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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Indian Appropriations Act (1851) for the Plains Indians’ way of life - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Indian Appropriations Act (1851) for the Plains Indians’ way of life. - The importance of the Oregon Trail for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Indian Appropriations Act (1851) for the Plains Indians’ way of life - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of the Indian Appropriations Act (1851) for the Plains Indians’ way of life.
Answer
The Indian Appropriations Act of 1851 played a crucial role in shaping the lives of Plains Indians. Firstly, it was designed to confine the Plains tribes to specific reservations, significantly impacting their traditional lifestyle and access to resources, particularly buffalo hunting. This act forced many tribes to abandon their ancestral lands which were vital for their subsistence.
Secondly, the Act created a system for establishing these reservations, often resulting in the forcible removal of various tribes from their lands. This transition often led to conflicts as many tribes resisted these changes.
Lastly, the policy also aimed to assimilate Plains Indians into American society by promoting agricultural practices, which contradicted their traditional way of life and further eroded their cultural identity.
Step 2
The importance of the Oregon Trail for early migration to the West.
Answer
The Oregon Trail was significant for early migration as it provided a vital route for thousands of settlers moving westward. It facilitated the movement of families and groups migrating to the fertile lands of Oregon, significantly contributing to westward expansion.
Additionally, the Oregon Trail served as a conduit for information and encouragement. The stories of successful crossings inspired more settlers to take the journey, as news traveled back east about the opportunities that awaited them in the West.
Furthermore, the U.S. government endorsed the Oregon Trail as part of its Manifest Destiny ideology, which promoted not only migration but also the belief that American expansion was justified and inevitable.