Section 2Settling on the Great Plains

1850 – 1871 Federal Gov’t gives land grants.

Central Pacific Eastward From Sacramento

Union Pacific Westward From Omaha

Minority Workers

The government encourages people to move westward.

Exodusters

160 acres of free land. Head of Household Exodusters

Only 10% was used.

1889 Oklahoma Land Rush.

Soddies

Federal land to finance agricultural colleges.

To support farmers. Research led to

innovations. Breadbasket of the

nation.

Owned by Railroad Companies and Investors

Single-crop spreads 15,000 – 50,000

acres Folded into

bankruptcy

Not to be confused with…

Gave federal land to finance agricultural colleges.

Many people took possession of the land from the Homestead Act before the government

declared it open.

Page 223 Terms & Names Main Idea #2 Taking Notes – “Causes &

Effects of the Populist Party” Tomorrow – Classic Movie Lesson