What was the main purpose of the Homestead Act?

The main purpose of the Homestead Act, which was enacted in 1862, was to encourage westward migration by providing settlers with land. Under this legislation, individuals could claim up to 160 acres of public land for a small fee, provided they met certain requirements, such as living on the land for a minimum of five years and cultivating it. This initiative aimed to populate the western territories, promote agricultural development, and support the idea of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. The Act was significant in shaping the demographic landscape of the United States and facilitating access to land for many families and immigrants looking for new opportunities.