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Lesson 7 of 84 · Westward Expansion

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The Homestead Act

🌍Mission Brief #7

The Homestead Act was a law passed in 1862 that encouraged people to settle in the West.

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Then & Now

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The Homestead Act was a law passed in 1862 that encouraged people to settle in the West. It offered 160 acres of land to anyone who was willing to farm it for five years. This act was designed to help people start a new life and develop the western lands. Many families took advantage of this opportunity, leading to the growth of farms and communities across the United States.

Key Facts

1

The Homestead Act was passed in 1862.

2

It offered 160 acres of land to settlers.

3

Families had to farm the land for five years to keep it.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What year was the Homestead Act passed?

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Why this still matters

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The Homestead Act

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The Homestead Act — Westward Expansion | 4th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity