Expansion and Division of the Nation

30 years after the MO Compromise, the question about the growth of slavery into new territories re-emerged after the...

• Revolutionary War.

• War of 1812.

• Mexican War.

• Civil War.

Answer explanation

The Mexican War (1846-1848) reignited the debate over slavery's expansion into new territories, as the U.S. acquired land from Mexico, raising questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, thus revisiting issues from the MO Compromise.

In 1857 the Supreme Court had an opportunity to make a strong statement, either for or against slavery, in a land mark case. What was the court's ruling?

• If slaves have lived in a free state then technically they are free

• If a slave has the means to buy his freedom he can do so

• If a slave can escape to a free country before being caught, he cannot be returned

• African- Americans were not citizens of the U.S. but instead were considered "property"

Answer explanation

In the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford case, the Supreme Court ruled that African-Americans were not U.S. citizens and were considered property, reinforcing the institution of slavery and denying rights to enslaved individuals.

Which of the following describes "Bleeding Kansas"?

• A violent slave uprising led by Joseph Cinque

• Violence in Kansas between proslavery and antislavery settlers prior to the Civil War

• The turning point of the Civil War, in which Robert E. Lee's army was routed from Kansas

• The devastation caused by a tornado in Kansas in 1854, which killed 55 people

Answer explanation

"Bleeding Kansas" refers to the violent conflicts between proslavery and antislavery settlers in Kansas during the 1850s, as they fought over whether the territory would allow slavery, making this the correct choice.

Stephen Douglas introduced a new plan to expand railroads further west. The most controversial part of his plan involved_____________.

• creating the Kansas and Nebraska territories

• connecting the nation with railroads

• encouraging farmers to settle on new lands

• allowing new states to vote on being free or slave

Answer explanation

The most controversial part of Stephen Douglas's plan was allowing new states to vote on being free or slave, as it directly impacted the balance of power between free and slave states, leading to significant conflict.

What Territory is label H

• Gadsden Purchase

• Mexican Cession

• Florida

• Treaty of Paris 1873

Answer explanation

Label H corresponds to the Gadsden Purchase, which was a land acquisition from Mexico in 1854. The other options refer to different historical territories or treaties, making Gadsden Purchase the correct choice.

This compromise was Clay’s last major act as a statesman.

• Kentucky

• Missouri

• The Compromise of 1850

• The Compromise of 1950

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 was a significant legislative agreement aimed at resolving tensions between free and slave states, marking Henry Clay's final major contribution as a statesman.

The Compromise of 1850 included a new and tougher...

• Freedom Act.

• Emancipation Act.

• Slaveowners Act.

• Fugitive Slave Act.

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 included the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated stricter measures for the capture and return of runaway slaves, making it a key component of the compromise aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states.

The Mexican/American War lasted 2 years. Who won?

• America

• Mexico

• it was a draw

• Spain

Answer explanation

The Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848, ended with the United States emerging victorious. This conflict resulted in significant territorial gains for America, confirming its dominance in North America.

Why is the Alamo so important?

• It inspired the Texans to fight stronger

• It discouraged the Texan army

• It was an important win for the Texans

• Everyone, including the Mexican soldiers,died at the hands of Santa Anna

Answer explanation

The Alamo is important because it inspired Texans to fight stronger against Mexican forces. The bravery shown during the battle became a rallying point for Texan independence, motivating them to continue their struggle.

What does the 54-40 stand for in 54-40 or Fight?

• The number of bagels he had for breakfast for two days

• The amount of money in the US treasury

• The latitude and longitude of the northern parallel

• His lucky number because the lucky 7's were taken

Answer explanation

The term '54-40 or Fight' refers to the latitude of 54 degrees 40 minutes, which was the northern boundary sought by the U.S. in the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain. Thus, the correct answer is the latitude and longitude of the northern parallel.