30 POINTS According to this document, how did the Homestead Act encourage the settlement of the West? In 1862, the Homestead Act was passed and signed into law. The new law established a three-fold homestead acquisition process: filing an application, improving the land, and filing for deed of title. Any U. S. citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U. S. Government, could file an application (for free land), improving the land and lay claim to 160 acres of surveyed Government land. For the next 5 years, the homesteader had to live on the land and improve it by building a 12-by-14 dwelling and growing crops. After 5 years, the homesteader could file for his patent (or deed of title) by submitting proof of residency and the required improvements to a local land office.