Essential Question (EQ): Analyze the various groups involved in westward migration after the Civil War and evaluate their respective experiences, challenges and impacts on the nation. Include the interactions and conflicts between the diverse groups inhabiting the West.

Question

Directions:

You will investigate the roles and actions of different groups, including Native Americans, Chinese Immigrants, Mexicans, the Exodusters, Homesteaders/Ranchers, Cowboys, and Irish immigrants.

⚫ Using researched evidence, students will decide who they believe were the winners and losers of this historical period.

⚫ Students will compose a 500-700 word ESSAY responding to the Essential Question

• Essay MUST be written in PEEL format, with multiple pieces of evidence. 。 All evidence MUST include a citation where it came from.

。 NO personal pronouns.

I

。 Clear analysis on why certain groups were "winners" and others were "losers".

o Make a POINTI Don't try to argue both sides.

• Don't QUOTE - paraphrase information/evidence and cite where you got it from.

• ONLY use documents provided for you. No external research/sources are necessary. If you use other sources, you MUST include a Works Cited page in correct MLA format.

Answer 1

Title: Winners and Losers of Westward Migration after the Civil War

Introduction:
The period of westward migration after the Civil War saw numerous groups experiencing distinct challenges and leaving lasting impacts on the nation. Native Americans, Chinese immigrants, Mexicans, the Exodusters, homesteaders/ranchers, Cowboys, and Irish immigrants all played significant roles in the westward expansion. This essay will analyze the experiences, challenges, and impacts of these diverse groups and determine who the winners and losers were during this historical period.

Body:

1. Native Americans:
Native Americans faced significant challenges as their homelands were encroached upon by settlers. They experienced forced removals, broken treaties, and violent conflicts, leading to the loss of their ancestral lands and disruption of their way of life. Their attempts to resist colonization were met with military force, resulting in the devastation of their communities. Additionally, the Dawes Act of 1887 further marginalized Native Americans by dividing their reservations into individual land allotments, undermining their communal systems. The Native Americans were undoubtedly losers in this period of westward migration.

2. Chinese Immigrants:
Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and prejudice from the dominant white society. They were subjected to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which suspended Chinese immigration into the United States for a decade. This act severely limited their opportunities for social and economic mobility and confined them to menial jobs and ghettos. Chinese immigrants endured harsh living conditions and often became victims of violence and exploitation. Consequently, the Chinese immigrants were categorized as losers during this period.

3. Mexicans:
Mexicans experienced both advantages and disadvantages during westward migration. Many Mexicans who already resided in the Southwestern United States saw their lands and rights eroded by new Anglo-American settlers. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed after the Mexican-American War, guaranteed Mexican land rights, but these promises were often unfulfilled. However, Mexicans were also employed as cheap labor in mining, agriculture, and railroad construction, enabling them to contribute to the development of the West. While the Mexican population faced challenges and disadvantages, they were not entirely losers.

4. The Exodusters:
The Exodusters were African Americans who migrated westward to escape racial discrimination and seek economic opportunities. They faced numerous challenges, including poverty, racism, and the inability to secure land due to discriminatory practices. However, some Exodusters managed to establish successful communities and engage in farming, providing a sense of hope and empowerment. The Exodusters can be seen as both winners, due to their perseverance and resilience, and losers, due to the limitations they faced.

5. Homesteaders/Ranchers:
Homesteaders and ranchers were primarily white settlers who sought land for farming and ranching. The Homestead Act of 1862 provided them with opportunities to obtain land, but they faced significant challenges in adapting to the arid conditions of the West. Many struggled with harsh climates, limited resources, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, successful homesteaders and ranchers played an essential role in the agricultural and economic development of the West. Hence, they can be considered winners overall.

6. Cowboys:
Cowboys, often romanticized in popular culture, faced grueling and dangerous working conditions. They herded livestock over long distances, endured isolation, and confronted the constant threat of accidents, lawlessness, and violence. While some cowboys managed to become respected figures in their communities, many faced low wages and unstable employment. The cowboys' experiences were a mix of positives and negatives, making it difficult to classify them solely as winners or losers.

7. Irish Immigrants:
Irish immigrants played a vital role in the construction of railroads and the development of mining activities. They faced discrimination and anti-Catholic sentiments but managed to find employment opportunities due to their willingness to work in dangerous and demanding conditions. The Irish immigrants' aspirations for upward mobility eventually led to their integration into American society, suggesting they were winners in this historical period.

Conclusion:
The westward migration after the Civil War involved multiple groups, each with its own experiences, challenges, and impacts on the nation. Native Americans and Chinese immigrants were undoubtedly losers, facing prejudice, discrimination, and the loss of their lands and livelihoods. Mexicans, Exodusters, and cowboys faced a blend of advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to classify them definitively as winners or losers. Meanwhile, homesteaders/ranchers and Irish immigrants emerged as winners, contributing to the development of the West and finding opportunities for social and economic advancement. The impacts of these diverse groups continue to shape the nation's history and provide insights into the complexities of westward migration after the Civil War.