America: Homesteaders Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Homestead Act introduced?
A
1862
2
Q
What was the Homestead Act for?
A
To encourage people to move west
3
Q
What did the Homestead Act offer people?
A
160 acres of free land if they lived and farmed on it for 5 years
4
Q
Why did the US government want people to settle on the plains?
A
- To fulfil manifest destiny
- For economic strength
- To increase their population
- To drive out Native Americans
5
Q
How much of America’s land was settled as a result of the Homestead Act?
A
10%
6
Q
When did the Homestead Act end?
A
1986
7
Q
How did the Land Rush work?
A
People lined up on foot or on horses and at noon they would charge to gain plots of land by planting their flag on the territory. If you went early you were shot. Often gun fights would break out over plots of land.
