Final answer:
The Land Ordinance of 1785 encouraged settlement of western lands by setting up a system for dividing and selling lands to the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Land Ordinance of 1785 encouraged settlement of western lands by setting up a system for dividing and selling lands to the public. The Land Ordinance of 1785 encouraged settlement of western lands by setting up a system for dividing and selling lands to the public. Under this ordinance, the Northwest Territory was divided into townships and each township was further divided into 36 sections.
The Land Ordinance of 1785 encouraged settlement of western lands by setting up a system for dividing and selling lands to the public. These sections, consisting of 640 acres, were sold to settlers and speculators for a minimum price of $1.00 per acre. This allowed individuals to easily acquire land in the western territories and stimulated settlement in the region.