Homestead Act, Homesteaders

How did the Homestead Act facilitate the creation of new communities and economies in the American West? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact the Homestead Act of 1862 had on migrants who were later called homesteaders. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions
The Homestead Act reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions
The Homestead Act primary source text and scaffolding questions
A Homesteader POV and questions
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the Homestead Act of 1862 impact the westward expansion of the United States?
Answer key for teachers (suggested)
★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you!

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