Plains Indians

During the 1800s, the Plains Indians were finally overcome by the white man. Several factors contributed to their downfall. In descending order, these included the near extinction of the buffalo, disease, tribal wars, and their naivete. The buffalo was the backbone of the Plains Indians because it was their main source for food, fuel, clothing, and shelter. When transcontinental railroad construction began, the buffalo was nearly exterminated. Whites hunted the buffalo for sport, their hides, …

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