Legislation that transformed the American West

In this podcast Terry Graham examines the role of Abraham Lincoln and major Republican Party figures from the 1850s/1860s and their influence on the American West.

While Lincoln remains a much studied figure, his and his contemporaries’ role in shaping the American West in the 1860s and beyond is often less explored. In 1862 the Republicans were able to push through Congress several pieces of legislation that would have a massive impact on the west, and beyond that American culture; The Homestead Act, Pacific Railroad Act, The Morrill Land Grant Act and the establishment of the Department of Agriculture.

Terry Graham is the Head of History at Heworth Grange School in Gateshead. Terry specialises in American History, having a particular interest on The American West and Abraham Lincoln.

1. Introduction.
2. The Acts and their background
3. The Department of Agriculture.
4. The Homestead Act 20 May 1862.
5. The Pacific Railroad Act 1862.
6. The Morrill Act 2 July 1862.
7. Effect on Native Americans.
8. Foreign Affairs.
9. Conclusion.

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