Students will examine a Nebraska land advertisement from 1869 to discuss the reasons that settlers moved to the midwest. Historical Background The emergence of advertisements for land in the west was a new occurrence after the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act accelerated the settlement of the territory in the west.
Full Answer
How did the Midwest become part of the north?
Emerging transportation arteries, first canals and then railroads, linked the Midwest with Eastern markets and firmly established it as part of the industrially expanding North, thus concluding a process begun in 1787 when slavery was outlawed in the Northwest Territory.
Why is the Midwest so important to American history?
The influence of the Midwest on national life has been significant. In the 1870s it was the main area of activity of the Granger movement and a hotbed of labour agitation. It provided some of the most prominent figures of the Progressive movement (including Robert M. La Follette) and was home for many of America’s most famous industrial giants.
How did westward migration affect the Great Plains?
Westward migration tended to skip the Plains for the Pacific Coast, and it was not until the late 1800s, when most American Indians had been subjugated, barbed-wire fencing had been introduced, and railroads had penetrated the interior, that the Plains experienced rapid settlement by farmers, ranchers, and tradesmen.
Why were the Great Plains important to the United States?
The Great Plains entered the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The Plains were to develop primarily agriculturally, but the Northwest Territory, blessed with both fertile soil and valuable natural resources (coal, oil, iron ore, and limestone), would develop both industrially and agriculturally.
What caused people to settle in the Midwest?
The French fur traders preferred the Boreal forests in the Northern part of the Midwest. They also utilized the Great Lakes waterway system for trading purposes. It was the Great Lakes along with the valleys and ports that made the Midwest a lucrative place for settlement. In 1863 the Homestead Act was passed.
What is one thing that made the Midwest a good place to settle?
The Midwest has a rep for friendly people, cheap land, and a stress-free lifestyle that differs dramatically from other US regions. Many people are flocking to the Midwest because of its affordable cost of living, open spaces, and relaxed pace of life.
When was the Midwest settled?
July 4, 1776Midwestern United States / Date settled
How did the government support settlement of the West?
Signed into law by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Homestead Act encouraged westward migration and settlement by providing 160-acre tracts of land west of the Mississippi at little cost, in return for a promise to improve the land.
What is special about the Midwest region?
The Midwest is a region of the United States of America known as "America's Heartland", which refers to its primary role in the nation's manufacturing and farming sectors as well as its patchwork of big commercial cities and small towns that, in combination, are considered as the broadest representation of American ...
Why is the Midwest so affordable?
Cheaper Living The cost of living among Midwest states routinely ranks among the lowest in the country, compared to the higher costs in the big cities along the coasts and elsewhere. The big reason is supply and demand: citizens flock to big cities, and existing citizens need homes as well.
How was the Midwest formed?
Glaciers carved up the midwest, creating the dips in Minnesota that eventually formed lakes and helping deposit the sediment that would become rich topsoil. In addition, according to the NOAA, the last retreating glacier was so heavy and powerful that it cut deep depressions that became the Great Lakes.
How did the settlers who came to the Midwestern U.S. use the land?
They cleared the land, plowed it, and built homes. How did the farm equipment help the Midwestern farmers? What challenges did Midwestern settlers face and how could they overcome these challenges? Clearing and plowing land and transporting products to market.
Who colonized the Midwest?
FranceFrance took the lead in colonizing the Upper Midwest region. From the early sixteenth century on, French soldiers, missionaries and fur traders left their slight mark upon the St. Lawrence valley, the upper Great Lakes and points west.
What were the 5 reasons for westward expansion?
What were 5 reasons for westward expansion?free land railroad gold and silver adventure and opportunity cattleWhat were some challenges the cowboys faced on the long drive?Violent storms, wind, rain, moving rivers, stampedes, rustlers, hot sun, discrimination, and 15 hours on the saddle38 more rows
Why did the government want western lands to be settled?
The federal government may have wanted to make sure that it could prevent other countries from trying to take the lands away from the United States by making sure the area was settled. The federal government may also have wanted to develop the resources available in the new lands.
What were the 4 reasons why gaining new territories was important?
Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act. The discovery of wheat strains adapted to grow in the climate of the Plains.
