Final answer:
The Homestead Act offered 160-acre farm plots to those willing to live on the land for five years, encouraging westward expansion in the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is the Homestead Act, which was an important piece of legislation in United States history. The act offered farm plots of 160 acres to anyone willing to live on the land for five years. This was a key factor in encouraging westward expansion and settlement during the 19th century. It provided opportunities for individuals and families to establish their own farms and build a life on the frontier.
The Homestead Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. It aimed to promote development in the western territories by providing a pathway to land ownership for settlers. The act played a significant role in shaping the future of the United States, as it led to the establishment of countless farms and communities in previously unsettled regions. It also helped fuel the movement of people known as the 'Exodusters,' who were African Americans seeking new opportunities in the West.
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