American Progress

What was the “mission” of the United States in the 1840’s known as?

• The Monroe Doctrine

• Manifest Destiny

• The Trail of Tears

• The Roosevelt Corollary

Answer explanation

The mission of the United States in the 1840s, known as Manifest Destiny, was the belief that the country was destined to expand across the North American continent, promoting the idea of westward expansion.

Believers in Manifest Destiny thought that we should spread American values West.  What was meant by “American values” at that time?

• Democracy & Christianity

• Monarchy & Catholicism

• Mormonism

• Communism

Answer explanation

At the time, "American values" referred to the principles of democracy and Christianity, which believers in Manifest Destiny sought to spread as they expanded westward, contrasting with other ideologies like monarchy or communism.

Which one of the following best explains why many individuals and families supported the idea of Manifest Destiny?

• They wanted new opportunity for land and a better life.

• They were extremely patriotic.

• 1. They were hostile to the European powers of the day.

• They wanted to spread slavery.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'They wanted new opportunity for land and a better life,' reflects the aspirations of many individuals and families during the era of Manifest Destiny, seeking economic and social advancement through westward expansion.

Believers in Manifest Destiny thought that ________ had given Americans “permission” to own North America from “Sea to shining Sea”.

• The President

• The US Constitution

• Mrs. Fox-Manno

• God

Answer explanation

Believers in Manifest Destiny believed that God had granted them the divine right to expand across North America, which they interpreted as permission to own the land from coast to coast.

The name of the lady featured in the American Progress painting is _________.

• Lady Liberty

• Columbia

• America

• Dolley Madison

Answer explanation

The lady in the American Progress painting represents Columbia, a personification of America. She symbolizes progress and enlightenment, distinguishing her from other figures like Lady Liberty or historical figures such as Dolley Madison.

According to the painting by John Gast, who benefited from Manifest Destiny?

• Native Americans

• Enslaved people

• American pioneers like miners and farmers

• Wildlife such as bison/buffalo & anything with fur

Answer explanation

The painting by John Gast illustrates the concept of Manifest Destiny, highlighting how American pioneers, including miners and farmers, expanded westward, benefiting from new land and opportunities, while Native Americans and wildlife suffered.

According to the painting, who was hurt by Manifest Destiny?

• Native Americans

• Enslaved people

• American pioneers like miners & farmers

• Wildlife such as bison/buffalo & anything with fur

Answer explanation

Manifest Destiny led to the displacement and suffering of Native Americans, the exploitation of enslaved people, and the decline of wildlife like bison, highlighting the negative impacts on these groups.

As seen in the painting, what made the trip West faster, easier, safer, and cheaper?  It also made it so that common people could make the trip.

• The Telegraph

• The School Book

• The Transcontinental Railroad

• The Oregon Trail

Answer explanation

The Transcontinental Railroad significantly improved travel to the West by providing a faster, safer, and cheaper means of transportation, making it accessible for common people.

What was a significant consequence of Manifest Destiny for Native American populations?

• Increased trade opportunities

• Forced relocation to reservations and loss of land

• Gaining new territories

• Establishment of new alliances

Answer explanation

A significant consequence of Manifest Destiny for Native American populations was the forced relocation to reservations and loss of land, as settlers expanded westward, leading to the displacement and suffering of many Indigenous communities.

Which of the following best describes the role of the government in promoting Manifest Destiny?

• Providing military support for expansion

• Encouraging isolationism

• Restricting westward movement

• Supporting European colonization

Answer explanation

The government played a crucial role in Manifest Destiny by providing military support for expansion, facilitating the acquisition of new territories and promoting the belief in the nation's right to expand across the continent.