The lure of free land on the frontier under the Homestead Acts was the major influence in the settlement of the Great Plains. The movement gained force and direction from such factors as favorable market conditions. the development of railroad transportation. and the lure of free or cheap land. But throughout the settlement period free land greatly stimulated immigration and materially affected the pattern of settlement. Publicland policy proved unfortunate in at least two respects. Speculation in land. with attendant abuses in its development. was facilitated. and the holdings permitted under the Homestead Acts were so small as to stimulate overcultivation.
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immigration