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AP Success - AP US History: The Homestead Act & Western Settlement

Source 1

"The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land. After five years on the land, the original filer was entitled to the property, free and clear, except for a small registration fee. Title could also be acquired after only a six-month residency and trivial improvements, provided the claimant paid the government $1.25 per acre. After the Civil War, Union soldiers could deduct the time they had served from the residency requirements."

Homestead Act (1862). National Archives.

Question 1

Multiple choice

What was a primary requirement for an individual to claim land under the Homestead Act of 1862?

Question 2

Multiple choice

Which group of people was explicitly excluded from taking advantage of the Homestead Act?

Question 3

Multiple choice

How could Union soldiers benefit from the Homestead Act after the Civil War?

Question 4

Multiple choice

What was the purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?

Question 5

Multiple choice

What was an alternative to fulfilling the five-year residency requirement to obtain title to the land under the Homestead Act?

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