 1876-1892, no candidate won

a popular vote.a popular vote. So, Presidents lacked power of bold action.So, Presidents lacked power of bold action.

►Many were friends of big business, that weren’t friends Many were friends of big business, that weren’t friends with farmers.with farmers.

► G. Cleveland signed G. Cleveland signed Interstate Commerce Interstate Commerce ActAct, in 1887., in 1887. Response to many complaints against RR.Response to many complaints against RR.

►Regulated prices that RR charged to move freight b/t Regulated prices that RR charged to move freight b/t states, requiring rates to be in proportion to distance states, requiring rates to be in proportion to distance traveled.traveled.

► Illegal to give certain rates to certain customers.Illegal to give certain rates to certain customers. Said Congress could regulate the RR.Said Congress could regulate the RR.

► And in 1890 – Sherman Anti-trust Act was And in 1890 – Sherman Anti-trust Act was passed.passed. But enforcement was lax.But enforcement was lax.

The Populist PartyThe Populist Party► 1880's - Several political parties combined 1880's - Several political parties combined

Populism - movement of the peoplePopulism - movement of the people► Populist Party wants reformsPopulist Party wants reforms

Economic: increase money supply, graduated Economic: increase money supply, graduated income tax (more on the wealthy), & federal loansincome tax (more on the wealthy), & federal loans

Political: Senate elected by popular vote, secret Political: Senate elected by popular vote, secret ballot & 8-hour dayballot & 8-hour day

► 1892 - Populist candidates elected at 1892 - Populist candidates elected at different levels of governmentdifferent levels of government

►Democratic Party eventually adopted Democratic Party eventually adopted platformplatform

The Populist Party (cont.)The Populist Party (cont.)►Wanted to unit African American and White Wanted to unit African American and White

Farmers.Farmers.► They generated a lot of buzz for the 1892 They generated a lot of buzz for the 1892

election, but only got about one million votes.election, but only got about one million votes. Nominated James Weaver.Nominated James Weaver.

► Cleveland won again, and alienated labor by Cleveland won again, and alienated labor by putting down the Pullman strike.putting down the Pullman strike. Made farmers mad by backing a gold standard, Made farmers mad by backing a gold standard,

and he tried to lower the tariff.and he tried to lower the tariff.► The farmers became even more known and The farmers became even more known and

American added “hayseed Socialist” to their American added “hayseed Socialist” to their list of scary unified peoples.list of scary unified peoples.

Panic of 1893Panic of 1893► Railroads expanded Railroads expanded

faster than marketsfaster than markets - Some went bankrupt- Some went bankrupt► Government’s gold Government’s gold

supply became supply became depleteddepleted

- Led to rush on banks- Led to rush on banks - Businesses, banks - Businesses, banks

collapsecollapse - Panic became - Panic became

depressiondepression

Bryan’s “Cross of Gold”Bryan’s “Cross of Gold”► 1896 – Republicans nominated 1896 – Republicans nominated

William McKinley.William McKinley.► 1896 – William Jennings Bryan, 1896 – William Jennings Bryan,

captured Democratic nomination captured Democratic nomination by arguing for free silver.by arguing for free silver. ““You shall not crucify mankind upon You shall not crucify mankind upon

a cross of gold!”a cross of gold!”► He was so good that the Populists He was so good that the Populists

loved him too!loved him too! Bryan lost, despite best efforts.Bryan lost, despite best efforts.

► He actually campaigned modern day He actually campaigned modern day style.style.

McKinley stayed at home, thought McKinley stayed at home, thought campaigning was undignified.campaigning was undignified.

► Urban and Industrial Midwest and Urban and Industrial Midwest and Northern states feared free silver Northern states feared free silver would eat away the buying power of would eat away the buying power of their wages.their wages.

► Urban American defeated Rural Urban American defeated Rural America.America.

Is it the end of Populism?Is it the end of Populism?► It could not bridge the divided b/t America’s It could not bridge the divided b/t America’s

farms and cities.farms and cities.►Nor could it slow America’s transition from Nor could it slow America’s transition from

an agricultural nation to an industrial an agricultural nation to an industrial nation.nation.

