Homestead Act

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the Homestead Act, a significant piece of legislation in the history of the United States that played a crucial role in the country’s westward expansion. It comprises six questions that explore various facets of the act, such as its enactment year, the individual who signed it, its purpose, its content, and its broader implications like the causes of land rushes and the identity of the “Sooners.” An accompanying graphic displays a mapped out piece of land, likely representing the plots available for claim under the act, emphasizing the distribution of land during this era.

The worksheet’s primary goal is to impart knowledge about the Homestead Act’s significance in American history. It seeks to guide students in understanding the act’s primary objectives, the conditions it set forth, and its broader societal implications. By delving into the causes of land rushes and introducing terms like “Sooners,” the worksheet also exposes students to specific historical events and figures related to the act. Ultimately, the sheet aims to foster a deeper comprehension of the factors and policies that drove the United States’ westward expansion during the 19th century.