Bell Ringer 9/22 After the 1850s, what was the American government’s policy towards Native Americans? Describe the impact on Native American culture. Think of movies, stories, and myths you have been introduced to over the years about ‘The West”. How is it often described?

The American Frontier

Why the push/pull West? Americans (and other s) were pushed and pulled West during the 19th century. The American Government urged and aided in the settling of the West: Homestead Act (1862): Any head of household over age 21 was allowed to claim 160 acres of land in the Great Plains territory. Homesteaders were required to ‘develop’ the land they settled- build a home, make improvements, and farm the land for 5 years and then they could acquire full ownership. Oklahoma Land Rush (1889): Indian territory was opened up to settlers by the government. April 22, 1889- over 50,000 people lined up at the border and rushed to stake their claim on homesteads.

Oklahoma Land Rush The Oklahoma Land Rush Scene - Far and Away Movie (1992) - HD - YouTube

Why the push/pull West? New Economic Opportunities Mining: Ranching: Gold & Silver Begins as individuals or small family camps, turned into large communities Surface mining ran out, large machinery was needed and large companies took over. Miners would then work for these companies Ranching: Cattle Cowboys- cattle herders to railroad towns to ship meat Young males- white, African American, and Hispanic Railroads: Pacific Railway Act: government gave millions of acres to railroad companies to build lines.

Who is heading west? People traveled west for numerous reasons. Many were looking for new opportunities and the elusive American dream. White settlers: had the money and supplies to make the trip, searching for the new ‘frontier’ African Americans: newly freed, searching for opportunities and as an escape of the discrimination and violence in the South European & Asian Immigrants: searching for economic opportunities- took jobs on the railroads and mining.