If you are the Native American representative, explain why railroad construction should not go through Native American territory in the American West.
Railroads, 1870: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/140/a/?view=plate
Western Railroads, 1880: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/141/a/?view=plate
Western Railroads, 1930: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/141/b/
Indian Cessions, 1750-1890: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/47/a/?legend=hidden&view=plate
Indian Battles, 1846-1890: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/34/d/?view=plate
Indian Reservations, 1875: https://dsl.richmond.edu/historicalatlas/35/b/?view=plate
Tasks:
For this assignment you will need to read Chapter 17 in the Open Stax text and study the following maps:
Railroads, 1870
Western Railroads, 1880
Western Railroads, 1930
Indian Cessions, 1750-1890
Indian Battles, 1846-1890
Indian Reservations, 1875
Adopt the position of EITHER a railroad magnate OR a Native American representative. If you are the railroad magnate, explain why laying track through Native American territory in the American West is a good idea. If you are the Native American representative, explain why railroad construction should not go through Native American territory in the American West. Remember, your focus here is on Indian Removal and Westward Expansion AFTER the Civil War, not prior (i.e., not the Trail of Tears or the cotton plantation economy).