USH Unit 4/5: Industrialization and Gilded Age

Excerpt from the Homestead Act of 1862
"Any citizen, or intended citizen, shall be entitled to claim 160 acres of surveyed public land for a small fee, provided they reside upon or cultivate the land for at least five years."

Which of the following best explains how the Homestead Act of 1862 contributed to corporate expansion in the US?

• It encouraged the development of small, family-owned farms and slowed industrial growth.

• It provided land grants that supported individuals and small communities but excluded corporations.

• It increased westward migration and stimulated demand for industries like railroads, mining, and agriculture equipment.

• It limited the expansion of large landholding companies by restricting land purchases to individuals.

From the Pacific Railway Act of 1862
"The Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroad Companies are hereby granted lands to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean."

How did the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 influence the economic landscape of the United States?

• It restricted corporate growth by prioritizing government-run rail lines

• It helped create a national market by connecting distant regions and stimulating industries like steel and coal.

• It focused on improving local transportation, thus benefiting small-town economies over large corporations.

• It only had a minor effect on the U.S. economy as railroads were not widely used.

Quote from Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, 1877
"Hear me, my chiefs; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

Chief Joseph’s speech is best understood in the context of:

• Native American efforts to resist relocation by the U.S. government and defend their tribal lands.

• Tribal alliances formed to support U.S. military efforts in the west.

• The peaceful coexistence achieved between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.

• A successful negotiation between the Nez Perce and the U.S. government over land rights.

Based on the map, how did the U.S. government's approach to Native American territories affect Native American societies in the Great Plains?

• Native American tribes were granted sovereignty over their lands, leading to peaceful relations with the government.

• The establishment of military forts led to increased trade and alliances with Native American tribes.

• Native American lands were encroached upon by settlers and the military, leading to loss of territory and conflict.

• The forts provided protection for Native Americans against other tribal conflicts.

Excerpt from Dawes Act of 1887
"Each Native American family shall be allotted 160 acres of land to promote individual ownership and agricultural development."

The Dawes Act of 1887 was intended to encourage Native Americans to adopt Western farming practices. What was one major consequence of this policy?

• It led to improved agricultural development within Native American communities.

• It helped Native Americans gain greater autonomy and control over their lands.

• It strengthened the tribal structure by consolidating Native American lands.

• It resulted in the loss of tribal land holdings and weakened Native American communal life.