The early settlement of the west (1835-1862)

• What is the geographical area referred to as the American West?

  Two thirds of the USA west of the Mississippi River
• How did white Americans initially view the Great Plains?

  As "The Great American Desert"
• Who were the Plains Indians?

  Native Americans living on the Plains
• What were the climatic conditions of the Great Plains?

  Very hot summers and very cold winters
• How did Plains Indians survive on the Great Plains?

  By hunting buffalo and migrating
• What skills and lifestyle characterized the Plains Indians?

  • Amazing horse-riding and archery skills
  • Nomadic lifestyle
  • Deep respect for animals and nature
• What type of dwelling did Plains Indians use for travel?

  Tipis
• What was the purpose of the travois for Plains Indians?

  To carry belongings around
• What type of shelter did Plains Indians build in winter?

  Timber lodges
• Why were horses important to the Plains Indians?

  For hunting, fighting, and traveling
• What did Plains Indians do to acquire horses?

  They raided rival tribes or settlers
• How did Plains Indians utilize the buffalo?

  • Ate the meat
  • Used the hide for clothes and tipi covers
  • Made soap from the fat
  • Used dung for fuel
• What were the key features of Plains Indian society regarding women?

  • Women were respected
  • They could handle products from the land
  • Men could have the same rights
• What were Plains Indians' beliefs about land and property?

  • Land was viewed as sacred
  • Disrespectful to buy or sell land
  • Some land belonged to families or tribes
  • Sharing land with other tribes was common
• What were Plains Indians' beliefs about nature and animals?

  • Deep respect for nature
  • Believed in contacting the spirit world
  • Guided by spirit animals during quests
• What was the purpose of raids among Plains Indian tribes?

  • To acquire food, horses, weapons, and people
  • Raids were planned for likely success
  • Raiders would retreat if things looked bad
• What is a counting coup in Plains Indian culture?

  A type of fighting to touch the enemy
• What qualities did a warrior need to successfully perform a counting coup?

  Skill and bravery
• What were the large groups called that Plains Indians lived in?

  Tribes
• Who led the Plains Indian society?

  Chiefs
• Why were Chiefs chosen in Plains Indian society?

  For their wisdom and skill
• What was crucial for the survival of the Plains Indians?

  The buffalo
• What did Plains Indians believe about nature?

  Everything in nature had a spirit
• What type of lifestyle did Plains Indians lead?

  Nomadic lifestyle
• What type of structures did Plains Indians live in?

  Tipis
• What did the US government recognize about Indian Americans?

  They had some rights to land
• What was the US government's view on how Indians used their land?

  Indians didn't make the most of it
• What was the first approach of the US government towards the "Indian problem"?


  Keep white settlers and Plains Indians apart
• What act was signed by President Andrew Jackson in 1830?

  Indian Removal Act
• What did the Indian Removal Act entail?


  46,000 Indians moved west of the Mississippi
• What promise did Jackson make regarding the land?

  They would never have to give it up
• What was established in 1834 regarding Indian lands?


  Permanent Indian Frontier
• What was the purpose of the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act?

  To create a border between Indian lands and states
• What was banned by the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act?

  Whites settling on Indian lands
• What did the Indian Appropriations Act of 1851 provide?

  Money to help Indians move onto reservations
• What did the government hope Plains Indians would do on reservations?

  Take up farming
• What significant land acquisition occurred in the 1840s?

  America gained more land in the West
• What territory did the US gain control of in 1846?

  Oregon Country
• What state joined the United States in 1845?

  Texas
• How did the Indian Territory's location change due to westward expansion?

  It became central in the USA