Unit 1 Flashcards The American West

Front

What action did the federal government take, hoping to end conflict between Native Americans and settlers after the Civil War?

Back

It confined most western tribes to reservations.

Answer explanation

The federal government confined most western tribes to reservations to reduce conflict with settlers, aiming to control land use and promote peace between the two groups.

Front

What were the main goals of the Dawes Act of 1887 regarding Native American Indians?

Back

assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American life and opening up additional land for white settlers

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land, which opened up more land for white settlers. This reflects the goal of integrating Native Americans into mainstream life.

Front

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide to aid the expansion of the United States?

Back

free land to settlers in the West

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act of 1862 provided free land to settlers in the West, encouraging westward expansion and allowing individuals to claim land for farming and development, which was crucial for starting new lives.

Front

Why did the federal government give land grants and loans to railroad companies to help build the transcontinental railroad?

Back

To encourage westward expansion

Answer explanation

The government provided land grants and loans to railroad companies to encourage westward expansion, facilitating settlement and economic growth in the western territories.

Front

What major impact did the Transcontinental Railroad have on many Native American communities?

Back

The tribes' land was stolen and the people were displaced

Answer explanation

The Transcontinental Railroad led to the displacement of Native American tribes as their lands were taken for construction and expansion, resulting in loss of territory and traditional ways of life.

Front

What was the main goal of the Dawes Act of 1887?

Back

Break up tribal lands and encourage assimilation

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act aimed to break up tribal lands and promote assimilation of Native Americans into American society, rather than granting full citizenship or preserving traditions.

Front

How did the Pacific Railway Act reshape the American economy?

Back

It promoted nationwide markets by connecting raw materials to industry

Answer explanation

The Pacific Railway Act connected raw materials to industries across the nation, promoting nationwide markets. This integration facilitated economic growth by enabling efficient transportation and distribution of goods.

Front

Why did the Homestead Act lead to conflict with Native Americans?

Back

It encouraged settlers to occupy land promised to Native tribes

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act encouraged settlers to occupy land that was promised to Native tribes, leading to conflicts over land rights and displacement of Native Americans.

Front

Why is the Dawes Act seen as a major turning point in U.S.–Native relations?

Back

Undermined tribal unity by dividing communal lands into individual plots

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act undermined tribal unity by dividing communal lands into individual plots, which disrupted traditional social structures and led to loss of cultural identity among Native Americans.

Front

Significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn for Native Americans and the U.S. government.

Back

It showed that Native resistance could defeat U.S. military forces, but also led to harsher retaliation.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Little Bighorn was significant as it demonstrated that Native American forces could defeat the U.S. military, which led to increased military retaliation against Native tribes.