List the key points of the Homestead Act and describe the effect it had on the opening of the western territories.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Acts

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a historic piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to encourage settlement and development in the western territories. It provided eligible individuals with the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of public land, thereby promoting the expansion of agriculture, commerce, and population growth in the West.

The key points of the Homestead Act can be summarized as follows:

1. Eligibility: Any adult (or head of a family) who was a U.S. citizen, or intended to become one, could claim a homestead.

2. Land Allocation: The act made available over 270 million acres of public land for settlement and development.

3. Claim Requirements: To obtain a homestead, individuals needed to be at least 21 years old, pay a small registration fee, and promise to improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.

4. Duration of Residency: Homesteaders were required to live on the land, build a dwelling, and cultivate crops for a minimum of five years before being granted ownership.

5. Land Transfer: After fulfilling the residency and cultivation requirements, homesteaders could apply for a formal land patent, which granted them full ownership of the property.

The Homestead Act had a significant impact on the opening of the western territories:

1. Increased Settlement: The act encouraged a massive influx of settlers, as it offered an opportunity for individuals and families to obtain land of their own. This led to a rapid increase in population and development in the West.

2. Agricultural Expansion: The act promoted the establishment of farms and enabled agricultural expansion. Homesteaders cleared land, built houses and barns, and cultivated crops, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in the West.

3. Economic Development: With the growth of population and agriculture, towns and businesses emerged to serve the needs of the settlers. This stimulated economic development and created new markets in the western territories.

4. Infrastructure Growth: The influx of settlers brought about the need for infrastructure such as roads, schools, and post offices. This led to the construction of vital institutions that supported the growing communities.

5. Native American Displacement: Although not a direct effect of the Homestead Act, the policy encouraged settlement and expansion into areas already inhabited by Native American tribes. This created conflicts and resulted in the displacement and marginalization of indigenous peoples.

Overall, the Homestead Act played a crucial role in the opening and development of the western territories by promoting settlement, agriculture, and economic growth. It was a key factor in shaping the expansion of the United States and the transformation of the frontier into settled and prosperous regions.