USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The use of barbed wire fences meant that cattle could be contained on enclosed ranches, which helped eliminate the open range and the long cattle drives associated with it. Barbed wire also kept new ranchers out, and reduced labor costs, as fewer cowboys were needed to supervise and herd the cattle.

Detailed explanation-2: -As the use of barbed wire increased, wide open spaces became less wide, less open, and less spacious, and the days of the free roaming cowboy were numbered.

Detailed explanation-3: -Joseph Glidden transformed the American Plains. In 1874, Glidden patented the first practical design for barbed wire. The invention dramatically reduced the costs of separating cattle from crops and thus the costs of enforcing property rights to land.

Detailed explanation-4: -With the invention of barbed wire, rangelands were enclosed, the cattle drives ended, and a new way of moving cattle to emerging markets was introduced. The success of the ranching industry also created unexpected issues. As more ranchers moved into Texas, the range became crowded.

Detailed explanation-5: -Deep snow prevented the cattle from reaching the grass and around15% of open range herds died. Any cattle that did survive the winter was in a terrible condition. Ranchers tried to sell any remaining cattle they had and this made prices drop further. This marked the end of the open range.