American West Settlement and Culture

What did Frederick Jackson Turner argue was a key characteristic of American culture, influenced by the Western frontier?

• Collectivism and strict government control

• Individualism, political democracy, and economic mobility

• Reliance on European traditions and monarchical rule

• Emphasis on communal living and agricultural subsidies

Which statement accurately describes the reality of Western settlement, contrasting with popular myths?

• The West was largely unoccupied and untamed, attracting only restless young men.

• Most Western settlers were individuals seeking fortune, independent of any groups.

• The territory was already home to Native Americans, and many settlers moved as families or immigrant groups.

• Only Easterners and European migrants settled the West, excluding other ethnic groups.

How did railroads primarily contribute to the settlement and profitability of the American West?

• They created the initial desire for people to move West.

• They allowed for the transportation of crops and goods to market and brought necessary supplies to settlers.

• They were solely financed by private companies, without government involvement.

• They primarily served as a means for individual adventurers to explore new territories.

What was a significant outcome of the Dawes Act of 1887 regarding Native American land?

• It protected Native American tribal lands from further encroachment.

• It allotted land to individual Native American families, leading to significant land loss.

• It established new treaties that recognized Native American sovereignty over their territories.

• It encouraged Native Americans to maintain their traditional communal land ownership.

What was the primary goal of the Native American boarding schools established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

• To provide advanced academic education to Native American children.

• To integrate Native American children into white American culture.

• To prepare Native American children for leadership roles within their tribes.

• To offer vocational training for future employment opportunities.

What was a significant factor that led to the decline of open-range ranching in the American West by the mid-1880s?

• A decrease in the demand for beef across the country.

• The widespread adoption of new cattle breeds that required less space.

• Ranchers enclosing land and moving operations closer to railroad stations.

• Increased conflicts with Native American tribes over grazing lands.

What was a major challenge faced by farmers in the Great Plains during the late 19th century?

• Lack of access to modern farming equipment.

• Limited availability of labor for large-scale operations.

• Competition from international markets and the need for extensive irrigation.

• Frequent attacks from wild animals on their crops.

By 1900, what characterized the agricultural industry in California?

• Small, family-owned farms focused on subsistence farming.

• Large commercial farms owned by corporations and reliant on migrant labor.

• Diversified farming practices with a focus on organic produce.

• A decline in agricultural output due to environmental degradation.