Buffalo Slaughter: Destroying Native American Resources — Reading Comprehension

The mass killing of the American buffalo in the 1800s caused a crisis for Native American nations of the Great Plains. Buffalo were not just animals to these communities; they were a central resource for food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual life. As American settlers expanded westward, millions of buffalo were hunted almost to extinction. The motivations for this slaughter were complex, involving economic, political, and cultural factors.

One major cause was the U.S. government’s policy toward Native Americans. Some military leaders believed that destroying the buffalo would force Native nations onto reservations. As General Philip Sheridan said in 1875, “Let them kill, skin and sell until the buffalo is exterminated…then your prairies can be covered with cattle.” This quote shows how buffalo destruction was seen as a solution to the "Indian problem." It also reveals a deliberate strategy to weaken Native peoples by eliminating their means of survival.

Settlers and railroad companies played a different but connected role. Railroads made it easier for hunters to travel and ship buffalo hides to eastern markets. Some passengers even shot buffalo from moving trains for sport. The desire for buffalo hides and meat created a booming industry. This economic incentive, combined with new technology, accelerated the slaughter. In contrast, Native Americans hunted buffalo only for what they needed, following sustainable practices that respected the balance of nature.

The consequences of buffalo slaughter were profound and long-lasting. Native American societies on the Plains faced starvation, loss of independence, and cultural trauma. The destruction of the buffalo forced many tribes to rely on government food supplies, which were often inadequate and unhealthy. This dependence weakened tribal sovereignty and made it harder to resist U.S. policies.

However, not all Americans agreed with the destruction of the buffalo. Some early conservationists spoke out against the killing and campaigned to protect the remaining animals. Their efforts led to the establishment of the first wildlife preserves and laws to protect the species. Yet, by the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 buffalo remained in the United States, compared to over 30 million a century earlier.

The slaughter of the buffalo is a clear example of how economic interests, government policy, and cultural conflict can combine to create dramatic change. It is important to examine both the short-term and long-term effects of these actions. By analyzing the motivations of different groups and the evidence from the time, we can better understand the complexity of American history and the lasting impact on Native communities.

Interesting Fact: In the 19th century, some train companies organized “buffalo hunting excursions” for tourists, turning the mass killing into a form of entertainment.

What animal was central to Plains tribes?

Who used buffalo for food and shelter?

In what decade did buffalo slaughter peak?

Why did the U.S. government support buffalo destruction?

What effect did buffalo loss have on tribes?

What did early conservationists do?

Buffalo nearly went extinct in the U.S.

What does "sustainable" mean?