1. Cultures Clash on the Frontier
What issues occur when different groups try to claim land in the west?

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?