Cattle Ranching In Settling The Great Plains
A ranch is an area of land, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching. Ranching first started in Texas, with ranches mostly manned by Mexican cowboys called vaqueros. In 1836 Texan ranchers drove many Mexicans out, and claimed the cattle left behind. See what else you know about the period through this quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What tough, strong breed of cattle had the ability to go long periods without water and could survive on a grass only diet was brought to America by Spanish settlers and raised in Texas in the late 1800s?
- A.
Angus
- B.
Longhorn
- C.
Hereford
Correct Answer
B. LonghornExplanation
Longhorn cattle were brought to America by Spanish settlers and raised in Texas in the late 1800s. They are known for their toughness, strength, and ability to survive on a grass-only diet. They can also go long periods without water, making them well-suited for the arid conditions of Texas. Therefore, the correct answer is Longhorn.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Texas became part of the U.S. in 1845. What country did Texas win its independence from before it became part of the U.S?
- A.
Spain
- B.
Canada
- C.
Mexico
Correct Answer
C. MexicoExplanation
Texas won its independence from Mexico before it became part of the U.S. This occurred during the Texas Revolution, which took place from 1835 to 1836. The Texan forces, led by figures such as Sam Houston, fought against Mexican forces led by General Santa Anna. The Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 secured their independence from Mexico, and Texas remained an independent republic until it joined the United States in 1845.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the name of Mexican cowhands who were respected for their skill in herding cattle?
- A.
Vaqueros
- B.
Mexicans
- C.
Amigos
Correct Answer
A. VaquerosExplanation
Vaqueros were Mexican cowhands who were highly respected for their expertise in herding cattle. They played a crucial role in the cattle industry, using their skills to manage and control large herds of cattle. The term "vaquero" originated from the Spanish word for cowboy, and their techniques and traditions heavily influenced the development of cowboy culture in the American West.Rate this question:
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- 4.
True or False? When Texas was annexed into the U.S., many Texans faced prejudice from other Americans.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When Texas was annexed into the U.S., many Texans faced prejudice from other Americans. This is because the annexation of Texas in 1845 was a controversial issue, with some Americans opposing it due to concerns about the expansion of slavery. As a result, Texans faced discrimination and prejudice from those who opposed the annexation and viewed them as outsiders. The prejudice towards Texans during this time period is well-documented in historical accounts.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What does the term “demand” mean in economics?
- A.
The amount of something that people want to sell at certain prices
- B.
The amount of something that people want to buy at certain prices
- C.
The amount of something that the government says must be sold
Correct Answer
B. The amount of something that people want to buy at certain pricesExplanation
Demand in economics refers to the amount of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a given price. It represents the desire and ability of consumers to purchase a product or service in the market. Therefore, the correct answer is "The amount of something that people want to buy at certain prices."Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does the term “supply” mean in economics?
- A.
The amount of something that people want to sell at certain prices
- B.
The amount of something that people want to buy at certain prices
- C.
The amount of something that the government says must be bought
Correct Answer
A. The amount of something that people want to sell at certain pricesExplanation
In economics, the term "supply" refers to the amount of a particular good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at various prices. It represents the relationship between price and quantity supplied, indicating that as prices increase, the quantity supplied also tends to increase, and vice versa. Therefore, the correct answer is "The amount of something that people want to sell at certain prices."Rate this question:
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- 7.
What does the meeting point of a supply line and demand line on a supply and demand graph mean?
- A.
The number of products made
- B.
The price of the product
- C.
The need of the product by people
Correct Answer
B. The price of the productExplanation
The meeting point of a supply line and demand line on a supply and demand graph represents the equilibrium price of the product. At this point, the quantity of the product demanded by consumers matches the quantity supplied by producers, resulting in a balance between supply and demand. This equilibrium price is determined by the interaction of market forces and represents the price at which buyers are willing to pay and sellers are willing to sell the product.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What does the term “price” mean in economics?
- A.
Where the amount of something that people are willing to pay is more than the amount that buyers demand
- B.
Where the amount of something that people are willing to pay is less than the amount that buyers demand
- C.
Where the amount of something that people are willing to pay equals the amount that buyers demand
Correct Answer
C. Where the amount of something that people are willing to pay equals the amount that buyers demandExplanation
The term "price" in economics refers to the point where the amount that people are willing to pay for a product or service is equal to the amount that buyers demand. In other words, it is the equilibrium point where supply and demand meet, and the market clears. At this price, both buyers and sellers are satisfied, and the quantity demanded matches the quantity supplied.Rate this question:
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- 9.
