jan 1, 1862 - Homestead Act of 1862 - govt gives 160 acres of public land to ppl with small fees; and the land must be improved * some best lands were set aside for wealthy speculators & investors; majority of land sold experience low levels of rainfall…CAN'T farm * farmers become dependent on cash crops; makes them more tend to fluctuating international markets —> these new communities in the West give SUPPORT to WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE (Wyoming was 1st state; West first gave women suffrage)
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1862
Now
~ 164 years ago