Homestead Act of 1860 facts for kids
The Homestead Act of 1860 was a big idea in the United States that would have made land in the West very cheap. It suggested selling land for only 25 cents per acre! The United States Congress actually voted for this law, but President James Buchanan stopped it by using his power to veto it. This meant the act did not become a law.
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Why People Wanted Free Land
Many people, especially those from the Northern states, believed that the government should give away land in the West. They thought that brave pioneers should get about 160 acres (which is like 65 hectares) of empty land for free. These pioneers wanted to move West to start new lives, build farms, and find new opportunities. Cheap or free land was a huge draw for them.
Why Some People Opposed the Act
Not everyone thought the idea of free land was a good one. There were two main groups who worried about it:
Southern Concerns About Slavery
People in the Southern states, who strongly supported slavery, were very concerned. They feared that if land was free, many people who were against slavery (called "free-soilers") would move to the Western territories. If these territories became states, they would likely become "anti-slavery" states. This would change the balance of power in the Senate, where each state gets two votes. The South worried they would lose their control and influence in the government. President Buchanan often sided with the South, which is why he vetoed the act.
Eastern Industrialists' Worries
Another group that didn't like the idea were the owners of factories in the Eastern states. These "industrialists" worried that if land was free in the West, many of their workers would leave their jobs in the factories. They feared that people would move West to get free land and start their own farms, which would mean fewer workers for their businesses.
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