Which of the following hardships did homesteaders in Minnesota generally face each year?
1. plagues
2. long, harsh winters
3. drought
4. land shortages
1. plagues - While plagues were not specifically mentioned as a common hardship faced by homesteaders in Minnesota, they could have potentially faced infestations or outbreaks of pests that impacted their crops or livestock.
2. long, harsh winters - Yes, homesteaders in Minnesota generally faced long, harsh winters, which presented challenges such as extreme cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and limited daylight hours.
3. drought - Yes, homesteaders in Minnesota could have faced drought conditions, which could have resulted in limited water supply for crops and livestock, leading to crop failures and difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods.
4. land shortages - The availability of land for homesteading in Minnesota was initially limited, leading to competition and land shortages. However, once the Homestead Act was passed in 1862, opening up more land to settlers, this challenge was gradually alleviated.