What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?

The primary purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to provide land to settlers in the West. This legislation was instrumental in promoting westward expansion by offering 160 acres of public land to any adult citizen or intended citizen who paid a small fee and agreed to live on the land for five years, improving it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act aimed to encourage settlement in the American frontier, helping to populate the western territories while also fostering agricultural development.

By making land accessible and affordable, the Homestead Act contributed significantly to the development of the American West, transforming vast territories into productive agricultural regions, and played a crucial role in the nation's economic growth following the Civil War.