Westward Expansion Review

The idea that the West was a God-given gift for American Expansion was called...

(a)  

Answer explanation

The idea that the West was a God-given gift for American Expansion is known as Manifest Destiny. This belief justified the expansion of the United States across North America in the 19th century.

Which event was about which vision of the West would triumph?

• The Civil-War

• The Homestead Act

• Reconstruction

• The Hayes Compromise

Answer explanation

The Civil War was fundamentally about the conflicting visions of the West, particularly regarding slavery and state rights, making it the event that determined which vision would prevail.

What development made it possible for mass migration to the West?

• The telegraph

• The railway

• The electric current

• The bessemer converter

Answer explanation

The railway was crucial for mass migration to the West as it provided a fast and efficient means of transportation, enabling large numbers of people to travel and settle in new areas, unlike the other options listed.

Which immigrant groups were particularly attracted to the West? (2 answers)

• Germans

• Italians

• Irish

• Swedish

Answer explanation

Germans and Swedes were particularly attracted to the West due to opportunities in farming and land ownership. They sought a better life and were drawn by the promise of the American frontier.

Which knowledge and skills, brought by immigrants, made farming the plains easier? (2 answers)

• Turkey Red Wheat

• Tractors

• Spades

• Awareness of water conservation in dry and cold conditions

Answer explanation

Turkey Red Wheat was well-suited for the plains' climate, improving crop yields. Additionally, immigrants brought knowledge of water conservation, crucial for farming in dry and cold conditions, making agriculture more sustainable.

Which Captain of Industry benefitted from the unlocking of the West's natural reserves of oil?

• Carnegie

• Rockefeller

• Vanderbilt

• Edison

Answer explanation

John D. Rockefeller was the key figure who capitalized on the oil industry, particularly through his company Standard Oil, which thrived as the West's natural oil reserves were developed.

Which Captain of Industry benefitted from unlocking the West's reserves of Iron Ore?

• Carnegie

• Rockefeller

• Vanderbilt

• Gould

Answer explanation

Andrew Carnegie was a key figure in the steel industry and greatly benefited from the availability of iron ore in the West, which was essential for steel production, making him a prominent Captain of Industry.

Many migrants went from West to East 1862-1890. Which factors motivated them most strongly? (High to low)

• They believed in they would have more political freedoms

• The belief they would be better off financially

• They wanted a new life, escaping their low social position

• They fervently believed in the concept of Manifest Destiny

The settlers before the Civil-War had mainly settled on the far West coast. In the period 1865-1890 the main location for settlement was the

(a)  

Answer explanation

After the Civil War, the plains became the primary area for settlement due to the Homestead Act and the expansion of railroads, making it easier for settlers to move westward and establish farms.

The American Government in the Gilded Age is often described in it's attitude to governing as "leave alone" or...

(a)  

Answer explanation

The term "Laissez Faire" describes the Gilded Age government's approach of minimal intervention in the economy, aligning with the idea of "leave alone" governance.