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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 fo... 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 was significant as it aimed to confine Plains Indians to reservations and significantly impacted their traditional way of life.
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Establishment of Reservations: The Act authorized the U.S. government to designate specific areas of land as reservations, which limited the Plains Indians' roaming and hunting grounds. It aimed to reduce conflict between settlers and Native Americans.
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Impact on Buffalo Hunting: The forced move to reservations restricted Plains Indians from traditional buffalo hunting, essential for their sustenance and culture. This policy led to a decline in their ability to gather food and maintain their societal structures.
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Encouragement of Farming: The Act also encouraged the idea of 'civilizing' Indigenous peoples by promoting farming on the reservations, which was contrary to their historical lifestyle. This shift disrupted their traditional practices and furthered cultural assimilation efforts, creating dependency on government provisions.
Step 2
The importance of the Oregon Trail for early migration to the West
Answer
The Oregon Trail served as a crucial passage for thousands of American settlers moving westward in the 1840s and 1850s, shaping the demographic landscape of the region.
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Route to Opportunity: The Oregon Trail provided a practical route for wagons transporting settlers to the rich lands of the Pacific Northwest, offering opportunities for agriculture and settlement. This migration was driven by promises of fertile land and a better life.
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Mapping and Guidance: Early maps of the Oregon Trail facilitated travel and migration. The U.S. government's effort in mapping the route and gathering stories from successful crossings encouraged more families to undertake the journey, instilling confidence in the feasibility of migration.
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Role in Manifest Destiny: The Trail was integral to the concept of Manifest Destiny, which justified the expansion of U.S. territory across North America. It symbolized the belief that Americans were destined to spread westward, influencing numerous settlers to embark on journeys that would expand America's reach.