Impact of Key Acts on American West

The video covers key historical events related to the American West, focusing on the Fort Laramie Treaty, Homestead Act, Pacific Railroad Act, Indian Appropriation Act, and the Gold Rush. It discusses their importance, consequences, and impact on American society, including land distribution, economic growth, and social tensions.

What are the three main types of questions expected in the Edexcel history exam on the American West?

• Explain consequences, narrative account, and importance

• Short answer, fill in the blanks, and matching

• Multiple choice, true/false, and essay

• Diagram labeling, essay, and oral presentation

Why was the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 significant?

• It established Indian reservations and allowed white settlers on Indian land

• It ended the American Civil War

• It granted independence to the Indian tribes

• It was the first treaty between the US and Canada

What was a major consequence of the Fort Laramie Treaty for the Native Americans?

• They were relocated to Canada

• They became dependent on the US government

• They were given voting rights

• They gained complete independence

What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act?

• To provide free education to settlers

• To distribute land to encourage settlement

• To establish new trade routes

• To create national parks

How did the Homestead Act affect European immigration?

• It discouraged Europeans from moving to the US

• It had no impact on European immigration

• It encouraged Europeans to emigrate to the US

• It led to a ban on European immigration

What was a long-term effect of the Homestead Act on social structure?

• It increased the wealth gap

• It created a new middle class

• It reduced the social divide

• It eliminated poverty

What was a key benefit of the Pacific Railroad Act?

• It improved coast-to-coast communication

• It restricted migration to the West

• It decreased trade with Asian countries

• It ended the use of telegraphs

How did the Pacific Railroad Act contribute to the US economy?

• It reduced the need for railroads

• It led to the decline of the port of San Francisco

• It isolated the US from international trade

• It connected the US economy with Asian markets

What was a consequence of the Indian Appropriation Act of 1851?

• It integrated whites and Indians

• It kept whites and Indians separate

• It granted Indians full citizenship

• It abolished Indian reservations

What was a major impact of the Gold Rush on California?

• It resulted in California becoming a populous state

• It had no significant impact

• It led to the establishment of law and order

• It decreased the population