What major change in cattle ranching occurred in the 1870s?
• The U.S. government began to pay people to raise cattle.
• Ranchers began using newly invented barbed wire to keep cowboys off their land.
• Ranchers went from using public land to purchasing it for themselves.
• Cattle ranching became the most profitable U.S. industry
The major change in cattle ranching that occurred in the 1870s was that ranchers went from using public land to purchasing it for themselves. To find this answer, you can start by understanding the history of cattle ranching in the United States. In the early years, cattle ranching was primarily conducted on open ranges that were considered public land. Ranchers would allow their cattle to roam freely on these public lands and hire cowboys to manage and herd the cattle.
However, during the late 1860s and early 1870s, the practice of open range grazing faced challenges. As settlement in the western territories increased, conflicts arose between ranchers, farmers, and other land users. This led to the privatization of land and the establishment of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land for personal use.
During the 1870s, cattle ranchers started purchasing land to secure grazing areas for their herds. This shift from public land to private ownership marked a significant change in cattle ranching practices. It provided ranchers with more control over their operations, allowed them to better manage their herds, and prevented others, including cowboys, from using their land without permission.
It's important to note that while cattle ranching became a profitable industry in the late 19th century, it would be an incorrect statement to say that it was the most profitable U.S. industry during that time. Other industries such as manufacturing, mining, and railroads held substantial economic significance.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Ranchers went from using public land to purchasing it for themselves.