Ordinance of 1785

Definition

The Ordinance of 1785 was a law established by the United States Congress to regulate land sales in the western territories, primarily to facilitate the orderly settlement of these regions. This ordinance set a framework for surveying and selling land, ensuring that it was divided into townships and sections, which laid the groundwork for future development and governance of the Northwest Territory. Its significance is deeply tied to the growth of the nation and the implementation of the Northwest Ordinance that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ordinance of 1785 aimed to create an organized system for land sales, which was crucial for managing westward expansion.
2. Under this ordinance, land was divided into townships of six miles square, each further subdivided into sections of 640 acres.
3. The revenue generated from land sales was intended to help pay off national debt from the Revolutionary War.
4. This ordinance facilitated the establishment of public schools by reserving one section of each township for educational purposes.
5. The systematic approach taken by the Ordinance of 1785 served as a model for future land policies and promoted orderly settlement in new territories.

Review Questions

• How did the Ordinance of 1785 contribute to the systematic settlement of western territories?
  • The Ordinance of 1785 established a clear framework for surveying and selling western lands by dividing them into townships and sections. This structured approach allowed settlers to purchase land in an organized manner, promoting efficient development and reducing potential disputes over land ownership. By creating a predictable system for land sales, it encouraged migration westward and laid down essential infrastructure for future communities.
• Discuss the impact of the Ordinance of 1785 on public education in newly settled territories.
  • One notable aspect of the Ordinance of 1785 was its provision to reserve one section in each township specifically for public education. This commitment highlighted the importance placed on education in promoting civic responsibility and informed citizenry in these new areas. By ensuring land was allocated for schools, the ordinance not only contributed to individual community growth but also reflected a national priority on education as part of westward expansion.
• Evaluate how the Ordinance of 1785 laid the groundwork for future U.S. policies regarding land use and governance in western territories.
  • The Ordinance of 1785 set a foundational precedent for how the federal government would manage land distribution and settlement in western territories. Its systematic division of land into townships created a model that was later adapted in other legislative acts, such as the Northwest Ordinance. By establishing clear procedures for land sales and emphasizing orderly development, it influenced subsequent policies that shaped statehood processes and governance structures, ultimately impacting American expansionist policies and territorial management.

Related terms

Land Ordinance of 1784: A precursor to the Ordinance of 1785, this legislation aimed to establish a method for surveying and selling land in the western territories but was less structured than its successor.

Northwest Ordinance: An important legislation passed in 1787 that established a method for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory and outlined fundamental rights for settlers.

Township: A designated area of land, typically six miles square, that was established for sale and settlement under the Ordinance of 1785.