What killed all the bison? - Andrew C. Isenberg
303,513 Views
2,799 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
By the mid-1700s, many Plains nations survived on North America’s largest land mammals: bison. They ate its meat, made the hides into winter coats and blankets, and used the bones and horns for tools. But in the following decades, millions of bison would be deliberately slaughtered, threatening the survival of Plains societies. Andrew C. Isenberg shares what led to the animal's near-extinction.
Why did the US government reject legislation that would have outlawed the hunting of bison in federal territories? Had such legislation passed in the mid-1870s, do you think that the fate of the bison would have been different? How and why?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Andrew C. Isenberg
- Director Rémi Cans
- Narrator Addison Anderson
- Storyboard Artist Rémi Cans
- Animator Dabid Pascual
- Compositor Dabid Pascual
- Art Director Rémi Cans
- Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
- Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
- Script Editor Soraya Field Fiorio
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace