The American Civil War And Reconstruction: 1862-1869 - Homestead Act, Pacific Railway Act And Morrill Act (1862)

The video discusses the impact of the Civil War on legislation, focusing on three key acts: the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railway Act, and the Morrill Act. These acts were passed by the Northern states after the Southern states seceded, allowing for significant changes in land distribution, transportation, and education. The Homestead Act aimed to create a nation of yeoman farmers, the Pacific Railway Act facilitated the construction of a transcontinental railroad, and the Morrill Act established land grant colleges, making higher education more accessible.

What significant event occurred in the winter of 1860 that influenced the political landscape of the United States?

• The signing of the Homestead Act

• The passing of the Morrill Act

• The election of Abraham Lincoln as President

• The completion of the transcontinental railroad

What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act passed during the Civil War?

• To expand the railroad system

• To promote the establishment of colleges

• To allow citizens to claim land and prevent the spread of slavery

• To improve the country's communication system

Which group was primarily employed to work on the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

• African American slaves

• European settlers

• Chinese immigrants

• Native Americans

What was the main goal of the Pacific Railway Act?

• To abolish slavery

• To provide land to settlers

• To build a transcontinental railroad and telegraph line

• To establish land-grant colleges

Who was the Morrill Act named after, and what was its primary purpose?

• Stephen Douglas; to expand the railroad

• Justin Morrill; to establish colleges in Western states

• Ulysses S. Grant; to provide land to settlers

• Abraham Lincoln; to end the Civil War

How did the Morrill Act impact higher education in the United States?

• It made higher education more exclusive

• It restricted access to Ivy League schools

• It made higher education more affordable and accessible

• It eliminated tuition fees for all students

Which of the following was NOT one of the acts passed by Congress in 1862?

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Morrill Act

• The Pacific Railway Act

• The Homestead Act