Opportunities in the American West (2.2 PA 1: The American West)

How did the completion of the railroads to the West after the Civil War impact settlement and economic development in the region?

• It led to the decline of the cattle industry.

• It opened up vast areas for settlement and economic development.

• It caused a decrease in immigration to the West.

• It resulted in the preservation of the American bison herds.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Analyze the reasons why African-American settlers moved to the West from the Deep South after the Civil War.

• They were seeking to escape the harsh winters of the South.

• They were convinced by promoters of all-black Western towns that prosperity and equality could be found there.

• They wanted to join the Native American tribes.

• They were looking for opportunities to work on the railroads.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What was one significant effect of the influx of Chinese workers to the American West?

• They primarily worked as farmers.

• They contributed to the diversity of the region's population.

• They led to the decline of the mining industry.

• They were the main reason for the construction of new schools.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the impact of commercial hunting and slaughter on the American bison herds and Native American resistance.

• It led to the increase of bison populations.

• It had no significant impact on Native American resistance.

• It virtually wiped out the bison herds and broke the resistance of the Native Americans.

• It resulted in the creation of bison reserves.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What role did the railroad play in the rise of the cattle industry in the American West?

• It provided a practical means for transporting cattle to markets.

• It led to the decline of cattle ranching.

• It caused a decrease in cattle prices.

• It had no impact on the cattle industry.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Explain how the transformation of the Great Plains by settlers from the East affected the natural environment.

• It led to the preservation of natural grasses.

• It resulted in the planting of wheat and other crops, replacing natural grasses.

• It caused an increase in the population of American bison.

• It had no impact on the natural environment.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Identify the primary economic activities that attracted settlers to the American West after the Civil War.

• Fishing and textile manufacturing.

• Mining, farming, and ranching.

• Banking and finance.

• Shipbuilding and trade.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Discuss the significance of the "Wild West" as a land of opportunities and legend.

• It was known for its advanced technological innovations.

• It was viewed as a place where people could find prosperity and create new lives.

• It was primarily a region of political stability and peace.

• It was famous for its educational institutions.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What was one of the main reasons for the decline of the American bison herds in the Great Plains?

• Natural disasters.

• Commercial hunting and slaughter.

• Disease outbreaks.

• Overgrazing by sheep.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Assess the role of promoters in encouraging African-American migration to the West.

• They discouraged African-Americans from moving to the West.

• They played a key role in convincing African-Americans that the West offered opportunities for prosperity and equality.

• They focused on promoting European immigration instead.

• They had no influence on African-American migration.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking