Conflict and Tension

• What motivated settlers to use the Oregon Trail?


  They sought land for farming and new opportunities
• What did settlers threaten for Indigenous peoples?


  They threatened the food supply, particularly buffalo
• How did settlers cause buffalo stampedes?


  Migrants scared buffalo, leading to dangerous stampedes
• Why did settlers fear Indigenous tribes?


  Settlers feared raids and conflicts for land and resources
• What did the Fort Laramie Treaty aim to address?


  It aimed to reduce tensions between settlers and tribes
• What was a major problem with the Fort Laramie Treaty?


  Not all tribes agreed, leading to individual decisions
• What did the US government pledge in the treaty?


  To protect Indigenous peoples from settlers and pay annuities
• What indicated the lawlessness in early towns?


  Problems with theft, violence and ineffective enforcement
• What led to increased lawlessness in the American West?


  Lack of law enforcement and rapid population growth