. a. Who were 2 groups of settlers (non-Natives) who moved into Texas Great Plains after the Civil War? b. Why did they come to Texas? Provide at least 2 reasons as to why they moved to Texas and settled on the Great Plains. (Use Unit 2 Lesson 2 and Unit 2 Lesson 4)
a. Two groups of settlers who moved into the Texas Great Plains after the Civil War were the ranchers and the farmers.
b. They came to Texas and settled on the Great Plains for several reasons:
1. Economic opportunities: The Great Plains offered vast expanses of fertile land and abundant natural resources, which attracted both ranchers and farmers. Ranchers saw the opportunity to establish large-scale cattle ranches, taking advantage of the vast grazing lands and the growing demand for beef in the expanding markets. Farmers, on the other hand, were drawn to the fertile soil and favorable climate for agricultural production.
2. The Homestead Act: The Homestead Act of 1862 provided settlers with the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of public land for a small fee, on the condition that they improve the land and farm it for a certain number of years. This incentive encouraged many settlers to move to the Great Plains, including Texas, in search of land and the possibility of owning their own farms.
In summary, the economic opportunities and the incentives provided by the Homestead Act were two key factors that motivated settlers, such as ranchers and farmers, to move to Texas and settle on the Great Plains after the Civil War.