All Flashcards
What is the Homestead Act?
A government act offering free land in the West as an incentive to settlers.
What was the Concentration Policy?
Government policy in 1851 defining specific reservation boundaries for each Native American tribe.
What is the Ghost Dance movement?
A Native American religious movement promising a return to the old ways and the disappearance of white settlers.
What is the Dawes Act?
Also known as the General Allotment Act, this law aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments.
What is the significance of Munn v. Illinois?
A Supreme Court case that established states' power to regulate commerce within their borders.
What is the Interstate Commerce Act?
The first federal law aimed at regulating industry, especially railroads.
Define Assimilation.
The process of forcing Native Americans to adopt white American culture.
What were Bonanza Farms?
Large farms that small farmers struggled to compete with.
What was the Indian Intercourse Act of 1834?
Act that restricted white access to the West, which was considered "Indian Country."
What is meant by "closing of the frontier"?
The US Census Bureau declared the American frontier closed in 1890, marking the end of westward expansion.
Who was Chief Black Kettle?
Cheyenne chief who attempted to signal peace at Sand Creek but was attacked.
Who was George Armstrong Custer?
Lieutenant Colonel who underestimated the size of the Sioux force at Little Bighorn and was killed.
Who was Colonel John Chivington?
Led the Colorado military in the brutal attack at Sand Creek.
Compare Sand Creek and Wounded Knee.
Both were massacres of Native Americans, but Sand Creek (1864) was a surprise attack on a peaceful camp, while Wounded Knee (1890) occurred during the attempt to disarm Native Americans practicing the Ghost Dance.
Compare Grange Movements and Farmers' Alliances.
Both were farmer organizations aimed at addressing economic challenges, but Farmers' Alliances were larger and more politically active than the Grange.