Final answer:
The 1862 Homestead Act was passed to encourage the settlement of unpopulated areas by providing individuals with the opportunity to claim and own land after five years of living on and improving it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1862 Homestead Act was passed to encourage the settlement of unpopulated areas. This legislation provided individuals with the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of public land and obtain ownership after fulfilling the requirements of living on and improving the land for a period of five years.
By offering free land, the Homestead Act aimed to promote westward expansion and populate the American frontier. It attracted many homesteaders who sought new opportunities, economic independence, and a chance to build a better life for themselves and their families.
As a result, the Homestead Act led to the establishment of numerous agricultural communities and the development of thriving farming sectors in previously uninhabited regions, contributing to the growth and expansion of the United States.
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