Westward Expansion and the California Gold Rush

The video covers the history of the United States' westward expansion, focusing on the period from the country's independence in 1776 to the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. It discusses the migration routes, conflicts with Native American tribes, and the impact of the railroad on settlement. The California Gold Rush is highlighted for its significant social and economic effects, including the influx of immigrants and the displacement of Native Americans.

Which country did the United States gain independence from in 1776?

• Spain

• France

• Great Britain

• Mexico

In what year did California become a state of the United States?

• 1850

• 1872

• 1862

• 1848

What was a major factor that attracted hundreds of thousands of immigrants to California in the mid-1800s?

• Gold Rush

• Railroad construction

• Fur trade

• Agriculture

Which Native American tribe defeated General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn?

• Navajo

• Cherokee

• Sioux

• Apache

What mode of transportation significantly reduced the difficulty of traveling westward starting in 1857?

• Automobiles

• Stagecoaches

• Railroads

• Steamboats

What was a common method used by early settlers to mark their land?

• Building fences

• Planting crops

• Carving names into trees

• Setting up tents

What was the purpose of the special tax introduced in 1850 against foreign miners?

• To encourage foreign miners to leave California

• To improve mining equipment

• To fund public schools

• To build railroads

Which city experienced significant growth due to the Gold Rush?

• Los Angeles

• San Francisco

• Sacramento

• San Diego

What was the estimated number of people who migrated to California during the Gold Rush?

• 400,000

• 300,000

• 200,000

• 100,000

What was the main occupation of Chinese immigrants after the decline of the Gold Rush?

• Railroad construction

• Fishing

• Textile manufacturing

• Agriculture