Great Plains

Definition

The Great Plains is a vast region of flat land that stretches across the central United States and parts of Canada, characterized by grasslands and few trees. This area played a crucial role in America's westward expansion and agricultural development, significantly impacting land acquisition policies and the economic landscape during the 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Plains covers an area from Texas up through Canada, encompassing parts of states like Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
2. This region was initially home to various Indigenous tribes, whose lifestyles were often centered around hunting and gathering.
3. The introduction of farming techniques and machinery transformed the Great Plains into one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country, leading to increased food production.
4. Government policies like the Homestead Act aimed to promote settlement in the Great Plains by offering land incentives to settlers, significantly altering land ownership patterns.
5. The environmental challenges faced during the Dust Bowl highlighted the consequences of intensive farming practices on this fragile ecosystem.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Plains influence land acquisition policies in America during the 19th century?
  • The Great Plains significantly influenced land acquisition policies, particularly through legislation like the Homestead Act. This act provided incentives for settlers to move westward by offering them plots of land if they improved it within a specified time frame. The availability of vast tracts of land in the Great Plains motivated many individuals and families to migrate, leading to rapid settlement and agricultural development in this region.
• Discuss the economic impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on the Great Plains region.
  • The Transcontinental Railroad had a profound economic impact on the Great Plains by facilitating faster transportation of goods and people. It connected rural farmers to national markets, allowing them to sell their produce more easily. Additionally, it encouraged further settlement and investment in agriculture, as well as supporting industries like lumber and mining that depended on efficient transport systems, thus boosting the overall economy of the region.
• Evaluate how environmental issues like the Dust Bowl affected agricultural practices and policies in the Great Plains.
  • The Dust Bowl had a significant impact on agricultural practices and policies in the Great Plains, leading to a reevaluation of farming techniques. The severe drought and dust storms highlighted unsustainable farming methods that exacerbated soil erosion. In response, new policies promoting soil conservation and sustainable agriculture were implemented, along with federal assistance programs aimed at helping farmers recover from the economic devastation. This shift ultimately transformed how agriculture was practiced in the region and underscored the importance of ecological stewardship.

Related terms

Homestead Act: A law enacted in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with 160 acres of public land in exchange for a small fee and the requirement to improve the land within five years.

Transcontinental Railroad: A railroad that connected the eastern United States with the Pacific coast, facilitating transportation and trade, and significantly contributing to settlement in the Great Plains.

Dust Bowl: A period during the 1930s characterized by severe drought and poor agricultural practices that led to widespread soil erosion, particularly in the Great Plains region.