American West Conflict and Tension
History| Paper 1 Questions and
Answers| 2024/2025 Exam| Verified
What led to the conflict between settlers and Native Americans on the Great Plains?
Settlers started moving onto Native lands, building farms and railroads. Native Americans
were pushed off their land, which caused tension and led to violence.
How did the Indian Removal Act of 1830 contribute to tensions?
It forced Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands in the East and move to reservations
in the West, causing resentment and violence.
What were the key causes of the Battle of Little Bighorn?
The US government wanted to force Native Americans onto reservations, but the Sioux and
Cheyenne resisted. Tensions boiled over when General Custer’s army tried to force them off their
land.
How did the Homestead Act of 1862 impact Native American land?
It gave settlers land in the West, which meant more Native American land was taken over for
farming and settlements, causing conflict over territory.
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Why was the Treaty of Fort Laramie significant?
It was supposed to guarantee peace by defining Native American territories and US land, but
the US government didn’t stick to it, leading to broken promises and tensions.
How did the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad affect Native Americans?
It disrupted hunting grounds and forced Native tribes off their land. The railroad also brought
more settlers, increasing tensions.
What role did the Buffalo play in Native American culture and why was it important?
The buffalo was vital for food, clothing, and tools. As settlers killed buffalo to clear land and
for sport, it severely impacted Native American communities, leading to conflict.
Why did the US government implement the policy of assimilation for Native Americans?
They wanted to force Native Americans to adopt Western customs, farming, and education. It
aimed to break down their cultures and control them better, but it caused resentment.
What was the significance of the Battle of Wounded Knee?
It marked the end of Native American resistance to US government control. It was a
massacre of unarmed Sioux, making it a symbol of brutal oppression.
How did the Dawes Act of 1887 affect Native Americans?
It divided Native American land into small plots for farming, hoping to "civilize" them.
Many Native Americans lost land and were forced into poverty.