WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test 2025 - Free Social Studies Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What was the purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?

To promote the construction of railroads

To encourage westward expansion by granting land to settlers

The Homestead Act of 1862 was primarily aimed at encouraging westward expansion by providing land to settlers. This landmark legislation allowed individuals, especially families and immigrants, to claim and settle on parcels of land (typically 160 acres) in the western territories, as long as they met certain conditions such as building a dwelling and cultivating the land for a specified period. This act was significant as it made land accessible to many people who otherwise might not have had the means to purchase it, promoting migration and settlement in the west.

The act sought not just to populate the western lands but also to promote agricultural development and enhance the economy. It was part of a broader strategy to utilize and develop the vast territories of the United States following the Civil War, aligning with the ideals of Manifest Destiny that emphasized the nation's expansion across the continent.

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To provide jobs for war veterans

To establish national parks

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