What was the primary purpose of the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862?

The Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862 aimed to fund state agricultural colleges, which were designed to promote higher education in agriculture and the mechanical arts. This legislation was significant in advancing practical education in the United States, allowing states to claim land that could be sold or used to establish colleges that would teach farming techniques, engineering, and related fields. The focus on agriculture was particularly important during this era, as the nation was primarily rural and agrarian, and there was a recognized need for more skilled and educated farmers and workers to support the economy. This transformative act laid the groundwork for the establishment of many prominent universities and helped to expand educational opportunities across the nation, significantly contributing to the development of agricultural education and research.