Moving West– Study Guide I
TREELESS WASTELAND
VAST AREA TO BE SETTLED
Reasons for Westward Expansion:
Free land given by the
Homestead Act – 160 acres.
The Physical Features and
Climate of the Great Plains:
Flatlands gently rising from
east to west.
Adventure for ranchers,
farmers, cowboys.
Transcontinental Railroad
made is easier, safer and faster
Low rainfall.
Gold and silver were among the more
popular natural resources sought after
by settlers
Land erosion by wind and
water.
Groups of people escaped from
discrimination and segregation in
search for a fresh start.
Frequent dust storms.
Barbed Wire
Windmills
Steel
Plow
Sod Houses
Wheat
Farming
Dry
Farming
Reaper
Railroads
Beef Cattle
Ranching