Deck 13: Western Expansion, 1830-1848

Question 1

In 1849,Congress created the Department of the Interior to supervise the distribution of land,the creation of new territories and states,and the "protection" of the Indians and their reservations.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

William Henry Harrison:

A)was the last president elected from the Jacksonian Democratic party.
B)developed a close association with Henry Clay during his presidency.
C)led the fight to annex Texas.
D)was the first president to be assassinated.
E)was elected more on his military record than for taking a stand on the issues.

Answer 2

was elected more on his military record than for taking a stand on the issues.

Question 3

The outbreak of the Mexican-American War was caused by the dispute over Oregon.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

David Crockett was not a real person but purely a fictional character.

Question 5

All the western Indian tribes eventually felt the unrelenting pressure of white expansion and conquest.

Question 6

William Henry Harrison died one month after his inauguration as president.

Question 7

President Tyler infuriated Henry Clay by vetoing his bill in support of:

A)Texas annexation.
B)higher tariffs.
C)Indian removal.
D)pensions for veterans.
E)a new national bank.

Question 8

President Martin Van Buren ultimately failed to win the Democratic party's nomination in 1844 due to his position on Texas.

Question 9

There were more than 200 different Indian tribes west of the Mississippi River in 1840.

Question 10

The Creole incident:

A)strained relations between the United States and France.
B)involved the British freeing American slaves after they mutinied and escaped.
C)involved the seizure and destruction of an American steamboat at Niagara Falls.
D)was solved almost single-handedly by Henry Clay.
E)was caused when Congress reopened the African slave trade.

Question 11

Henry Clay was the Democratic presidential candidate in 1844.

Question 12

John Tyler broke with the Democrats and joined with the Whigs because he:

A)morally opposed slavery.
B)disagreed with Andrew Jackson's position on nullification.
C)worshipped the Founding Fathers.
D)believed all property owners should have the vote.
E)supported Clay's program of economic nationalism.

Question 13

Which leader is described as a president without a party?

A)William Henry Harrison
B)Sam Houston
C)James K.Polk
D)John Tyler
E)Henry Clay

Question 14

Zachary Taylor's decisive victory at the Battle of Buena Vista led to an immediate Mexican surrender.

Question 15

Support for the Mexican-American War was strongest in New England.

Question 16

James K.Polk won the 1844 election without a majority of the popular vote.

Question 17

Mexico initially banned all American settlement in Texas.

Question 18

As president,William Henry Harrison:

A)merely followed the orders of Henry Clay.
B)tried to slow American migration to the West.
C)was able to fulfill most of the Whig economic platform.
D)brought a completely different background to office than Andrew Jackson.
E)died after only a month in office.

Question 19

John Tyler favored Henry Clay's American System.

Question 20

Mexico's winning of independence from Spain slowed American expansion westward.

Question 21

When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821,Texas was:

A)an independent republic.
B)one of the American states.
C)a French territory.
D)a commonwealth of the British Empire.
E)a part of Mexico.

Question 22

The purpose of the Convention of 1818 signed by Britain and the United States was to:

A)settle remaining differences and claims from the War of 1812.
B)cede California to the Americans.
C)establish a "joint occupation" of the Oregon Country.
D)outlaw the slave trade.
E)condemn Napoléon's designs on New World expansion.

Question 23

Most of those who traveled westward in wagon trains:

A)made it from Missouri to California in a month.
B)traveled in groups.
C)were attacked by Indians.
D)turned back due to the hardships.
E)were headed for California's goldfields.

Question 24

The Spanish established missions in California because they were:

A)tools to turn Indians into hardworking Christians.
B)vehicles that could preserve Indian language and culture.
C)institutions where the Spanish studied Indian religions.
D)outposts to help attract Indian emigration to Spain.
E)churches that only the Spanish were allowed to use.

Question 25

Why was John Charles Frémont so influential in encouraging the mass migration of Americans to Oregon and California?

