AP US History Exam Prep

Category - AP US History

Which of the following was an unintended consequence of the 1862 Homestead Act?
  1. Homesteaders usually had clashes with Native Americans in the regions they were settling.
  2. The best land was usually sold to speculators by greedy politicians.
  3. The land promised to homesteaders was actually barren and incapable of growing crops.
  4. Much of the land that was promised to homesteaders ended up going to large agricultural firms.
Explanation
Answer - D - One of the unintended consequences of the 1862 Homestead Act was that much of the land promised to homesteaders ended up going to large agricultural firms.

Key Takeaway: In many areas of American business, such as oil, mining, and the railroads, small entrepreneurs were gradually replaced by larger and larger companies. The 1862 Homestead Act was no different, as much of the incredibly fertile land promised to individual homesteaders ultimately ended up going to large agricultural firms.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details