Final answer:
The Homestead Act, passed in 1862, encouraged settlement of the Plains area by offering 160 acres of public land to those willing to improve it for a period of five years.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act was passed in 1862 to encourage settlement of the Plains area. It offered 160 acres of public land to any citizen or intended citizen who was willing to live on and improve the land for a period of five years. This act played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States as it provided an opportunity for individuals to claim land and start a new life.
Learn more about Homestead Act