American Expansion and Its Impact

Front

The belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, justifying westward expansion and creating conflict with Native Americans.

Back

Manifest Destiny

Front

Aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing communal tribal lands into individual plots, resulting in significant loss of Native lands and cultural disintegration.

Back

Dawes Act (1887)

Front

Confined Native Americans to specific areas, disrupting traditional lifestyles.

Back

Reservation System

Front

Provided 160 acres of land to settlers, increasing westward migration but leading to Native American displacement.

Back

Homestead Act (1862)

Front

Enabled faster transportation of goods and people, connecting western farmers to national markets. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was pivotal.

Back

Railroad Expansion

Front

Ended the open range system, resolving land disputes between ranchers and farmers.

Back

Barbed Wire

Front

Provided water for farming in arid regions, supporting agricultural development.

Back

Windmills

Front

Enabled farmers to cultivate tough prairie soil.

Back

Steel Plows

Front

Chinese immigrants played a significant role in constructing railroads, often under harsh conditions.

Back

Labor Contributions

Front

Farmers faced falling crop prices due to overproduction and high railroad fees for transportation.

Back

Economic Struggles