Westward Expansion Study Guide

What is Manifest Destiny?

• The belief that the United States had the right and duty to expand across the North American continent.

• Huge addition of land purchased by Thomas Jefferson that doubled the country.

• A doctrine stating the United States would not allow European countries to start new colonies or to interfere with independent countries in the continents of North America or South America.

• The belief that everyone who goes to California will find gold and strike it rich.

Which of these was one effect of the California gold rush?

• California land grew in size.

• California achieved statehood.

• California went to war with Mexico.

• California lost much of its population.

Which of these describes the experience of many Chinese immigrants in California?

• The had to return to China after a year?

• They were subjected to prejudice and abuse.

• They were highly successful gold miners.

• They were respected for their ancient culture.

How did the Louisiana Purchase affect the United States?

• It doubled the nation's size.

• It limited trade opportunities.

• It led to war.

• It led to the discovery of a water route across the country.

What was one contribution of Chinese immigrants to the United States?

• sports traditions

• mapmaking

• cultural diversity

• political systems

Why did the Mormons move west to Utah?

• to escape poverty and debt

• to settle on land provided by the government

• to convert American Indians to their religion

• to settle where they could freely practice their beliefs

The United States acquired land in all of these ways EXCEPT

• through war.

• through treaties.

• through settlement.

• through inheritance (passed down from previous generations)

Why did some northerners oppose the annexation of Texas?

• Spain demanded too high a price for Texas.

• Texas was too large to be a state.

• Texas allowed slavery.

• Spain had a claim to Texas.

Which event occurred before Stephen F. Austin started a colony in Texas?

• General Santa Anna was captured.

• Mexico declared independence from Spain.

• Mr. Norlock was born.

• The battle of the Alamo was fought.

Why did the Tejanos resent the Americans settling in Texas?

• The Americans were unwilling to work.

• They demanded that they be made citizens.

• The Americans did not allow slavery.

• The Americans were settling illegally.