Why did open range ranching end by 1895?
There are several reasons that explain why open range ranching had
come to an end by 1895. These reasons all work together and combine to
mean that open range ranching was no longer necessary or desirable by
1895.
One of the key reasons why the open range came to an end by 1895 was
because the prices of cattle had fallen due to a lack of demand for beef.
The Beef bonanza which had been as a result of the demand for beef
from the Plains had come to an end. This meant that there was less
profit to be made so cattle barons and ranchers were less interested in
having herds of cattle. The prices were also falling because there was an
over supply of Cattle. This last point is linked to the problem that the
Plains grass could not sustain the number of cattle living on it. This
meant that the meat was not as good quality and also lost value.
Another reason why the open range came to an end is because the severe
winter of 1886 – 87 killed lots of cattle and cowboys. This coincided with
the decrease in value of the cattle, so the cattle barons didn’t bother to
replace their stocks and in the long term it is likely that they would have
lost even more money. They lost thousands of dollars as a result of the
severe winter, and this was not something that they were prepared to do
again.
In 1874, the invention of barbed wire and the wind pump meant that
there was no need for the open range. The invention of barbed wire
meant that the cows could be kept in one place and the invention of the
wind pump meant that water could be drawn from underground so the
cattle did not need to be moved for water either. Smaller ranches were
much better because cowboys could concentrate on managing the cattle
more intensely and so the open range was not practical in comparison.
Over all, I believe the most important reason why the open range ended is
because it stopped making the cattle barons money. This meant that
there was no incentive for them to expand it or help it to recover after
the severe winter of 1886-7. Also, the fact that there was no need for
the open range due to barbed wire and the wind pump, it was no longer
practical.
How many marks would you give this answer and why?
Number of marks = /12
Reason_________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Level 1 – 1 – 2 marks, answer describes general points, single factors or
Simple statements of knowledge
Level 2 – 3 – 6 marks, answer that talks about several factors, but no
Real detail or explanation
OR one factor is explained in depth and thinks about the
Importance of one factor.
Level 3 – 7 – 10 marks, answer explains several factors related to the
Question giving specific examples and details from own
knowledge or providing links between factors
Level 4 – 11 – 12 marks, same as level 3 but with a detailed conclusion
that clearly evaluates the importance of each factor or
summarises the importance of the factors involved.