Transcontinental Railroad and Homestead Act

Mrs. Olsen's lesson covers the Homestead and Pacific Railway Acts, explaining their historical context and impact. The Homestead Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, aimed to populate the western U.S. by offering land to private citizens, including freed slaves and women. The Pacific Railway Act facilitated the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, enhancing transportation across the U.S. Both acts significantly contributed to westward expansion and economic growth.

What does the term 'act' typically refer to in a historical context?

• A type of government

• A law or legislation

• A cultural tradition

• A historical event

Who signed the Homestead Act into law, and in what year?

• Abraham Lincoln in 1862

• Thomas Jefferson in 1803

• Andrew Jackson in 1830

• George Washington in 1776

What was one of the main reasons for the Homestead Act according to President Lincoln?

• To establish new trade routes

• To populate the western United States

• To increase military presence in the West

• To create new states immediately

Which group of people were primarily affected by the westward expansion under the Homestead Act?

• African explorers

• Asian immigrants

• Native Americans

• European settlers

What was the maximum amount of land a person could claim under the Homestead Act?

• 100 acres

• 160 acres

• 200 acres

• 250 acres

What were the living conditions like for homesteaders on the Great Plains?

• Luxurious homes with modern amenities

• Sod houses made of dirt and mud

• Stone houses with running water

• Wooden cabins with electricity

What was the primary purpose of the Pacific Railway Act?

• To create a national airline

• To build a highway across the United States

• To establish new shipping routes

• To construct the first transcontinental rail lines

Which two companies were authorized to build the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Atlantic Pacific and Pacific Central

• Union Pacific and Central Pacific

• Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific

• Northern Pacific and Southern Pacific

What was the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on travel time across the United States?

• Reduced from several months to one week

• Remained the same

• Reduced from one year to six months

• Increased from one week to several months

Where was the ceremonial Golden Spike driven to complete the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Kansas City, Missouri

• Promontory, Utah

• San Francisco, California

• Omaha, Nebraska