What did the Homestead Act of 1862 allow individuals to do?

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation in U.S. history that allowed individuals to claim land in the western territories for agricultural purposes. More specifically, it enabled citizens to acquire 160 acres of public land, provided they would cultivate and improve it for at least five years. This act encouraged westward expansion by offering settlers the opportunity to establish farms and develop communities, fundamentally shaping the agricultural landscape of states like California. By promoting self-sufficiency and the American ideal of land ownership, the Homestead Act played a crucial role in the settlement of the West and the growth of the nation's economy.

The other choices do not align with the purpose of the Homestead Act. Joining the military, building railroads, or starting businesses in urban areas were not addressed by this legislation, which specifically targeted land acquisition for farming as a primary means to promote settlement in the West.