Westward
Which of the following was a primary motivation for westward expansion in the United States?
A) Desire for freedom from British rule
B) Search for gold and other valuable resources
C) Avoidance of high taxes in the East
D) Establishing trade routes with Europe
B) Search for gold and other valuable resources
The Louisiana Purchase was significant because it:
A) Established the first American colonies
B) Doubled the size of the United States
C) Ended the War of 1812
D) Created the state of California
B) Doubled the size of the United States
Why were Chinese immigrants often blamed for economic uncertainties in the 1870s?
A) They were believed to have intentionally sabotaged the economy
B) Their presence was thought to increase competition in the labor market
C) They held the majority of high-paying jobs
D) They were the primary builders of the transcontinental railroad
B) Their presence was thought to increase competition in the labor market
Which country sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States?
a) Spain
b) France
c) Britain
d) Mexico
b) France
What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
A) To map the eastern coastline
B) To map routes to the Pacific Ocean
C) To negotiate treaties with Native American tribes
D) To establish forts along the Mississippi River
B) To map routes to the Pacific Ocean
Which event is often associated with the beginning of the California Gold Rush?
A) Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
B) Discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill
C) Discovery of gold at Guadalupe Hidalgo
D) Signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
B) Discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill
What was one significant consequence of the completion of the transcontinental railroad?
A) Increased collaboration between different racial groups
B) A surge in economic prosperity for immigrant laborers
C) Heightened racial tensions in California
D) The immediate implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
C) Heightened racial tensions in California
What was the main impact of the Transcontinental Railroad?
A) It reduced the need for steamships
B) It created new alliances with European nations
C) It facilitated faster movement of people and goods across the country
D) It caused the decline of cities in the eastern United States
C) It facilitated faster movement of people and goods across the country
Which trail was commonly used by settlers traveling to Oregon in the mid-1800s?
A) Santa Fe Trail
B) California Trail
C) Oregon Trail
D) Appalachian Trail
C) Oregon Trail
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 resulted in:
A) The voluntary migration of Native American tribes to Canada
B) The forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River
C) The establishment of new reservations in the eastern United States
D) The end of all Native American conflicts with settlers
B) The forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River
What were two environmental impacts of building the transcontinental railroad?
A) Increased agricultural development and irrigation projects
B) Devastation of western forests and the slaughter of millions of buffalo
C) Improved air quality due to decreased reliance on animal labor
D) Expansion of protected wilderness areas and national parks
B) Devastation of western forests and the slaughter of millions of buffalo
Where did the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads meet to complete the Transcontinental Railroad?
a) Omaha, Nebraska
b) Sacramento, California
c) Promontory Point, Utah
d) Denver, Colorado
c) Promontory Point, Utah
The concept of "Manifest Destiny" refers to the belief that:
A) The United States was destined to expand across North America
B) The United States should remain isolated from foreign affairs
C) Native American lands were to be preserved and protected
D) The United States should focus on developing its navy
A) The United States was destined to expand across North America
Who was the Native American woman who assisted the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
a) Pocahontas
b) Sacagawea
c) Tecumseh
d) Sitting Bull
b) Sacagawea
What role did the U.S. Army play in the construction of the transcontinental railroad?
A) They assisted in the engineering and construction of the railroad
B) They protected Indigenous nations from illegal land grants
C) They enforced the construction progress by occupying Indigenous communities and targeting their resources
D) They mediated conflicts between railroad companies and Indigenous nations
C) They enforced the construction progress by occupying Indigenous communities and targeting their resources
Which U.S. President declared war on Mexico in 1846?
a) James K. Polk
b) Zachary Taylor
c) Millard Fillmore
d) Franklin Pierce
a) James K. Polk
True or False: The United States gained California as a result of the Mexican-American War.
True
False
True
What was the main purpose of the Gadsden Purchase?
a) To obtain land for the construction of a southern railroad
b) To expand cotton plantations
c) To find gold in California
d) To acquire ports for trade with Mexico
a) To obtain land for the construction of a southern railroad
How did the completion of the transcontinental railroad impact travel time across the United States?
A) It remained the same
B) It was reduced to under a week
C) It increased due to more frequent stops
D) It was reduced to a matter of months
B) It was reduced to under a week
What was the Trail of Tears?
a) A series of battles between Native American tribes and the U.S. Army.
b) The forced relocation of Cherokee Native Americans from their homeland to Indian Territory.
c) The journey of pioneers moving westward to Oregon.
d) The path followed by escaped slaves heading to Canada.
b) The forced relocation of Cherokee Native Americans from their homeland to Indian Territory.