Year 10 History: The American West (c1835–c1895) Settlement of the West and the Resulting Conflicts

Introduction

The American West is a fascinating period in history, covering the years from about 1835 to 1895. During this time, many people moved westward across the United States. This journey was not easy, and it led to many conflicts, especially with Native Americans who had lived on the land for thousands of years. Let’s explore this topic step-by-step!

The Settlement of the West

Why Move West?

People moved west for several reasons:

1. Opportunity: Many were looking for land and a chance to start fresh. The promise of fertile land for farming attracted many settlers.
2. Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in places like California in 1848 drew thousands of people hoping to get rich quickly.
3. Adventure: Some settlers were simply seeking adventure and new experiences.

How Did They Travel?

Traveling to the West was challenging. Settlers used:

• Covered Wagons: These were large wagons that could carry families and supplies.
• The Oregon Trail: This was a major route that many settlers used, stretching over 2,000 miles.

Life in the West

Once settlers arrived, they faced many challenges:

• Building Homes: Many built homes out of sod (grass and soil) or used timber from trees.
• Farming: Settlers learned to farm new crops, but they faced difficulties like drought and pests.

Conflicts in the West

Who Were the Native Americans?

Before settlers arrived, Native American tribes lived in the West. They had their own cultures, languages, and ways of life.

What Happened?

As settlers moved in, conflicts arose:

1. Land Disputes: Settlers wanted the land for farming, but Native Americans depended on it for hunting and living.
2. Treaties Broken: The U.S. government made treaties with Native Americans promising them land, but these were often ignored.

Major Conflicts

Some significant conflicts included:

• The Sand Creek Massacre (1864): A surprise attack by U.S. soldiers on a peaceful Cheyenne village.
• The Battle of Little Bighorn (1876): A famous battle where Lakota warriors defeated General Custer’s troops.

Key Rules, Tips, and Tricks

• Remember Key Dates: The Gold Rush began in 1848, and many significant conflicts happened in the 1860s and 1870s.
• Use Visuals: Maps can help you understand the routes settlers took and where conflicts occurred.
• Think About Perspectives: Consider the viewpoints of both settlers and Native Americans to get a fuller picture of events.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. What years does the American West period cover?
2. Name one reason why people moved west.
3. What was the Oregon Trail?
4. What type of wagons did settlers use?
5. Name one challenge settlers faced when they arrived in the West.
6. Who lived in the West before settlers arrived?
7. What was the Gold Rush?
8. What did settlers build their homes from?
9. Why did Native Americans depend on the land?
10. What happened at the Sand Creek Massacre?
11. Who was General Custer?
12. What was one effect of the arrival of settlers on Native Americans?
13. Name a crop that settlers farmed.
14. What is a treaty?
15. Why did settlers want land?
16. What was one way Native Americans resisted settlers?
17. What did settlers hope to find in California?
18. What is the significance of the year 1848?
19. How long was the Oregon Trail?
20. What did settlers use for supplies during their journey?

Medium Level Questions

1. Describe the impact of the Gold Rush on westward migration.
2. Explain the significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn.
3. How did the U.S. government’s policies affect Native Americans?
4. What were some of the cultural differences between settlers and Native Americans?
5. Discuss one reason why conflicts arose between settlers and Native Americans.
6. What role did railroads play in the settlement of the West?
7. How did pioneers typically travel to the West?
8. What were some of the environmental challenges settlers faced?
9. Describe the living conditions for settlers in the West.
10. How did Native American tribes resist westward expansion?
11. Who was Chief Sitting Bull, and why was he significant?
12. What was the Dawes Act, and what did it aim to achieve?
13. Discuss one major treaty between the U.S. government and Native Americans.
14. What was the impact of the American Civil War on westward expansion?
15. How did the myths around the West influence people’s perceptions?
16. What are some examples of how settlers adapted to their new environment?
17. How did the discovery of gold change towns in the West?
18. Explain the term ‘Manifest Destiny’.
19. What role did women play in the settlement of the West?
20. How did the U.S. military play a role in conflicts during this period?

