Westward Expansion and Its Impacts

The video covers American expansionism, focusing on Manifest Destiny, the Oregon Trail, Texas independence, the Mexican-American War, and the California Gold Rush. It explains how these events contributed to the westward expansion of the United States, the annexation of Texas, and the acquisition of territories from Mexico. The video also discusses the impact of the Gold Rush on California's population and its path to statehood.

What was the primary belief behind the concept of Manifest Destiny?

• The US should remain isolated from other countries.

• The US was destined to own all or most of North America.

• The US should focus on industrialization rather than expansion.

• The US should form alliances with European nations.

Which trail was primarily used by settlers moving to the west coast in the mid-1800s?

• Santa Fe Trail

• California Trail

• Appalachian Trail

• Oregon Trail

What was a significant reason for the migration of Americans to Texas in the early 1800s?

• To acquire land and expand slavery.

• To find gold and other precious metals.

• To escape religious persecution in the US.

• To establish new trade routes with Canada.

What event led to the cry 'Remember the Alamo'?

• The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

• The discovery of gold in California.

• The attack on the Alamo by Santa Anna's forces.

• The annexation of Texas by the United States.

Which president was responsible for annexing Texas and avoiding war with Britain over the Oregon Territory?

• Abraham Lincoln

• Thomas Jefferson

• Andrew Jackson

• James K. Polk

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

• The US ceded land to Mexico.

• Texas became an independent republic.

• The US declared war on Britain.

• The US acquired New Mexico and California.

What was the primary motivation for the Gadsden Purchase?

• To establish a new trade route with Mexico.

• To build a transcontinental railroad.

• To expand the US naval presence.

• To acquire more land for agriculture.

What sparked the California Gold Rush in 1848?

• The end of the Mexican-American War.

• The annexation of California by the US.

• The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

• The discovery of gold in a river.

Why was California's application for statehood in 1849 controversial?

• It was the first state to allow women to vote.

• It was the first state to be settled by Europeans.

• It was the first state to be acquired from Mexico.

• It disrupted the balance between free and slave states.

What was the population change in California during the Gold Rush?

• It doubled due to immigration from Europe.

• It remained stable due to limited resources.

• It decreased due to harsh conditions.

• It increased significantly to 225,000 people.