Fact Recall
How many acres of land could settlers claim under the Homestead Act?
160 acres.
In what year was the Homestead Act passed?
1862.
What challenges did homesteaders face?
Harsh weather, isolation, and the need to build homes and farms from scratch.
What impact did the Homestead Act have on westward expansion?
It encouraged westward expansion by allowing settlers to claim land.
What were the living conditions like for homesteaders?
Harsh and challenging, with homes often made of sod and limited resources.
What material did homesteaders often use to build their homes?
Sod (grass and soil).
How many years did homesteaders need to live on and improve the land to gain ownership?
5 years.
What was the main task of sodbusters?
Breaking the tough prairie sod to plant crops.
Why did homesteaders use sod to build their homes?
Sod was abundant and free, making it a practical building material.
How did the work of sodbusters contribute to agriculture?
They cleared and prepared land for farming, enabling agricultural development.
What crop did sodbusters primarily grow?
Wheat.
What was the climate like in the Wheat Belt region?
Arid with minimal rainfall.
What were the soil conditions like in the Wheat Belt?
Fertile soil and a climate conducive to wheat production.
Why did sodbusters need strong tools?
The prairie sod was tough and difficult to break, requiring strong tools.
What farming technologies were used in the Wheat Belt?
Steel plows, reapers, and other mechanized tools.
What methods were included in dry farming techniques?
Crop rotation, deep plowing, and drought-resistant crops.
What tools did sodbusters primarily use to clear the land?
Steel plows and other strong tools.
How did dry farming techniques address arid conditions?
By conserving soil moisture and using drought-resistant crops.
Why was the Wheat Belt suitable for growing wheat?
The region had fertile soil and a climate suitable for wheat growth.
How did dry farming techniques improve crop yields?
By maximizing the use of limited water and improving soil health.
What were the main characteristics of Bonanza farms?
Large-scale, highly mechanized, and owned by corporations or wealthy individuals.
Who typically owned Bonanza farms?
Corporations or wealthy individuals.
How did Bonanza farms achieve large-scale production?
Through mechanization and modern farming techniques.
What lessons can modern agriculture learn from Bonanza farms?
Bonanza farms demonstrated the efficiency of mechanization and large-scale farming, influencing modern agricultural practices.
What was the economic impact of Bonanza farms in the 19th century?
They contributed to the growth of commercial agriculture and the economy by producing large quantities of crops.