Lesson 7 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe Homestead Act
The Homestead Act of 1862 was a pivotal piece of legislation that aimed to encourage westward expansion by providing settlers with land.
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The Homestead Act of 1862 was a pivotal piece of legislation that aimed to encourage westward expansion by providing settlers with land. Under the act, individuals could claim 160 acres of public land for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops over a period of five years. This policy not only facilitated the settlement of the Great Plains but also reflected the national ethos of Manifest Destiny. The act significantly impacted the lives of countless families, offering them the opportunity for land ownership and a new beginning in the American West.
Key Facts
The Homestead Act was enacted in 1862.
Settlers could claim 160 acres of land for a small fee.
The act required improvements to the land over five years.
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Question 1
1 of 2What year was the Homestead Act enacted?
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