Hard Level Questions

1. Analyze the long-term effects of the Sand Creek Massacre on Native American tribes.
2. Compare and contrast the experiences of different Native American tribes during westward expansion.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s policies towards Native Americans during this period.
4. How did the concept of ‘Manifest Destiny’ contribute to the conflicts in the West?
5. Discuss the role of the railroads in the transformation of the American West.
6. How did the experiences of women in the West differ from those in the East?
7. Assess the significance of the Treaty of Fort Laramie.
8. Examine the reasons behind the failure of many treaties made with Native Americans.
9. What was the Ghost Dance movement, and why was it important?
10. Discuss the impact of westward expansion on Native American cultural practices.
11. How did the discovery of new resources affect the relationships between settlers and Native Americans?
12. In what ways did the U.S. government justify its actions towards Native Americans?
13. Analyze the role of Native American leaders in the resistance against settlers.
14. How did settlers’ perceptions of Native Americans shape their policies?
15. What were the effects of the Homestead Act on westward migration?
16. Describe how conflicts in the West were portrayed in contemporary media.
17. Compare the motivations of settlers and Native Americans during this period.
18. How did the events of this period shape modern American society?
19. Discuss the legacy of the American West in contemporary American culture.
20. Analyze the economic factors that motivated settlers to move westward.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. 1835 to 1895
2. Opportunity for land
3. A major route for settlers moving west
4. Covered wagons
5. Building homes, farming
6. Native American tribes
7. A mass movement of people seeking gold
8. Sod or timber
9. For hunting and living
10. A surprise attack on a Cheyenne village
11. A general in the U.S. Army
12. Loss of land and resources
13. Wheat or corn
14. An agreement between two parties
15. For farming and living
16. By fighting back or negotiating
17. Gold
18. The start of the Gold Rush
19. About 2,000 miles
20. They needed food, tools, and supplies.

Medium Level Answers

1. It increased the number of people moving to the West seeking fortune.
2. It was a significant battle where Native Americans defeated U.S. troops, highlighting resistance.
3. Policies often led to loss of land and culture for Native Americans.
4. Settlers wanted land for farming, while Native Americans had spiritual connections to the land.
5. Competition for land and resources.
6. Railroads made it easier to travel and transport goods.
7. They traveled in covered wagons or on horseback.
8. Drought, harsh winters, and pests.
9. They were often tough and lacked basic amenities.
10. Through armed resistance and forming alliances.
11. A leader of the Lakota Sioux and key figure in resisting U.S. expansion.
12. It aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society.
13. The Treaty of Fort Laramie promised peace but was often violated.
14. It accelerated settlement and land claims in the West.
15. Myths created a romanticised view of the West as a place of adventure and opportunity.
16. They learned new farming techniques or adapted to local conditions.
17. Towns sprang up rapidly, often becoming boomtowns.
18. It justified expansion and the belief that Americans were destined to spread across the continent.
19. They managed farms, ran schools, and contributed to community life.
20. The military enforced treaties and often engaged in conflicts.

Hard Level Answers

1. It led to distrust and further violence against Native Americans.
2. Different tribes faced unique challenges; some resisted more strongly than others.
3. Many policies were ineffective, leading to further conflict and displacement.
4. It provided a moral justification for expansion and conflict.
5. Railroads connected the East to the West and facilitated trade and migration.
6. Women often took on roles in farming and community building, unlike traditional roles in the East.
7. It aimed to limit Native American land and promote settlement.
8. Many treaties were ignored or altered by the government.
9. It was a spiritual movement aimed at restoring Native American culture and resisting oppression.
10. Many cultural practices were suppressed or altered due to settlement.
11. Resources like gold and silver led to more settlers and conflicts over land.
12. By claiming the land was ’empty’ or ‘uncivilized’.
13. Leaders like Sitting Bull played crucial roles in organizing resistance.
14. These perceptions often justified violent actions against Native Americans.
15. It encouraged many to settle and farm land for a small fee.
16. Conflicts were often sensationalised, leading to misconceptions about Native Americans.
17. Settlers wanted land for farming, while Native Americans sought to protect their way of life.
18. Many societal values and beliefs about land ownership stem from this period.
19. The American West is often romanticised in films and literature.
20. Economic factors included land availability and the promise of wealth from resources.

Feel free to ask any questions if you need further clarification on any aspect of the American West!