Proficiency Exam Review

Front

Which of the following connected the Eastern US to the Western US? Erie Canal, Mississippi River, Transcontinental Railroad, Gulf of Mexico

Back

Transcontinental Railroad

Answer explanation

The Transcontinental Railroad was the first rail line that connected the Eastern and Western United States, facilitating transportation and commerce across the country. The other options do not serve this purpose.

Front

Which is the Louisiana Purchase?

Back

3

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase refers to the acquisition of territory by the United States from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the nation. Choice 3 correctly identifies this significant historical event.

Front

___ was the belief that Americans should claim land from the east coast to the west coast of America.

Back

Manifest Destiny

Answer explanation

Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, from the east coast to the west coast. This concept justified westward expansion in the 19th century, making it the correct answer.

Front

Thomas Jefferson commissioned ___ to explore the Louisiana Territory.

Back

Lewis and Clark

Answer explanation

Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the Louisiana Territory in 1804. They were tasked with mapping the land and establishing trade with Native American tribes.

Front

What was the significance of the Oregon Trail?

Back

The Oregon Trail was used by settlers/pioneers who wanted to travel west for land/gold/religion.

Answer explanation

The Oregon Trail was significant as it facilitated westward migration for settlers and pioneers seeking land, gold, and religious freedom, making it a key route during the westward expansion of the United States.

Front

What was the significance of the Trail of Tears?

Back

The Cherokee were removed by force of the US Government to reservations hundreds of miles away from their ancestral lands.

Answer explanation

The Trail of Tears was significant because it involved the forced removal of the Cherokee by the US Government, leading to their relocation to reservations far from their ancestral lands, resulting in great suffering and loss.

Front

What was Sacagawea's contribution to the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Back

Sacagawea was a key factor in the success of the expedition because she helped guide and interpret for Lewis and Clark.

Answer explanation

Sacagawea played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition by serving as a guide and interpreter, facilitating communication and navigation, which were vital for the expedition's success.

Front

What was the effect of westward expansion on Native Americans?

Back

Many Native Americans were forced to move to reservations that were far from their ancestral lands.

Answer explanation

Westward expansion led to the forced relocation of many Native Americans to reservations, disrupting their ancestral lands and way of life, contrary to the peaceful coexistence suggested in the other options.

Front

The Homestead Act was when the United States gave away ___________ to settlers.

Back

plots of land

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act provided settlers with plots of land, allowing them to claim and cultivate land in the west. This was a key policy to encourage westward expansion, making 'plots of land' the correct answer.

Front

What was the main goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Back

To explore and map out the land west of the Mississippi River

Answer explanation

The main goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to explore and map out the land west of the Mississippi River, providing valuable information about the geography and resources of the region.