When the supply of something is low and the demand for it is high, the price will be _______________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
There is not enough information
Correct Answer
B. HighExplanation
When the supply of something is low and the demand for it is high, the price will be high. This is because when the supply is low, there is less of the product available in the market, while the demand remains high. As a result, consumers are willing to pay a higher price to obtain the limited supply, leading to an increase in the price of the product.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The amount of cattle found in Texas was ________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
There is not enough information
Correct Answer
B. HighExplanation
The correct answer is "High" because Texas is known for its large cattle population and is one of the leading states in cattle production in the United States. The question implies that there is a significant number of cattle in Texas.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The demand for cattle in Texas was ___________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
A. LowExplanation
The demand for cattle in Texas was low. This suggests that there was not a high demand for cattle in the state of Texas. The reasons for the low demand could vary, such as a decrease in consumer interest or a surplus of cattle in the market. However, without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact factors contributing to the low demand.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The cost of cattle in Texas was ___________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
A. LowExplanation
The cost of cattle in Texas was low.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The amount of cattle found in the Northern and Eastern United States was ________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
A. LowExplanation
The correct answer is "Low" because the statement mentions that the amount of cattle found in the Northern and Eastern United States was low.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The demand for cattle in the Northern and Eastern United States was ___________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
B. HighExplanation
The demand for cattle in the Northern and Eastern United States was high.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The cost of cattle in the Northern and Eastern United States was ___________________.
- A.
Low
- B.
High
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
B. HighExplanation
The cost of cattle in the Northern and Eastern United States was high.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What was a railhead?
- A.
The owner of a railway
- B.
A town where railroad tracks begin or end
- C.
A main railroad on the Eastern Seaboard
Correct Answer
B. A town where railroad tracks begin or endExplanation
A railhead refers to a town where railroad tracks begin or end. It is the starting or ending point of a railway line, where trains load or unload passengers or cargo. Railheads are crucial for transportation and logistics as they serve as important hubs for the movement of goods and people. They often have facilities such as depots, warehouses, and terminals to facilitate the transfer of goods between different modes of transportation.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Where were cattle loaded on trains to be shipped East?
- A.
Railhead Towns
- B.
Cattle Stations
- C.
Auction Houses
Correct Answer
A. Railhead TownsExplanation
Cattle were loaded on trains to be shipped East at Railhead Towns. Railhead Towns were the locations where the railway lines ended and served as the starting point for transporting cattle to the Eastern markets. These towns were strategically located near cattle ranches and provided facilities for loading and unloading the cattle onto the trains. This allowed for efficient transportation of the cattle from the ranches to the markets in the East.Rate this question:
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- 18.
True or False? Cattle drives were headed by ranch owners and only took a day or two to complete.
- A.
True
- B.
False
- C.
This was not covered
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Cattle drives were not headed by ranch owners and did not take only a day or two to complete. Cattle drives were typically led by skilled cowboys known as trail bosses, who were responsible for guiding the cattle to their destination. These drives could take several weeks or even months to complete, as the cowboys had to navigate long distances and overcome various obstacles such as rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What was a stampede?
- A.
When cattle drivers rushed the cattle through rivers
- B.
When cattle ran away after being startled
- C.
When cattle charged cowhands who were not on horses
Correct Answer
B. When cattle ran away after being startledExplanation
A stampede refers to a situation where a group of cattle runs away in a state of panic or fear after being startled by something. This can happen due to loud noises, sudden movements, or any other unexpected event that frightens the animals. During a stampede, the cattle may run in a chaotic and uncontrolled manner, posing a danger to themselves and anyone in their path.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What were the four cattle trails between 1860 and 1890?
- A.
The Oregon Trail, the Utah Trail, the Denver Trail, and the Kansas Trail
- B.
The Shawnee Trail, the Chisholm Trail, the Western Trail, and the Goodnight – Loving Trail
- C.
The Cheyenne Trail, the Dodge City Trail, the Red River Trail, and the Omaha Trail
Correct Answer
B. The Shawnee Trail, the Chisholm Trail, the Western Trail, and the Goodnight – Loving Trail -
- 21.
What were the three of the major railheads?
- A.
Kansas City, Dodge City, and Abilene
- B.
Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Denver
- C.
Boise, Seattle, and Des Moines
Correct Answer
A. Kansas City, Dodge City, and AbileneExplanation
The major railheads mentioned in the answer are Kansas City, Dodge City, and Abilene. Railheads are the points where railroad tracks end or begin, serving as important transportation hubs for the movement of goods and people. These three cities were significant railheads during the expansion of the railroad network in the United States, connecting various regions and facilitating trade and travel.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What two major rivers cut the cattle trails?
- A.
The Rio Grande and the Mississippi Rivers
- B.
The Ohio and Missouri Rivers
- C.
The Arkansas and Red Rivers
Correct Answer
C. The Arkansas and Red RiversExplanation
The Arkansas and Red Rivers are the two major rivers that cut the cattle trails. These rivers played a significant role in the cattle industry during the 19th century. The cattle trails were used to transport cattle from Texas to markets in the north and east of the United States. The Arkansas River, located in the central United States, provided a natural route for cattle drives heading north. The Red River, which runs along the border of Texas and Oklahoma, also served as a crucial waterway for transporting cattle. Together, these rivers shaped the development and success of the cattle industry in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Who was a famous cowhand who wrote a book about his adventures where he described recovering lost cattle at night?