►From 1900-1920, the nation’s gold standard From 1900-1920, the nation’s gold standard actually allowed crop prices to slowly rise.actually allowed crop prices to slowly rise. The silver movement died, as did Populism.The silver movement died, as did Populism.

►The goals live on…The goals live on…

Section #5: Frontier MythsSection #5: Frontier Myths►The West by 1900:The West by 1900:

Many Western lands were now states.Many Western lands were now states.►Cali, Oregon, Kansas, Neb, Nev, Colorado, N. & S. Cali, Oregon, Kansas, Neb, Nev, Colorado, N. & S.

Dakota, Montana, Wash, Wyom, Idaho, Utah, Okl, Dakota, Montana, Wash, Wyom, Idaho, Utah, Okl, N. Mex, and Arizona. N. Mex, and Arizona.

More farms owned by large corporations.More farms owned by large corporations.►Many individual farmers in deep debt.Many individual farmers in deep debt.

1872 – Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)1872 – Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)►Created to preserve some Western lands.Created to preserve some Western lands.

1890 – Superintendent of the Census 1890 – Superintendent of the Census announced the end of the frontier!announced the end of the frontier!

Turner’s Frontier Thesis Turner’s Frontier Thesis ► Frederick Jackson Turner Frederick Jackson Turner

said the frontier had said the frontier had played a central role in played a central role in forming America’s forming America’s character.character. The West had forced The West had forced

people to forget their people to forget their culture and adapt, innovate culture and adapt, innovate & invent!& invent!

Turner felt the West had Turner felt the West had produced a highly produced a highly individualistic, restless, and individualistic, restless, and socially mobile American.socially mobile American.

Created Americans who Created Americans who were ready for adventure, were ready for adventure, bent on self-improvement bent on self-improvement and committed to and committed to democracy.democracy.

► Problems with this:Problems with this: Saw settlers as whites only.Saw settlers as whites only. No difference in experiences No difference in experiences

of women/men.of women/men. Didn’t take into Didn’t take into

consideration Native consideration Native Americans, Spanish, Americans, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, etc.Japanese, Chinese, etc.

Didn’t include how Gov’t Didn’t include how Gov’t helped big business.helped big business.

Didn’t remember European Didn’t remember European culture.culture.

Realities of the FrontierRealities of the Frontier► Not everyone was a eastern European white.Not everyone was a eastern European white.

Chinese, Japanese, & African Americans.Chinese, Japanese, & African Americans.►Af Amer soliders in army – Buffalo soldiers.Af Amer soliders in army – Buffalo soldiers.

►Democracy was well liked, but minorities and Democracy was well liked, but minorities and their rights, often forgotten.their rights, often forgotten.

►Destruction of land was evident.Destruction of land was evident. Buffalo basically gone, over cultivation killed Buffalo basically gone, over cultivation killed

fields, RR tunnels destroyed Mtns.fields, RR tunnels destroyed Mtns.► Promotes stereotype of “manly man” making Promotes stereotype of “manly man” making

it in the West!it in the West!► ““Home on the Range,” and “Don’t fence me Home on the Range,” and “Don’t fence me

in.”in.”

Cause and Effect: Westward Cause and Effect: Westward ExpansionExpansion

► Causes:Causes: Big Business put Western Big Business put Western

land up for sale.land up for sale. Morrill Land Grant Act Morrill Land Grant Act

provides state gov’ts with provides state gov’ts with millions or acres to sell.millions or acres to sell.

Homestead Act gives land to Homestead Act gives land to settlers willing to farm.settlers willing to farm.

European immigrants, European immigrants, people seeking opportunity, people seeking opportunity, and people fleeing racial and people fleeing racial prejudice in the East seek prejudice in the East seek land in the West.land in the West.

California Gold Rush draws California Gold Rush draws thousands of fortune thousands of fortune seekers.seekers.

► Effects:Effects: Violence erupts between Violence erupts between

settlers and Native settlers and Native Americans.Americans.

Many Native American Many Native American groups are destroyed or groups are destroyed or displaced.displaced.

Challenges of prairie Challenges of prairie farming lead to increased farming lead to increased mechanization.mechanization.

Bonanza farms and cattle Bonanza farms and cattle ranching industries ranching industries develop.develop.

Frontier myths influence Frontier myths influence national identify.national identify.