Many Scandinavians immigrated to the United States as a result of the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered land to independent farmers. This is an example of a push factor, because turmoil in Scandinavia encouraged people to leave. push factor, because a new opportunity encouraged people to come to the US. pull factor, because turmoil in Scandinavia encouraged people to leave. pull factor, because a new opportunity encouraged people to come to the US.