Later Developments in the West, c1876–c1895 (Edexcel GCSE History)

The Mormon migration.

The American Civil War.

The Ku Klux Klan's violence in the South.

The Gold Rush.

Increased demand for cattle.

Bankruptcy of many cattle ranchers.

Expansion of cattle ranches.

Increase in cattle rustling.

To protect the pure breeding of cattle.

To protect their cattle from the weather. 

To limit the growth of grass.

To comply with new government laws.

The increased reliance of Indigenous peoples on the US government.

Forcing the assimilation of Indigenous peoples.

The establishment of new reservations.

Expansion of Indigenous hunting grounds.

An increase in buffalo herds.

An increase in the amount of white settlers in the West.

An improvement in the quality of grass on the Plains.

Indigenous peoples were forced to rely on government supplies.

They were given the worst land.

There were hostile Indigenous tribes in Kansas.

There was a conflict between the Exodusters and black settlers.

They spoke a different language.

There were increased taxes for large cattle ranches. By reducing the amount of cattle the ranch had, they avoided paying these taxes.

There was a reduced demand for beef. As such, smaller herds were necessary to make cattle ranching profitable.

Smaller herds of cattle were easier to find and required less water in times of drought. This made them easier to look after in winter or times of drought.

Cattle barons did not want to hire as many cowboys. Smaller herds required fewer cowboys to maintain the cattle.

Offering large amounts of land to Indigenous tribes.

Allowing tribes to govern themselves.

Enforcing English language education and banning native traditions.

Allowing US citizens to adopt traditional Indigenous culture.

Gunfights were common in the American West by 1881. There was a severe problem with lawlessness.

Gunfights did occur in most settlements in the American West, especially on cattle ranches. This can be seen in the Johnson County War in 1881.

Gunfights between vigilante groups and criminals happened, especially over issues such as cattle rustling.

Gunfights were very rare by 1881. The majority of settlements were peaceful. Even in the worst cow towns, most residents felt safe.

Mechanisation was insignificant for the US economy. Homesteaders still struggle to effectively farm on the Plains.

Mechanisation did have some impact on the US economy. More homesteaders created small farms which increased efficiency.

Mechanisation did have some impact on the US economy. The relationship between manufacturers and cattle ranchers boosted the US economy.

Mechanisation had a significant impact on the US economy. Bigger farms needed more industrial products, increasing US industry.