Learn: Life on the Great Plains

Welcome!Today we'll explore 'Life on the Great Plains', a key part of your Edexcel GCSE History course. We'll break it down step by step and look at how people adapted to life there in the 19th century.

What was life like on the Great Plains?The Great Plains were a vast area of flat and dry land in North America. Settlers faced challenges such as extreme weather, limited water, and isolation. Survival required resourcefulness and new farming techniques.

Challenges of life on the Great PlainsSettlers on the Great Plains encountered harsh conditions. The lack of trees meant limited building materials, while droughts and harsh winters made farming difficult. Native American resistance also posed challenges.

How did settlers adapt?Settlers used innovative farming methods such as dry farming to grow crops with limited water. They built houses out of sod due to the lack of wood and relied on windmills for water and barbed wire for fencing.

Role of the Homestead ActIn 1862, the US government introduced the Homestead Act, allowing settlers to claim 160 acres of land for free if they farmed it for 5 years. This encouraged migration to the Great Plains despite the challenges.

Conflict with Native AmericansAs settlers expanded onto the Great Plains, they often clashed with Native American tribes. Many tribes fought to protect their lands and way of life, leading to violent confrontations such as the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about life on the Great Plains, including the challenges settlers faced, how they adapted, and the impact of government policies. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.