EdXLGCC History: The American West, 1835 to 1895

Predicted Paper Exam Walkthrough for 2025

General Overview

• This walkthrough focuses on predicted questions for the 2025 exam series.
• Best preparation involves revising all topics, though this guide highlights questions not recently covered.

Exam Structure

1. Explain One Consequence

   • New format for 2025: focus on one consequence instead of two.
   • Example topics: Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890.

2. Narrative Account

   • Link and connect events using phrases like "this led to," "as a result of," and "a consequence was that."
   • Example topic: Development of the cattle industry in the 1860s.

3. Explain the Importance Of

   • Choose two events from a choice of three focusing on significance and consequences.
   • Example topics: Oregon Trail, new technologies for farming, and the Dawes Act 1887.

Example Questions and Strategies

1. Explain One Consequence

• Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851

  • Aim: Reduce conflict between tribes and settlers; set boundaries.
  • Consequence: Increased migration west, building of forts, tensions due to restricted movement of tribes.

• Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890

  • Incident: US Army killed 146 Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee.
  • Consequence: Marked end of Indian wars, forced assimilation, increased reservation life.

2. Narrative Account: Cattle Industry Development

• Chronological Structure
  • Over-supply of cattle post-Civil War led to creation of cattle trails.
  • Goodnight-Loving Trail (1866): Pioneered by Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving.
  • Development of Cow Towns like Abilene by Joseph McCoy for cattle transport.
  • Ranching on Plains: Innovations by figures like John Iliff.
• Writing Tips
  • Use specific historical knowledge.
  • Connect events in chronological order.
  • Highlight significance and consequences.

3. Explain the Importance Of

• Oregon Trail

  • Encouraged migration through providing a practical, mapped route.
  • Linked to Manifest Destiny and led to the Oregon Treaty of 1846.

• New Technologies and Farming Methods

  • Enabled survival on the plains with inventions like metal wind pumps.
  • Improved farming techniques increased settlement potential.

• Dawes Act 1887

  • Divided reservation lands into individual plots.
  • Promoted assimilation, undermining indigenous cultures and social structures.

Tips for Exam Success

• Place events in the correct historical context.
• Use detailed evidence for support.
• Analyze importance by considering both short-term and long-term impacts.
• Focus on the overall significance and consequences of events.