Unit 1: A Growing Nation Assessment

1. Look at the image above. According to the painting, what was one effect of the Transcontinental Railroad on the Western landscape? (5.1.CO)

• The railroad led to the growth of new towns and settlements in the West.

• The railroad caused the mountains to disappear from the landscape.

• The Transcontinental Railroad prevented people from moving west.

Answer explanation

The painting illustrates how the Transcontinental Railroad facilitated the establishment of new towns and settlements in the West, highlighting its role in transforming the landscape and promoting westward expansion.

2. Based on the painting below and your understanding of history, which challenges did workers encounter while constructing the Transcontinental Railroad? Select all that are correct. (5.1.CO)

• Difficult terrain such as mountains and valleys

• Conflicts with Native American tribes

• Crossing bodies of water

• Harsh weather conditions

Answer explanation

Workers faced difficult terrain like mountains and valleys, conflicts with Native American tribes, and challenges crossing bodies of water, all of which were significant obstacles in constructing the Transcontinental Railroad.

Which group lost the most land and resources as a result of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Native Americans

• Chinese immigrants

• Irish immigrants

Answer explanation

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad led to significant land loss for Native Americans, as their territories were encroached upon and resources were depleted, severely impacting their way of life.

Which statement BEST explains how economic opportunities influenced people to move westward in the 1800s? (5.1.CO)

• Many settlers moved west to find jobs and wealth through activities like farming, mining, and ranching.

• The government forced people to move west to build new cities and towns.

• Travelers to the West only moved for adventure, not for economic reasons.

Answer explanation

Many settlers moved west seeking economic opportunities, such as jobs and wealth from farming, mining, and ranching. This highlights the primary motivation for westward expansion during the 1800s.

Which of the following factors encouraged people to immigrate to the United States? Select all that apply. (5.1.CO)

• Religious tolerance in the United States

• Greater personal liberties in the United States

• Job prospects in the United States

• Food shortages in the United States

• Prejudice in the United States

Answer explanation

Religious tolerance, greater personal liberties, and job prospects in the U.S. attracted immigrants seeking a better life, while food shortages and prejudice were not factors encouraging immigration.

What were some reasons that encouraged Americans to settle in the western territories during the 1800s? Select all that apply.

• To escape religious persecution.

• To find new economic opportunities such as gold mining.

• To fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny.

• To avoid military service in the east.

• To acquire inexpensive farmland.

Answer explanation

Americans were encouraged to settle in the west for various reasons, including escaping religious persecution, seeking economic opportunities like gold mining, fulfilling Manifest Destiny, and acquiring inexpensive farmland.

After the Spanish-American War, the United States acquired territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam. What is the BEST term to describe this expansion of U.S. influence?

• Annexation

• Imperialism

• Isolationism

Answer explanation

The acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and Guam after the Spanish-American War reflects the United States' expansion of influence, which is best described as imperialism, a policy of extending a country's power and dominance.

Which of the following were reasons for increased American involvement in Cuba during the late 1800s? Select all that apply.

• Desire to protect American investments

• Interest in spreading democracy to Spain

• Response to the explosion of the USS Maine

• Wish to expand American influence overseas

• Efforts to support Spanish rule in Cuba

Answer explanation

American involvement in Cuba was driven by the desire to protect investments, the reaction to the USS Maine explosion, and the wish to expand influence overseas, rather than supporting Spanish rule or spreading democracy.

What was a significant reason for the United States' interest in constructing the Panama Canal?

• It would allow the U.S. to expand its territory into Central America.

• It would provide the U.S. with strategic and economic advantages in global trade.

• It would help the U.S. establish stronger diplomatic ties with Panama.

Answer explanation

The construction of the Panama Canal was crucial for the U.S. as it significantly enhanced strategic and economic advantages in global trade by providing a faster route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Which statement BEST explains the working conditions faced by many factory workers during the late 19th century?

• They were exposed to hazardous environments and worked long shifts.

• Government regulations ensured all factories were safe and fair.

• Most workers enjoyed high wages and comfortable living standards.

Answer explanation

During the late 19th century, many factory workers faced dangerous conditions, including exposure to hazardous materials and long working hours, making the statement about their working conditions accurate.