Final answer:
The settlement on the Great Plains was primarily driven by the Homestead Act, which provided free land to settlers willing to farm. The construction of the transcontinental railroad and advancements in farm machinery also played roles in settlement. However, the Great Depression and environmental challenges greatly impacted the livelihood of Plains farmers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Large numbers of people settled on the Great Plains primarily because of the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered 160 acres of free land to households willing to move west and farm the land for a number of years. The Homestead Act was instrumental in attracting settlers, who were required to improve the land by constructing dwellings and farming. This act was a key part of government policy to encourage westward expansion and increase agricultural output during the Civil War.
The building of the transcontinental railroad also played a significant role in facilitating the movement of people and goods to the West, which coincided with the expansion of settlement in the Great Plains. However, the life of settlers was fraught with challenges due to the harsh farming conditions, extreme weather, and limited building materials. Despite these adversities, some farms, known as "bonanza" farms, managed to grow large and profitable through economies of scale and the use of advanced farm machinery.
Ultimately, the Great Depression and subsequent drought dealt crushing blows to farmers in the Great Plains, leading to widespread foreclosure and migration in search of work. The earlier prosperity experienced by Plains farmers due to government policies and high commodity prices gave way to hardship, exacerbated by overproduction and plummeting prices for crops.