Settlers in the Midwest/West Quiz

What was one reason that settlers were attracted to land in the Midwest/West?

• The land was cheap

• The discovery of gold and other minerals

• The availability of industrial jobs in urban areas

• The construction of major railroad lines

What event contributed to the decline of the buffalo population in the West?

• The construction of the transcontinental railroad

• The introduction of invasive plant species

• Overhunting by European settlers

• Natural climate change

Why were so many buffalo killed?

• To use their hides for industrial purposes

• As a sport

• The herds were blocking the rails of the transcontinental railroad

• Due to disease

How did the invention of the steel plow make life better for settlers in the West?

• It was pulled to plant crops

• There were not many trees in the area

• It made transportation easier

• It allowed them to be able to farm the Great Plains

Why were cowboys necessary in the West?

• To manage cattle by herding them

• To perform in rodeos

• To act in Western films

• To build railroads

How did the invention of barbed wire contribute to the West?

• It facilitated easier communication across vast distances.

• It revolutionized agricultural practices by providing an effective means of fencing for cattle farms.

• It had little to no impact on the development of the West.

• It was primarily used for decorative purposes in urban areas.

How did the steam engine contribute to life in the West?

• By powering trains/boats to move goods and people faster

• By improving communication through the telegraph

• By increasing agricultural productivity

• It did not contribute significantly

Which part of the cotton production process was made easier by the cotton gin?

• Planting

• Harvesting

• Cleaning

• Weaving

How did the invention of the cotton gin help the US?

• By increasing the wealth of the South

• By decreasing the demand for cotton

• By reducing the agricultural workforce

• By increasing the export of wool

How did the railroad affect the amount of time it took to travel coast to coast?

• It significantly reduced the time from 3 weeks to 3 days

• It increased the time from 3 days to 3 weeks

• It had no effect on the travel time

• It doubled the travel time