American Pageant Chapter 26 APUSH Review

Summary

This video delves into the settlement and development of the Trans-Mississippi West from 1865 to 1896, focusing on the challenges faced by farmers, miners, and ranchers. It examines the impact of government policies like the Homestead Act and Pacific Railroad Act, the boom-and-bust cycle in industries like mining and cattle ranching, and the conflicts with Native Americans. The video also explores the rise of farmers' movements, such as the Grange and Populist Party, as well as labor struggles and the closing of the frontier, providing a comprehensive view of this transformative period in American history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The federal government actively promoted westward expansion, especially through the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided free or cheap land to settlers willing to farm it for five years.
• 😀 Mining booms, such as the California Gold Rush, drew people to the West, with towns growing rapidly and attracting a diverse, multicultural population, including many Chinese immigrants.
• 😀 The cattle industry grew significantly, but faced its own boom-and-bust cycle, with challenges like harsh winters, overgrazing, and land disputes with farmers.
• 😀 The American West is often romanticized in literature and dime novels, but the reality was difficult, with isolation, harsh conditions, and conflicts with Native Americans.
• 😀 The West was a melting pot of cultures, with significant immigrant communities, especially Chinese laborers who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad.
• 😀 Native American life on the Great Plains was severely impacted by westward expansion, as settlers and the U.S. government encroached on their lands, leading to violent conflict and the near-extinction of bison.
• 😀 The Indian Wars, including infamous events like the Battle of Little Bighorn and the massacre at Wounded Knee, marked the violent end of Native American resistance to expansion.
• 😀 Religion and women's rights played significant roles in the West, with the Mormons seeking refuge and states like Wyoming granting women the right to vote earlier than other regions.
• 😀 The Populist Party emerged in response to farmers' economic struggles, advocating for government regulation of the railroads, the free coinage of silver, and direct election of senators.
• 😀 By the 1890s, with the closing of the frontier, Americans began focusing on overseas expansion, particularly in Cuba and the Philippines, marking a shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the Homestead Act of 1862?

The primary goal of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to encourage the settlement of the western United States by offering up to 160 acres of public land to individuals who lived on and improved the land for five years.

What challenges did settlers face under the Homestead Act?

Settlers faced challenges such as poor land quality, high costs for farming equipment, unpredictable weather conditions, fraud by speculators, and fluctuating crop prices, which made farming difficult and often unprofitable.

How did the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 support westward expansion?

The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorized the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and provided financial support and land subsidies to railroad companies, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the western United States.

What was the impact of the mining industry on the western economy and environment?

The mining industry caused significant environmental damage, especially through hydraulic mining, and contributed to the boom and bust economic cycle. Mining towns rapidly emerged, attracting a diverse workforce, including many immigrants, but also leading to conflicts with Native Americans over land.

How did the cattle industry contribute to the economic development of the American West?

The cattle industry flourished due to the vast open land, with cattlemen transporting cattle to Eastern markets via the railroad. However, it also experienced boom and bust cycles due to factors like harsh winters, overgrazing, and competition with farmers who began fencing land with barbed wire.

What was the myth versus reality of life in the American West?

The myth of the American West, often portrayed in literature and media, romanticized cowboys and frontier life. In reality, life in the West was often harsh, lonely, and challenging, with significant struggles for both settlers and Native Americans.

How did different immigrant groups contribute to the development of the West?

The American West became a melting pot with immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Europe. Chinese immigrants, in particular, played a key role in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, while Mexican and African-American cowboys contributed significantly to the cattle industry.

What was the significance of the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890?

The Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890 marked the tragic end of the major Native American frontier wars. The U.S. Army massacred over 200 Sioux, many of whom were women and children, and it symbolized the violent culmination of decades of conflict and displacement of Native Americans.

What were the goals of the Populist Party in the late 19th century?

The Populist Party sought to address the economic struggles of farmers and working-class Americans. Their goals included the free coinage of silver, government ownership of railroads, a graduated income tax, and political reforms like the direct election of senators.

What was the impact of the Grange and Farmers' Alliance movements?

The Grange and Farmers' Alliance movements were early efforts by farmers to organize against economic hardships. They lobbied for reforms such as government regulation of railroads, better working conditions, and addressing the exploitation by large businesses, ultimately paving the way for the Populist Party.