American West 1840-95

This text examines the nature of the Great Plains, the beliefs and lifestyle of the Plains Indians and the reasons for, and impact of, white settlement on the Plains. Other topics include the life and work of cowboys, law and order, and farming the Plains. The ultimate struggle for dominance of the territories is given coverage and the investigations encourage an evaluation and understanding of the reasons for conflict. Major events such as Sand Creek and the Plains Wars, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and the final destruction of Indian resistance at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890 are all studied. Also included are broad perspectives on the impact of government and the railways on the American West. This resource pack contains a series of photocopiable investigations which can be used individually or as part of an activity-based programme of teaching. Lesson plans are provided in the teacher notes to show how the investigations can be differentiated and linked together to provide a flexible approach.