1.
After Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in 1844, ___ became the new leader of the Mormons.
Correct Answer
B. Brigham Young
Explanation
After Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in 1844, Brigham Young became the new leader of the Mormons. Young was a prominent leader and organizer within the Mormon community, and he played a crucial role in leading the Mormons to establish settlements in what is now Utah. Under Young's leadership, the Mormons were able to successfully navigate the challenges they faced and establish a thriving community in the Salt Lake Valley. Young's leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the future of the Mormon religion.
2.
In the 1840s, people followed _____________________ to new land and opportunities in what is now the northwestern United
States.
Correct Answer
C. The Oregon Trail
Explanation
During the 1840s, people migrated to new land and opportunities in the northwestern United States by following the Oregon Trail. This trail was a major route used by pioneers and settlers to travel from the western states to Oregon. It provided a path for people seeking better economic prospects and a chance to start a new life in the frontier. The Oregon Trail played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States during this time period.
3.
A route forged by ______________________ became the main way to northern California in the 1850s.
Correct Answer
A. Jim Beckwourth
Explanation
Jim Beckwourth is the correct answer because he was an African-American fur trader and explorer who discovered a mountain pass through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. This pass, known as Beckwourth Pass, became an important route for travelers heading to northern California during the 1850s. Beckwourth's exploration and establishment of this route made it the main way for people to access the region during that time period.
4.
Some merchants who followed ___ made large profits trading with people who lived in territory governed
by Mexico.
Correct Answer
A. The Santa Fe Trail
Explanation
The Santa Fe Trail was a popular trade route that connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico during the 19th century. Merchants who followed this trail were able to trade with people living in the territory governed by Mexico, allowing them to make large profits. The trail provided a direct and efficient route for the transportation of goods, making it a lucrative opportunity for merchants seeking to expand their trade networks.
5.
Starting from Council Bluffs, Iowa, ______________________________ moved west into Mexican territory and stopped in what is now
Utah.
Correct Answer
B. The Mormons
Explanation
The Mormons moved west into Mexican territory and stopped in what is now Utah. This is because they were seeking a place where they could freely practice their religion without persecution. They settled in Utah and established the Salt Lake City as their headquarters.
6.
In the 1820s, SAM HOUSTON fulfilled his dead father's dream by settling a group of Americans in
Texas.
Correct Answer
B. False / StepHen Austin
Explanation
Stephen Austin is not the correct answer because the statement is false. The correct answer is False / Santa Anna. The statement is incorrect because it states that Sam Houston fulfilled his dead father's dream by settling a group of Americans in Texas, but in reality, it was Stephen Austin who fulfilled his father's dream by settling Americans in Texas. Sam Houston played a significant role in the Texas Revolution against Santa Anna, who was the leader of Mexico at that time.
7.
As more and more Americans settled in Texas, Mexico's president JUAN SEQUIN grew determined to bring the region under tighter Mexican control.
Correct Answer
C. False / Santa Anna
Explanation
The statement is false because it was not Juan Seguin but General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico, who grew determined to bring Texas, which had a growing population of American settlers, under tighter Mexican control. This determination led to increased tensions between the Mexican government and the settlers, eventually contributing to the outbreak of the Texas Revolution in 1835. Juan Seguin was actually a Tejano (Texan of Mexican heritage) who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, fighting for Texas's independence from Mexico.
8.
STEpHEN AUSTIN, a commander at the Alamo, refused to surrender to the Mexican army.
Correct Answer
B. False / William Travis
Explanation
Stephen Austin was not the commander at the Alamo, William Travis was. Therefore, the statement that Stephen Austin refused to surrender to the Mexican army is false.
9.
After a Mexican army overran a small Texan force in the BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO, the rebelling Texans became even more determined to win independence from Mexico.
Correct Answer
B. False / Battle of the Alamo
Explanation
The given answer is false because the question asks about the effect of the Battle of San Jacinto on the Texans' determination for independence, not the Battle of the Alamo or the Mexican-American War. The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive victory for the Texans, where they defeated the Mexican army and captured their leader, General Santa Anna. This victory greatly boosted the morale and determination of the Texans, ultimately leading to their successful fight for independence from Mexico.
10.
He sent troops into a region claimed by both the United States and Mexico.
Correct Answer
A. James K. Polk
Explanation
James K. Polk sent troops into a region claimed by both the United States and Mexico. This action was a part of his aggressive expansionist policies, known as Manifest Destiny, which aimed to annex more territory for the United States. By sending troops, Polk hoped to provoke a conflict with Mexico and ultimately gain control over the disputed lands, including what is now Texas, New Mexico, and California. This eventually led to the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which resulted in the United States acquiring a significant amount of territory from Mexico.
11.
This encouraged Americans to seek new lands on the North American continent.
Correct Answer
D. Manifest destiny
Explanation
Manifest destiny was the belief that it was the destiny and duty of Americans to expand their territory across the North American continent. This ideology encouraged Americans to seek new lands and territories, leading to westward expansion and the acquisition of new territories such as the Mexican Cession. The concept of manifest destiny played a significant role in shaping American history and the territorial growth of the United States.
12.
This resulted from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Correct Answer
B. Mexican Cession
Explanation
The Mexican Cession refers to the land that Mexico was forced to give up to the United States as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty was signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded a vast amount of territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The Mexican Cession was a significant event in American history, as it expanded the territorial reach of the United States and furthered the idea of manifest destiny.
13.
In California in the 1840s, Mariano Vallejo was
Correct Answer
C. A Californio who owned thousands of acres of
land.
Explanation
The correct answer is "a Californio who owned thousands of acres of land." This answer is supported by the information given in the question, which states that Mariano Vallejo was in California in the 1840s. Additionally, it is mentioned that he owned thousands of acres of land, indicating his status as a wealthy landowner.
14.
By which route did miners reach California?
Correct Answer
D. Any one of these routes could be taken to
California
Explanation
Miners could reach California by either sailing to the Isthmus of Panama, crossing overland, and then sailing to California, or by taking overland trails across America. Another option was to sail around South America and up the Pacific coast to California. Therefore, any of these routes could be taken to reach California.
15.
Who were the Californios?
Correct Answer
B. Californians of Mexican or Spanish descent
Explanation
The Californios were Californians of Mexican or Spanish descent. This term refers to the original Spanish-speaking inhabitants of California during the Spanish and Mexican periods. They were the descendants of the early Spanish and Mexican settlers who established settlements and ranchos in California. The Californios played a significant role in the history and development of California before it became a part of the United States.
16.
Which two men are most closely linked to the discovery of gold in California?
Correct Answer
C. James Marshall and John Sutter
Explanation
James Marshall and John Sutter are most closely linked to the discovery of gold in California. James Marshall was a carpenter working for John Sutter when he discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. This discovery sparked the California Gold Rush, attracting thousands of people to the region in search of gold. John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant and pioneer, owned the land where the gold was found and played a significant role in the early days of the gold rush.