Ace the 2025 U.S. History STAAR – Conquer Texas with Knowledge!

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is significant in U.S. history because it laid out a systematic process for admitting new states into the Union. This legislation was crucial for the expansion of the United States into the northwest territory, which included areas that would later become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The ordinance established clear guidelines for territorial governance and the eventual statehood process, including population requirements and governance structures. It emphasized the importance of public education and the prohibition of slavery in these new territories, indicating forward-thinking ideals regarding state development. However, the primary focus was on creating a standardized method for new states to join the Union, which is why this choice is correct.

While the ordinance touched upon various aspects of governance and rights in these new territories, such as certain regulations regarding land and the rights of settlers, the primary achievement was establishing the framework for statehood, making it a foundational document in shaping the growth of the United States.