Question

which law offered 160 acres of land to anyone who could live on it for five years and make improvements? a. the dawes act of 1887 b. the enforcement acts of 1870 c. the homestead act of 1862 d. the compromise of 1877

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The Dawes Act of 1887 focused on allotting Native American tribal land, not offering 160 acres for settlement with improvement and residency requirements.
• Option B: The Enforcement Acts of 1870 were about protecting African - American voting rights, not land distribution.
• Option C: The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres of public land to any U.S. citizen (or intended citizen) who could live on it, improve it, and pay a small fee after five years. This matches the description in the question.
• Option D: The Compromise of 1877 was a political deal related to the presidential election and withdrawal of troops from the South, not land - giving for settlement.

Answer:

C. The Homestead Act of 1862