Final answer:
The Homestead Act was a law that encouraged Western settlement by providing land to individuals for free or at a low cost. The Transcontinental Railroad came together in Promontory, Utah.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1862 that provided 160 acres of land to individuals willing to settle and improve the land in the American West. To encourage Western settlement, the Homestead Act offered this land for free or at a very low cost.
Encouraging Western Settlement
The Homestead Act played a significant role in encouraging Western settlement by making land ownership more accessible to a broader population. It attracted a diverse range of settlers, including immigrants, farmers, and those seeking economic opportunities. By providing an opportunity for individuals to obtain land, the Homestead Act facilitated the development of agriculture, towns, and communities in the West.
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad came together in Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869. The railroad connected the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, spanning from coast to coast. This monumental infrastructure project transformed transportation and facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the United States.
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