The policy that promoted irrigation and settlement in the arid West is known as the Reclamation Act.

• A. The Open Door Policy
• B. The Reclamation Act
• C. The Antiquities Act
• D. The Mann-Elkins Act

Answer: (B)

The Reclamation Act of 1902 established a federal program to promote irrigation and the settlement of arid western lands. It funded irrigation projects by selling public lands, with the proceeds directed toward building dams, canals, and other waterworks. It also created the Bureau of Reclamation to manage these projects, aiming to turn dry areas into productive farmland and encourage westward settlement.

That’s why this option fits best: it directly links federal policy to developing water supply and encouraging people to farm in the West. The other choices relate to entirely different issues—open trade with China, protection of ancient artifacts, or railroad regulation—and do not address irrigation or western settlement.