U.S. Expansion (1836–1850)
What state joined the U.S. in 1836?
Arkansas
Who led American families to settle in Texas?
Who led American families to settle in Texas?
Who was president when Texas was annexed into the U.S.?
James K. Polk
In what year was gold discovered in California?
1848
Who won the 1836 presidential election?
Martin Van Buren
What is Wisconsin's nickname and why?
The Badger State; miners lived in hillside burrows like badgers
What were settlers required to do to live in Mexican Texas?
Become Mexican citizens, join Catholic Church, free some slaves.
What slogan did Polk supporters use regarding Oregon territory?
"54'40 or Fight!"
What nickname was given to people who rushed to California in 1849?
49ers
What happened during Martin Van Buren's presidency that hurt the economy?
The Panic of 1837
What river did the U.S. claim as the Texas-Mexico border?
Rio Grande
What happened at the Alamo in 1836?
188 Texans including Davy Crockett died defending the Alamo from 2000 Mexican soldiers.
What treaty ended the Mexican-American War?
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
What were "wagon trains" and why were they used?
Groups of settlers traveling west for protection and support
Who died after serving only one month as president?
William Henry Harrison
What was discovered in California in 1848 that caused massive migration?
Gold
What was the outcome of the Battle of San Jacinto?
Texan forces defeated Santa Anna and secured independence.
What land did the U.S. gain from the Mexican Cession?
California and New Mexico
What other places experienced gold or silver rushes besides California?
Nevada, Colorado, South Dakota
Who arranged for the annexation of Texas at the end of his presidency?
John Tyler
Name two reasons the U.S. wanted to expand westward.
Manifest Destiny and economic opportunities (e.g. land, gold)
Why did the U.S. hesitate to annex Texas after it declared independence?
Fear of war with Mexico and upsetting the slave/free state balance.
Name two major battles of the Mexican-American War.
Buena Vista, Vera Cruz (also acceptable: Bear Flag Revolt, San Jacinto, etc.)
How did the Gold Rush affect California’s population by 1860?
It skyrocketed from 14,000 to 380,000; 1/3 were Chinese immigrant
What political party opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories in 1848?
Free Soil Party