At first glance, the Homestead Act of 1862 was a massive move forward for America, benefiting all involved. This law allowed every person over 21 could receive 160 acres of land to get land for living and farming. However, the Homestead Act had negative effects that may not be obvious. Therefore, this paper will analyze why not all people have benefited from the passage of this law.
Although the Homestead Act had great potential for the development of the economy and agriculture in the United States, the government and the wealthy were the main beneficiaries of this law. According to the Act, everyone who wanted to receive land had to “live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land” for five years (National Archives, 2022, para. 2). However, very often, the poor citizens did not have enough money to ‘improve’ the land. Also, due to the climatic conditions in the West, the land was often not suitable for farming, and many people died due to starvation. As a result, they did not live for the required five years to receive the land, but the government returned their land and gave it to others who wanted it. In addition, land could be obtained after six months of living on it if the person paid the government $1.25 per acre (National Archives, 2022). That contributed to the enrichment of the speculators and brought income to the government.
Another negative consequence of the passage of the Homestead Act was the oppression of the indigenous American people. Before the passage of the law, Indians who lived in the West were evicted there by the American government. However, the law caused the settlement of these territories by white people. It led to the oppression of the indigenous population and provoked their forced assimilation into American culture.
Thus, for average US citizens, the Homestead Act of 1862 had little advantage. Many of the people who received land could not build houses or farm there due to unfavorable conditions and lack of money. In addition, the law has led to oppression and discrimination against Indians living in the West. On the other hand, the law contributed to filling the state treasury, so the government and wealthy people who could buy cheap land received the greatest benefits.
Reference
National Archives (2022). Homestead Act (1862). Web.