Final answer:
The settlement of the Far West was driven by several factors including agricultural opportunities, gold and mineral discoveries, and the influence of industrialization, with railroads and the Homestead Act being significant contributors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that promoted the settlement of the Far West were mainly agricultural opportunities, gold and mineral discoveries, and the influence of industrialization. The expansion of the railroad network and the availability of better farming equipment in the 1870s made large-scale farming more viable, leading to the success of large farms through economies of scale, though small farms often struggled. The Homestead Act of 1862 further encouraged settlement by offering land to those willing to move west. Additionally, the California Gold Rush of 1849 and subsequent mineral discoveries attracted many seeking quick fortunes. The arrival of mining businesses and cattle ranchers transformed the landscape, increasing the population and leading to the development of small towns into thriving cities. Furthermore, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad facilitated the movement of people and goods, playing a significant role in the westward expansion.