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The Sagebrush Rebellion

The Sagebrush Rebellion was a political movement in the American West during the late 1970s and 1980s, where local governments and citizens sought greater control over federal lands. Many Western states were largely owned by the federal government, which restricted land use for agriculture, mining, and development. Advocates argued that local control would better meet the needs of communities. The movement highlighted tensions between federal authority and local interests, reflecting broader themes of states' rights and public lands management. While it gained attention, the rebellion's influence has waned, but the issues remain relevant in discussions about land use and government regulation.