The American West Topic Summaries

Changes in the cattle industry

GCSE > History > CCEA > GCSE History: The American West (1835-1895) > Later developments in the West (1877–1895) > Changes in the cattle industry
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Key terms
  • Railroads expanded across the Plains, allowing cattle to be transported quickly and in refrigerated vehicles to eastern markets, reducing long cattle drives.
  • Scientific breeding and improved ranch management increased productivity but favoured large, well-capitalised ranches over small operators.
  • Many ranchers went bankrupt due to cattle losses from overstocking and harsh winters. The industry shifted to smaller herds which were easier to manage and produced better quality meat, leading to higher prices and profits.
  • Overgrazing: more cattle meant greater pressure on grazing land. The drought of 1883 reduced grass growth, and overstocking damaged the soil, making it less productive.
  • The Winter of 1886–1887 (‘Great Die-Up’): temperatures dropped below -50°C, and deep snow covered the land. 15% of cattle died, causing severe financial losses for cattlemen, with many forced into bankruptcy.
  • Cowboys now slept in basic bunkhouses, often with bed lice, leaking roofs, and thin walls. They still carried out ‘round-ups’ to find stray cattle and used branding to identify ownership. Overall, there was less demand for cowboys as the industry shrank.

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