Homestead Act: This legislation, passed in 1862, allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land for free or at a very low cost after meeting certain requirements.
Land Grants: These were large areas of land given by the government as an incentive for various purposes such as railroad construction or encouraging settlement.
Manifest Destiny: The belief prevalent in the 19th century that it was America's destiny and right to expand its territory from coast-to-coast.