Understanding Justice in the Wild West

What was a significant challenge in maintaining law and order in the Wild West?

• Low levels of violence

• Limited resources and isolation

• Strong political organization

• Abundance of resources

What was the homicide rate in Dodge City, Kansas, from 1876 to 1885?

• 1 in 100

• 1 in 500

• 1 in 61

• 1 in 200

What was a significant factor that led to the rise of violence in the Wild West after the Civil War?

• The introduction of new laws

• The influx of former soldiers with military skills

• The discovery of oil

• The establishment of new schools

How did vigilantes in the Wild West often justify their brutal actions?

• By saying they were protecting wildlife

• By pointing to the alleged crimes of the accused

• By claiming they were following legal procedures

• By stating they were paid by the government

What was a common method used by vigilantes to deal with accused individuals?

• Immediate execution

• Exile to another town

• Long trials and appeals

• Community service

What was a major consequence of the Pinkerton detectives' actions during their pursuit of Jesse James?

• They were forced to abandon their chase

• They became a government agency

• They gained public support

• They successfully captured Jesse James

What prompted the formation of the first vigilance committee in San Francisco?

• A successful legal system

• A gold rush boom

• A peaceful protest

• A decline in population

What was a key reason for the formation of a second vigilance committee in San Francisco in 1856?

• A successful legal system

• A peaceful protest

• A political power struggle

• A natural disaster

What was a common issue faced by law enforcement officers in the Wild West?

• Consistent high salaries

• Abundance of resources

• Lack of any criminal activity

• Corruption and inconsistent pay

What was a common solution to gun violence in Western towns?

• Implementing strict gun control laws

• Banning all forms of transportation

• Encouraging more gun ownership

• Building more saloons