Pros and cons about the Homestead Act of 1862?

Answer 1

Well, some pros are that a settler could obtain 160 acres of land for free if they made requirements on that land for 5 years.

and some cons are that most farmers were so poor that they could not afford the new machinery that they need to farm.
Pro
The Homestead Act was created to entice settlers to move inland, from the coastal cities which were becoming densely populated and extremely dirty.


Pro
It allowed soldiers of the war to deduct the number of years served from the five year requirement to live on and improve the land.


Pro
It allowed women and freed slaves a chance to own their own land.


Pro
It allowed immigrants, yeomen farmers, plantation owners etc. the chance to purchase land (up to 160 acres) for very little to no money at all. (Available/Inexpensive land was getting harder to find close to the coastal cities)


Con
Rough, unfamiliar lands and environments made it difficult for survival. (The loss of crops and livestock due to drought and grasshopper infestation)


Con
Not enough land (160 Acres) for large plantations to sustain decent sized crops.


Con
Many investors applied for land with no intention to live on and improve the land, but rather to turn a profit upon reselling.