Morrill Act
US statutes that allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges
Real World Example
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, was significant during Westward Expansion as it provided federal land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts. This helped educate many people, especially in rural areas, and supported economic growth by improving farming techniques and industrial skills. It highlighted the importance of accessible education, a concept still crucial today as people seek affordable college options. These land-grant universities continue to impact people's lives by offering diverse educational programs and research opportunities. For example, someone studying at a land-grant college might benefit from cutting-edge agricultural research, which can lead to better food production methods impacting what we eat daily.