Back
Glossary

Claim: GCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

Published

Read time

2 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. What was a Claim?
  2. 2. Problems with Claims in the American West
  3. 3. Land Rushes
  4. 4. Claim Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What was a Claim?

In GCSE History, a claim is when someone legally announces that they intend to control an area of land. Claims were incredibly important in the American West.

Problems with Claims in the American West

As mass migration brought many settlers to the West, people frantically began claiming land. In California, this revolved around finding gold. Many settlers wanted the best land, leading to 'claim jumping.' This was when someone stole another person's claim if they believed it looked profitable. Previous settlers also made significant money by 'salting a claim.' If the previous settler had worthless land, they sold it to a newer settler by scattering some gold on it. From this, settlers could make claims under the Homestead Act.

Land Rushes

Claiming land in the American West also involved land rushes. When Indigenous peoples had land taken from them, the US government divided the land into 160-acre sections. They set a time and a date that settlers could claim the plots. This created chaotic scenes of thousands of settlers running to claim land.

Claim Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where claims fit into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources

Sign up for articles sent directly to your inbox

Receive news, articles and guides directly from our team of experts.

Share this article

Author
Reviewer
Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now