AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Federal Expansion Policies (Day 124/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of Federal Expansion Policies in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Acquisitions of Territory, Library of Congress

After the War with Mexico there was rapid migration to the west. The federal government had supported expansion in the past, such as through the Louisiana Purchase, and would continue this practice. 

Map of Treaty of Fort Laramie 1851, North Dakota Studies

In 1851, the Treaty of Fort Laramie gave the Plains tribes specific geographic boundaries in exchange for an agreement of safe passage for settlers headed west and authorization of the construction of roads and military posts.

Poster advertising the Homestead Act of 1862, United States Senate

In 1862, the Homestead Act was passed. It provided 160 acres of land to hundreds of thousands of settlers for a small application fee and a commitment to improve the land within 5 years. 

Map of the Union Pacific Railway, Library of Congress

Federal support for the construction of railroads, such as through the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, had the largest impact on expansion. With more efficient and less dangerous transportation methods, there was an exponential growth of Americans headed west.

In the mid-1800s, the federal government supported westward expansion through efforts to obtain additional lands, treaties with American Indians, and legislation to assist and encourage settlers in their migrations.

Join me tomorrow as I explain International Immigration in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!