Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

James K. Polk's presidency, which lasted

Question 2

Which of the following statements sums up William Henry Harrison's presidency?

Accepted Answer

A)  He was criticized for merely following the orders of Henry Clay in much of his policy. 
B)  He actively tried to slow American migration to the West in order to build industry in the East. 
C)  He was lauded for having been able to fulfill most of the Whig economic platform. 
D)  He brought a completely different background to office than Andrew Jackson. 
E)  He had won primarily based on his status as a military hero but died after only a month in office. 
A)  He was criticized for merely following the orders of Henry Clay in much of his policy. 
B)  He actively tried to slow American migration to the West in order to build industry in the East. 
C)  He was lauded for having been able to fulfill most of the Whig economic platform. 
D)  He brought a completely different background to office than Andrew Jackson. 
E)  He had won primarily based on his status as a military hero but died after only a month in office.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true of the Plains Indian societies in the 1840s?

Accepted Answer

A)  Most exhibited remarkable similarities to New England society, especially in terms of religion and governance. 
B)  They had not known warfare until white men arrived there and refused to engage in any open conflict. 
C)  They were largely homogeneous and devoid of any substantive differences among them, forming one nation. 
D)  Some were nomadic hunters who relied on the abundance of buffalo, which was threatened by the arrival of white hunters. 
E)  They had already become deeply rooted in Christianity during the colonial era and, thus, quickly assimilated to white settlements. 
A)  Most exhibited remarkable similarities to New England society, especially in terms of religion and governance. 
B)  They had not known warfare until white men arrived there and refused to engage in any open conflict. 
C)  They were largely homogeneous and devoid of any substantive differences among them, forming one nation. 
D)  Some were nomadic hunters who relied on the abundance of buffalo, which was threatened by the arrival of white hunters. 
E)  They had already become deeply rooted in Christianity during the colonial era and, thus, quickly assimilated to white settlements.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A)  protected American settlers along the border in such a way that they regained their trust in the United States government and left the West behind. 
B)  provoked a Mexican attack as part of a scheme to justify the beginning of a war with Mexico and, ultimately, to gain New Mexico and California. 
C)  persuaded Mexico to sell California to the United States to avoid a costly war that would be sure to hurt Mexican resources and infrastructure. 
D)  caused an uproar among German and Irish immigrants that resulted in increased anti-war sentiment and a lack of immigrant groups joining in the American army. 
E)  won him political support in the North and, thus, helped to secure his victory in the next presidential election. 
A)  protected American settlers along the border in such a way that they regained their trust in the United States government and left the West behind. 
B)  provoked a Mexican attack as part of a scheme to justify the beginning of a war with Mexico and, ultimately, to gain New Mexico and California. 
C)  persuaded Mexico to sell California to the United States to avoid a costly war that would be sure to hurt Mexican resources and infrastructure. 
D)  caused an uproar among German and Irish immigrants that resulted in increased anti-war sentiment and a lack of immigrant groups joining in the American army. 
E)  won him political support in the North and, thus, helped to secure his victory in the next presidential election.

Question 5

Match each description with the item below.
-John Tyler

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 6

What had a major influence on Texas commander in chief Sam Houston?

Accepted Answer

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. 
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 7

Polk settled the Oregon boundary dispute with the British by

Accepted Answer

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. 
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 8

The decisive victory in the Mexican-American War came with Winfield Scott's capture of

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What sort of racial tensions, if any, emerged as white Americans first settled in Mexico and the Spanish West during the first half of the nineteenth century?

Accepted Answer

A)  Even more than the acquisition of land, white expansionists were eager to incorporate
The people of Mexico as citizens to grow the population of their settlements. 
B)  Minimal racial tensions developed because white Americans had formed agreements with Native Americans to venture across their lands. 
C)  White Americans brought enslaved African Americans with them to Mexico and the West, and they treated Hispanics essentially the same as whites. 
D)  English colonizers had settled parts of the region long ago, which made the English language more widespread and helped whites assimilate. 
E)  Many white Americans were as prejudiced toward Hispanics as they were toward Native Americans and African Americans. 
A)  Even more than the acquisition of land, white expansionists were eager to incorporate
The people of Mexico as citizens to grow the population of their settlements. 
B)  Minimal racial tensions developed because white Americans had formed agreements with Native Americans to venture across their lands. 
C)  White Americans brought enslaved African Americans with them to Mexico and the West, and they treated Hispanics essentially the same as whites. 
D)  English colonizers had settled parts of the region long ago, which made the English language more widespread and helped whites assimilate. 
E)  Many white Americans were as prejudiced toward Hispanics as they were toward Native Americans and African Americans.

