Westward Expansion #1

What best defines Manifest Destiny?

• Americans believed they would find a better trade route to Europe.

• Americans believed the land east of the Mississippi River was not good for farming.

• Americans believed it was their God-given right and duty to move west and occupy the entire width of the continent.

• Americans believed they would be safer if they moved west because that would put more distance between them and powerful European countries.

Who would have NOT been in favor of westward expansion?

• a Southern farmer

• a gold miner

• a railroad owner

• an American Indian

Which of the following statements was NOT true of the Oregon Trail?

• It was mostly used by settlers.

• Those that traveled on the trail faced many dangers.

• The trip took 5-6 months to complete.

• The trail went through present-day Texas and New Mexico that was controlled by Mexico.

Who controlled Texas prior to their independence?

• Mexico

• France

• Great Britain

• Russia

What event led to Texas leaders declaring their independence?

• Mexican government took power from local government and outlawed slavery.

• Stephen F. Austin was killed by Mexican soldiers.

• Mexican President Santa Anna moved the capital from the Texas region.

• The United States promised admission to the union if successful.

Who was elected president in 1844? His election contributed to greater westward expansion.

• James K. Polk

• Martin Van Buren

• Henry Clay

• Michael Jackson

What was acquired in the Adams-Onis Treaty?

• Florida

• Oregon

• New Mexico and California

• Parts of Canada

Why did President Polk agree to a compromise with Great Britain over the Oregon territory?

• The U.S. was forming a close military alliance with Great Britain.

• The U.S. was already at war with Mexico.

• The U.S. relied on British goods to support its growing population.

• The U.S. was divided on the importance of the territory for resources.

Where did the Oregon Treaty split the territory?

• 49th parallel

• Pacific Ocean

• 55-40 parallel

• Rocky Mountain ridge

Why was the United States unwilling to annex Texas following its independence? (Choose 2)

• Texas lacked productive resources needed to take on the financial burden of adding another state to the Union

• Mexico threatened to declare war with the United States if Texas became a state

• Northerners opposed allowing Texas to join the Union because it was another slave state - disrupting the balance in government

• The leaders of Texas were not eager to dissolve the strong government they created as an independent nation