Townships

Definition

Townships refer to a specific type of land division that was established in the United States during the late 18th century, particularly as a result of the Land Ordinance of 1785. They were designed to facilitate the sale and distribution of land in the western territories, where each township consisted of 36 square miles, further subdivided into sections. This system not only organized land but also represented a significant move toward systematic governance and community planning in the newly formed states under the Articles of Confederation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Townships were originally established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to help organize land acquisition and settlement in the Northwest Territory.
2. Each township is made up of 36 sections, with each section representing one square mile, which made land division easier for potential settlers.
3. The establishment of townships reflected the government's efforts to create an orderly and systematic approach to westward expansion after independence.
4. Townships were crucial in providing a framework for local governance, leading to the development of civil townships with elected officials managing local affairs.
5. This system allowed for the promotion of agriculture and community development in newly acquired lands, aligning with the American vision of expansion and democracy.

Review Questions

• How did the creation of townships under the Land Ordinance of 1785 influence settlement patterns in the United States?
  • The creation of townships facilitated a structured approach to land distribution that significantly influenced settlement patterns in the United States. By dividing land into manageable sections within designated townships, it encouraged organized migration into western territories. This system allowed settlers to easily purchase and settle on land, ultimately leading to more orderly communities and agricultural development as people moved westward.
• Discuss how townships contributed to local governance and community organization during the period of the Articles of Confederation.
  • Townships played a vital role in establishing local governance structures during the Articles of Confederation. Each township functioned as a basic unit of government where local officials could be elected, enabling residents to participate in decision-making processes. This grassroots organization helped foster a sense of community and civic responsibility while also providing a framework for managing resources and addressing local needs.
• Evaluate the impact of townships on westward expansion and how they reflect broader themes in American history during the post-revolutionary period.
  • The impact of townships on westward expansion was profound, as they exemplified the United States' commitment to creating organized settlements in newly acquired territories. This reflects broader themes such as Manifest Destiny and democracy in American history during the post-revolutionary period. Townships enabled citizens to claim land and build communities based on republican ideals, illustrating how governance structures supported the pursuit of prosperity and individual opportunity while simultaneously promoting national growth.

Related terms

Land Ordinance of 1785:

A significant piece of legislation that established a systematic framework for surveying, selling, and distributing land in the western territories of the United States.

Sections: The subdivisions of a township, each section consisting of one square mile or 640 acres, allowing for more manageable distribution and settlement of land.

Northwest Ordinance:

A law passed in 1787 that outlined the process for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory and established guidelines for governance in these areas.