What was the main purpose of the California Land Act of 1851?

The California Land Act of 1851 was primarily designed to settle land claims in California following the U.S. acquisition of the territory as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This treaty ended the Mexican-American War and transferred vast amounts of land from Mexico to the United States. Many landowners in California held claims that were recognized under Mexican law, but after the transition to American governance, these claims needed to be validated to ensure legal ownership.

The act established a framework for processing these land claims and aimed to resolve disputes over land ownership by requiring claimants to prove their ownership in a U.S. court. This was essential for the establishment of clear land titles and the overall legal framework that would allow California's economy and settlement patterns to develop in the following years. Thus, the correct answer reflects the crucial role of the Land Act in aiding the transition of land ownership from Mexican to U.S. laws, ensuring that land rights were clearly defined and protected.