A)He was already a famous mountain man.
B)He rescued the Donner party.
C)He had led the largest wagon train along the Oregon Trail.
D)He established the first sizable American settlement in California.
E)His reports of his western explorations gained wide circulation and became very popular.

Question 26

The idea of "manifest destiny" claimed that:

A)joint British and American occupation of North America would "civilize" the continent.
B)immediate war against the British would revitalize the American state.
C)American expansion westward across the continent was sanctioned by God.
D)slavery was the result of divine intervention.
E)men were destined to travel the high seas.

Question 27

The Republic of Texas:

A)at first shied away from annexation by the United States.
B)drafted a constitution emancipating its slaves.
C)was recognized by President Andrew Jackson early in his administration.
D)developed trade relations with Britain.
E)was on the verge of becoming a world power.

Question 28

What was a significant influence on Texas commander in chief Sam Houston?

A)He was half Mexican.
B)He was the first Texas-born leader of the territory.
C)He had been a pacifist before moving to Texas.
D)He was the only college-educated rebel.
E)He served under General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812.

Question 29

How were the Spanish missions in California different from those established in Texas?

A)The Spanish faced more native opposition in Texas than in California.
B)The missions in California were not very long-lasting or influential.
C)The Indians were allowed to keep their native customs and rituals.
D)The workers received wages for their work.
E)The California missions received better funding once Mexico won its independence.

Question 30

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 did all of the following,EXCEPT:

A)provide for joint naval patrols off of Africa.
B)place the Oregon territory under sole U.S.control.
C)provide for U.S.-British cooperation to police the outlawed slave trade.
D)settle a long-standing dispute over the northeastern boundary with Canada.
E)result in good relations with Great Britain.

Question 31

What effect did Mexico's winning its independence from Spain have on American settlement in the Southwest?

A)The establishment of the new Mexican state made settlement in its territories more difficult.
B)Patterns of American settlement of the former Spanish,now Mexican,territories remained unchanged.
C)American settlers were immediately and forcibly removed from all Mexican territories.
D)American settlement and expansion into the former Spanish territories increased after Mexico gained independence.
E)Americans began to flee the former Spanish territories once Mexico gained independence.

Question 32

At the Battle of the Alamo:

A)Texans secured their independence.
B)the Mexicans won a costly victory.
C)Santa Anna showed his strategic brilliance.
D)the defenders were bombarded into surrender.
E)William B.Travis and Jim Bowie were taken prisoner.

Question 33

What was a main reason the Mexican government attempted to curtail American settlement of Texas?

A)racism against Americans
B)worry about the behavior and intentions of the Americans living there
C)a preference for Indian settlement of the land
D)the Spanish forcing them to exclude the Americans
E)the British claim to the territory

Question 34

All of the following statements about Stephen F.Austin are true,EXCEPT that he:

A)had a legitimate land grant from Mexico.
B)convinced the Mexican government to permit an Anglo "buffer" colony on the northern frontier between the Comanche Indians and the Mexican settlements.
C)became the leading proponent of American settlement in coastal Texas.
D)adamantly opposed slavery.
E)actively urged Texans to revolt against Mexico.

Question 35

The Anglo-Texans rebelled against the Mexican government:

A)to preempt Mexican plans to attack U.S.territories east of Texas.
B)to honor their alliance with the Comanche Indians.
C)out of fear that the Mexican government intended to free their slaves.
D)at the request of Spain,which was trying to regain control of Mexico.
E)in opposition to taxation without representation.

Question 36

Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?

A)Stephen Austin
B)Andrew Jackson
C)James Polk
D)Santa Anna
E)Sam Houston

Question 37

The Americans known as "mountain men" who blazed western trails were:

A)army scouts.
B)missionaries.
C)mountain climbers.
D)horse traders.
E)fur trappers.

Question 38

Most of the American settlers in Texas went there because of:

A)furs.
B)gold and other mineral deposits.
C)fertile,inexpensive lands.
D)trading opportunities with the Indians and the Mexicans.
E)legal problems in the United States.

