Insights into Daily Life on the Great Plains

1. Life for Settlers

2. Primary Source – A Typical Day’s Work • Step 1: Read the primary source and figure out from the context what each of the following terms means:

3. Primary Source – A Typical Day’s Work • Step 2: Working with a partner, write a 30-40 word summary of what this source says about what life was like for women on the Great Plains

4. Speeches • You will be writing a speech concerning an issue related to life on the Great Plains • First, read pages 425-427 • Take notes on anything that tells you why life was difficult for farmers on the Great Plains

5. Speeches • You will be writing a speech concerning an issue related to life on the Great Plains • First, read pages 425-427 • Next, write a short speech arguing for one of the following four positions as though you were living at the end of the 19th century: • The federal government has the right and the responsibility to regulate railroads • The federal government does not have the right and the responsibility to regulate railroads • The federal government has the right and the responsibility to regulate banks • The federal government does not have the right and the responsibility to regulate banks • A few people will be selected to read their speeches to the class

6. Populism • “the movement of the people” • Grew out of groups arguing for the rights of farmers in the 19th century • Populists had a number of demands: • Increase the money supply • A graduated income tax • A federal loan program • Election reforms • 8 hour work day • Restrictions on immigration