What contributed most to increased settlement of the great plains?

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant factor in the increased settlement of the Great Plains, offering free land to individuals willing to live on and cultivate it for a certain period. The completion of transcontinental railroads also played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and access to the region. Additionally, advancements in farming technology, such as the steel plow and dry farming methods, allowed for more efficient cultivation of the land.