Question 39

Who coined the term "manifest destiny"?

A)President Martin Van Buren
B)Texas leader Stephen Austin
C)newspaper editor John O'Sullivan
D)Mexican leader Santa Anna
E)Swiss immigrant John A.Sutter

Question 40

The Mexican ban on American immigration to Texas:

A)was ineffective.
B)halted the flood of immigrants to the area.
C)went into effect in 1820.
D)was necessary because Americans in Texas already numbered almost half the Mexican population there.
E)caused the United States to break diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Question 41

Among the vocal opponents of the Mexican-American War was:

A)Thomas O.Larkin.
B)John Slidell.
C)Abraham Lincoln.
D)John Tyler.
E)John L.O'Sullivan.

Question 42

The Mexican-American War erupted when:

A)Mexican and U.S.troops clashed north of the Rio Grande.
B)American settlers started a revolt in California.
C)the United States recognized Texas as independent.
D)Mexico insulted the U.S.ambassador and ordered him to leave the country.
E)Polk won the 1844 election.

Question 43

California's Bear Flag Republic:

A)was controlled by Mexicans and Indians.
B)was quickly recognized by the British.
C)represented a California version of manifest destiny.
D)was established when American settlers captured Sonoma in northern California.
E)sent an expedition to capture Santa Fe.

Question 44

Polk settled the Oregon boundary dispute with the British by:

A)agreeing to a border along the 49th parallel.
B)paying the British $10 million to give up their claim.
C)sending the navy to back up the U.S.claim.
D)agreeing to a permanent joint occupation of the Pacific Northwest.
E)promising not to go to war with Mexico.

Question 45

In the election of 1844:

A)both Clay and Polk enthusiastically supported Texas annexation.
B)Liberty party votes in New York cost Clay the White House.
C)Polk won a popular vote landslide.
D)Jackson supported his old rival,Henry Clay.
E)Polk's greater experience in national office gave him a huge advantage over Clay.

Question 46

All of the following resulted from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,EXCEPT that:

A)the United States gained California.
B)the United States paid Mexico $15 million.
C)U.S.troops continued to occupy Mexico.
D)Mexico recognized the Rio Grande as the border of Texas.
E)the United States gained New Mexico.

Question 47

As president,James Polk's top priority was to:

A)restore American prosperity through expanded trade relations with Canada.
B)secure geographic expansion of the United States,especially through the acquisition of Texas,California,and New Mexico.
C)commit the United States to protecting Texas independence in perpetuity.
D)create a political consensus that saw the two major political parties merge into one.
E)encourage European immigration as a means to fuel American industrialization.

Question 48

The decisive victory in the war came with Winfield Scott's capture of:

A)Monterrey.
B)Veracruz.
C)Cerro Gordo.
D)Puebla.
E)Mexico City.

Question 49

Which of the following statements about the Mexican-American War is FALSE?

A)It was America's first major military war outside the United States.
B)Several prominent Americans opposed the war.
C)Many more Americans died of disease than died in battle.
D)The fighting lasted two years.
E)In terms of the percentage of combatants killed,it had the lowest death rate of any war in American history.

Question 50

During the 1844 campaign,Henry Clay changed his position on the annexation of Texas to one of:

A)support,as long as it proceeded honorably and without war.
B)adamant opposition to it.
C)indifference.
D)insistence that the territory be returned to Mexico.
E)ignoring it.

Question 51

How did the Mexican-American War ultimately deepen sectional divisions in the United States?

A)All the territories acquired were immediately opened to slavery.
B)Slavery was prohibited in all the territories acquired.
C)Slaves who fought in the war began rebelling for their freedom in the South.
D)The newly acquired territories fueled a violent debate over the extension of slavery into them.
E)Southern states refused to recognize the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Question 52

All of the following are true about Winfield Scott's assault on Veracruz,EXCEPT that:

A)Scott led an assault against what was considered to be the strongest fortress in North America.
B)Scott's assault was the largest amphibious operation ever attempted by U.S.military forces.
C)it was carried out without a loss.
D)the victory made General Scott a national hero.
E)Mexico surrendered as a result of Scott's victory.

