Notes

Due to factors such as an increase in population, cost of goods, as well as the acquiring of new land, the Homestead Act of 1862 was a necessary solution to the major problems that plagued the United States at the time. The Homestead Act, signed by President Lincoln, promised 160 acres of land to any American citizen, or soon to be citizen, who met a few requirements. The requirements were that a homesteader had to be head of household or 21 years of age, had to have never fought against the government or aided/supplied its enemies, and had to improve the land.

After the Fourteenth Amendment was passed as well as an 1898 Supreme Court decision, African Americans, ex-slaves, as well as eligible immigrants sought to claim a slice of land for themselves as it was a more than ample opportunity to join in on the American Dream.

The only issue that came about from the proposal of the Homestead Act was the conflict between the Southern Democrats and the Northerners/Republicans over who the land should be available to and what it would be used for. But as we can see, the dispute was settled and the land was opened to all American citizens. With that, about 270 million acres of land was claimed after the introduction of the Homestead act. Nearly 10% of the United States

Applicants to the Homestead act had only to sign a document saying that they would live on the land for at least five years, build a home, and make improvements to the land. Homesteaders paid a filing fee of $10 and at the end of the five years, they had to find at least two neighbors or friends who would affirm that all the requirements had been met and sign the proof document. The Homesteader then payed a $6 fee and received the patent to the land.

All in all, the Homestead Act of 1862 was a necessary and