Final answer:
The land-grant programs benefited the nation by helping populate the West, bringing the country closer together with railroads, and stimulating economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The land-grant programs had several ways in which they benefited the nation at large. Firstly, they helped populate the West by providing land grants to settlers, who then established farms and communities. Secondly, the railroads that were built as a result of the land-grant programs brought the country closer together, as they provided a faster and more efficient mode of transportation. Lastly, the railroads stimulated economic growth by creating job opportunities and fostering development in various industries.
Learn more about The benefits of land-grant programs