The West

• What geographical area does the term "Plains" refer to in this context?

  An open area grassland between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains
• How did white Americans view the Plains before the 1840s?

  They believed it was uninhabitable
• What resources were scarce on the Plains?

  Wood and water
• How did Native Americans adapt their way of life on the Plains?

  They adapted to suit their nomadic lifestyle following buffalo
• What was the relationship between white Americans and Native Americans before the 1840s?

  It was mostly positive
• What concept drove white Americans to claim land in the West?

  Manifest Destiny
• Where did Mormons settle to escape religious persecution?

  Salt Lake City
• What was the significance of the California Gold Rush?

  It attracted many settlers to the West
• What Native American nations lived on the Great Plains by 1840?

  Various nations including the Lakota Sioux
• What was the primary food source for the Lakota Sioux?

  Buffalo
• What type of shelter did the Lakota Sioux use?

  Teepees made from buffalo hide
• How did the Cheyenne's lifestyle differ from the Lakota Sioux?

  They were partially nomadic and sometimes settled near trading posts
• What was the role of warrior societies among the Lakota Sioux?

  They were powerful and influential in society
• What did the Lakota Sioux believe about land ownership?

  They believed that nobody could own land
• What was the general attitude of the Lakota Sioux towards white Americans?

  They were generally hostile and fought to keep control of their land
• How did the Cheyenne interact with white Americans?

  They engaged in trade with white Americans
• What was the significance of the overlanders in the westward expansion?

  They were travelers who moved west in large numbers
• What were some push factors for migration to the West?

  The economic collapse in 1837 and competition for land in the East
• What was the role of the Preemption Act of 1841?

  It allowed farmers to buy surrounding land after building a house and clearing trees
• What was the journey like for overlanders traveling to the West?

  It was long, dangerous, and required careful planning
• What supplies did overlanders need for their journey?

  Flour, bacon, salt, coffee, and sugar
• What were some dangers faced by overlanders on their journey?

  Water-borne diseases, injuries from wagons, and buffalo stampedes
• How did the overlanders travel across the plains?

  In covered wagons as part of wagon trains
• What was the impact of the California Gold Rush on migration?

  It significantly increased the number of settlers moving west
• What was the significance of the mountain men in the context of westward expansion?

  They mapped safe routes and facilitated trade
• What was the role of the warrior societies among the Cheyenne?

  They were powerful and influential in warfare
• What was the significance of the Black Hills to the Lakota Sioux?

  They believed it was the sacred center of Sioux power
• What was the impact of the economic collapse in 1837 on migration patterns?

  It pushed many people to seek new opportunities in the West
• What was the significance of the Oregon Trail?

  It was a major route for settlers moving west
• How did the perception of the West change from 1840 onwards?

  It became seen as a land of opportunity for settlers
• What was the role of advertisements in westward migration?

  They promoted the West as an appealing place to live
• What were the consequences of the California Gold Rush?

  It led to a significant influx of settlers and economic growth
• What was the significance of the relationship between white Americans and Native Americans during this period?

  It evolved from trade and cooperation to conflict over land
• How did the geography of the Great Plains affect settlement patterns?

  Its vastness and lack of resources made it less attractive for settlement
• What was the impact of the Preemption Act on land ownership?

  It made land ownership more accessible for individual farmers
• What were the main challenges faced by overlanders on their journey?

  Long distances, difficult terrain, and limited supplies
• What was the significance of the relationship between the Plains Indians and white traders?

  It was initially cooperative but later grew tension
• What was the role of the buffalo in the lives of the Plains Indians?

  It was a primary source of food and materials
• What was the significance of the sacred sites for the Plains Indians?

  They represented important cultural and spiritual beliefs
• How did the arrival of white settlers impact the Plains Indians?

  It led to conflicts over land and resources