The power: im assuming you mean actual power not who is in control. if im wrong correct me and i can give you other answers, people used water, wind and electricity manufactured from coal.
Hardships: the great depression, dust bowl, immigration.
Camping: People camped to follow the buffalos, this was used for temporary housing, TP's were used.
Buffalo: provided leather, furs, and food for developing tribes.
Native Americans: Neglected from the whites, out numbered and out gunned.