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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Plains Indians’ beliefs about land and nature for relations between Plains Indians and settlers - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Plains Indians’ beliefs about land and nature for relations between Plains Indians and settlers. - The importa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Plains Indians’ beliefs about land and nature for relations between Plains Indians and settlers - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of the Plains Indians’ beliefs about land and nature for relations between Plains Indians and settlers.
Answer
The Plains Indians held deep spiritual beliefs regarding the land, viewing it as a sacred gift from the Great Spirit. This perspective led to tensions with settlers, who arrived with the mindset of land ownership and exploitation.
Native Americans believed that they were the rightful stewards of the land and that it should not be sold or commodified as the settlers intended. This conflict over land usage created significant friction, as Plains Indians often resisted encroachments by settlers. Moreover, the Plains Indians' connection to nature emphasized respect for the land and all living beings, a concept often overlooked by settlers.
Key events, such as the settlers’ disregard for the sacred sites, contributed to mutual misunderstanding. Such clashes not only escalated tensions but also impeded potential cooperation between the two groups, deepening the divide.
Step 2
The importance of the Timber Culture Act (1873) for the settlement of the Plains.
Answer
The Timber Culture Act was significant for promoting the settlement of the Great Plains by encouraging settlers to cultivate trees on their homesteads. Under this act, settlers were granted an additional 160 acres of land on the condition that they plant and nurture a specific number of trees.
This provision was crucial for farmers, as trees would not only help combat soil erosion but also provide fuel, timber, and shade in an otherwise harsh environment. Initially, many settlers viewed this land as an opportunity to fulfill their agricultural dreams.
However, the implementation of the act often faced challenges. Many settlers struggled to adjust to the climate, which hindered tree growth, thus raising questions about the sustainability of settlements established under this law.