Morrill Act
US statutes that allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges
Real World Example
The Morrill Act, signed in 1862 and expanded in 1890, provided land to states to fund colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts. This was crucial during the period of Western Expansion as it educated many people who moved west, helping them develop new agricultural techniques and technologies. The Act highlighted the importance of accessible education and the need to support practical skills, ideas that continue to be relevant in discussions about education today. Access to education through land-grant universities has enriched countless lives, leading to innovations and advancements that impact our daily lives, like improved farming methods and engineering feats. For an average person, this means better food production, technological conveniences, and educational opportunities that enhance living standards.