The primary purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to encourage westward expansion by providing land to settlers at little or no cost. Under this act, individuals could claim up to 160 acres of public land, provided they improved it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This legislation sought to populate the western territories and promote agricultural development, which was seen as vital for the growth of the nation. The act also aimed to destabilize the land monopolies held by wealthy landowners and distribute land more equitably. Ultimately, it had a significant impact on the settlement patterns in the United States.