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The Day The Cowboys Quit Sparknotes

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Elmer Kelton's "The Day the Cowboys Quit" is a novel based on a Texas cowboy strike against five significant ranches in the late 1800s. The cowboys protested against low pay, substandard working conditions, and limitations on their freedom because they thought the ranches were run by businesses mainly concerned with money. This fight stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the American West and the labor movement because it demonstrates the tensions that existed between cowboys and ranchers at a time when the open land cattle industry was going through substantial changes. "Hitch" Hitchcock, a thirty year old cowboy and leader on Charlie Waide's "W" Ranch, one of the first ranchers in the area, serves as the protagonist of the story. Hitch respects Waide because he values the cowboys he hires and compensates them well. Hitch considers the actual cowboys and the reasons for their …show more content…

They face a variety of difficulties on the long and challenging journey, including bandit attacks, strong storms, and an unforgiving environment. Not only that, but Hitch also has to deal with staff conflicts brought on by the poor pay and working conditions from Kress. They learn Kress has filed a lawsuit against them after successfully bringing the animals to the Kansas market and being accused of livestock theft. In the end, Hitch and his crew successfully defend themselves in court with the support of an attorney, revealing their innocence and rebuilding their reputations. After receiving the respect they deserve for their persistence, they leave the meeting with a revitalized feeling of fulfillment and confidence. Anybody interested in the history of the American West or the labor movement will find this to be an intriguing and enjoyable read due to Kelton's portrayal of the cowboys as hardworking men and his in-depth descriptions of the surroundings on the

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