Westward Expansion Flashcard

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Westward Expansion

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The movement of settlers and the spread of U.S. territory westward across North America during the 19th century.

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Manifest Destiny

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The idea that the U.S. had a divine right and duty to expand its territory across the North American continent.

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What was the Louisiana Purchase?

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A land deal in which the U.S. purchased territory from France, doubling the size of the country.

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Which president asked Congress to pay for a trailblazing expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory?

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Thomas Jefferson

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What was The Oregon Trail?

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A historic route used by American pioneers to migrate westward to Oregon in the mid-1800s.

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Reason people traveled to the Oregon Trail?

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All of the above (Cheap land and new opportunities in the West, Escaping religious persecution, seeking gold in California)

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Why did the use of the Oregon Trail decline?

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The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and other more convenient forms of transportation were created.

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What was the California Gold Rush?

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A major migration of settlers to California after gold was discovered in 1848, hoping to get rich.

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What are those who seek after precious metals such as gold called?

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Prospectors