What makes the Midwest the best?
10 Reasons to Move to the MidwestYou can actually afford to live here. ... Residents experience the best of lake life. ... The schools are excellent. ... The people are exceptionally friendly. ... The region is home to some of the country's most iconic cities. ... Residents get to experience the best state fairs in the country.More items...•
Which Midwest state is the best to live in?
5 Best Midwestern States To Live InIndiana.Michigan.Missouri.Ohio.Wisconsin.
What is popular in the Midwest?
14 Top-Rated Things to Do in The MidwestMount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore. ... Fall Foliage. Fall colors in Door County, Wisconsin. ... Willis Tower Skydeck. Willis Tower Skydeck. ... Paddleboat Ride. Paddleboat in Cincinnati, Ohio. ... Indy 500. ... Northern Lights. ... Historic National Road Yard Sale. ... Work a Cattle Drive.More items...•
How did the settlers who came to the midwestern US use the land?
They cleared the land, plowed it, and built homes. How did the farm equipment help the Midwestern farmers? What challenges did Midwestern settlers face and how could they overcome these challenges? Clearing and plowing land and transporting products to market.
Historical Background
The emergence of advertisements for land in the west was a new occurrence after the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act accelerated the settlement of the territory in the west. Heads of families were granted 160 acres of land for a small amount of money and were required to live on that land for five years before gaining permanent ownership.
Lesson Objective
AHRII.20: Explain why people settled in the Middle West and identify problems they encountered.
Procedure
Opening Thought: Adventure and opportunity? I’ve heard that somewhere before! Discuss the opening thought and cite examples from our past units (American Revolution, Civil War, Midwest basics).
What were the major factors that contributed to Chicago's growth in 1890?
By 1890 Chicago, not even 60 years old, had become the second largest city in the country, and the Midwest accounted for 29 percent of the country’s manufacturing employment and nearly one-third of its value added by manufacture.
When did the Midwest join the United States?
The Midwest. The Northwest Territory entered the United States in 1783 at the conclusion of the American Revolution and was organized under a series of ordinances that set the precedent for the admission of future territories into the Union. The Great Plains entered the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
What were the natural resources of the Northwest Territory?
The Plains were to develop primarily agriculturally, but the Northwest Territory, blessed with both fertile soil and valuable natural resources (coal, oil, iron ore, and limestone), would develop both industrially and agriculturally. Northwest Territory 1785–87.
What was the Northwest Territory?
The Northwest Territory , created by the Northwest Ordinances of 1785 and 1787, with the Ohio Company of Associates' purchase (c. 1787) and township schemes. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Read More on This Topic. United States: The Midwest. There is no such self-effacement in the Midwest, that large triangular region justly regarded as ...
What is the Midwest?
Midwest, also called Middle West or North Central States, region, northern and central United States, lying midway between the Appalachians and Rocky Mountains and north of the Ohio River and the 37th parallel. The Midwest, as defined by the federal government, comprises the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, ...
When did the Plains experience rapid settlement?
Westward migration tended to skip the Plains for the Pacific Coast, and it was not until the late 1800s, when most American Indians had been subjugated, barbed-wire fencing had been introduced, and railroads had penetrated the interior, that the Plains experienced rapid settlement by farmers, ranchers, and tradesmen.
Is there self-effacement in the Midwest?
There is no such self-effacement in the Midwest, that large triangular region justly regarded as the most nearly representative...
Why did some people fear immigrants?
They feared immigrants were too foreign to learn American ways. Others feared that immigrants might come to out-number natives.
What were the hardships of immigrants?
Most immigrants suffered hardships like loneliness. Many came to America in steerage. In steerage, hundreds of people lived jammed together from anywhere to ten days to a month. Conditions were filthy, and many passengers became ill or died on the journey.
How did landlords profit from the housing shortage?
Not enough housing. Greedy landlords profited from the housing shortage by squeezing large apartment buildings onto small lots.
Why did the Irish move to port cities?
The Irish arrived with little or no savings forcing them to move to port cities to earn money on back breaking jobs.
What did the Germans bring to the Germans?
Germans brought Christmas trees, gymnasiums, kindergartens, and the hamburger and frankfurter.