Land Ordinance of 1785

Definition

The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant legislative act that established a systematic process for surveying, selling, and settling land in the western territories of the United States. This ordinance was crucial in promoting orderly expansion and development, creating a grid system for land division, and helping to raise funds for the federal government following the Revolutionary War.

Historical Context

• Historical Context

Historical Significance

The Land Ordinance of 1785 had long-lasting effects on American land policy and westward expansion. It set a precedent for organizing territorial expansion and became a blueprint for public land sales. By dividing the new lands into townships and sections, it facilitated orderly development and settlement. Its emphasis on systematic planning reflected Enlightenment ideals and influenced urban planning concepts in America. Furthermore, it provided a way to fund public education through the allocation of land for schools within new townships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Land Ordinance of 1785 set aside specific sections of land in each township for public education, emphasizing the importance of education in the new nation.
2. Each township created by the ordinance was divided into 36 sections, each measuring one square mile, allowing for an organized approach to land sales.
3. The ordinance aimed to generate revenue for the federal government by selling land to settlers and investors, which was crucial for the country's financial stability after the Revolutionary War.
4. This legislation was a key factor in promoting westward expansion, as it provided a clear framework for individuals and families looking to acquire land.
5. The Land Ordinance of 1785 laid the foundation for future policies regarding land distribution, influencing how territories were managed and settled in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Land Ordinance of 1785 contribute to the westward expansion of the United States?
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 played a crucial role in westward expansion by establishing a systematic approach for surveying and selling land in newly acquired territories. This legislation made it easier for settlers to acquire land, encouraging migration and settlement in the west. By creating townships and sections, it provided a clear framework that facilitated organized development and economic growth in these regions.
• In what ways did the provisions of the Land Ordinance of 1785 reflect the values and priorities of early American society?
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 reflected early American values such as individualism, opportunity, and education. By emphasizing land ownership as a pathway to prosperity, it encouraged settlers to seek their fortunes in new territories. Additionally, reserving land for public education underscored the importance placed on education as a cornerstone of democracy and civic responsibility in shaping a new nation.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Land Ordinance of 1785 on American land policy and settlement patterns.
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 had lasting impacts on American land policy by establishing principles that guided future legislation regarding land acquisition and settlement. It introduced an organized grid system that facilitated efficient land sales and distribution, influencing settlement patterns across the western territories. This systematic approach helped shape the landscape of America, leading to increased agricultural development and contributing to the ideology of Manifest Destiny as settlers moved westward seeking new opportunities.

Related terms

Northwest Ordinance:

A legislation passed in 1787 that provided a framework for governance and the admission of new states from the Northwest Territory, establishing guidelines for land ownership and civil rights.

Township: A square section of land measuring six miles on each side, created by the Land Ordinance of 1785, which was further divided into smaller lots for sale and settlement.

Public Land Survey System: A method established by the federal government for surveying and dividing public land in the United States, laying the groundwork for future land distribution and settlement.