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The Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was when the French and the United States. The United States bought Louisiana from the French. -
The California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was when there was gold first discovered. It was discovered in California by James W. Marshall. People moved way out west to "strike it rich" and find gold. Though gold was extremely rare to find. -
The Homestead Act of 1862
The Homestead Act was when the government gave 160 acres of land for very cheap prices. The Homestead Act failed though. Because most people living there lacked experience and the weather was awful. -
The Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad was used for fast/safe travel and moving large amounts of items back and forth. When they completed the railroad, they used a golden spike. They used the golden spike to ceremonially drive the last spike in. Funny enough, people came to steal the spike, so they changed the spike and put it in a museum. -
The Invention of Barbed Wire
Barbed wire was used to keep cattle out of farms so their crops wouldn't be ruined. They also used this to keep cowboys and their horses out as well. This invention changed everything for farmers. -
The Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of Little Bighorn was a huge battle for the Indians. It was such a bad loss, even all of the troops the Indians fought died. The battle happened because George Custer wanted to take the gold from the Black Hills that was discovered. There was a treaty that promised the Black Hills would be left alone. They broke that treaty, but the name of that treaty was "The Fort Laramie Treaty". -
The Dawes Act
The Dawes act was when the government had control of the Indian land. They broke up Indian tribal lands and sold it. Only some Native Americans from the tribes were assimilated into US society from there on. Their culture was completely obliterated. -
The Tragedy of the Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre was when Women, children, and men all died a tragic death. They all surrendered, but an accidental gunshot went off and all of the US. Soldiers killed the surrendered Indians. They killed nearly 300 people. There was 250 men killed and 47 women and children slaughtered.