Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Development of the Plains, c1862–c1876 - 2 Ranching and the…
Full specification wording
Option P3: Key topic 2: Development of the Plains, c1862–c1876 - 2 Ranching and the cattle industry: The cattle industry and factors in its growth, including the roles of Iliff, McCoy and Goodnight, the significance of Abilene and of the increasing use of the railroad network.
The post-Civil War era saw a massive boom in the cattle industry, driven by high beef prices in the East and the expanding railroad network.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The post-Civil War era saw a massive boom in the cattle industry, driven by high beef prices in the East and the expanding railroad network. Joseph McCoy played a pivotal role by establishing Abilene as the first cow town, creating a safe transit point where Texan cattle driven up the Chisholm Trail could be loaded onto the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Charles Goodnight, alongside Oliver Loving, pioneered the Goodnight-Loving Trail to supply cattle to western markets and reservations. Meanwhile, John Iliff capitalised on the demand by breeding cattle directly on the Plains, supplying meat to railroad workers and mining towns. The synergy between these entrepreneurial figures, the strategic location of Abilene, and the expanding railroads transformed cattle ranching into a highly profitable, large-scale industry.
What earns the marks
- Explain how the expanding railroad network provided the essential link between Texan cattle and lucrative Eastern markets.
- Detail Joseph McCoy's role in developing Abilene as a facility with stockyards and hotels to facilitate the cattle trade.
- Describe Charles Goodnight's contribution in establishing new trails to supply western populations and government agencies.
- Outline John Iliff's innovation of ranching cattle directly on the Plains to supply local demand, reducing the need for long drives.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the achievements of the three key individuals.
Put it right: Specifically link McCoy to Abilene, Goodnight to the western trails, and Iliff to Plains ranching.
Stating that railroads reached Texas early on; correction: clarify that cattle had to be driven north to railheads in Kansas because the railroads had not yet reached Texas.
Overlooking the economic driver.
Put it right: Mention the significant price difference for beef between Texas and the East as the primary motivation for the industry's growth.
Exam tips
- Create a clear timeline or mind map connecting the individuals to their specific contributions to the cattle industry.
- Emphasise the concept of the 'cow town' using Abilene as your primary example of how railroads and cattle trails intersected.
- Discuss the role of government contracts (e.g., supplying reservations) as a key market for ranchers like Goodnight and Iliff.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option P3: Key topic 2: Development of the Plains, c1862–c1876 - 2 Ranching and the cattle industry: The cattle industry and factors in its growth, including the roles of Iliff, McCoy and Goodnight, the significance of Abilene and of the increasing use of the railroad network. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was Joseph McCoy's major contribution to the growth of the cattle industry in the 1860s?
Listen
The post-Civil War era saw a massive boom in the cattle industry, driven by high beef prices in the East and the expanding railroad network. Joseph McCoy played a pivotal role by establishing Abilene as the first cow town, creating a safe transit point where Texan cattle driven up the Chisholm Trail could be loaded onto the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Charles Goodnight, alongside Oliver Loving, pioneered the Goodnight-Loving Trail to supply cattle to western markets and reservations. Meanwhile, John Iliff capitalised on the demand by breeding cattle directly on the Plains, supplying meat to railroad workers and mining towns. The synergy between these entrepreneurial figures, the strategic location of Abilene, and the expanding railroads transformed cattle ranching into a highly profitable, large-scale industry. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain how the expanding railroad network provided the essential link between Texan cattle and lucrative Eastern markets. Detail Joseph McCoy's role in developing Abilene as a facility with stockyards and hotels to facilitate the cattle trade. Describe Charles Goodnight's contribution in establishing new trails to supply western populations and government agencies. Outline John Iliff's innovation of ranching cattle directly on the Plains to supply local demand, reducing the need for long drives. A common slip: Confusing the achievements of the three key individuals. Instead, specifically link McCoy to Abilene, Goodnight to the western trails, and Iliff to Plains ranching. Exam tip: Create a clear timeline or mind map connecting the individuals to their specific contributions to the cattle industry.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Cow town
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Railhead
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Entrepreneurship
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Railroad network
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Cow town
- A safe transit point, such as Abilene, where cattle driven up from Texas could be loaded onto the railroad.
- Railhead
- A point on the railroad network where cattle were loaded for transport to markets, with Abilene as a pioneering example.
- Entrepreneurship
- The activity of figures such as Iliff, McCoy and Goodnight, whose roles drove the growth of the cattle industry.
- Railroad network
- The expanding system that provided the essential link between Texan cattle and lucrative Eastern markets.
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Test your understanding of Option P3: Key topic 2: Development of the Plains, c1862–c1876 - 2 Ranching and the cattle industry: The cattle industry and factors in its growth, including the roles of Iliff, McCoy and Goodnight, the significance of Abilene and of the increasing use of the railroad network.
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