Name _____________________________________ Date ______________
On the Way Home
- The Homestead Act of 1862 offered free land to the Wilders and other families who were willing to help settle in the West. Many families, however, had difficult times and their farms failed. Identify two natural disasters which caused the Wilders and the other 400,000 families to fail at farming.
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- Identify economic factors which influenced the Wilders and other families to move from the Dakota Territory.
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- How many days did it take to make the 650 mile journey? Explain why.
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- About how long do you think it would take to make this trip traveling by car today? Explain your answer.
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- Describe at least three changes in technology which have occurred since 1894 that would make it possible to make the trip in the time you suggested.
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- Explain at least three ways pioneer families changed the environment to meet their needs.
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- Describe at least two reasons pioneer families followed the rivers when possible.
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- Besides having to find Old Pet, explain some of the problems the Wilders and other families encountered as they traveled.
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- As the Wilders traveled through towns and cities, they saw new types of technology. Identify at least three types of technology described in the diary and explain how each was used.
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- Describe how the Russians adapted and used the land to meet their needs.
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- Explain how you think the Wilders' standard of living might have changed as a result of moving to Mansfield.
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Return to the On the Way Home lesson.
Last updated on April 2, 1997
Maintained by John L. Day <jday@umd5.umd.edu>