U.S. History Vocab

Front

Tension between plains Indians settlers and the U.S. army grew into a long period of violence known as the Indian Wars 1864-1876. What event marked the end of this period?

Back

The massacre of Wounded Knee.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the tension between Plains Indians and the U.S. Army, leading to the Indian Wars from 1864-1876, culminating in the Wounded Knee massacre, marking a significant period of conflict.

Front

Assimilation

Back

Blending in with the established culture. Native Americans

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights assimilation as the process of blending in with the established culture, particularly in the context of Native Americans adapting to European-American society.

Front

Exodusters

Back

African Americans that moved to Kansas, thought that land was set aside for slaves by the government. 1870s 

Answer explanation

Exodusters were African Americans who migrated to Kansas in the 1870s, believing the land was designated for former slaves by the government, seeking better opportunities and freedom.

Front

Dawes Act

Back

legislation passed by congress that split up Indian reservation lands among individual Indians and promised them citizenship in 1887

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act was legislation passed by Congress in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing reservation lands into individual plots and granting citizenship, contrasting with other options that do not accurately describe it.

Front

Ghost Dance

Back

was an expression of deepest grief about the loss of native americans ways of life. A special dance to communicate with the dead.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes the Ghost Dance as a ritual expressing grief over the loss of Native American ways of life and a means to communicate with the dead, highlighting its cultural significance.

Front

Reservations

Back

land set aside to Native Americans by the U.S. government.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'land set aside to Native Americans by the U.S. government.' This definition accurately describes reservations, which were designated areas for Native American tribes.

Front

Boom towns

Back

A town that has grown very rapidly as a result of sudden prosperity by gold and silver mining.

Answer explanation

Boom towns are defined as towns that experience rapid growth due to sudden prosperity, particularly from gold and silver mining. This choice accurately describes the phenomenon associated with boom towns.

Front

Homestead Act

Back

A law passed by congress to encourage settlement in the west. By giving government sold land to small farmers. 160 acres. $1.00 per acre. Make improvements to the land and live there for 5 years.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes the Homestead Act, which was a law encouraging westward settlement by offering 160 acres of land for $1.00 per acre, requiring improvements and residency for 5 years.

Front

Open Range

Back

Large area of grazing land without fences or barriers. Prairies of the mid west. Stretched from Texas to Canada.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes 'Open Range' as a large area of grazing land without fences, typical of the Midwest, extending from Texas to Canada, which aligns with the historical context of cattle ranching.

Front

Transcontinental Railroad

Back

Railroad that crossed the country. Union Pacific Railroad and Central Pacific Railroad built the railroad in Promontory, Utah during 1869.

Answer explanation

The correct answer describes the Transcontinental Railroad, which was built by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads and completed in Promontory, Utah in 1869, connecting the east and west coasts of the United States.