Final answer:
The Homestead Act was a law that allowed U.S. citizens to claim federal land in the 19th century, promoting westward migration and settlement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Homestead Act was a law passed by the United States Congress in 1862. It allowed any U.S. citizen or intended citizen to claim up to 160 acres of federal land, as long as they improved it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act was significant as it encouraged westward migration and settlement, particularly in the Great Plains region.
Learn more about The Homestead Act