Causes of Mexican American War
What was the main territorial dispute that led to the Mexican American War?
The main territorial dispute was over the Texas border, specifically whether it was the Rio Grande or the Nueces River.
What year did the California Gold Rush begin?
The California Gold Rush began in 1848.
What was the Compromise of 1850 intended to address?
The Compromise of 1850 aimed to resolve issues related to slavery and territorial expansion
What was the Gadsden Purchase?
The Gadsden Purchase was an agreement in 1853 in which the U.S. acquired land from Mexico (present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico).
What was the primary purpose of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854?
The primary purpose of the Kansas-Nebraska Act was to create the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and allow for popular sovereignty regarding slavery.
Name one cause of the Mexican American War related to the expansion of the United States.
One cause of the Mexican War was the desire for Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent.
Who were the “forty-niners”?
The “forty-niners” were the thousands of people who migrated to California in search of gold in 1849.
Who was Henry Clay, and what was his role in the Compromise of 1850?
Henry Clay was a key political figure who promoted the Compromise of 1850 and was known as “The Great Compromiser.”
Why was the Gadsden Purchase important for the United States?
The Gadsden Purchase was important for facilitating a southern route for the transcontinental railroad.
How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act lead to the rise of the Republican Party?
The Kansas-Nebraska Act contributed to the rise of the Republican Party by galvanizing opposition to the expansion of slavery.
What was the significance of the Rio Grande in the context of the Mexican War?
The Rio Grande was claimed by the U.S. as the southern border of Texas, which Mexico disputed.
What was one social impact of the Gold Rush on California?
One social impact was the rapid population growth and the diverse communities that formed in California.
What was the Fugitive Slave Act, and how did it affect escaped slaves?
The Fugitive Slave Act required that escaped slaves be returned to their owners, even if they were found in free states.
What year was the Gadsden Purchase finalized?
The Gadsden Purchase was finalized in 1854.
Describe the events of “Bleeding Kansas.”
“Bleeding Kansas” refers to the violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas during the 1850s.
How did the annexation of Texas contribute to the outbreak of the Mexican War?
The annexation of Texas angered Mexico and was a significant factor that led to the outbreak of the war.
Describe how the Gold Rush affected the economy of the United States.
The Gold Rush boosted the U.S. economy by increasing gold reserves and stimulating trade and commerce.
How did Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" influence public opinion regarding slavery?
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" brought attention to the harsh realities of slavery, influencing public opinion against it.
Describe one reason why the Gadsden Purchase was controversial.
The purchase was controversial because it involved the U.S. acquiring land after the Mexican War and was seen by some as furthering slavery in new territories.
What was the significance of Preston Brooks’ attack on Charles Sumner?
Preston Brooks’ attack on Charles Sumner was significant as it highlighted the intense sectional conflict over slavery and violence in Congress.
Describe one consequence of the Mexican War for the United States.
One consequence of the Mexican War was the acquisition of a large amount of territory, including California and New Mexico, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
What role did Asian immigrants play during the California Gold Rush?
Asian immigrants, particularly from China, came to California seeking economic opportunities; they played a significant role in mining and later in building the railroads.
Discuss one long-term impact of the Compromise of 1850 on the United States.
One long-term impact was that it heightened tensions between slave and free states, contributing to the Civil War.
How did the Gadsden Purchase relate to the broader context of westward expansion?
The Gadsden Purchase related to westward expansion as it aimed to improve transportation and settle disputes over border territories.
Who was John Brown, and what was his role in the raid at Harper’s Ferry?
John Brown was an abolitionist who led a raid on Harper's Ferry in an attempt to initiate a slave uprising, demonstrating the extreme tensions over slavery.