Why was the Homestead Act of 1862 important? The Homestead Act of 1862 guaranteed every new citizen a home in return for military service.

It promised free land to those who lived on the land for five years and made improvements.

This act allowed immigrants from any country to enter the U. S. with no questions asked for a period of 2 years.

As a result of World War I this act gave German citizens the right to come to the U. S. without a visa.

The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to “improve” the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land.

Explanation:

one of the main reasons was definitely slavery. back in 1861, republican abraham lincoln was elected and ended up being a major influence in the slavery business. slavery greatly affected the texas economy because back in 1845 during the annexation of texas, slaves became a big part of the texas population. many texans that were in favor of the secession influenced groups through party ties.