The Homestead Act allowed Western settlers to a receive land for free after living on it for five years. b control the best land on the Great Plains. c determine where the railroads would build new tracks. d sell their land to European investors.

The Homestead Act of 1862 is an act passed by Congress that allows settlers to get their hands on free federal lands. This Act brought about a huge migration process and allowed even former slaves to own property, as homesteaders, as long as they reside in the property for a minimum of 5 years and with the intention of "improving" the land.

This act allows the successful plan of 'settling' people in the American territories. It also allowed Western settlers to attain free property, providing a chance to anyone willing to pay a small amount to get personal land.

Thus, the correct answer is option a.

saltywhitehorse saltywhitehorse · Answer 2 · 2020-10-14T04:24:14+02:00

Answer:

Option: A. receive land for free after living on it for five years.

Explanation:

The Homestead Act passed as the government requires people to live and improve the land in the West of Mississippi River. Various groups of people moved to the West after the Civil War when the government issued an order called the Homestead Act of 1862. The availability of land drove many white Americans to develop ranches and farm. This Act allowed Western settlers to receive land after five years as freehold ownership. The Homestead Act accelerated the settlement of the western territory by giving 160 acres with least fee and five years of continuous habitation on that land.