What made farming difficult in the Great Plains when it was being settled in the 1860s?(1 point)
Responses
not enough wind
not enough wind
not enough moisture
not enough moisture
too much dust
too much dust
too much shade
not enough moisture
The main factor that made farming difficult in the Great Plains during the settlement in the 1860s was not enough moisture. The region experienced low rainfall, making it challenging to grow crops. This lack of precipitation made it difficult to sustain agriculture and caused drought conditions.
The correct answer is "not enough moisture." Farming in the Great Plains during the 1860s was challenging due to the lack of rain and inadequate moisture. To arrive at this answer, we can consider the natural conditions of the Great Plains and the historical context of settlement in the 1860s.
To understand the challenges of farming in the Great Plains, we need to know a bit about the region's geography and climate. The Great Plains is a vast and relatively flat expanse of land that stretches across the central part of North America. It encompasses parts of the United States and Canada, including states such as Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas.
The Great Plains receives less rainfall compared to other regions, which makes it difficult for crops to thrive. This aridity is due to several factors, including the lack of nearby bodies of water, the distance from major climatic influences like oceans, and the prevailing wind patterns.
During the settlement of the Great Plains in the 1860s, pioneers faced numerous challenges in their attempts to establish agricultural practices. The settlers primarily relied on rainfall to water their crops, as irrigation techniques were limited or nonexistent at the time. However, the region's semi-arid climate meant that rainfall was not sufficient to sustain consistent agricultural production.
Farmers experienced droughts and periods of extended dryness, resulting in inadequate moisture for their crops. The soil often dried out quickly and became difficult to cultivate, making it challenging to grow crops successfully. These dry spells led to a scarcity of water for both crops and livestock, making farming even more arduous.
In addition to the lack of moisture, other difficulties in farming the Great Plains include the presence of too much dust and the potential for severe windstorms. These factors contributed to the challenging conditions faced by pioneers settling the region in the 1860s. Nonetheless, the lack of moisture stands out as the primary reason farming was difficult in the Great Plains during that time.