Congress encouraged growth and economic development in the west with federal loans and land grants to develop the?

Congress encouraged growth and economic development in the West through initiatives such as the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided settlers with land at little to no cost, and federal loans that supported infrastructure projects like railroads. These efforts aimed to promote westward expansion, increase agricultural production, and stimulate the economy. By facilitating land access and financial resources, Congress played a crucial role in shaping the settlement and development of western territories.