Which act promoted westward expansion by providing land to settlers?

The Homestead Act of 1862 is the correct choice as it specifically aimed to encourage westward expansion by offering 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee and the requirement to improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act was significant in promoting the settlement of the western territories of the United States, as it provided an incentive for individuals and families to migrate westward, thus facilitating the growth of communities and the economy in these areas.

This act played a crucial role in the westward migration during the post-Civil War era, aligning with the broader spirit of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that American settlers were destined to expand across North America. The accessible land was intended to support farming and the establishment of a more agrarian society.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of land use or policies. The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land, often resulting in the loss of tribal land. The Morrill Act provided land grants to establish colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts, which supported education rather than direct land distribution for immediate settlement. The Land Ordinance of 1785 set the framework for surveying and selling land in the North West Territory but