Westward Expansion Test Review

What was the main purpose of the Homestead Act?

• a. To bring an end to cattle drives

• b. To encourage settlement of the Great Plains

• c. To defeat the Native Americans

• d. To provide a market for steel plows

Check ALL that apply. Which of the following were challenges typically faced by homesteaders?

• a. High cost of land

• b. Harsh weather

• c. Large amounts of grasshoppers

• d. Thick sod

why did cattle drives come to an end?

• a. Thousands of cattle ranchers moved west in search of gold

• b. Consumers became more interested in gold than cattle

• c. Farmers on the Great Plains began raising cattle

• d. They were no longer necessary once railroads reached Texas

Why were cattle drives profitable for Texas ranchers?

• a. Cattle grew fatter as they traveled the trails

• b. People paid to watch the cattle drives

• c. Cattle could be sold for more money in the East.

• d. Railroads paid ranchers to use their services

T/F: Farmers disliked cattle drives because the cattle would eat their crops

• True

• False

This trail started in mid-Texas but went further North

• Chisholm

• Great Western

This trail started in Southern Texas and did not reach as far North.

• Chisholm

• Great Western

T/F: Because of the recent Civil War and Reconstruction period, black cowboys were heavily discriminated against.

• True

• False

T/F: Cattle Drives were needed in Westward expansion because cattle were scarce in the North and East cities. Ranchers would hire cowboys to herd cattle towards the railroads.

• True

• False

Select ALL THREE famous black cowboys.

• Bill Pickett

• Nat Love

• Gene Autry

• Bose Ikard