The Acts of 1862
Migration in America the year 1862: The Acts that Enhanced the Plan
Stephanie Rubino
History 1
Abstract
The paper will cover some acts that were pivotal in the settlement of America and the expansion of American territories to the west in the year of 1862. One act to be discussed is The Homestead Act of 1862, which gave free lands to those in support of the American ideals at that point in time. Another will be the Pacific Railroad Act, which granted land and monies to the railway companies to build the transcontinental railroad. The Morrill Act created land grant colleges in each state to promote agricultural and industrial educations in America. Bills and individuals or groups that were important to the success of American expansion and migration will also be discussed.
Migration in America the year 1862: The Acts that Enhanced the Plan
Introduction
The year of 1862 is a pivotal part of American history. During the year of 1862 three acts were created to entice US citizens or possible US citizens to settle in the American wilderness, primarily the American west, by the offerings of free lands. The promise of wealth and freedom lured many settlers out the north to accept the government’s proposal and help cultivate the American west. In conjunction with land acts passed by congress, there were advances in locomotion and travel that made the trek more appealing to those who were leery of traveling on foot for such a great distance. Emphasis on educating Americans to further expand and enhance American economic growth, colleges were built throughout America with money provided by the government. Despite the many unanswered questions, settlers from areas all over the north, packed their belongings and headed west. This paper will cover three major acts that aided the American government in expanding territories west, encouraged people from foreign nations to settle in America, and breathe life into uncharted territories.
The...