TEKS 13A: Which of the following was the main reason for the rapid settlement of the Great Plains during the late 1800 s? Native Americans sold most of their tribal lands directly to railroad companies Congress passed a law allowing people to claim public land and convert it to private property through homesteading Speculators bought large parcels of land and then built factory towns to attract new immigrants Congress passed a law requiring all public lands to be sold lat auction

1<br />The question is asking for the main reason for the rapid settlement of the Great Plains during the late 1800s. The options provided are:<br />- Native Americans sold most of their tribal lands directly to railroad companies<br />- Congress passed a law allowing people to claim public land and convert it to private property through homesteading<br />- Speculators bought large parcels of land and then built factory towns to attract new immigrants<br />- Congress passed a law requiring all public lands to be sold at auction<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant factor in the settlement of the Great Plains. This act allowed any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land. The claimant had to improve the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. After five years of residence, the land became the claimant's property.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options, such as Native Americans selling their tribal lands to railroad companies, speculators buying large parcels of land and building factory towns, and Congress passing a law requiring all public lands to be sold at auction, do not accurately describe the for the rapid settlement of the Great Plains.