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Homestead Act of 1862 (A)
The government granted land to pioneer settlers as long as they stayed on the land for 5 years. This promoted settlers to go west because of the promise of free land. -
Pacific Railway Acts of 1862-1866 (A)
The government provided money to railroad companies encouraging them to build a transcontinental railroad that would promote western trade. -
Sand Creek Massacre (C)
A group of men from Colorado ganged up and massacred a bunch of the Cheyenne Indians. This violence most likely occurred because of competition over western land. -
Alaska Purchase (A)
The United States purchases the Alaskan territory from Russia. By doing this, the United States obtains more western territory which promotes more westward expansion. -
Battle of Little Big Horn (C)
It was a battle between the Lakota Native Americans and the United States over disputed territory. -
The Battle of Bear Paw Mountain (C)
A battle between the United States and the Native Americans who were lead by the famous Chief Joseph. The battle occurred because the natives were refusing to give up their lands. -
Surrender of Chief Joseph (D)
At the end of the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain, Chief Joseph surrenders to the US army which means that the natives would no longer be fighting for their land (except for a few stray battles). -
Dawes act (D)
The law gave the president the power to take land from the Indians and divide it up how he wanted to. This forced the Native Americans off of their land. -
Battle of Wounded Knee (C)
the final clash between the United States and the Lakota Natives. There were about 15 natives killed during the massacre. -
Ghost Dance Movement
An attempt by native Americans to preserve their culture. The Ghost Dance Movement predicted that American westward expansion would soon end and native land would be returned to the natives.
