1. Life on the Plains Section 3 The Cattle Kingdom Section 5 Farming

2. The Cattle Kingdom Large herds of wild cattle roamed Texas (Texas Longhorns) Cattle drives brought herds north to rail lines –Chisholm Trail- one of the most famous cattle trails, very popular trail during 1860s –Trail bosses, cow hands, vaqueros –Cow towns spring up where trails and rails meet

7. Range Wars Ranchers let cattle roam free on the open range - stock identified by brands. Invention of barbed wire – people can mark large territory. Helped avoid conflicts

9. Stop and Think What were cattle drives? How did cattle herders keep their cattle separate?

10. Farmers Face Troubles As farmers produced more crops, the price of wheat fell; led to debt for farmers

11. The Farmers Response Cooperatives- Allowed farmers to share tools, seed, materials Farmers’ Alliance - attempted to unite farmers, factory workers and miners in cooperatives The National Grange – allowed farmers to purchase goods at reduced prices and work with cooperatives

12. Populist Party Political Party- made up of farmers and labor unions –Fought to gain “free silver” William Jennings Bryan’sWilliam Jennings Bryan’s –The Great commoner- ran for president in election of 1896 Despite large amount of support he lost Gained some seats in Congress, but failed to win presidential election (Democrats adopt ideas).

13. Stop and Think Explain what life was like for many of the farmers of the great plains. Was it easy or difficult? Why? Who was William Jennings Bryan and the populist party?