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Write a narrative account analysing the ways in which the cattle industry changed in the years c1876–1890 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Write a narrative account analysing the ways in which the cattle industry changed in the years c1876–1890. You may use the following in your answer: • overstocking ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a narrative account analysing the ways in which the cattle industry changed in the years c1876–1890 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
overstocking
Answer
During the late 19th century, particularly from the mid-1870s onwards, the cattle industry experienced significant overstocking. This was largely due to the booming demand for beef amid growing populations and urbanization in America. Ranchers, eager to capitalize on these trends, increased their herds drastically, often beyond sustainable levels. This overstocking resulted in insufficient grazing land, leading to competition among ranchers and altitudinal decline in pasture quality.
The overreliance on pasture and the lack of rotational grazing practices further degraded the land, exacerbating the problem.
Step 2
winter of 1886–87
Answer
The winter of 1886–87 was particularly harsh and marked a significant turning point for the cattle industry. During this period, severe cold and snow covered vast areas of the grazing land, causing a catastrophic loss of cattle. Estimates suggest that approximately 25% to 30% of herds perished due to the extreme cold, reduced feed availability, and the inability of ranchers to mitigate the effects of the weather.
This event not only wiped out a substantial portion of the cattle population but also forced many ranchers into bankruptcy, leading to a reconsolidation of cattle operations. The harsh winter encouraged ranchers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as smaller herds and enhanced cattle management techniques, in order to adapt to future challenges.
Step 3
additional information
Answer
By 1890, the landscape of the cattle industry had changed considerably. Many ranchers had learned to adapt by moving to smaller herds and focusing on quality over quantity. The introduction of refrigerated railcars allowed for better meat preservation and transport, which altered market dynamics. Furthermore, barbed wire became a common tool for ranchers, aiding in managing grazing lands more effectively and ensuring cattle were kept within sustainable limits. Thus, the cattle industry evolved significantly due to both environmental pressures and innovations, leading to a more sustainable approach by the end of the decade.