The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to encourage westward expansion. It allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops for five years. This act was designed to promote settlement in the western territories. The act primarily benefited settlers, including immigrants and those seeking new opportunities after the Civil War. It played a crucial role in shaping the American landscape and economy, leading to the establishment of farms and communities across the western frontier.