The Homestead Act was set in place in order to motivate people to move toward the west. This act was motivating the people to move toward the west because they were getting large parcels of land for very small amount of money, which was giving them the opportunity to start new lives and make nice living. There were conditions though, as the people were obligated to develop the land in order to officially be granted to them. The people had to live on the land for at least five years in order to get it officially, they had to build a permanent living place on it, and they had to plant crops on it and engage in agriculture. In this way the government ensured that the people will have a decent live and they will also contribute a lot to the economy, as well as attracting new people to move toward the west.
