History Ap

History Ap

In the latter half of the 19th century, the United States government was making efforts to limit Native American presence and culture in the Great Plains region. Technological developments helped drive the Native Americans back, and government actions were conniving in how they prompted mistreatment of the Plains Indians. Whether on purpose, or by accident, both technology and government led to the ultimate downfall of Native American culture and society in the plains.

The Trans-Continental railroad was finished in 1869, uniting the east and the west. While this would make easier trade and communication possible, it was bad news for the Native Americans. Wagon training was over. Settlers had only to ride the railroad to any part of the country. This would bring white settlers to the plains, where they encroached on Indian land. Furthermore, these settlers brought diseases to which the Native Americans had developed no immunity. Disease alone decimated the population. The railroad essentially changed the land. Its construction required the demolition of certain areas, the leveling of trees, and intruding tracks. This not only invaded Indian land, but also negatively affected the buffalo, who could not roam as they once could. Coupled with the new prospect of buffalo hunting, the American bison became practically extinct. Considering that it was a main food source for Native Americans, this took its toll on the tribes of the plains. They were deprived of meat, but also fur, hide, bone, and many other necessities gained from the buffalo.

Not all technology was detrimental to the Native Americans of the plains. When the gun was introduced to the Native Americans, it enabled them to hunt better. A bow an arrow is a formidable weapon, but then hunting a moving target, nothing can beat the speed of a bullet. (Save, perhaps, Superman.) At least this might have had some effect that would counteract the destruction of natural resources in the west. In an ironic...

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