Settlement and Conflict

• What is the focus of the revision video on making of America?

  The focus is on settlement and conflict on the Plains from 1861 to 1877.
• What are the key narratives discussed in the video?

  The key narratives include Native Americans, black Americans, and white Americans.
• What historical events coincide with the topic of settlement and conflict on the Plains?

  This topic coincides with the Civil War and Reconstruction.
• What are the assessment components for the making of America topic?

  • Three Gateway questions
  • Organized summary question linked to second-order concepts
  • A "why" or "impact" question focusing on cause and consequence
  • A "how far do you agree" question requiring four key arguments and a conclusion
• What was the purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

  To unite the eastern and western states of America.
• How did the Transcontinental Railroad affect migration westward?

  It accelerated migration west and fulfilled the idea of Manifest Destiny.
• What is Manifest Destiny?

  The belief that God had given North America to the US to promote freedom, democracy, and progress.
• What was the impact of the railroads on Native American lands?

  The railroads cut through Native American lands and disrupted buffalo hunting grounds.
• What was the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862?

  It promised to provide money to companies willing to build a railroad connecting the east and west of the country.
• Who built the railroad from the East towards the West?

  The Union Pacific company.
• What was the outcome of the railroad construction by 1869?

  Both companies owned more land than the whole state of Texas.
• What were the positive impacts of the railroads on the USA?

  They made railroad companies and investors extremely wealthy and facilitated the movement of goods.
• What were the negative impacts of the railroads on workers?

  Workers, especially Chinese immigrants, received little pay and worked in dangerous conditions.
• What were cow towns?

  Cow towns were locations on railroad lines where cattle were bought and sold.
• What was the significance of Abilene, Kansas?

  It was one of the first famous cow towns.
• What led to the development of cow towns?

  The establishment of cattle ranches and the need for places to sell cattle along the railroad lines.
• Who were some of the first cattle ranchers?

  John Iliff was one of the first cattle ranchers.
• What challenges did homesteaders face on the Plains?

  They faced isolation, lack of resources, and harsh weather conditions.
• What was the Homestead Act of 1862?

  It offered 160 acres of land to those who farmed it for five years.
• What were some push and pull factors for moving to the Plains?

  Cheap land, the Homestead Act, and the promise of new opportunities were pull factors.
• How did the climate affect living conditions on the Plains?

  The climate was harsh, with freezing winters and hot summers, leading to difficulties in farming and living.
• What diseases were common among settlers on the Plains?

  Diseases like cholera, typhoid, pneumonia, and scarlet fever were common.
• What was the impact of overgrazing on the Plains?

  Overgrazing became a significant problem for cattle ranchers.
• What was the perception of the Plains before the 1860s?

  The Plains were seen as inhospitable and unlivable.
• What role did railroads play in the cattle industry?

  Railroads facilitated the transportation of cattle to markets and cities.
• How did the presence of trees affect settlers on the Plains?

  The lack of trees made it difficult to build houses and keep warm in winter.
• What was the significance of the Chisholm Trail?

  The Chisholm Trail was a major route for cattle drives to cow towns.
• What was the impact of the banking crisis on migration to the Plains?

  The banking crisis led many people to seek new opportunities by moving to the Plains.
• How did new technology affect farming on the Plains?

  New technology allowed for easier extraction of water from the ground.
• What were the living conditions like for homesteaders on the Plains?

  Living conditions were challenging due to isolation, lack of resources, and harsh weather.
• What was the role of cowboys in cattle ranching?

  Cowboys rounded up cattle and drove them to sell at markets.
• What were the common pests faced by settlers on the Plains?

  Mice, fleas, and bed bugs were common pests.
• How did the lack of clean water affect settlers on the Plains?

  The lack of clean water led to the spread of diseases and difficulties in maintaining hygiene.
• What were the challenges of farming on the Plains?

  Farming was difficult due to harsh winds, lack of shelter, and unpredictable weather.
• What was the significance of the cattle drives after the Civil War?

  Cattle drives became a way for ranchers to sell cattle to markets and make profits.
• How did the perception of the Plains change during the 1860s and 1870s?

  The Plains became seen as a place that could be settled and farmed.
• What was the impact of the Civil War on cattle ranching?

  Many Confederate soldiers returned home to find their cattle stocks had grown during the war.
• What was the role of the government in the development of the railroads?

  The government provided land and money to railroad companies to encourage construction.
• How did the establishment of new towns affect the Plains?

  New towns created along the railroad lines improved law and order over time.
• What was the significance of the Great Sioux War of 1876 to 1877?

  It was one of the major conflicts between Native Americans and white Americans during this period.