The significance of the Homestead Act, enacted in 1862, for westward expansion in the United States was profound. This legislation granted 160 acres of public land to settlers willing to farm it for at least five years, promoting the idea of opportunity and prosperity. The act aimed to encourage settlement in the West, providing a powerful incentive for families and individuals seeking a better life. It played a crucial role in populating vast territories and facilitating the establishment of new communities. However, the act also had consequences for Indigenous peoples, leading to displacement and conflict as settlers moved onto lands traditionally inhabited by Native American tribes.