- A.
Robert Harding
- B.
Nat Love
- C.
Billy Matheson
Correct Answer
B. Nat LoveExplanation
Nat Love was a famous cowhand who wrote a book about his adventures where he described recovering lost cattle at night.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What was barbed wire?
- A.
Long strands of wire that connected telegraph poles
- B.
Railroad tracks where a lever could change the track direction
- C.
Twisted wire with sharp points every few inches
Correct Answer
C. Twisted wire with sharp points every few inchesExplanation
Barbed wire refers to twisted wire with sharp points every few inches. This type of wire was commonly used as a fencing material to deter animals and prevent them from crossing boundaries. The sharp points on the wire acted as a deterrent and made it difficult for animals or people to pass through without getting injured. Barbed wire played a significant role in the development of the American West, as it allowed for the enclosure of large areas of land and the establishment of private property rights.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Why three things caused the end of cattle drives?
- A.
Barbed wire, railroad expansion, and a harsh winter
- B.
Strikes, labor unions, and ranch wars
- C.
Mexican War, Civil War, and Reconstruction
Correct Answer
A. Barbed wire, railroad expansion, and a harsh winterExplanation
The three things that caused the end of cattle drives were barbed wire, railroad expansion, and a harsh winter. Barbed wire became widely used to fence off land, making it difficult for cattle to roam freely and necessitating the end of long-distance cattle drives. The expansion of railroads allowed for the transportation of cattle more efficiently and at a lower cost, reducing the need for cattle drives. Additionally, a harsh winter could lead to the death of cattle during long drives, making it less feasible and profitable to continue the practice.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What was an open range?
- A.
The length of land between a ranch and railhead
- B.
A long, thin sheet of metal used to cook on over campfires
- C.
Vast areas of grassland owned by the federal government
Correct Answer
C. Vast areas of grassland owned by the federal governmentExplanation
An open range refers to vast areas of grassland that were owned by the federal government. This land was not divided into individual plots and was available for free grazing of livestock. It was a common practice during the 19th century in the western United States, where ranchers would allow their cattle to roam freely on these open ranges. This system allowed for the expansion of the cattle industry and played a significant role in the development of the American West.Rate this question:
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- 27.
How did cattle drivers keep up with which cattle was theirs?
- A.
The cattle were branded with a ranch symbol
- B.
The cattle wore tags in their ears
- C.
The cattle were all the same color
Correct Answer
A. The cattle were branded with a ranch symbolExplanation
Cattle drivers kept up with which cattle was theirs by branding them with a ranch symbol. This practice involved burning a unique symbol onto the cattle's skin using a hot iron. By doing so, each ranch could easily identify their own cattle among a group of mixed animals. This method allowed cattle drivers to keep track of their livestock and prevent them from getting mixed up with other ranches' cattle.Rate this question:
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- 28.
__________________ was a stray calf that had no brand?
- A.
A rogue
- B.
A maverick
- C.
A lost boy
Correct Answer
B. A maverickExplanation
A maverick is someone who is independent and does not conform to the norms or rules of a group. In this context, the stray calf is referred to as a maverick because it does not have a brand, indicating that it does not belong to any specific owner or group. The term "maverick" suggests that the calf is free-spirited and unattached, roaming around without any specific affiliation or ownership.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which three factors contributed to the rise of the cattle industry?
- A.
California’s statehood, the invention of barbed wire, and the expansion of telegraph wire
- B.
The Civil War, the French and Indian War, and the War of 1812
- C.
The abundance of cattle in Texas, rising cattle prices in the East, and emergence of railheads
Correct Answer
C. The abundance of cattle in Texas, rising cattle prices in the East, and emergence of railheadsExplanation
The correct answer is the abundance of cattle in Texas, rising cattle prices in the East, and the emergence of railheads. These three factors contributed to the rise of the cattle industry. The abundance of cattle in Texas provided a large supply of livestock for the industry. Rising cattle prices in the East created a demand for cattle, making it profitable for ranchers to sell their livestock. The emergence of railheads allowed for the transportation of cattle from Texas to the eastern markets, making it easier to sell and distribute the cattle.Rate this question:
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- 30.
True or False? Cattle drives only lasted about 20 years, yet people still think of these as a major symbol of the U.S. West.
- A.
True
- B.
False
- C.
We did not talk about this information
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Cattle drives were a significant part of the U.S. West during the late 19th century, particularly from the 1860s to the 1880s. This period is often referred to as the "golden age" of cattle drives. However, by the 1880s, the expansion of railroads and the establishment of ranches led to the decline of cattle drives. Despite their relatively short duration, cattle drives have remained a prominent symbol of the U.S. West in popular culture and historical narratives.Rate this question:
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