Mennonites are a Christian religious group that originated in Europe during the Protestant Reformation, particularly in Switzerland and the Netherlands. They are known for their commitment to nonviolence, simplicity, and community-oriented living. Mennonites emphasize pacifism, voluntary service, and living a modest lifestyle. They typically practice adult baptism, community decision-making, and community support systems, as displayed by the unity of the Schweizers in the Dakota Territory. Mennonites have a diverse range of beliefs and practices, with variations among different denominations and communities, but they are united by their shared Anabaptist heritage and commitment to living out their faith in everyday life.

The Homestead Act was a United States federal law passed in 1862 that aimed to encourage settlement of the American West by offering 160 acres of public land to homesteaders willing to live on and cultivate the land for a period of five years. This legislation facilitated the transfer of millions of acres of land from the federal government to private individuals, ultimately leading to the expansion of agriculture, settlement, and development in the Midwest. The Homestead Act played a significant role in shaping the demographic, economic, and social landscape of the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.