Question 1

What were the similarities and differences in how California and Texas were settled and how they became part of the United States?

Accepted Answer

The settlement and incorporation of California and Texas into the United States had both similarities and differences.

Similarities:
1. Both California and Texas were settled by European explorers and settlers. Texas was first settled by the Spanish in the 18th century, while California was settled by the Spanish in the 16th century.
2. Both regions were later claimed by Mexico after it gained independence from Spain in the early 19th century.
3. Both California and Texas experienced significant population growth and economic development during the 19th century, attracting settlers from the United States and other countries.

Differences:
1. California was acquired by the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, following the Mexican-American War. Texas, on the other hand, gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was later annexed by the United States in 1845.
2. The settlement of California was driven largely by the Gold Rush of 1849, which brought a massive influx of settlers seeking their fortunes in gold. Texas, on the other hand, was settled by a combination of Anglo-American settlers, Tejanos (Mexican Texans), and European immigrants.
3. California became a state in 1850, while Texas had a more tumultuous path to statehood, including a period of independence as the Republic of Texas before joining the United States.

In conclusion, while both California and Texas were settled by European powers and later became part of the United States, the specific circumstances of their settlement and incorporation differed significantly.

Question 2

Mexico was concerned with Anglo-American immigration because the immigrants brought slaves, and Mexico was a free nation.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Discuss the ways in which the settlement of the West affected Native American cultures.

Accepted Answer

The settlement of the West had a profound and devastating impact on Native American cultures. As European settlers moved westward, they encroached on traditional Native American lands, leading to violent conflicts and the forced relocation of many tribes. The establishment of reservations further disrupted traditional ways of life, as Native Americans were often forced to adapt to unfamiliar environments and were subjected to government control.

The introduction of new diseases, such as smallpox, also had a devastating effect on Native American populations, leading to widespread illness and death. Additionally, the loss of traditional hunting grounds and the decimation of buffalo herds further undermined the economic and cultural foundations of many tribes.

The settlement of the West also brought about significant changes in Native American social and cultural practices. Traditional ceremonies and religious beliefs were often suppressed or outlawed, and many Native American children were forcibly removed from their families and sent to boarding schools, where they were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions.

Overall, the settlement of the West had a profound and lasting impact on Native American cultures, leading to the loss of land, resources, and traditional ways of life. The legacy of this period continues to shape the experiences of Native American communities today.

Question 4

Because of its lack of infrastructure, Sam Houston said that the Lone Star Republic had two choices: either to be annexed by the United States or to

Accepted Answer

A)  dissolve and return the land entirely to the Native American tribes who had previously controlled it. 
B)  build official housing for the incoming white Americans who far outnumbered African Americans. 
C)  stop the arrival of more Americans because no more land or resources were available in the region. 
D)  develop closer trade relations with Britain, which had begun buying cotton from Texas planters. 
E)  decline the offer to join the United States, as Texas had already become a world power. 
A)  dissolve and return the land entirely to the Native American tribes who had previously controlled it. 
B)  build official housing for the incoming white Americans who far outnumbered African Americans. 
C)  stop the arrival of more Americans because no more land or resources were available in the region. 
D)  develop closer trade relations with Britain, which had begun buying cotton from Texas planters. 
E)  decline the offer to join the United States, as Texas had already become a world power.

Question 5

What was St. Patrick's Battalion?

