Westward Expansion and Its Impacts

The Wild West era in 19th century North America was marked by rapid expansion driven by the Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad. This period saw settlers moving westward, facing challenges like harsh weather and conflicts with indigenous communities. The expansion transformed the environment and led to the growth of towns, necessitating new forms of law and order, often enforced by vigilante groups.

What was a major factor driving the expansion towards western territories in the 19th century?

• Government policies encouraging settlement

• The invention of the automobile

• The end of the Civil War

• The discovery of gold

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 offer to citizens?

• Free transportation to the West

• Tax exemptions

• Free land if they improved it for five years

• Free education

What was a significant challenge faced by families moving west under the Homestead Act?

• Lack of educational facilities

• Harsh weather conditions

• Lack of water resources

• High taxes

How did the Transcontinental Railroad impact travel across the United States?

• It made travel faster and safer

• It increased travel time

• It restricted travel to certain areas

• It made travel more expensive

What was one of the consequences of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Decline in population

• Isolation of the West

• Growth of towns along the railway

• Decrease in trade

What was a common result of settlers moving into new lands?

• Immediate prosperity for all settlers

• No significant environmental impact

• Conflicts with indigenous communities

• Peaceful coexistence with indigenous communities

What environmental changes occurred due to westward expansion?

• Reforestation

• Rivers were diverted

• Increase in wildlife

• Expansion of deserts

What was a common feature of rapidly growing frontier towns?

• Established police forces

• Community-led justice

• Strict government control

• Lack of economic opportunities

What often attracted people to boom towns in the Wild West?

• Government jobs

• Abundant natural resources

• Opportunities in mining, railroads, and cattle trading

• Free housing

How did some communities maintain order in the absence of formal law enforcement?

• By hiring private security

• Through vigilante groups

• By relying on federal troops

• By establishing local governments