People
Texas/California
War and West
Trails
Gold
100
Many historians believe that this man is underrated as a president. He stood firm on American claims to the Oregon country. He avoided war with Britain and gave the United States an area including the present-day states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. He was president during the successful Mexican War.
President James K. Polk
100
Why did some citizens of the United States want to annex Texas? (Hint* it is a vocabulary term defined as the belief that the United States should expand west to the Pacific Ocean)
Manifest Destiny
100
This war was between the United States and its neighboring country over Texas.
The Mexican War
100
Which of the following trails did NOT take people west. A) Oregon Trail B) Mormon Trail C) Santa Fe Trail D) Appalachian Trail E) Old Spanish Trail F) California Trail
D) Appalachian Trail
100
This time was when people from all over the country rushed to California to find riches.
the Gold Rush
200
Following the death of founder Joseph Smith, this new Mormon leader led a large group of people to the Great Salt Lake area.
Brigham Young
200
Which of the following BEST describes how people reached California during the gold rush? A) all routes B) water routes C) land routes D) horseback
A) All routes
200
Which of the following battles was a United States victory during the Mexican War. A) Bear Flag Revolt B) Battle of the Alamo C) Battle of San Jacinto D) Nueces River Battle
A) Bear Flag Revolt
200
The first settlers to Oregon Country from the United States were __________ ___ and ___________. Name both. (Hint* One group were fur tappers and the other went to teach the Christian religion to Native Americans)
Mountain Men and Missionaries
200
Which of the following trails did thousands of people use to go to California during the gold rush? A) Mormon Trail B) California Trail C) Appalachian Trail D) Green Mountain Trail
B) California Trail
300
This man discovered gold while building a sawmill near California's American River.
James Marshall
300
How did the gold rush affect the population of California?
The population grew rapidly
300
What caused the Mormons to choose to move west?
They had been mistreated because of their religious beliefs.
300
How did people travel along the Oregon Trail? A) by boat B) by wagon train C) by railroad D) canal
B) by wagon train
300
Which of the following best describes the gold miners? A) Few became sick B) Life was easy in California C) Few found any gold at all D) Many found gold mines
C) Few found any gold at all
400
The leader of the Mexican army during its fight with Texas and later with the United States.
Antonio lopez de Santa Anna
400
Some people, including President Andrew Jackson, opposed the annexation of Texas into the United States. One reason was they did not want Texas to enter as a huge slave state. What was the other reason?
Annexing Texas could lead to war with Mexico
400
What effect did the Texan's defense of the Alamo have on Texas' fight for independence?
The Alamo defenders delayed Mexican troops long enough for Texas to sign up ore soldiers. Sam Houston was then able to capture Santa Anna at San Jacinto, and Texas won its independence.
400
Life on the Oregon Trail can best be described as ______________________.
Long and difficult
400
Which of the following BEST describes the population of California after the gold rush? A) mostly Native Americans B) mostly immigrants C) mostly Mexican Americans D) very diverse
D) very diverse
500
Mexico got settlers from the United States to build ranches and farms in Texas by giving this man a grant.
Moses Austin
500
What was the main reason United States settlers in Texas wanted their independence?
Settlers wanted more say in the government. (Another reason was they were unhappy and unwilling to abide by some conditions)
500
What was the opinion of Americans who opposed the Mexican War?
Some Americans, including Abraham Lincoln, believed the the United States had unfairly stated the war to gain more land from Mexico.
500
People caught Oregon Fever for a number of reasons. What was the biggest reason people went on the Oregon Trail?
People eagerly seeking a new life in the West
500
What is a forty-niner and where did forty-niners come from?
A forty-niner was a person coming to California during the gold rush and they came from many different places.
M
e
n
u