Washington State's Economic Policies During The Late 19th And Early Twentieth Century
Washington State's economic policies throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth century contributed significantly to the region's socioeconomic landscape. These practices harmed the indigenous population even if they gave riches and expansion to European settlers. In this context, it is worthwhile to examine two such laws: the Mining Law of 1872 and the Homestead Act of 1862.
The Homestead Act, which was passed on May 20, 1862, gave free land to qualified applicants in an effort to promote settlement in the United States' western territories. In order to be eligible, settlers need to be head of household, 21 years of age or older, or guardian of an under-18 orphan. For five years, they had to live on the land and make improvements …show more content…
Without having to pay royalties or other costs, this statute gave miners title to any minerals they found on public grounds. Due to this policy, mining towns like Walla Walla and Tacoma experienced tremendous economic expansion as thousands of miners seeking their fortune in the abundant mineral reserves of Washington State were drawn to the area (HistoryLink.org). Due to their easy access to priceless natural resources, white colonists profited from this approach (National Park Service). Still, miners encroached on indigenous territory without permission or payment, leading to widespread exploitation of their lands (HistoryLink.org). In summary, the economic policies implemented by Washington State during this time benefited white settlers greatly by providing them with inexpensive land acquisition and access to natural resources. However, the cost to indigenous people was high, as they lost their ancestral lands and had to deal with disease, conflict over resources, and displacement (HistoryLink.org & National Park Service). The necessity of continuing efforts towards restitution and healing for Native American communities affected by these actions is highlighted by these historical facts. Source: HistoryLink.org. https://historylink.org/File/20006.html About Us - HistoryLink.org. May 20,
The Homestead Act, which was passed on May 20, 1862, gave free land to qualified applicants in an effort to promote settlement in the United States' western territories. In order to be eligible, settlers need to be head of household, 21 years of age or older, or guardian of an under-18 orphan. For five years, they had to live on the land and make improvements …show more content…
Without having to pay royalties or other costs, this statute gave miners title to any minerals they found on public grounds. Due to this policy, mining towns like Walla Walla and Tacoma experienced tremendous economic expansion as thousands of miners seeking their fortune in the abundant mineral reserves of Washington State were drawn to the area (HistoryLink.org). Due to their easy access to priceless natural resources, white colonists profited from this approach (National Park Service). Still, miners encroached on indigenous territory without permission or payment, leading to widespread exploitation of their lands (HistoryLink.org). In summary, the economic policies implemented by Washington State during this time benefited white settlers greatly by providing them with inexpensive land acquisition and access to natural resources. However, the cost to indigenous people was high, as they lost their ancestral lands and had to deal with disease, conflict over resources, and displacement (HistoryLink.org & National Park Service). The necessity of continuing efforts towards restitution and healing for Native American communities affected by these actions is highlighted by these historical facts. Source: HistoryLink.org. https://historylink.org/File/20006.html About Us - HistoryLink.org. May 20,