AP U.S 5.4 The Compromise of 1850

Why were Southerners eager to find new land during the pro-expansionist period?

• To establish new trade routes

• To cultivate using enslaved labor

• To build new cities

• To find gold

Answer explanation

Southerners sought new land primarily to cultivate cash crops like cotton using enslaved labor, which was central to their economy and expansionist goals during this period.

What happened to Walker's scheme in Central America?

• It succeeded

• It was ignored

• It collapsed

• It was supported

Answer explanation

Walker's scheme in Central America ultimately collapsed due to a combination of local resistance, logistical challenges, and lack of support, failing to achieve its intended goals.

What was the significance of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901?

• It allowed the US to build a canal without British involvement

• It gave Great Britain control over the canal

• It ended the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty

• It established a joint US-GB canal authority

Answer explanation

The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901 was significant because it allowed the US to construct a canal in Central America without British involvement, effectively ending the restrictions imposed by the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty.

What was the shared interest of both America and Great Britain regarding the canal?

• To control Central American politics

• To provide a shortcut for travel

• To expand their empires

• To increase military presence

Answer explanation

Both America and Great Britain shared the interest in providing a shortcut for travel through the canal, which would significantly reduce the time and distance for maritime navigation between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

In what year was the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty signed?

• 1901

• 1850

• 1898

• 1914

Answer explanation

The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty was signed in 1850 between the United States and Great Britain, addressing the construction of a canal in Central America. This makes 1850 the correct answer.

What was one of the main reasons for the Gadsden Purchase?

• To build a canal

• To establish a military base

• To find gold

• To create a railroad route

Answer explanation

The Gadsden Purchase was primarily aimed at facilitating a southern route for a transcontinental railroad, making 'To create a railroad route' the correct answer. This was crucial for economic expansion and connectivity.

Which present-day states are affected by the Gadsden Purchase?

• California and Nevada

• Arizona and New Mexico

• Texas and Oklahoma

• Utah and Colorado

Answer explanation

The Gadsden Purchase in 1854 involved land that is now part of southern Arizona and New Mexico. Therefore, the correct answer is Arizona and New Mexico, as they are the present-day states affected by this purchase.

Which party took no position on slavery in the territories?

• Democrats

• Whigs

• Free-Soil Party

• Republicans

Answer explanation

The Whigs took no definitive stance on slavery in the territories, aiming to appeal to both pro- and anti-slavery factions. This indecisiveness ultimately contributed to their decline as a political party.

What did Great Britain and The U.S. agree to in the Clayton -Bulwer Treaty (1850)

• Texas would be a slave state

• Neither nation would attempt to take exclusive control of any future canal route in Central America

• The U.S. could build a canal through Central America

• Great Britain could build a canal through Central America

Answer explanation

The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850) established that neither Great Britain nor the U.S. would seek exclusive control over any future canal routes in Central America, ensuring joint cooperation in this region.

Which politician from Kentucky was in charge of the Compromise of 1850 and made it?

• George Washington

• James Polk

• Henry Clay

• Sam Houston

Answer explanation

Henry Clay, a prominent politician from Kentucky, played a crucial role in crafting the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to ease tensions between slave and free states. His leadership was key in its formation.