American History Quiz

What was the primary purpose of the Erie Canal?

• To connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean

• To link New York City and Buffalo

• To provide a route for military transport

• To create a new trade route to Europe

What does the term "Manifest Destiny" refer to?

• The belief in the expansion of the United States from ocean to ocean

• The idea of creating a new government system

• The concept of building a large navy

• The plan to establish trade with Europe

Who were Steven Long and Zebulon Pike, and what did they report about the Great Plains?

• Explorers who found the Great Plains ideal for farming

• Explorers who reported the Great Plains were not fit for settlement

• Military leaders who planned to build forts in the Great Plains

• Traders who established routes through the Great Plains

How long could the journey on the Oregon Trail last?

• One to two months

• Two to four months

• Four to six months

• Six to eight months

What were some of the problems faced on the Oregon Trail?

• Lack of food and water

• Weather, river crossings, cholera, and accidents

• Attacks from wild animals

• Navigational errors

What was the Santa Fe Trail known for?

• A military route during the Civil War

• The beginning of regular trade between Americans and New Mexico

• A path for gold miners heading west

• A route for settlers moving to California

What was one condition for U.S. settlers accepted by Mexico?

• They must pay a tax to Mexico

• They must practice the Catholic religion

• They must serve in the Mexican army

• They must build schools

Who was Santa Anna?

• The president of the United States during the war with Texas

• The president of Mexico during the war with Texas

• A famous Texan rebel leader

• A Spanish explorer

What was significant about the Battle of the Alamo?

• It was the first battle of the Texas Revolution

• 187 Texans held off 4,000 Mexican soldiers for several days

• It marked the end of the Mexican-American War

• It was a major victory for the Mexican army

Who became the first president of Texas?

• Stephen F. Austin

• Sam Houston

• James K. Polk

• Davy Crockett