History
Study Notes
The Homestead Act Significance
- Level:
- GCSE
- Board:
- Edexcel
Last updated 24 Oct 2017
The Homestead Act was relatively successful. By 1876, over six million acres of land had been ‘claimed’, it encouraged immigration from Europe, and people began to settle permanently on the Great Plains for the first time.
The Homestead Act was relatively successful. By 1876, over six million acres of land had been ‘claimed’, it encouraged immigration from Europe, and people began to settle permanently on the Great Plains for the first time.
However, the act did have its limitations. Despite many homesteads being ‘claimed’, 60% of homesteads were never ‘proved up’. This is mainly due to the difficulties of farming on the Great Plains. Rich landowners often made their employees file claims and then forced them to hand over the land to them. This was problematic as the government had aimed to create lots of individually owned farms, instead of the land being owned by just a few rich owners. Finally, some people would file a claim to get cheap land and then sell it to others for profit. Again, this went against government wishes for landowners to work their land themselves.
You might also like
Oklahoma Land Rush
Study Notes
First Transcontinental Railroad 1869
Study Notes
The Pacific Railroad Act 1862
Study Notes
The 1868 Peace Policy
Study Notes
Sand Creek Massacre 1864
Study Notes
The Permanent Indian Frontier
Study Notes
The Mormons and the Great Salt Lake
Study Notes
Significance of the Fort Laramie Treaty 1851
Study Notes
Recommended

Exam support for 2022
Online Grade Booster Courses for A-Level Exams in May & June 2022
Exam technique, advance information support, live revision and more from the tutor2u subject specialist teams