Question 53

Polk's order that Zachary Taylor move his troops to the disputed territory north of the Rio Grande:

A)protected American settlers along the border.
B)provoked a Mexican attack.
C)persuaded Mexico to sell California.
D)expressed his belief in manifest destiny.
E)won him political support in the North.

Question 54

The Mexican-American War contributed to all of the following,EXCEPT:

A)the strengthening of the Union.
B)the United States becoming a transcontinental nation.
C)the end of a prolonged depression.
D)the creation of the Department of the Interior.
E)a dramatic expansion of the federal government.

Question 55

As president,Polk supported all of the following,EXCEPT:

A)acquisition of California.
B)tariff reduction.
C)restoration of the independent Treasury.
D)settlement of the Oregon boundary question.
E)internal improvements.

Question 56

Whig leader Daniel Webster was opposed to the Mexican War because he:

A)was a pacifist.
B)preferred to go to war with Britain over Oregon.
C)was known for his adamant support of pro-Mexican policies.
D)believed Texas could be acquired without a war.
E)believed that the origins of the war were "unconstitutional."

Question 57

Congress voted to annex the Republic of Texas via a(n):

A)treaty of annexation.
B)House of Representatives resolution.
C)joint resolution of Congress.
D)voice vote in the Senate.
E)executive order.

Question 58

Polk's nickname of "Young Hickory" most reflected his:

A)association with Jackson and support for Jacksonian policies.
B)toughness in dealing with his enemies.
C)common origins in North Carolina.
D)relative youth for a presidential candidate.
E)enthusiastic support for territorial expansion.

Question 59

The major factor that delayed Texas annexation until 1845 was:

A)concern over Texas entering as a slave state.
B)fear of a possible Mexican attack on the United States.
C)Calhoun's incompetence as secretary of state.
D)the desire of Texans to remain a republic.
E)Britain's support for Texas independence.

Question 60

Martin Van Buren's stance against annexing Texas:

A)helped his presidential aspirations.
B)hurt his relationship with his fellow senators.
C)secured his nomination as the Whig candidate for president.
D)cost him his party's nomination in 1844.
E)caused future generations to honor his political courage.

Question 61

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
Daniel Webster

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 62

Discuss the causes and consequences of the Mexican-American War.

Question 63

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
James K.Polk

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 64

In which territory-Texas,California,or Oregon-was America's claim best? In which was it worst? Explain the reasoning behind your conclusions.

Question 65

Trace the development of the Oregon Country prior to the Mexican-American War.

Question 66

Why were many Americans opposed to the Mexican War? How significant was their opposition?

Question 67

Explain the phrase "manifest destiny." What factors were most important in drawing Americans to the West,both mentally and physically?

Question 68

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
Sam Houston

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 69

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
Robert F.Stockton

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 70

What were the various roles of the California missions? Describe life at these missions and the impact they had throughout the territory.

Question 71

Assess the presidency of James K.Polk.What were his successes and failures,and what impact did his administration have on the future of the United States?

Question 72

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
William B.Travis

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 73

Discuss the American movement to annex Texas between 1820 and 1845.Why did it take so long for annexation to succeed?

Question 74

Discuss the various Indian cultures throughout the West prior to the Civil War.

Question 75

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
John Tyler

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 76

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
John Charles Frémont

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 77

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
Winfield Scott

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 78

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
Abraham Lincoln

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"

Question 79

Why was Henry Clay and not the incumbent,John Tyler,nominated by the Whig party in 1844?

Question 80

MATCHING
Match each description with the item below.
William Henry Harrison

A)young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking
B)led American forces at Veracruz
C)elected vice president in 1840
D)one of the defenders at the Alamo
E)American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles
F)the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)known as "the Pathfinder"
H)died after one month in office
I)president of the Republic of Texas
J)known as "Young Hickory"