Trails to the American West Quiz

What was the primary goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

• To establish trade routes with Europe

• To explore and map the newly acquired western territories

• To find a direct water route to Asia

• To establish military forts along the Mississippi River

Which company was instrumental in establishing trading posts along the Oregon Trail?

• East India Company

• Dutch West India Company

• Hudson's Bay Company

• British South Africa Company

What was a common misconception among pioneers about the journey westward?

• The weather would be mild and pleasant

• The trails were well-marked and safe

• There would be no need for provisions

• It would be a quick and easy journey

What was a typical challenge faced by pioneers during their daily travels?

• Navigating through dense forests

• Crossing large oceans

• Dealing with extreme temperatures

• Finding enough gold

What was a common fuel source for pioneers on the trail?

• Coal

• Natural gas

• Wood

• Buffalo chips

Which trail was the most widely used by pioneers heading west?

• Oregon Trail

• Mormon Trail

• Santa Fe Trail

• California Trail

What event led to the decline of the use of westward trails?

• The end of the Civil War

• The invention of the automobile

• The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

• The discovery of gold in California

What was the primary cause of death among pioneers on the trails?

• Indian attacks

• Cholera from contaminated water

• Wild animal attacks

• Starvation

Which trail was used by those traveling to the goldfields in California?

• Santa Fe Trail

• Mormon Trail

• Old Spanish Trail

• California Trail

What was a significant impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on westward expansion?

• It increased the cost of travel

• It made the journey longer

• It decreased the number of settlers moving west

• It provided a faster and cheaper way to travel