Open Range System

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A range land where cattle roam freely regardless of land ownership

Real World Example

The open range system was a method used in the late 1800s during Western Expansion in the United States where cattle roamed freely across vast public lands, without fences to separate different owners' herds. This system was important because it allowed ranchers to graze large numbers of cattle on shared land, which was crucial for the booming cattle industry after the Civil War. It addressed the challenge of managing vast, unsettled lands and helped support the growing demand for beef in eastern cities. Today, the concept of shared resources is seen in community gardens or public parks, where land is used collectively for the benefit of the community. This relates to everyday life by promoting collaboration and shared responsibility, reminding us of the importance of managing shared spaces for the common good.

Practice Version

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