Cultures Clash on the Frontier What issues occur when different groups try to claim land in the west?
Homestead Act Homestead Act offered 160 acres to any family wanting to settle in west, 600K “Homesteaders” apply Exodusters were African Americans who were also heading west to leave the South
Problems on the Plains Natural disasters Losing land to speculators (railroad, miners, ranchers) 3. Families isolated, had to be self-sufficient a. Build your own home (no wood, build a “soddy”) b. Get your own food & water c. Educate your children VQ/Discuss: Describe the natural disasters on the Plains?
Issues with Native Americans US gov & Native Am tribes signed Treaty of Ft Laramie: settlers would not take Nat Am land, Nat Ams would not attack As more settlers moving west, Native Ams attack settlers US Army Calvary kill 150+ during Sand Creek Massacre Sioux warrior Crazy Horse decoyed & ambushed 80 US soldiers 1868: To stop violence, Sioux & US gov sign Second Treaty of Ft. Laramie
Battle of Little Big Horn VQ1: Why did the Fed Gov want Nat. American hunting land & the Black Hills? VQ2: What mistake does Custer make at Little Big Horn? Effects of Custer’s Last Stand Sioux kill all of Custer’s men Crazy Horse’s warriors loot bodies (despite being told not to by Chief Sitting Bull) 1887: Dawes Act forces remaining Nat Ams to reservations
Wounded Knee 1890:US Army begin to remove & disarm remaining Sioux Army opens fire on Sioux, at Wounded Knee, 300 killed VQ: What caused Wounded Knee to happen?