Accepted Answer

A)  It was a group of American Protestants who sought to convert Catholic Mexican soldiers and prisoners of war by force in the name of peace. 
B)  It was a group of northern senators that had steadfast support for the Union and refused to entertain the idea of allowing slavery to enter the West following the Mexican-American War. 
C)  It was an American army unit that saw little combat and came to be highly involved in American journalism, including through undercover missions during the Texan Revolution. 
D)  It was a Mexican army unit made up entirely of Irish and German immigrants that deserted from the American army for reasons such as higher wages and mistreatment for their religion. 
E)  It was a group of pioneers who courageously formed search parties to recover wayward travelers, served as guides, and charted maps of undiscovered territory at great personal risk. 
A)  It was a group of American Protestants who sought to convert Catholic Mexican soldiers and prisoners of war by force in the name of peace. 
B)  It was a group of northern senators that had steadfast support for the Union and refused to entertain the idea of allowing slavery to enter the West following the Mexican-American War. 
C)  It was an American army unit that saw little combat and came to be highly involved in American journalism, including through undercover missions during the Texan Revolution. 
D)  It was a Mexican army unit made up entirely of Irish and German immigrants that deserted from the American army for reasons such as higher wages and mistreatment for their religion. 
E)  It was a group of pioneers who courageously formed search parties to recover wayward travelers, served as guides, and charted maps of undiscovered territory at great personal risk.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A) was the young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking 
B) was the general-in-chief of the American army during the Mexican-American War and was called the "greatest living soldier" by the Duke of Wellington 
C) was elected vice president in 1840 but took over the presidency without having been elected to the office 
D) was one of the defenders at the Alamo who led the "regular army" soldiers, partly as a means to leave behind a checkered past in Alabama 
E) was the American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles after quarreling with General Stephen Kearny over who was in command of the army
F)was the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)was known as "the Pathfinder" and became the most enthusiastic champion of American settlement
in Mexican California and the Far West
H)called himself the "Napoleon of the West" and suspended the Mexican national congress in the face of Texan rebelliousness
I)founded a colony of European emigrants in California and sought to create a wilderness empire by putting Native Americans to work
J)was a Franciscan friar who led the creation of a Catholic mission in San Diego, California 
A) was the young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking 
B) was the general-in-chief of the American army during the Mexican-American War and was called the "greatest living soldier" by the Duke of Wellington 
C) was elected vice president in 1840 but took over the presidency without having been elected to the office 
D) was one of the defenders at the Alamo who led the "regular army" soldiers, partly as a means to leave behind a checkered past in Alabama 
E) was the American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles after quarreling with General Stephen Kearny over who was in command of the army
F)was the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)was known as "the Pathfinder" and became the most enthusiastic champion of American settlement
in Mexican California and the Far West
H)called himself the "Napoleon of the West" and suspended the Mexican national congress in the face of Texan rebelliousness
I)founded a colony of European emigrants in California and sought to create a wilderness empire by putting Native Americans to work
J)was a Franciscan friar who led the creation of a Catholic mission in San Diego, California

Question 7

Most of those who traveled westward in wagon trains

Accepted Answer

A)  made it from Missouri to California in a month. 
B)  actually walked and used the wagon to transport supplies. 
C)  did so without entering any Native American lands. 
D)  turned back due to the hardships of the trek. 
E)  were headed for California's gold fields. 
A)  made it from Missouri to California in a month. 
B)  actually walked and used the wagon to transport supplies. 
C)  did so without entering any Native American lands. 
D)  turned back due to the hardships of the trek. 
E)  were headed for California's gold fields.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The Mexican-American War was a conflict

Question 9

Which of the following did the Donner party come to represent?

Accepted Answer

A)  the immense desperation some pioneers faced on the trail, placing survival before all else 
B)  the dangers of becoming caught in the crossfire of the Mexican war for independence 
C)  the unwavering value pioneers placed on social convention and morality 
D)  the intense preparation efforts most pioneers engaged in before they set foot west 
E)  the annihilation of many pioneers by the Native Americans 
A)  the immense desperation some pioneers faced on the trail, placing survival before all else 
B)  the dangers of becoming caught in the crossfire of the Mexican war for independence 
C)  the unwavering value pioneers placed on social convention and morality 
D)  the intense preparation efforts most pioneers engaged in before they set foot west 
E)  the annihilation of many pioneers by the Native Americans

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Many Americans were opposed to the Mexic

Question 11

Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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. 
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 13

Why was John Charles Frémont so influential in encouraging the mass migration of Americans?

Accepted Answer

A)  He commanded an army of volunteers in the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. 
B)  He was the leading promoter of American settlement in Texas. 
C)  He had led the first and 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. 
A)  He commanded an army of volunteers in the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. 
B)  He was the leading promoter of American settlement in Texas. 
C)  He had led the first and 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 14

What was an effect of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Accepted Answer

A)  The United States gained territories including California and New Mexico. 
B)  Santa Anna was restored to power in Mexico. 
C)  U.S. troops immediately withdrew from Mexico. 
D)  Mexico was given areas of Texas to compensate for its many casualties. 
E)  The nation of Mexico kept far more than half of its land. 
A)  The United States gained territories including California and New Mexico. 
B)  Santa Anna was restored to power in Mexico. 
C)  U.S. troops immediately withdrew from Mexico. 
D)  Mexico was given areas of Texas to compensate for its many casualties. 
E)  The nation of Mexico kept far more than half of its land.

Question 15

Among the opponents of the Mexican-American War was

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Why did the Spanish establish missions in California?

