The document summarizes key events of Westward expansion and settlement in the Great Plains region from the mid-19th century to the late 19th century. It discusses the lure of land, gold, and silver that drew settlers to the region, and the conflicts this expansion caused with Native Americans, such as the Sand Creek Massacre and Battle of Little Bighorn. It also outlines the development of cattle ranching and farming in the region, aided by new technologies like barbed wire and mechanized equipment. However, this increase in farming efficiency led to overproduction and falling crop prices, causing economic hardship for many farmers. In response, farmers organized groups like the Grange Movement and Populist Party to advocate for issues like