The Settlement of the Western Frontier Opportunity and Opposition in the American West

“Manifest Destiny”

Native Americans and the West  The western frontier had long been seen as the “great unknown”, mostly Indian Territory; with some white American presence. Shaped by past American-Indian policy Shaped by past American-Indian policy Indian Removal Act (1830)Indian Removal Act (1830) Worcester v. Georgia (1832) and President Jackson’s response.Worcester v. Georgia (1832) and President Jackson’s response. Cherokee “Trail of Tears” (1835)Cherokee “Trail of Tears” (1835) ReservationsReservations

Life of Plains Indians

Miners

Thoughts of striking it rich first brought miners to the West into Colorado, California, and Nevada, in the 1850’s. Mining continued to attract settlers into the late 1800’s. Booms and Busts (ghost towns).

Industrialization Impacts the West: RAILROADS

Impact of the Railroads

The Decline of the Buffalo

A New Way of Life: Native Americans  Without buffalo, the traditional way of life of Native Americans was threatened.  New American policy was to reorganize reservations, and to force Indians to assimilate: Dawes Act (1887).  At first, many Native Americans tried to fight back, but after the Battle of Wounded Knee (1890), it appeared that the armed struggle between Native Americans and Whites was over.

Further Incentives for Settling the West  —Federal land grants 48 million acres granted under Homestead Act (1862) 48 million acres granted under Homestead Act (1862) 100 million acres sold to private individuals, corporations 100 million acres sold to private individuals, corporations 128 million acres granted to railroad companies 128 million acres granted to railroad companies

Farmers  Factors bringing farmers to the plains: 1. Railroads 2. Free land 3. Higher rainfall  better farmland

FarmersFarmersFarmersFarmers “sodbusters” “Exodusters ” Dry farming

Ranchers and the Long Drive

At the Turn of the Century: The West  Life was not easy for people in the West– Native Americans, Farmers, Miners and Ranchers. Natives’ way of life was threatened and then forever changed. Natives’ way of life was threatened and then forever changed. Miners left boomtowns and ghost towns Miners left boomtowns and ghost towns Ranchers found overgrazing and new breeds that ended the need for the Long Drive. Ranchers found overgrazing and new breeds that ended the need for the Long Drive. Farmers faced hard times– with low yields and high costs to get goods to market. Farmers faced hard times– with low yields and high costs to get goods to market.