Early Agriculture
How did Native Americans practice agriculture?
They cultivated crops such as maize, beans, and squash using sustainable practices.
What crops did early settlers plant in Jamestown?
They planted tobacco, amaranth, cotton, and grains.
Who invented the seed drill?
Jethro Tull.
What was the Homestead Act of 1862?
It provided land grants of 160 acres to citizens who met certain conditions.
What is subsistence farming?
Farming where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families.
What crops are known as the "Three Sisters"?
Corn, beans, and squash.
Why did settlers move on from their fields?
They moved on when the soil became unproductive.
What was Eli Whitney known for?
He invented the cotton gin, which revolutionized cotton production.
How much land did the Louisiana Purchase add?
Approximately 827,000 square miles.
How did crop rotation improve farming?
It helped maintain soil fertility and increased crop yields.
What did Native Americans use to clear fields?
They used fire to clear fields for agriculture.
What livestock were introduced by European settlers?
Calves, goats, sheep, and pigs.
What innovation did Jethro Tull create?
The seed drill, which allowed for sowing seeds in regular rows.
What did the Morrill Act of 1862 create?
It established land-grant colleges to teach agriculture and engineering.
What was the role of barbed wire in agriculture?
It allowed for effective fencing of rangeland and controlled livestock grazing.
Who helped the colonists learn maize cultivation?
A Native American named Squanto.
What crop was the first important export crop?
Tobacco.
What did John Deere manufacture in 1837?
Steel plows.
When was the USDA established?
May 15, 1862.
What impact did the icebox refrigerator have?
It allowed for better preservation of agricultural products and improved transportation.
What role did aquaculture play in early agriculture?
It involved fish farming, practiced by Hawaiians over 1,000 years ago.
What was the impact of diseases on Native American populations?
Diseases like measles and smallpox decimated their populations, leading to less resistance against European settlers.
What advancements did George Washington Carver promote?
He promoted crop rotation and soil conservation practices.
What significant changes did the cotton gin bring?
It allowed for quicker separation of cotton fibers from seeds, increasing production.
How did mechanization change farming practices?
It increased efficiency and productivity, reducing the need for manual labor.