Question

which of the following was a hardship faced by settlers on the great plains?
flooding
plague
prairie fires
too many trees

many mexican americans lost their lands in the west because
american courts would not recognize spanish land grants.
mexican courts forced them to sell to american settlers
they decided to leave the area before new settlers arrived.
they fought against u.s. troops during the war with mexico.

the intent of the homestead act was to?
prevent african americans from settling in the west.
settle native americans in farming communities.
make money for the government.
encourage american families to develop the west.

Explanation:

Analyze Great Plains hardships

The Great Plains environment presented severe challenges to 19th-century settlers. The region was characterized by a semi-arid climate, lack of timber, and extreme weather. Among the options, "prairie fires" were a frequent and devastating hazard due to dry grasses and high winds. "Too many trees" is incorrect because the plains were largely treeless. "Flooding" was rare compared to drought, and "plague" is too broad.

Analyze Mexican American land loss

Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, many Mexican Americans in the Southwest lost their land. Although the treaty theoretically protected property rights, in practice, American courts and land commissions placed a heavy burden of proof on landholders. They frequently refused to recognize traditional Spanish and Mexican land grants, leading to widespread dispossession.

Analyze the Homestead Act of 1862

The Homestead Act of 1862 was designed to encourage westward expansion and agricultural development. It allowed any citizen or intended citizen to claim 160 acres of surveyed government land, provided they lived on it, built a home, and farmed it for five years. Thus, its primary intent was to encourage American families to develop the West.

Answer:

Question 1

• flooding
• plague
• prairie fires (Correct answer)
• too many trees

Question 2

• American courts would not recognize Spanish land grants. (Correct answer)
• Mexican courts forced them to sell to American settlers
• they decided to leave the area before new settlers arrived.
• they fought against U.S. troops during the War with Mexico.

Question 3

• Prevent African Americans from settling in the West.
• Settle Native Americans in farming communities.
• Make money for the government.
• Encourage American families to develop the West. (Correct answer)