Accepted Answer

A)  They were intended to serve as places of religious conversion and economic productivity. 
B)  They were vehicles that could preserve Native American language and culture. 
C)  They were institutions where the Spanish studied Native American religions. 
D)  They were outposts to help attract Native American emigration to Spain. 
E)  They were churches that only the Spanish were allowed to use. 
A)  They were intended to serve as places of religious conversion and economic productivity. 
B)  They were vehicles that could preserve Native American language and culture. 
C)  They were institutions where the Spanish studied Native American religions. 
D)  They were outposts to help attract Native American emigration to Spain. 
E)  They were churches that only the Spanish were allowed to use.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A)  support as long as it proceeded honorably and without war. 
B)  adamant opposition to it. 
C)  indifference to the status of the region. 
D)  insistence that the territory be returned to Mexico. 
E)  support at all costs. 
A)  support as long as it proceeded honorably and without war. 
B)  adamant opposition to it. 
C)  indifference to the status of the region. 
D)  insistence that the territory be returned to Mexico. 
E)  support at all costs.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A) was the young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking 
B) was the general-in-chief of the American army during the Mexican-American War and was called the "greatest living soldier" by the Duke of Wellington 
C) was elected vice president in 1840 but took over the presidency without having been elected to the office 
D) was one of the defenders at the Alamo who led the "regular army" soldiers, partly as a means to leave behind a checkered past in Alabama 
E) was the American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles after quarreling with General Stephen Kearny over who was in command of the army
F)was the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)was known as "the Pathfinder" and became the most enthusiastic champion of American settlement
in Mexican California and the Far West
H)called himself the "Napoleon of the West" and suspended the Mexican national congress in the face of Texan rebelliousness
I)founded a colony of European emigrants in California and sought to create a wilderness empire by putting Native Americans to work
J)was a Franciscan friar who led the creation of a Catholic mission in San Diego, California 
A) was the young congressman who argued that Polk had maneuvered the Mexicans into attacking 
B) was the general-in-chief of the American army during the Mexican-American War and was called the "greatest living soldier" by the Duke of Wellington 
C) was elected vice president in 1840 but took over the presidency without having been elected to the office 
D) was one of the defenders at the Alamo who led the "regular army" soldiers, partly as a means to leave behind a checkered past in Alabama 
E) was the American who captured San Diego and Los Angeles after quarreling with General Stephen Kearny over who was in command of the army
F)was the secretary of state who negotiated the treaty resolving the boundary between the northeastern United States and British Canada
G)was known as "the Pathfinder" and became the most enthusiastic champion of American settlement
in Mexican California and the Far West
H)called himself the "Napoleon of the West" and suspended the Mexican national congress in the face of Texan rebelliousness
I)founded a colony of European emigrants in California and sought to create a wilderness empire by putting Native Americans to work
J)was a Franciscan friar who led the creation of a Catholic mission in San Diego, California

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The phrase "manifest destiny" refers to

Exam 13: Western Expansion

What were the similarities and differences in how California and Texas were settled and how they became part of the United States?

Mexico was concerned with Anglo-American immigration because the immigrants brought slaves, and Mexico was a free nation.

Discuss the ways in which the settlement of the West affected Native American cultures.

Because of its lack of infrastructure, Sam Houston said that the Lone Star Republic had two choices: either to be annexed by the United States or to

What was St. Patrick's Battalion?

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

Most of those who traveled westward in wagon trains

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

Which of the following did the Donner party come to represent?

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

Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?

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

Why was John Charles Frémont so influential in encouraging the mass migration of Americans?

What was an effect of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Among the opponents of the Mexican-American War was

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

Why did the Spanish establish missions in California?

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

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

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

The Collision of Cultures

Englands Colonies

Colonial Ways of Life

From Colonies to States

The American Revolution

Strengthening the New Nation

The Early Republic

The Emergence of a Market Economy

Nationalism and Sectionalism

The Jacksonian Era

The South

Religion

The Gathering Storm

The War of the Union

The Era of Reconstruction

Business and Labor in the Industrial Era

The New South and the New West

Political Stalemate and Rural Revolt

Seizing an American Empire

The Progressive Era

America and the Great War

A Clash of Cultures

The Reactionary Twenties

The Great Depression

The Second World War

The Cold War and the Fair Deal

Cold War America

A New Frontier and a Great Society

Rebellion and Reaction

Conservative Revival

Twenty-First Century America

Filters