Why did the fat west attract many freedmen?

Answer 1

The "Fat West" attracted many freedmen due to the promise of land and economic opportunities following the Civil War. The Homestead Act and other legislation offered affordable land, enabling freedmen to pursue agriculture and build independent lives. Additionally, the lure of greater social and political freedoms in the West provided a chance to escape the oppressive conditions they faced in the South. This combination of opportunity and a desire for autonomy made the West an appealing destination for many freedmen.