What was a significant outcome of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 is significant primarily because it set aside land for public education. This ordinance aimed to facilitate the orderly settlement and development of the Northwest Territory by dividing it into townships, each measuring six miles square. Within these townships, one section—specifically section 16—was reserved to be sold for the support of public schools, reflecting a progressive notion at the time about the importance of education in a new society.

This focus on establishing educational institutions was a key factor in enhancing the quality of life and promoting civic virtue among citizens in these new territories. By ensuring that part of the land revenue would go towards education, the ordinance laid the groundwork for a more educated citizenry, which was viewed as essential for the success of democracy in the United States.

Other options related to the Land Ordinance do touch on broader themes of governance and territorial administration, but specifically allocating land for education underscores the significance of the ordinance as a step towards fostering civic responsibility and public welfare in the newly settled areas of the country.