Westward Expansion

What is the term for the movement of settlers from the eastern United States to the western frontier?

• frontier movement

• eastward expansion

• westward migration

• westward expansion

Answer explanation

The term for the movement of settlers from the eastern United States to the western frontier is 'westward expansion'. This term specifically refers to the period in history when people began to move westward, expanding the boundaries of the United States. The other options do not accurately describe this historical event.

What is the name of the law that allowed settlers to claim land in the West for a small fee?

• Frontier Settlement Act

• Homestead Act

• Land Acquisition Act

• Pioneer Fee Act

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1862 that allowed settlers to claim land in the West for a small fee. This law was instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States. The other options, Frontier Settlement Act, Land Acquisition Act, and Pioneer Fee Act, are not the correct names of this law.

What is the term for the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast?

• Imperialism

• Manifest Destiny

• Colonialism

• Isolationism

Answer explanation

The term for the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast is Manifest Destiny. This concept emerged in the 19th century and was used to justify the westward expansion of the United States. It is not Imperialism, Colonialism, or Isolationism, as these terms refer to different political ideologies and practices.

What is the name of the route that pioneers used to travel from Missouri to Oregon in the 1800s?

• Pioneer Trail

• Oregon Trail

• Missouri Route

• Oregon Path

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Oregon Trail. In the 1800s, pioneers used the Oregon Trail to travel from Missouri to Oregon. This historic route played a significant role in westward expansion, allowing settlers to reach fertile lands in the Pacific Northwest. The other options, Pioneer Trail, Missouri Route, and Oregon Path, are not the names of the route used by pioneers during this time.

What is the term for the period of rapid population growth in the western United States during the mid-1800s?

• Louisiana Purchase

• California Gold Rush

• Oregon Trail

• Texas Revolution

Answer explanation

The term for the period of rapid population growth in the western United States during the mid-1800s is the 'California Gold Rush'. This event attracted hundreds of thousands of people to California in search of gold, leading to a significant population increase. The other options, Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Trail, and Texas Revolution, are significant historical events but they do not specifically refer to a period of rapid population growth.

What is the name of the agreement between the United States and Mexico that ended the Mexican-American War and gave the U.S. control of Texas, California, and other territories?

• Treaty of San Jacinto

• Treaty of Chapultepec

• Treaty of Veracruz

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. This agreement led to the United States gaining control of territories including Texas and California. The other options, Treaty of San Jacinto, Treaty of Chapultepec, and Treaty of Veracruz, are not the correct agreements that ended this war.

What is the term for the forced journey of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to reservations in the West?

• Trail of Tears

• Journey of Tears

• March of Sorrow

• Path of Grief

Answer explanation

The term for the forced journey of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to reservations in the West is known as the 'Trail of Tears'. This was a series of forced relocations of approximately 60,000 Native Americans between 1830 and 1850 by the United States government. The other options 'Journey of Tears', 'March of Sorrow', and 'Path of Grief' do not refer to this historical event.

What is the name of the law that provided free land to settlers in the West if they agreed to live on and improve the land?

• Homestead Act

• Frontier Act

• Settlers Act

• Land Act

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improve it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This law was instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is the Homestead Act.

What is the term for the period of time when gold was discovered in California, leading to a rush of people moving to the West in search of wealth?

• California Gold Rush

• Gold Rush of 1849

• Westward Expansion

• California Gold Fever

Answer explanation

The term for the period when gold was discovered in California, leading to a rush of people moving west in search of wealth, is known as the 'California Gold Rush'. This event started in 1848 and attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors. The other options, 'Gold Rush of 1849', 'Westward Expansion', and 'California Gold Fever', while related, are not the specific term for this period.

What is the name of the trail that stretched from Missouri to New Mexico and was used by traders in the 1800s?

• Santa Fe Trail

• Pony Express Trail

• Lewis and Clark Trail

• Oregon Trail

Answer explanation

The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Independence, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was heavily used by traders during the 1800s, which makes 'Santa Fe Trail' the correct answer to the question.