The Mining Industry Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Railroads made an immediate impact on the Indian Territory. White settlers discovered new job opportunities on the railroad and in harvesting the territory’s natural resources. American Indian tribes experienced great change as they lost opportunities to continue traditions and as they began to lease land to settlers and companies. Industries grew rapidly as the railroad made it easier to take goods from place to place. In particular, coal mining became an important part of the territory’s economy. Finally, the railroads helped to open the door to more white settlement in the territory as the tribes’ land continued to shrink.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: As settlers and railroads moved into the Indian Territory and beyond, hunters of all kinds began to kill buffaloes on the Plains. Many trappers and hunters sold buffalo pelts. Other hunters and tourists killed buffaloes for sport. Some may have been motivated to kill buffaloes to make an impact on tribes that depended on it; without this animal resource, tribes were forced to change their traditions and activities, opening the door to more influence from settlers and the government.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: As the first transcontinental railroad and other rail lines were built, tracks continually crossed tribal lands. Treaties and other agreements forced tribes to allow companies to build on their hunting grounds, causing anger and resentment when rail lines disrupted wildlife and destroyed hunting grounds. Tribes feared that their way of life would be destroyed as new settlers came to their lands, bringing new culture and traditions.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Americans believed that a transcontinental railroad could fundamentally change transportation. Before the railroad, sending goods from coast to coast was a long, expensive process. The new rail line allowed Americans to travel and ship goods quickly and cheaply, which encouraged the growth of commerce. The railroad also helped American industries grow, as new transportation allowed Western resources to travel to Eastern cities. Mining, lumber, and cattle industries all benefited from these changes.