Problem of the West essays

Problem of the West essays The west was form of society rather than a surface area. Social conditions were then resulted from application of older institutions and ideal to the transforming influences of free land. By this, a new environment is entered, freedom of opportunity is opened, cake of custom is broken and this brings new activities, ideas, and lines of growth brought into existence. The west passes on a new frontier and the new society has emerged from the contact with the backwoods. Gradually this society loses its primitive conditions and assimilates to older conditions of the East. The Buffalo soldiers in the west contributed greatly to the effects of the west after the Indian War. Daily life for the 9th and 10th Cavalries was harsh, but for the most part, they were similar to their white counterparts. The mens barracks were often poorly ventilated with vermin infested hovels, and the only bathing facilities consisted of local creek water. The nearby creek water was used for many other things, like drinking water and disposals, which later resulted in many illnesses such as dysentery, diarrhea, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Meals for the soldiers were limited and meager and monthly pay was decreased from sixteen dollars to thirteen, due to other debts in war. The small villages that grew up around the forts were usually little more than a collection of saloons and gambling parlors, inhabited by some of the more unsavory characters on the frontier. Here, partially due to the federal governments harsh reconstruction policies, racial prejudice by both local citizens and law officers was severe. When disputes arose among Buffalo soldiers and locals, the local law and juries consistently sided against the troopers. The most serious problem faced by the Army during this time was desertion. In 1868 the desertion rate for enlisted personnel was approximately 25%. Desertions among white regiment were roughly 3 times greater than those ...