Question 10

The idea of "manifest destiny" claimed that

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Which of the following statements accurately describes experiences of women pioneers who made the journey west?

Accepted Answer

A)  The divorce rate was far lower in the West because women tended to find satisfaction in the more intellectual work required by starting new towns. 
B)  Women generally remained strictly within the domestic sphere throughout the duration of their journeys, sticking to cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. 
C)  Women were rarely anything but elated at the prospect of leaving their old lives behind and starting a new adventure in the West. 
D)  Though initially men and women tended to maintain traditional roles, the demands of
The western trails dissolved such neat distinctions. 
E)  Women and children rarely joined men in the journey west until after large cities had been built because it was considered far too dangerous for them. 
A)  The divorce rate was far lower in the West because women tended to find satisfaction in the more intellectual work required by starting new towns. 
B)  Women generally remained strictly within the domestic sphere throughout the duration of their journeys, sticking to cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. 
C)  Women were rarely anything but elated at the prospect of leaving their old lives behind and starting a new adventure in the West. 
D)  Though initially men and women tended to maintain traditional roles, the demands of
The western trails dissolved such neat distinctions. 
E)  Women and children rarely joined men in the journey west until after large cities had been built because it was considered far too dangerous for them.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The California missions had various role

Question 13

Members of the Donner party engaged in cannibalism when stranded on their way to California.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Why did Americans move west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s and 1840s? How did they accomplish this, and where did they move to?

Accepted Answer

During the 1830s and 1840s, Americans mo

Question 15

How did the Spanish missions in California differ from those in Texas and New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

A)  There were not nearly as many missions in California. 
B)  The missions in California tended to quickly become secular communities. 
C)  The missions in California took on more of a role in society and lasted much longer. 
D)  Native Americans frequently attacked and burned them in a series of raids. 
E)  The missions in California were unconcerned with converting Native Americans. 
A)  There were not nearly as many missions in California. 
B)  The missions in California tended to quickly become secular communities. 
C)  The missions in California took on more of a role in society and lasted much longer. 
D)  Native Americans frequently attacked and burned them in a series of raids. 
E)  The missions in California were unconcerned with converting Native Americans.

Question 16

Polk's nickname of "Young Hickory" MOST reflected his

Accepted Answer

A)  association with Jackson and support for Jacksonian policies. 
B)  identity as a northerner. 
C)  lack of a work ethic. 
D)  actual elderliness as a presidential candidate. 
E)  hesitation toward territorial expansion. 
A)  association with Jackson and support for Jacksonian policies. 
B)  identity as a northerner. 
C)  lack of a work ethic. 
D)  actual elderliness as a presidential candidate. 
E)  hesitation toward territorial expansion.

Question 17

Match each description with the item below.
-Junípero Serra

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 18

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

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 19

How did Texas become part of the United States? Why was the process so complicated, and how did it impact national politics?

Accepted Answer

Texas became part of the United States t

Question 20

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.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 13: Western Expansion

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?

Which of the following statements sums up William Henry Harrison's presidency?

Which of the following statements is true of the Plains Indian societies in the 1840s?

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

Match each description with the item below. -John Tyler

What had a major influence on Texas commander in chief Sam Houston?

Polk settled the Oregon boundary dispute with the British by

The decisive victory in the Mexican-American War came with Winfield Scott's capture of

What sort of racial tensions, if any, emerged as white Americans first settled in Mexico and the Spanish West during the first half of the nineteenth century?

The idea of "manifest destiny" claimed that

Which of the following statements accurately describes experiences of women pioneers who made the journey west?

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

Members of the Donner party engaged in cannibalism when stranded on their way to California.

Why did Americans move west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s and 1840s? How did they accomplish this, and where did they move to?

How did the Spanish missions in California differ from those in Texas and New Mexico?

Polk's nickname of "Young Hickory" MOST reflected his

Match each description with the item below. -Junípero Serra

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

How did Texas become part of the United States? Why was the process so complicated, and how did it impact national politics?

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.

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

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