Westward Expansion Quiz

What were some of the reasons people were either pushed or pulled to the West?

• Lure of quick wealth, escape racial discrimination, cheap land and new job opportunities

• Desire for a colder climate, better education, and urban lifestyle

• Access to better healthcare, advanced technology, and cultural diversity

• Interest in historical landmarks, political stability, and luxury living

What happened to Native Americans as American settlers moved farther west?

• They were given more land and resources

• They were either pushed out of homeland, assimilated or put on reservations

• They were integrated into the settler communities

• They were allowed to maintain their traditional ways without interference

Government treatment of Native Americans grew what kind of movement?

• Civil Rights Movement

• Women's Suffrage Movement

• Indian Rights Movement

• Labor Rights Movement

Why did white reformers believe Native Americans should be assimilated?

• To preserve Native American culture

• To be more like white society and weaken Native identity

• To create a multicultural society

• To strengthen Native American communities

Who owned most of the land near prime transportation routes in the west?

• Farmers

• Railroad

• Native Americans

• Government

Impact of agricultural technology on the West?

• Increased manual labor and decreased efficiency

• Saved time and effort for farmers - people left farms and moved to cities

• Reduced crop yields and increased costs

• Led to a decline in agricultural production

Impacts of bonanza farms?

• Increased crop diversity and prices

• Oversupply of crops - crops price drops

• Decreased agricultural production

• Improved soil quality and sustainability

One of the most difficult jobs in the West? (Think of a steel plow).

• Mining for gold

• Building railroads

• Pulling/moving sod

• Herding cattle

In 1889, Congress responded to pressure from squatters and other would-be settlers by opening up _______?

• Northwest Territory

• Frontier

• Sooners

• Indian Territory

What group wanted inflation? Why?

• Bankers - to increase interest rates

• Farmers - raise crop prices

• Industrialists - to lower production costs

• Politicians - to gain more votes