The best warriors from each band formed a warmer society. Each band was led by chiefs and had councils of advisors that made decisions about important matters, supervised and protected the band as well as looked after the family.
Social and Tribal Structure
The societies were led by the society and they were ensured about important members. They supervised and protected their bands. The elders farmed the land, made clothing, and hunted for the survival and protection of the family and tribe. They all raided, fought enemies, and protected each other. Tribal meetings were held annually to arrange marriages, trade horses, and discuss issues. Elders were respected for their wisdom, but weak groups called nations left their nations behind; their weakness threatened the survival of the band.
Life in the West in the 1800s
Tipis made of wooden poles and covered in buffalo hide were an idea for the plains life. The coned shape protected the Plains against wind slaps, provided ventilation in summer, and they could be moved quickly and efficiently. Horses were used in war and followed the buffalo migration. The Plains Indians moved to sheltered valleys where women and children cut up or cooked the buffalo. They lived in wooden lodges insulated with soil and horses carried their belongings and buffalo on their journey.
Great Plains Tribes
The tribes on the Plains were a wealth and status were measured by how many horses an individual or tribe had. They believed that buffalo was given new life to a herd because of crucial survival. Buffalo was used for clothing, food, and equipment.
American West Timeline
- 1846 - New World: Discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus, beginning of the New World!
- 1776 - Revolutionary War: Americans win independence from the UK, creating the US of America.
- 1825 - Oregon Trail: The first edition of the Oregon Trail was published, the 2110-mile journey to the West from Missouri which helped to migrate over 400,000 people.
- 1830 - Indian Removal Act: First piece of legislation made to inhibit the lives of Natives, the Act forced any Indians who were still living right of the Mississippi river had to move.
- 1837 - Economic Crash: Major crash of the economy in 1837 lead to many moving west in hopes of improving their poor lifestyles.
- 1841 - Pre-emption: Allowed 160 acres of land to be brought for $1.25 per acre (in the West) provided certain categories were met.
The timeline continues with details about land gaining in Texas and Oregon, as well as the unfortunate story of the Donner Party and the migration of the Mormons.
As immigrants moved and explored the Wild West, its culture and history evolved, shaping the America we know today. The timeline and details above provide an insight into the American West, its tribes, and the events that marked its history.
