The Buffalo and the Life of the Plains

Before settlers arrived, life on the Great Plains centered around the Buffalo. They were used by the tribes for Clothing,Food, and making their homes. Now comes horses, it makes hunting and traveling easier for the tribes. Decisions were made by the leaders of the tribe, advised by a council to keep peace and order. That way the conflict over land and resources would be resolved quickly and fairly. The way of life was protected by treaties like the 1868 Laramie Treaty.

Sitting Bull: The Great leader

Sitting Bull was an amazing leader who earned great respect from his people, becoming the Chief of the Lakota Nation. He was brave and a born warrior. Bull joined his first war party at 14 years of age, known as a powerful person. The U.S government violated the treaties. Sitting Bull urged his people to refuse to give up their land. He led the warriors and the Cheyenne in a fierce war for their territory. That had led to their victory in the end. He fought for their freedom and their homes.

Wounded Knee

After years of broken treaties, the Lakota people had turned to the Ghost dance, a ritual that promised to help them get their land back. American soldiers had become fearful of this dance, as they saw it as an act for war. All of this led to a massacre at Wounded Knee, where hundreds of the people of the tribe were killed or injured. This event became the final major battle between U.S and the Indians

Lifestyles of people

Before the Railroad, pioneers used a wagon that made a journey out west, a trip that could take 6 months. Many people were drawn to the Homestead Act, which promised 160 acres of western land to those who could settle and farm it. Settlers had a hard time building a home, since there were no trees. They had to start building houses made up of grass and dirt. This sped up settlements up west and changed how American homes were.

The Railroad Barons and Their Greed

The Railroads were the backbone of the U.S economy. Connecting the country helping out in faster travels. But the railroad companies were abusing their power. They had often kept their prices high, to keep farmers in debt. They charged different people different costs. They had sold government land grants to businesses instead of settlers. The company owners also charged higher prices when only their line covered that territory, which made local monopolies.