Question

In the early years of the nation, the government assisted schools through the ________________________, both of which ensured that lands were set aside for public schools and their maintenance. In 1862, Congress established land-grant colleges with the _________ Act.

Answer 1

The early U.S. government supported education through the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance, setting aside land for schools. The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant colleges to provide affordable education in practical fields, expanding access to higher education for the middle class.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the early years of the nation, the government assisted schools through the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance, both of which ensured that lands were set aside for public schools and their maintenance. In 1862, Congress established land-grant colleges with the Morrill Act. This act was pivotal in shaping American higher education by setting aside public land and federal funds to create land-grant colleges that became affordable options compared to elite private institutions. These schools aimed to offer practical education in areas like agriculture, commerce, and mechanical arts, and significantly increased access to higher education with a focus on the middle class. The land-grant colleges, such as Iowa State University and Kansas State University, were created to educate more students in professional careers, thus contributing to the economic growth and development of the United States.