US Westward Expansion

Question 1

What was Manifest Destiny?

Accepted Answer

The belief that American expansion across the continent was inevitable and justified

Answer

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the continent, which was used to justify westward expansion, often at the expense of Native Americans.

Question 2

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

Accepted Answer

A territory bought from France that doubled the size of the United States

Answer

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the United States.

Question 3

What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Accepted Answer

To explore the newly acquired western territory and find a route to the Pacific

Answer

President Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory, find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean, and document the geography, flora, fauna, and Native peoples.

Question 4

What event triggered the California Gold Rush of 1849?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill

Answer

Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California, on January 24, 1848, by James W. Marshall. News spread in 1849, triggering a massive migration of about 300,000 people to California.

Question 5

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide?

Accepted Answer

160 acres of public land to settlers who lived on and improved it for five years

Answer

The Homestead Act allowed any adult citizen (or intended citizen) to claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants had to improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops for five years.

US History Test Practice Test

US History Test Practice Test

US Westward Expansion