The West1865-1900

Objective• -explain the causes of westward migration including the

rise of industrialization, concept of Manifest Destiny, perceptions of overcrowding, increased immigration, opportunities for cheap land, and the discovery of gold and silver.

• -Analyze the impact of government settlement policy on migration west such as the Homestead Act of 1862, state land grants acts, and the development of the Transcontinental Railroad.

• -Compare maps of the USA in 1860 to 1900 and explain the impact of western settlement on various groups.

• -Create a class mission statement and goals.

Warm-Up

• What do you know about the West?

United States in 1860

United States in 1900

Directions: Compare and Contrast the two maps and answer the questions below

1. List the changes from the map of 1860 to this map of 1900.

2. In your opinion, what group of people has been most affected by the settlement of the west?

3. Why did the west change so dramatically in just 40 years?

4. With most of the land settled in the USA where will the US look to settle in the next 40 years?

Reasons for Going West Directions: With your partner, brainstorm at least

5 reasons why someone would want to move west during the late 1800s.

Reasons for Going West

Industrialization-faster production and the growth of cities lead some out west where life was slower.

Railroads-provided a quicker way to get out west for people and goods

Improved technology-better farming of dry soil, improved irrigation methods

Manifest destiny-Belief that it is your right to acquire as much land as possible. Expand the US from coast to coast.

American dream-In America you will live well. Out west you can pursue this dream freely

Overcrowding in cities-as more immigrants came in and more people moved to the cities for factory jobs some decided to take up life out on the open plains.

Immigration-immigrants were chasing the American Dream out west or fleeing cities when they could not find work or did not like the conditions of city life

Cheap land-Land out west could be bought for pennies. The Homestead Act provided free land for those who would live on it and make improvements.

Discovery of gold and silver-The desire to get rich quick and the belief that the West was full of riches

The Western Frontier

Write a brief description of each photo and explain how that person/group contributed to life out West.

Description A question you have about the photo

Homesteaders-White middle-class businesspeople or farmers

from the Mississippi Valley moved west. -They could afford money for supplies and transportation.-European settles were lured by economic opportunity, they came from Scandinavia, Ireland, Russia, and Germany.-They brought their farming experience with them.-Many participated in “Land Rushes” to gain land

European settlers• Lured by economic opportunity, they came

from Scandinavia, Ireland, Russia, and Germany.

• They brought their farming experience with them.

African American settlers

• Benjamin Singleton urged his own people to build communities.

• Some fled the violent South.

• Rumors of land in Kansas brought 15,000 Exodusters who also settled in Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois.

The Mountain Men

• Primarily fur trappers and traders who traveled across the western plains hunting animals and trading their skins.

• Buffalo, Foxes, Eagles all were hunted for sale.

• These men also offered their services as surveyors for the in-coming railroads.

The Cattle Boom

Growing populations in the East needed food. The age of the cattle drive had arrived. Cowboys drove the cattle to towns with railroads to be shipped to meatpacking centers such as Chicago. One of the most famous cattle trails was the Chisholm Trail.

Origins of ranching

The Spanish were the first ranchers in the West, raising cattle under dry and difficult conditions. They bred the hardy Texas longhorn and started sheep ranching. Grazing lands were needed for both.

Demand for beef

Joseph Glidden invented barbed wire, allowing ranchers to enclose grazing lands. Privately owned ranches spread quickly, and investors transformed the cattle business into big business. Two years of severe winters brought huge losses to the industry.

Ranching as big

business

Striking Gold and Silver

• Discovering gold and silver– After the California gold rush, Colorado was next.

Most who went there were disappointed, but the silver in the Comstock Lode in Nevada lasted for more than 20 years.

• The Klondike gold rush – The Yukon Territory was the site of a huge gold rush,

but getting there was treacherous. Canadians required miners to bring a year’s worth of supplies with them, and that was a difficult task. Reports of “gold for the taking” were false.

• Mining camps and towns– Thousands of men poured into mining areas. Camps

were hastily built and had no law enforcement. Vigilante justice was used to combat theft and violence.

• Camps become towns– Some camps developed into towns, with hastily

constructed buildings of stores and saloons. – As towns developed, women and children came to

join the men, making the towns more respectable. Townspeople established churches, newspapers, and schools.

•

Chinese settlers

-Initially came for the gold rush or to build railroads

-They turned to farming, especially in California, establishing the fruit industry there.

-Most Chinese were farm laborers because they were not allowed to own land.

!!!!!!!!Wait!!!!!!!• What is missing? • What group have we not seen yet?

• Discuss with a partner

3-2-1

• List 3 new ideas that you have learned• List 2 questions you have• List 1 thing you would like to learn more

about.

1. Add up the necessities to

for the 6 month journey

across the plains.

2. BCR:

Knowing the high cost and

the risks involved why would people want to make this journey? Explain using examples and

details.