Solving problems for farmers up to 1876 Flashcards
What was the purpose of barbed wire in farming?
Used to fence off crops to protect them from livestock and other animals
What was the purpose of the sulky plow?
To plough up the tough weeds and prairie grass on the Great Plains
What was the purpose of the Timber Culture Act?
Allowed a homesteader to claim a further 160 acres if they promised to plant trees on a quarter of it
What was the purpose of the self-governing windmill?
Used to pump water out of the ground to help farmers irrigate their land and make it more fertile for crops
What was the purpose of the Desert Land Act of 1877?
Gave settlers 640 acres of poor quality land which needed to be irrigated (supplied with water) at a cheap rate.
What was the purpose of turkey red wheat?
Settlers wanted to establish a reliable and productive wheat crop that could thrive in the harsh, dry conditions of the Plains.
What were two advantages of the Timber Culture Act?
Trees acted as a ‘wind break’ to shelter crops from damage
They provided settlers with timber for building houses, fences and furniture, and for fuel.
How many acres of land had been claimed under the Timber Culture Act by 1878?
16 million acres
Halladay’s windmill could pump water out of wells from how far deep?
30 feet
What was added to Halladay’s windmill in 1870 and why?
Steel blades
So that the windmills could stand up better to the strong winds
What was the big advantage of barbed wire compared to timber?
It was much cheaper
What was the advantage of barbed wire compared to smooth-wire fencing?
It was much more effective at blocking livestock
How many sulky plows were sold in the first six years of production?
50,000
How did homesteaders benefit from the introduction of turkey red wheat?
It was much easier to grow than corn, so they could export it for profit
What was the advantage of the Desert Land Act?
It ensured more land in the West was utilised for farming.
Why were six times as many ‘walking’ ploughs sold in six years compared to the sulky plow?
They were cheaper and farmers understood them
What was the problem with early models of the sulky plow?
They were unstable and could tip up
Why did most of the trees planted under the Timber Culture Act end up dying?
There was not enough water for them
What did people use instead of timber to build houses, making the Timber Culture Act less important?
Blocks of earth (to build sod houses)
How did people take advantage of the Timber Culture Act?
They claimed land, waited a few years for the price to rise, then sold their claims for a profit
What was the big problem with Halladay’s windmill?
Not powerful enough to pump up water from more than 30 feet
What was the problem with early types of barbed wire?
They broke and rusted
How much more expensive was barbed wire in 1874 compared to the 1880s?
Ten times
Why did not many people claim land under the Desert Land Act?
It cost a lot of money to irrigate
