Question

westward expansion crash course qs
name: amir abernathy
date: 9/16/25
directions: use the video to respond to the following questions.

1. where did part of the \myth of the frontier\ idea begin?
2. list three characteristics of american culture proposed by historian frederick jackson turner.

a.
b.
c.

1. describe what the western frontier represented to many americans who travelled to the west.
2. list four cultural/ethnic groups that settled in the american west.

a.
b.
c.
d.

1. list two ways the railroads helped make life easier/possible for people in the west.

a.
b.

1. summarize the effect westward expansion had on native americans and their culture.
2. list two things n.a. ghost dancers believed would happen because of their dancing.

a.
b.

1. describe the role women played on farms in the west.
2. explain why the narrator says we are able to watch youtube and live because of farmers.

Explanation:

1. The "myth of the frontier" idea has roots in the early - exploration and settlement of the American West. It was a romanticized view of the untamed land.
2. Frederick Jackson Turner proposed characteristics such as individualism (self - reliance of settlers), democracy (new forms of governance in the West), and a sense of restlessness (constant movement for new opportunities).
3. The Western Frontier represented a land of opportunity for many Americans. It was seen as a place to start anew, gain land, and seek fortune through mining, farming, etc.
4. Four cultural/ethnic groups that settled in the American West were Native Americans (original inhabitants), Hispanic/Latino groups (from Spanish - colonized areas), African Americans (some came as slaves or for new opportunities), and European immigrants (Germans, Swedes, etc.).
5. Railroads helped by transporting goods and people more efficiently, which made it easier to get supplies to the West and also allowed for easier travel for settlers. They also connected the West to the rest of the country economically.
6. Westward Expansion had a devastating effect on Native Americans. Their lands were taken, cultures were disrupted, and many were forced onto reservations.
7. Ghost Dancers believed that their dancing would restore the land to its former state (bring back bison, etc.) and drive out white settlers.
8. Women on farms in the West played multiple roles such as managing the household, helping with farming tasks like milking cows and growing vegetables, and sometimes running the farm when men were away.
9. Farmers played a crucial role in the development of the nation. Their agricultural products provided food for the growing population. The wealth and stability they brought to the nation through farming contributed to the overall development that allowed for modern amenities like YouTube.

Answer:

1. In the early exploration and settlement of the American West.
2. a. Individualism

b. Democracy
c. Restlessness

1. A land of opportunity to start anew, gain land, and seek fortune.
2. a. Native Americans

b. Hispanic/Latino groups
c. African Americans
d. European immigrants

1. a. Transported goods and people efficiently.

b. Connected the West to the rest of the country economically.

1. Devastating; lands taken, cultures disrupted, forced onto reservations.
2. a. Restore the land to its former state.

b. Drive out white settlers.

1. Managed household, helped with farming tasks, sometimes ran the farm.
2. Their agricultural products provided food and contributed to national development.