Manifest Destiny Quiz

In 1844, the Democrats nominated James Polk, who ran on a platform favoring --

• reopening the international slave trade

• renewing peace negotiations with Mexico

• acquisition of Oregon and Texas

• purchasing Florida from Spain

Answer explanation

The correct choice is acquisition of Oregon and Texas as James Polk ran on a platform favoring the acquisition of these territories in the 1844 election.

What popular belief of the American people in the mid-1800s is best illustrated by the image?

• The American people must be respectful and live in harmony with American Indians.

• The American people are destined to expand the nation westward.

• The American people need to return to their roots and live on family farms.

• The American people must turn their backs on old European powers if they are to succeed.

Answer explanation

The American people are destined to expand the nation westward as illustrated by the image from the mid-1800s.

How did the Oregon Territory officially become part of the United States?

• It was bought from France, as it was part of the territory that changed hands with the Louisiana Purchase.

• It was part of the Mexican Cession, which was territory gained following the U.S.-Mexican War.

• It was purchased from Russia, which had previously established fur trading posts there.

• It was signed over by Britain in a treaty, ending decades of joint occupation by the two countries.

Answer explanation

It was signed over by Britain in a treaty, ending decades of joint occupation by the two countries.

Which of the following best completes the order of events leading up to the Compromise of 1850?

​ (a)   = Political crisis in Congress = Compromise of 1850

• California requests admission as a free state

• Nat Turner leads a slave rebellion

• A civil war erupts in Kansas

• South Carolina declares the tariff null and void

Answer explanation

California requesting admission as a free state was a key event leading to the Compromise of 1850, addressing the issue of slavery in new territories.

Events Leading up to the US-Mexican War

??? = Mexico cuts off relations with US and refuses to negotiate sale of its territory = US declares war on Mexico after skirmish with Mexican troops near the Rio Grande

Which of the following best completes the diagram about the events leading up to the US-Mexican War?

• The US annexes the Republic of Texas, which Mexico still considers to be Mexican territory.

• The US passes the Wilmot Proviso, which bans slavery in former Mexican territories.

• The US announces plans to build a southern transcontinental railroad, which would pass through Mexican territory.

• The US provides funding for people to settle in California, which is still part of Mexico.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is the US annexes the Republic of Texas, which Mexico still considers to be Mexican territory, as this action directly led to the escalation of tensions and eventual war.

The joint occupation of the Oregon Country by the US and Britain was ended by --

• a treaty negotiated by Russia

• a war between the US and Britain

• an agreement between the US and Britain

• the outcome of the US-Mexican War

Answer explanation

The joint occupation of the Oregon Country by the US and Britain was ended by an agreement between the US and Britain.

This was a controversial part of the Compromise of 1850:

• Slavery ended in Kansas and Missouri

• Slavery was allowed to continue in the Union

• California was admitted as a slave state

• The Fugitive Slave Act

Answer explanation

The Fugitive Slave Act was the controversial part of the Compromise of 1850, not the other options listed.

What did the Gadsden Purchase do?

• It bought Texas.

• It bought parts of what is now New Mexico and California.

• It finalized the reach of the continental United States to today.

• It led to war with Mexico.

Answer explanation

The Gadsden Purchase finalized the reach of the continental United States to today.

The U.S. signed a treaty with which country to get Florida?

• Great Britain

• France

• Spain

• Mexico

Answer explanation

The U.S. signed a treaty with Spain to get Florida, making Spain the correct choice.

The image above best represents which U.S. history era

• Reform Movements

• Manifest Destiny

• Industrial Revolution

• Colonial Period

Answer explanation

The image above best represents the U.S. history era of Manifest Destiny, which was a belief in the 19th-century American expansion across the continent.