The Commanche were a dominant force in the West. They were known for their raids along the Texas border and into Mexico. They dominated the Comancheria, which were areas in New Mexico, west Texas and surrounding areas controlled and occupied by the Commanche up to 1860. After the Civil War ended, attempts to pacify Native American populations were in full swing. Increasingly, the need to settle the West, the discovery of gold, the development of the transcontinental railroad led to conflict. The hostilities of Americans toward the Comanche led them to fight. This situation characterized American engagement with the Comanche, especially after 1860.
The Cattle industry grew tremendously in the twenty years following the Civil War. This was due primarily to the spread of railroads throughout the new western territories. The west became a central focus for economic activity. The collapse of the plantation system led to the shift to the West.
The cattle trail led to the development of long cattle drives. This was necessary to get cattle to market in the areas of critical need.
The Knights of Labor organized workers across industries as well as skilled and unskilled workers. Members were never encouraged not to organize industry wide.
