Embark on a historical odyssey with the “Exodusters and the Homestead Act Document Worksheet.” This comprehensive resource delves into the motivations, struggles, and triumphs of the Exodusters, African Americans who embarked on a mass migration from the South to the Great Plains in search of land and liberty under the Homestead Act of 1862.
Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will gain a profound understanding of the Exodusters’ experiences, the challenges they faced, and their lasting impact on American history.
The Exodusters and the Homestead Act: Exodusters And The Homestead Act Document Worksheet
The Exodusters were a group of African Americans who left the South after the Civil War in search of freedom and economic opportunity. They were motivated by the promise of land under the Homestead Act, which granted 160 acres of land to anyone who agreed to settle on it and cultivate it for five years.
The Homestead Act had a significant impact on the Exodusters. It provided them with the opportunity to own their own land, which was a major step towards economic independence. It also helped to create a sense of community among the Exodusters, who were able to build their own schools, churches, and businesses.
The Exodusters’ Journey
The Exodusters traveled from the South to the West in a series of organized migrations. The first group of Exodusters left Mississippi in 1879, and they were soon followed by others from Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The Exodusters traveled by train, boat, and foot, and they faced many challenges along the way.
They were often harassed by white settlers, and they had to overcome disease, hunger, and exhaustion.
Homesteading on the Great Plains
The Exodusters settled on the Great Plains, which was a harsh and unforgiving environment. They had to learn how to farm in a new climate, and they had to contend with drought, hail, and other natural disasters. Despite the challenges, the Exodusters were able to establish successful homesteads.
They built homes, schools, and churches, and they began to build a new life for themselves.
The Legacy of the Exodusters, Exodusters and the homestead act document worksheet
The Exodusters made a significant contribution to the settlement of the West and the fight for civil rights. They were pioneers who helped to open up the Great Plains to settlement, and they were an inspiration to other African Americans who were seeking freedom and opportunity.
The Exodusters’ legacy is still felt today, and their story is a reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
Question & Answer Hub
Who were the Exodusters?
The Exodusters were African Americans who left the South in the late 19th century to seek land and economic opportunities in the West under the Homestead Act.
What was the Homestead Act?
The Homestead Act was a federal law that granted public land to settlers who agreed to live on and cultivate the land for five years.
What challenges did the Exodusters face?
The Exodusters faced numerous challenges, including discrimination, violence, and economic hardship.
