What impact did the women have in the western expasion?

Answer 1

In the western expansion, women played several roles. In the Homestead Act of 1863, anyone over the age of 21 could claim 160 acres of undeveloped land as long as they stayed there for 5 years, built a home, and farmed the land. In many cases, the men would need to travel elsewhere for work, and the women would stay behind to hold the land. Women also helped to "civilize" towns which had been started by men. As men began to marry, they started to settle down, and there were fewer saloons and brothels. More homes were built, as women did not want to live in tents. Children were born, so there became a need for schools. General stores became popular, selling not only farming supplies, but food staples and fabrics for clothing. Women were also actively involved in the farming of the land and the building of homes.