Why was there so much crime in the wild west?

Consequence Leads to… It resulted in more land in the west being settled– by 1876 over 6 million acres of land had been settled by white farmers. Over 80 million acres was eventually settled in areas like Nebraska. American society spreads further – many territories become states due to large populations. Encouraged immigration from Europe. By 1875 more than half of Nebraska’s population were immigrants. Helps boost populations of territories, results in America becoming more multi-cultural. Racist tension grows in Western territories Weakened Native American culture – whites brought disease into Great Plains (cholera, smallpox etc.). Buffalo disrupted by homesteads. Buffalo being shot and killed for food and supplies by homestead families. Results in more tension – many tribes raid and attack to survive. Will turn more whites against them fuelling idea of “savages”. May become more reliant on American government for food and survival.

Abilene and the ‘wild west’ In 1870, the Mayor of Abilene hired Thomas Smith (left) as town marshal to create order. He issued a ban on carrying guns and established a very forceful reputation (he even used his boxing skills) On 2 November 1870, Smith and a temporary deputy, believed to be named James McDonald, attempted to serve a warrant on two local farmers A gunfight erupted, in which Smith was badly wounded in the chest. Smith returned fire and wounded McConnell. His deputy fled the scene, and as Smith lay wounded, Moses Miles hit him with the butt of a rifle, then took an axe and decapitated him.

Wild Bill Hickock Iconic status comes from July 1861 at McCanles Massacre in Rock Creek, Nebraska. A large group of men demanded payment from him for a property he had bought – he killed all three men despite being injured Overall, it was reported that Hickok had killed over 100 men during his lifetime. Got a reputation through the media as a tough man – was reported to have killed a bear with his hands. Following his Civil War service, Wild Bill Hickok moved to Kansas where he was appointed sheriff in Hays City and marshal of Abilene. Did very little to enforce law – spent most of his time drinking and gambling. Eventually sacked by town mayor.

He is also remembered for the cards he was holding when he was shot dead -- a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights -- since known as the dead man's hand!

Outlaws of the Wild West! Gangs of outlaws were often made up of former soldiers from the Civil War. Many of these men were traumatised by the war and unable to find work in peacetime. Poverty and frustration often led many young men to crime – the west was the perfect opportunity due to the weak law enforcement. Notorious outlaws include Jesse James, the Reno Gang and Billy the Kid. Vigilantes groups used to hunt outlaws down for the reward. They often photographed their corpses as a trophy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq2bOBuhcO0

Learning Tasks Create an Ishikawa diagram to show the causes of high crime rates in the west. Be sure to colour code your diagram; green for social factors, red for failures of the legal system. Ensure you have completed your flow diagram on the Homestead Act and Pacific Railroad Act (why? What? Result?)

Name What did they do? What happened to them? The Reno Gang Gang made up of Civil War deserters, con men and thieves. In 1866 they robbed a train of $16,000. The Pinkerton’s caught John Reno but the gang continued to rob in 1867 and 1868. Their fourth robbery gained them $96,000. One of the gang was caught and gave the rest up for a reduced sentence. The gang was lynched by a vigilante mob before the Pinkerton’s could reach them Billy the Kid He was first arrested for stealing butter in 1875, became known as an escape artist. In 1878, he and his gang killed three men including Lincoln County Sherriff William J. Brady. Sheriff Pat Garret tracked him down and brought him to court. He was sentenced to death but escaped. Eventually he was tracked down at Fort Sumner and was shot dead by Garret.

Cause Effect High crime rate Social factors Failures of legal system

Cause Effect Poverty Geography High crime rate Tension over land Lawmen were often criminals themselves. They could be bribed or become part of mobs e.g. Wild Bill Hitchcock Most people struggled to make a living. Stealing was hard to resist (especially coming from south after Civil War) Poverty Ranchers and homesteaders often fought each other. These often resulted in land being stolen or violence. Geography Unreliable lawmen High crime rate These undermined the idea of justice and fair trials e.g. Reno Gang. It promoted the idea that violence was the way to settle Disputes. Juries were easy to be influenced, judges and marshals were often bribed. There wasn’t enough officials to deal enforce the crime e.g. Adeline. It was difficult to crack down on gangs as there were many places for them to hide. Weak legal system Tension over land Vigilante Groups Social factors Failures of legal system