Why Did People Move to California

Which statement best explains why California’s population grew so quickly under Mexican rule?

• 
  A)The Mexican government offered financial opportunities for people to come to California.

• B)The Mexican government won its freedom from Spain.

• )The Mexican government encouraged people from the United States to visit California.

• D)The Mexican government paid people to come to California.

Drag the events in the order in which they occurred.

• Russians establish Fort Ross.

• Mexico declares independence from Spain.

• Jedediah Smith arrives in California.

• John Sutter opens Sutter's fort.

• The Donner Party leaves for California

Which evidence from the text best supports the idea that trailblazers and pioneers needed to be brave, adventurous, and resourceful?

• A)“Land travel could involve endless grassy plains; tall, snow-covered mountains; and hot, dry deserts.”

• B)“During this time, Russians and Americans were hunting animals for their fur.”

• C)“Many trappers lived in the Rocky Mountains.”

• D)“A trailblazer is a person who leads the way for others as a guide.”

Which statement best supports the inference that the terrain was a challenge, even for trailblazers?

• A)Trappers who lived in the mountains often served as trailblazers.

• B)Pioneers were often hungry, tired, and ill by the time they reached California.

• C)Crossing over land meant carrying everything you needed for a new life in a wagon.

• 
  D)A group led by a trailblazer still required the help of a guide to cross the Mojave Desert.

Which evidence from the text best supports the inference that pioneers had much to fear from bad weather?

• A)“Often, the wagons were so full that the family members had to walk next to the wagon instead of riding.”

• B)“When they finally arrived at Sutter’s Fort, they were weak, hungry, and tired.”

• C)“Then, Donner decided to take a shortcut, but the trail was slow.”

• D)“When a rescue party from Sutter's Fort finally reached the Donner Party, almost half of the people had already died of cold and hunger.”

Which evidence from the text best supports the idea that James Beckwourth was a trailblazer? Select two choices.

• 
  A)“Beckwourth was adventurous, and enjoyed hunting with his father.”

• B)“He dreamed of exploring other lands.”

• 
  C)"Beckwourth used his knowledge of the wilderness to guide others to California."

• 
  D)“In 1850, he discovered a pass through the Sierra Nevada to California.”

Read these sentences from the text. Then answer the question that follows.

 

“During the Mexican rule, the government allowed land grants to people already living in the California territory, Americans, and many European immigrants. One man from Switzerland to receive a land grant was named Johann Sutter. In 1839, Sutter arrived in Monterey.”

 

What is the meaning of the word immigrants?

• A)people who leave a country

• 
  B)people who want better lives

• 
  C)people who come to a country to get rich

• 
  D)people who come to a country to live there

Short Response  Summarize how the fur trade led to population growth in California before and after Mexican independence. Support your summary with details from the text.

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Which evidence from the text best supports the idea that starting a settlement in California was a good way for an immigrant to find success?

• A)“The Russians hoped to make Fort Ross a trading station for the pelts of sea animals.”

• B)
  “From 1839–1848, Sutter's Fort was a major trade area in California.”

• C) “Because the Russians didn't actually own the land, they sold the land and buildings around Fort Ross.”

• D) To help build and arm Sutter's Fort, he purchased the contents of Fort Ross from the Russians.”

Which statement best explains why pioneers believed that it was worth risking their lives to get to California?

• A)The journey was dangerous but did not take very long.

• B)The journey was a good way to get involved in the fur and pelt trade.

• C)The journey could result in owning rich and beautiful land.

• D)The journey would be easier if they stopped along the way to buy supplies.