Barbed Wire
Definition
Barbed wire is a type of steel fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strands. It was used extensively in the late 19th century to fence in cattle and other livestock on vast ranches.
Analogy
Think about trying to keep your younger sibling out of your room. You might put up signs or blockades, but they can easily get through those. Now imagine if your door had barbed wire around it - they'd definitely think twice before entering! That's how effective barbed wire was at keeping livestock contained.
Related terms
Homestead Act (1862): This act granted public lands to small farmers, leading to widespread settlement and farming across America’s heartland.
Open Range System: A system where cattle were allowed to roam freely without fences or boundaries.
Cattle Drives: The process of moving herds of cattle from one place to another, usually driven by cowboys.
"Barbed Wire" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.