0.2 Theme 1: transformation of the west worksheet

A. KEY TERMS

Briefly identify each of the following.

1. Morrill Land-Grant Act

2. land speculator

3. Homestead Act

4. Exoduster

B. MAIN IDEAS

Write the letter of the correct answer in the blank provided.

_____ 5. Who owned much of the western land near prime transportation routes?

a. Exodusters

b. squatters

c. “land-grant” colleges

d. railroads

_____ 6. Which of the following did not sell land to settlers?

a. bankers

b. railroads

c. “land-grant” colleges

d. land speculators

_____ 7. What was one key requirement that applicants had to meet to receive

land under the Homestead Act?

a. live on the land all year long

b. farm the land for five years in a row

c. file a claim with a bank

d. wheel portable cabins from plot to plot

_____ 8. What was one of the most difficult jobs that western settlers faced?

a. plowing the sod

b. planting seeds

c. carrying water from the well

d. making soap

_____ 9. What were the Exodusters trying to escape from?

a. unfair land taxes

b. racial violence

c. Confederate prisons

d. the eight-hour day

_____ 10. What effect did homesteading tend to have on women?

a. It made them more dependent on their husbands.

b. It forced them to marry in order to file a land claim.

c. It took away their suffrage and other rights.

d. It increased their opportunities outside the home.