Conflict on the Great Plains Quiz

What initially characterized relations between Plains Indians and early American settlers?

• Immediate warfare

• Friendly trade and cooperation

• Complete avoidance of each other

• Strict government control

Why did conflict arise when settlers began moving onto the Great Plains?

• The Indians refused to trade with them

• Settlers wanted the land for farming and mining

• The U.S. government banned all interactions

• The Indians attacked without warning

What was the main reason Plains Indians occupied large amounts of land?

• They were farmers who needed space for crops

• They were nomadic and moved frequently

• They wanted to block settlers from expanding

• The government assigned them large territories

What belief motivated the U.S. government to encourage settlement of the Great Plains?

• Isolationism

• Manifest Destiny

• Communism

• Mercantilism

How did the construction of railroads affect the Plains Indians?

• It helped them trade more efficiently

• It scared away buffalo, a vital resource

• It provided jobs for Indian workers

• It had no impact on their way of life

Why did some Indians tear up railroad tracks?

• They were paid by rival companies

• They disliked the noise

• They opposed the disruption of buffalo herds

• They wanted to use the metal for tools

How did Plains Indians view land ownership?

• Land belonged to individuals who farmed it

• Land could not be owned by anyone

• Land was controlled by the U.S. government

• Land was only for hunting, not living

Why did Plains Indians dislike farming and mining?

• They believed it damaged the land

• They lacked the necessary tools

• They preferred factory work

• They were forbidden by their religion

What was a problem with treaties signed between the U.S. government and Indian tribes?

• Chiefs could not always control warrior societies

• The government never honored any treaties

• Indians refused to sign any treaties

• Settlers always ignored the treaties

Why did conflicts continue even if one tribe made peace with the U.S. Army?

• Other tribes might still be at war

• The U.S. Army broke treaties immediately

• Settlers attacked peaceful tribes

• The government encouraged further warfare