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Write a narrative account analysing the key events of the range wars between cattle ranchers and homesteaders - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Write a narrative account analysing the key events of the range wars between cattle ranchers and homesteaders. You may use the following in your answer: • rustling ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a narrative account analysing the key events of the range wars between cattle ranchers and homesteaders - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Key Events of the Range Wars: Rustling
Answer
One significant factor contributing to the range wars was cattle rustling. Cattle ranchers viewed homesteaders as a threat not only to their land but also to their livelihood, as homesteaders would often turn to rustling out of necessity or desperation. This practice created intense animosity between the two groups, and ranchers responded with increasing aggression to protect their herds.
Step 2
Key Events of the Range Wars: Johnson County War (1892)
Answer
The Johnson County War is a pivotal example of the range wars. It erupted in 1892 in Wyoming when wealthy cattle barons sought to assert their dominance over homesteaders and small ranchers in the region. A group of cattlemen, endorsing a vigilante approach, sought to eliminate perceived threats to their operations. This led to violent confrontations that underscored the underlying tensions regarding land use and access to water resources.
Step 3
Analysis and Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, the range wars exemplify the clash of interests between cattle ranchers and homesteaders in the American West. The issues of rustling and conflicts such as the Johnson County War highlight the struggle for resources and the competing definitions of land use during a tumultuous period. Moreover, they reflect broader themes of power dynamics, economic desperation, and the quest for survival that characterized this era.