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Question

Question
Why did miners in the West create groups of vigilantes?

(1 point)
Responses

to clear forests and prepare for mining
to clear forests and prepare for mining

to take control of claims from businesses
to take control of claims from businesses

to enforce laws and punish criminals
to enforce laws and punish criminals

to replace independent contractors
to replace independent contractors
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Answer 1

Miners in the West created groups of vigilantes primarily to enforce laws and punish criminals. During the Gold Rush and other mining booms, formal law enforcement was often lacking, and these groups took it upon themselves to maintain order and address crime in the mining camps.