39

Lesson 39 of 84 ยท Westward Expansion

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The Homestead Act

๐ŸŒMission Brief #39

The Homestead Act, passed in 1862, encouraged westward expansion by providing land to settlers willing to cultivate it.

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Then & Now

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The Homestead Act, passed in 1862, encouraged westward expansion by providing land to settlers willing to cultivate it. Under this law, individuals could claim 160 acres of land for a small fee if they agreed to farm and improve the land for five years. This act attracted many families seeking new opportunities, but it also contributed to the displacement of Native populations, as settlers moved into their territories. The Homestead Act played a significant role in shaping the American landscape and society.

Key Facts

1

The Homestead Act was passed in 1862.

2

It provided land to settlers willing to cultivate it.

3

The act led to the displacement of many Native populations.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What did the Homestead Act provide to settlers?

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Why this still matters

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