Lesson 2 Questions
By Sophia Sload
Why did the California Gold Rush and the discovery of the Comstock Lode bring settlers west?
Many were inspired to move or settle in the western regions of the US because of the Gold Rush and the Comstock Lode. They mainly looked to settle in California to search for gold and Nevada for silver. These men and woman were looking to get rich. When people heard about the discovery of these valuable metal they felt hopeful and inspired. If they were poor they could become rich. Many moved because of this.
Three Battles of Indian War
- Battle of Little Bighorn: This was a battle between the US army and the Sioux Indian Tribe. The US general was named Custer and the Sioux leader was named Crazy Horse. They were fighting because the Sioux were going on raids. The Native Americans won and killed Custer and his men.
- Battle of Wounded Knee: This was also between the US army and Sioux tribe. The government killed Sioux's leader Sitting Bull. The the army opened fire on many unarmed Native Americans killing 150.
- The Sioux Wars: These war lasted from 1854-90. They occurred when settlers tried to move into the tribes territory. They fought off these settlers with the Sioux leaders Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.
How did the Dawes Act attempt to Americanize Indians?
During this time the Indian tribal culture was abolished. Also their reserves were split up into land for each individual or family. They made these changes because this is how most Americans lived at this time. They wanted the Native Americans to be more like the mainstream white population. The Dawes Act was passed in 1887.
Helen Hunt Jackson's "Centery of Dishonor"
Helen Hunt Jackson wrote the book Centery of Dishonor to bring awareness to the bad treatment Native Americans received. Here are some of her main points:
- The mistreatment of some of the tribes (Delaware, Cheyenne, Sioux, Nez Perce, Ponca, Winnebago and Cherokee)
- The many promises the US government made to the tribes. They did not follow through on many and broke treaties.
- The forced removal of several of the tribes. They took them off their home lands or reserves and put them on land unsuitable for their way of life. Jackson wanted to make people aware of these terrible things many did to the Native Americans.
Citations
- "Indian War Time Table." Www.ushistory.com. Google, 2 Jan. 2016. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.
- Linde, Sharon. "A Century of Dishonor." Study.com. 1 Mar. 2003. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.