Unit 4 Lesson 1: Georgia’s Land Expansion
Founding of the University of Georgia
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- The individuals involved in the founding of the University of Georgia were Abraham Baldwin, John Milledge, and other trustees, along with the students and faculty who would be part of the institution.
What happened? Summarize the event!
- The University of Georgia was founded on January 27, 1785, with the signing of the charter by the Georgia General Assembly. This marked the establishment of the first public university in the United States.
Where did the event take place?
- The University of Georgia was established in Athens, Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- The University of Georgia is located in the Upper Coastal Plain region of Georgia.
When did the event take place?
- The University of Georgia was founded on January 27, 1785.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
- The founding of the University of Georgia marked a significant milestone in Georgia's history and education system. It provided an opportunity for Georgians to receive higher education and contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the state. The University of Georgia is now one of the state's leading educational institutions and plays a crucial role in shaping Georgia's future.
Yazoo Land Fraud
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- The Yazoo Land Fraud involved a group of Georgia legislators who were bribed by four land companies to pass a bill allowing the sale of millions of acres of Native American land in the Yazoo River region.
What happened? Summarize the event!
- In 1795, the Georgia legislature passed the Yazoo Act, which authorized the sale of land in the Yazoo River region to four land companies for a fraction of its value. The legislators who supported the act were later discovered to have accepted bribes from the land companies.
Where did the event take place?
- The event took place in the state of Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- The Yazoo Land Fraud happened in the Yazoo River region, which is located in the western part of Georgia.
When did the event take place?
- The Yazoo Land Fraud occurred in the late 18th century, with the passage of the Yazoo Act in 1795.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
- The Yazoo Land Fraud was a significant event in Georgia's history as it led to public outrage and a loss of trust in the state government. The scandal eventually led to the nullification of the Yazoo Act and demonstrated the need for reform in Georgia's political system. It also highlighted the ongoing conflicts between settlers, Native Americans, and land speculators over control and ownership of land in Georgia.