What statement best characterizes the Homestead Act?

Answer 1

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to encourage westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act facilitated the settlement of the American frontier, allowing many families to acquire land and establish farms. However, it also had profound implications for Indigenous peoples and the environment, often leading to displacement and ecological disruption. Overall, the Homestead Act symbolized both opportunity and conflict in America's westward expansion.