How did the government contribute to economic growth in the late 19th century?

The correct answer highlights how the government facilitated economic growth by providing land grants and addressing the threats posed by Native American tribes. During the late 19th century, the United States government engaged in a series of policies aimed at promoting westward expansion. By granting land to railroads and settlers, the government incentivized the development of infrastructure and agriculture in newly acquired territories. This not only increased the availability of land for farming and commerce but also linked distant regions of the country through transportation networks, thereby fostering economic interdependence.

Furthermore, the removal of Native American tribes from these lands reduced conflicts and allowed settlers and businesses to operate with fewer obstacles. The Manifest Destiny mindset of this era reinforced the government's motivations to promote such policies, as there was a widespread belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. Thus, the combination of land grants and the pacification of Native American resistance played a crucial role in accelerating economic activities and growth during this pivotal era in U.S. history.