Describe two events or policies that increased settlement in the West after the Civil War

 The Homestead Act encouraged westward migration and settlement by providing 160-acre tracts of land west of the Mississippi at little cost, in return for a promise to improve 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.