What was the purpose of the homesteading acts in the 19th century? 🔊
The purpose of the Homesteading Acts in the 19th century was to encourage westward expansion in the United States by providing land to settlers. The most notable of these was the Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of public land to any adult citizen or intended citizen who paid a small registration fee and agreed to cultivate the land for at least five years. This act aimed to populate the western territories, promote agriculture, and support economic opportunities for people seeking a better life. However, it also had significant impacts on Native American populations and the environment.
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