Unit 2: Settling the West Pt. 1

Categorize

Options (4)

How mining discoveries and methods transformed the west and led to the rise & fall of boomtowns

How mining and ranching encouraged western settment, including the growth of railroads & farming

Growth of the cattle industry, including the role of the open range and cowboy culture

Why ranching shifted from open range practices to large scale, fenced farming

Based on the "Learning Targets" slide, match the correct description to the right descriptor.

Explain

Analyze

Describe

Evaluate

Open Ended

Brainstorm: In what ways do you think ranching or mining might have changed the lives of people living in the West during the late 1800s?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was NOT a tool used by early prospectors in placer mining?

• Picks

• Pans

• Shovels

• Dynamite

Open Ended

Explain how the discovery of minerals in Nevada led to the rise and fall of boomtowns. (Hint: Focus on the flow chart on the attached image)

Multiple Choice

How did mining discoveries and new methods impact the development of the American West?

• They led to the rise and fall of boomtowns and transformed the region.

• They caused the immediate decline of western settlements.

• They had no significant effect on the West.

• They only benefited eastern cities.

Multiple Select

Select all that apply: Which of the following best explains how mining discoveries transformed the West during the period of western settlement?

• They led to the rise and fall of boomtowns.

• They caused the immediate decline of farming and ranching in the West.

• They discouraged the building of railroads and new states.

• Encouraging rapid settlement of the west.

• Encouraging rapid economic growth of western territories.

Multiple Choice

Which factor best explains why cattle ranching expanded rapidly after the Civil War?

• Demand for beef in the East and railroad transport made ranching profitable.

• Cowboys wanted to preserve open range traditions.

• Farmers abandoned crops and became ranchers.

• Mining companies financed cattle drives to feed workers.

Multiple Choice

What was the purpose of the Chisholm Trail?

• To move settlers into Oklahoma.

• To drive cattle from Texas to Kansas markets.

• To transport silver and gold from Colorado.

• To connect California to Nevada.

Multiple Choice

Why did cowboy culture become such a powerful part of the “myth of the West”?

• Cowboys wrote the earliest western history books, glorifying themselves.

• Cowboys exaggerated their experiences into stories that shaped popular culture.

• Cowboys were elected into state governments in western territories.

• Cowboys lived longer than most miners or farmers.

Multiple Choice

What combination of factors led to the decline of long drives?

• Farmers, miners, and settlers cooperated to block cattle trails.

• Oversupply of cattle, barbed wire fencing, and harsh weather.

• Cowboys lost interest in ranching after the 1870s.

• The government outlawed cattle drives due to Native American complaints.

Multiple Select

Select all that apply: What was the main reason(s) ranchers thought barbed wire was a threat?

• It was expensive to install

• It stopped open grazing

• It attracted rustlers

• It made cattle sick

• prevented herds from roaming