1. Westward expansion
Causes & Effects

2. Causes – transcontinental railroad
Central Pacific and Union Pacific connected in 1869.
Possible to move people and good across the entire country – quickly and cheaply!

3. Causes - Manifest destiny
“America has a God-given right to control all of North America.”

4. Causes – cattle boom
Demand for beef increased as large cities appeared in the East.
Railroads made it easier to transport large herds of cattle to big cities.

5. Causes – homestead act
The government gave 160 acres of free land to any family who agreed to move to the Great Plains.
Enough land to support a family.
Drew out millions of settlers to the Great Plains.

6. Effects – indian policies
Americans were not the first group to enter the Great Plains.
Conflicts arose as American settlers came into contact with Native American populations.
American government tried to get rid of all Native Americans
Genocide – Smallpox blankets
Battle of Wounded Knee
DAWES ACT – forced Native Americans off their land and onto “reservations.”

7. Dawes act

8. Closing of the frontier
All of these policies resulted in millions of Americans moving into the West.
The “frontier” was closed by 1890.
America now controlled all the land from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans.

9. Which of the following contributed to increased settlement of the Great Plains?
a. The availability of buffalo b. The discovery of precious metals
c. A series of federal land grants
d. A decrease in agricultural production

12. What statement best describes the impact of the transcontinental railroad?
The transcontinental railroad provided a quick way for prospectors and miners to get to California just in time for the great gold rush.
The transcontinental railroad was such a success that it brought great wealth to the investors who funded the project and the workers who built it.
The transcontinental railroad encouraged people to travel for enjoyment, causing a boom in tourism throughout the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.
The transcontinental railroad started a rail network that tied the nation together, moved goods and people, sparked new industries, and stimulated the growth of towns and cities.

13. What was the goal of the Dawes Act?
Removed Native Americans from their land and force them onto reservations.
Gave settlers on the Great Plains 160 acres of free land.
Gave land grants to allow the railroads to expand.
Forced Native Americans to convert to Christianity.