Final answer:
The large settlement of the Great Plains was primarily due to the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered land to settlers. Harsh conditions made farming difficult, but advancements in technology and the growth of the railroad network eventually aided those who could invest in them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Large numbers of people settled on the Great Plains primarily because of the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862. This act offered 160 acres of free land to each settler who would farm and improve the land for a number of years. While the prospect of owning land was attractive, the harsh environmental conditions and difficult farming circumstances made life on the Plains challenging. Only those who were persistent and hardworking managed to create successful homesteads.
Initially, the conditions on the Great Plains were harsh, with low rainfall and difficult soil conditions requiring innovative farming techniques such as dry farming and the use of windmills for irrigation. Despite these challenges, settlers were motivated by the opportunity to own land, and some were able to prevail, growing into large and profitable "bonanza" farms. These larger farms could harness the economies of scale and invest in advanced farm machinery, which small family farms could not afford.
The situation improved with the expansion of the railroad and new farming technology, which allowed for better access to markets and enhanced agricultural productivity for those who could afford it. However, many small family farms struggled to compete, leading to a migration west in search of better opportunities or to become wage laborers on larger farms.