Question

A homesteader had only to be the head of a household or at least 21 years of age to claim a 160-acre parcel of land. Settlers from all walks of life including newly arrived immigrants, farmers without land of their own from the East, single women and former slaves came to meet the challenge of "proving up" and keeping this "free land." Each homesteader had to live on the land, build a home, make improvements and farm for 5 years before they were eligible to "prove up." A total filing fee of $18 was the only money required. . . .

-National Park Service,
(accessed Nov 14, 2013)
The process described above led to -

Answer 1

The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed individuals to claim 160-acre plots of land in the West for a small fee, provided they improved and farmed the land for five years. Despite environmental and economic challenges, this act was pivotal in facilitating westward expansion and enabling personal landownership in American history.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation that helped facilitate the westward expansion of the United States. The Act allowed any head of household, or individual over the age of twenty-one, to claim a 160-acre parcel of land with a nominal filing fee. Homesteaders were required to "improve the land" by building a home, making improvements, and farming the land for five years before gaining full ownership.

This policy aimed to encourage settlement in the West and boost agricultural productivity. However, the challenges were daunting with harsh environmental conditions, expensive transportation costs, and high risk of farm foreclosure. Despite the difficulties, the Act was a cornerstone in American history, enabling many to own land and pursue the promise of freedom and prosperity.

Learn more about Homestead Act of 1862 here: