American Civil War and Expansion Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was Lincoln's primary goal after his inauguration regarding the Southern states?

To demand the immediate surrender of Confederate forces

To promote a war against the South

To negotiate peace with the Confederate states

To ease the fears of Border states (correct)

What action did Lincoln take to try to maintain the unity of the North?

Forcing fully armed ships into Southern ports

Deploying troops to the South

Promising not to attack the Confederate states (correct)

Abandoning federal forts in the South

What prompted the beginning of the Civil War?

Lincoln's decision to invade Virginia

The Confederates' attack on Fort Sumter (correct)

The South's refusal to negotiate with the Union

Crittenden's sons joining the Confederate army

Who was in command of the Confederate forces that opened fire on Fort Sumter?

Pierre Beauregard Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter?

The fort surrendered to Confederate forces Signup and view all the answers

What role did Southern politicians play in the persistence of slavery?

They used the 3/5 clause for disproportional representation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the demographic shift in Congress during the Antebellum period?

Population growth in the North and Midwest. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'manifest destiny' refer to?

The idea that the U.S. should expand its Christian Republic from coast to coast. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories was joint occupied during the 1840s?

Oregon Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in California in 1848?

The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is specifically not mentioned in relation to American expansion barriers?

The Comanche Signup and view all the answers

What role did the discovery of gold in 1848 play in American expansion?

It motivated large numbers of Americans to settle in disputed territory. Signup and view all the answers

What was one main characteristic of the public's view on earlier U.S. expansions?

They were seen as accidental or diplomatic achievements. Signup and view all the answers

What type of system did Mexico attempt to use to populate California after gaining control in 1824?

Ranchero system Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the American settlers' arrival in Oregon by 1845?

Increased tensions with Native Americans Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent figure attempted to attract American settlers to California?

John Sutter Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue for American settlers in Texas prior to the Texas War?

Conflict with Native American tribes Signup and view all the answers

What led to the Texas War for Independence?

Friction between Mexican government and American settlers Signup and view all the answers

Which battle marked a turning point in the Texas War for Independence?

Battle of San Jacinto Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the election of James K. Polk as the Democratic nominee in 1844?

The popularity of the Texas issue Signup and view all the answers

What did President Polk accomplish in regard to the Oregon question?

Negotiation of the Buchanan-Pakenham Treaty Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Polk's major domestic policy initiatives during his presidency?

Implementation of the Walker Tariff Signup and view all the answers

What factor affected the political debate surrounding the annexation of Texas?

Fear of foreign intervention by Britain Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the Mexican-American War in relation to the territories claimed by the United States?

Acquisition of California and New Mexico Signup and view all the answers

What happened after President Tyler's decision to annex Texas?

Polk's formal acceptance of the annexation Signup and view all the answers

Which area was settled primarily due to the American Empresario system?

Texas Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered the most divisive ruling in the history of the United States Supreme Court?

The Dred Scott v. Sandford case Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Panic of 1857 during Buchanan's presidency?

Buchanan's popularity plummeted due to his inaction Signup and view all the answers

What position did Abraham Lincoln stake during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates?

He maintained an anti-slavery tone without advocating for abolition Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of James Buchanan during his presidency?

He failed to address growing tensions over slavery Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation behind the secession of Southern states?

Protection of slavery as enunciated in the cornerstone speech Signup and view all the answers

In the election of 1860, which candidate did the Southern Democrats nominate?

John C. Breckinridge Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes John Brown’s actions at Harper’s Ferry?

He attempted to seize an arsenal to initiate a slave uprising Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the results of the Dred Scott decision?

It reinforced the legality of slavery in the territories Signup and view all the answers

What alternative political party emerged to attract Whigs in the border states during the 1860 election?

The Constitutional Union Party Signup and view all the answers

What action did Buchanan take in response to South Carolina's secession?

He declared secession illegal and maintained forts Signup and view all the answers

What did John J. Crittenden propose as a last-ditch compromise?

To extend the Missouri Compromise line across the continent Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main provisions of the Compromise of 1850?

A strong fugitive slave bill was enacted. Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the first to secede from the Union following Lincoln’s election?

South Carolina Signup and view all the answers

Which event created significant resistance in the North related to the Fugitive Slave Act?

The publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Republican Party fare in the election of 1860 in terms of popular vote?

Received 39%, the smallest plurality for a President Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Stephen Douglass advocate for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska?

Deciding the slavery issue through popular sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What was one result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

The emergence of violence in the territory known as Bleeding Kansas. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first Republican Presidential candidate in the 1856 election?

John C. Fremont. Signup and view all the answers

How did Millard Fillmore's actions influence the Fugitive Slave Act?

He supported it wholeheartedly. Signup and view all the answers

Which group predominantly comprised the coalition of the early Republican Party?

Anti-slavery Whigs and former Free-Soilers. Signup and view all the answers

What incident was Charles Sumner involved in that highlighted North-South tensions?

He was physically attacked by Preston Brooks. Signup and view all the answers

What was President Franklin Pierce's initial presidential challenge related to?

Dealing with the loss of his only son in a train accident. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin?

It motivated many to join the abolitionist cause. Signup and view all the answers

What role did John Brown play in the conflict over slavery in Kansas?

He led violent actions against pro-slavery individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What was a main reason for the decline of the Whig Party?

Internal conflicts between factions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'doughface' in the context of Franklin Pierce?

A politician with Southern sympathies despite being a Northerner. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment grew among some individuals involved in the Mexican War regarding the conflict?

It was an unjust land grab. Signup and view all the answers

Which proposal aimed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico?

The Wilmot Proviso Signup and view all the answers

What was John C. Calhoun's argument regarding the prohibition of slavery?

It violated the 5th Amendment rights. Signup and view all the answers

What major political shift occurred with the formation of the Free Soil Party?

It weakened the Democratic Party significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant implication of California's rapid population increase?

It made California eligible for statehood sooner than expected. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the original compromise proposed by Clay in 1850?

Texas retains its claims to New Mexico Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the California Gold Rush on local native populations?

It led to their dispossession and violence against them. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes popular sovereignty as proposed by Lewis Cass?

The people of the territories would vote on slavery issues. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Free Soil Party's involvement in the 1848 election?

It aided Zachary Taylor to win several key states unexpectedly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Wilmot Proviso during its various reintroductions?

To continue the debate over slavery in new territories. Signup and view all the answers

How did California and New Mexico respond to slavery prior to statehood?

They both banned slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Great Triumvirate' refer to in the context of 1850?

Three influential political leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the American settlers' treatment of Californios after the Mexican-American War?

They sought to dispossess them through various means. Signup and view all the answers

What influenced the perception of the Mexican American War as an attempt to extend slavery?

Opposition from Northern Whigs Signup and view all the answers

What was the political significance of the Wilmot Proviso's failure in the Senate?

It highlighted the deepening divide over slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Which theater of the Mexican American War involved General Taylor's early engagements?

Southern Texas Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of General Zachary Taylor's victory at Monterrey?

It made Taylor a popular choice for overall command. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish for the United States?

It confirmed the acquisition of California and New Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

How did General Winfield Scott achieve recognition during the war?

By winning multiple battles despite being outnumbered. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Mexican American War for the Mexican inhabitants of the acquired territories?

Many were dispossessed due to legal challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What role did John C. Fremont play prior to the official start of the Mexican American War?

He was tasked with finding paths for immigrants into California. Signup and view all the answers

Which event escalated tensions leading up to the Mexican American War?

An attack on American troops by Mexican forces. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Polk's decision to send negotiator Nicholas Trist to Mexico?

To negotiate the purchase of California and New Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the military strategy of General Taylor during the Mexican American War?

He aggressively pushed into Mexican territory. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major battles fought by General Winfield Scott during his campaign?

The Siege of Veracruz Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the death of Henry Clay Jr. have on his father?

It hardened his resolve to oppose the war. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the legacy of the Mexican American War?

Its outcomes continue to spark debate. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the United States' military success in the conflict?

Exploiting Mexican weaknesses, such as lack of preparation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Southern Political Influence and the 3/5 Clause

Southern politicians heavily influenced the persistence of slavery
The 3/5 compromise granted the South disproportionate representation in Congress
However, due to greater population growth in the North and Midwest, Southern influence decreased even with the 3/5 clause

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

"Manifest Destiny" (1845) promoted US expansion from Atlantic to Pacific
Americans began settling Westward, often illegally, in the 1840s, regardless of land ownership
California Gold Rush (1848) significantly increased westward migration

Plains Indians and Expansion

The text mentions Plains Indians and Mexican territory as barriers to American expansion.
The Comanche are specifically not mentioned
Settlement patterns were altered in favor of the US, likely due to their considerable power.

Oregon Trail and Settlement

American settlement began along the Oregon Trail (1841-1843)
The journey was arduous and dangerous, resulting in numerous deaths from illnesses like cholera
By 1845 over 5,000 American settlers were in Oregon

California Under Spanish and Mexican Rule

Spanish subdued natives primarily through disease and the mission system
Mexico took control in 1824 and implemented the Ranchero system
This system often led to forced labor and high mortality rates among natives

John Sutter and American Settlement in California

John Sutter, a German-Swiss man, encouraged American settlement in California.
Sutter purchased Mexican land and attracted many American settlers
The Mexican governor warned about the increasing American influence in California

The Donner Party

The Donner Party is not directly detailed in the text, but it is mentioned as a tragic event
The history of the Donner Party may be inferred

Texas Annexation and the 1844 Election

Texas initially declared independence (and elected Sam Houston president) after a war with Mexico.
The US twice offered to buy Texas, but there was internal political struggle.
The fear of a British protectorate in the South influenced legislators to support annexation
The issue impacted the 1844 election, with Polk (expansionist) a popular candidate

Polk's Goals and Policies

Polk served one term and had a wide-ranging agenda:
- Lowered tariffs with the Walker Tariff
- Re-instated the Independent Treasury Act
- Vetoed Whig infrastructure bills
- Negotiated Oregon treaty (49th parallel)

Mexican-American War

Started after Mexican attack on US troops near the Rio Grande
Polk sought to acquire California and New Mexico
The war was opposed in the North
Four main theaters: Southern Texas, Central Mexico, New Mexico, and California,
Taylor (early successes), Scott (military brilliance), played crucial roles
Fremont's actions in California (Bear Flag Republic) are noted

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The US acquired California and New Mexico
Mexico ceded half its territory, resulting in numerous Mexican Americans being dispossessed of their land.
The Gadsden Purchase (1853) completed the annexation of Mexican land

Mexican War Legacy

The war marked a major triumph for the US, but sparked controversy
Economically successful due to the production needs for war purposes and opening up more opportunities in the new territories
There was a growing sentiment that the war was an unjust land grab

Wilmot Proviso and Territorial Slavery

The Wilmot Proviso proposed banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico
The proviso failed in the Senate and became a point of ongoing debate
Various compromises were proposed (Missouri Compromise line extension, popular sovereignty)

Free Soil Party and Election of 1848

The Free Soil Party opposed slavery expansion and attracted Northern Democrats and Whigs
The party nominated Martin Van Buren in the 1848 election.
The split of voters likely strengthened the Whigs and harmed Democrats.

California Gold Rush

The gold rush in California (1849) led to rapid population growth. The gold rush led to the dispossession of Native populations and Californios.
California produced a large share of the world's gold output

Compromise of 1850

California was rapidly gaining population and was becoming eligible for statehood.
The Compromise of 1850 included: California's admission as a free state, resolved Texas boundary/debt issues, and organized Utah and New Mexico territories with no decision about slavery
The Fugitive Slave Act was a key, and controversial, aspect of the Compromise. This act forced Northerners to help capture runaways.

Fugitive Slave Act Reaction

The Fugitive Slave Act intensely divided public opinion in the North.
The Act made Northerners actively involved in the slave system.
Northern resistance to the Act sometimes resulted in violence.

Uncle Tom's Cabin and Abolitionism

Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) heightened public awareness of slavery and the abolitionist cause

Election of 1852 and Fillmore

President Fillmore was unpopular, and the Whigs declined.
Franklin Pierce became president.

Kansas-Nebraska Act and Popular Sovereignty

The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) allowed each territory to decide the slavery issue by popular sovereignty.
This act further divided the nation and contributed significantly to increased tensions.
The Act led to the demise of the Whig Party.

Republican Party Emergence

The Republican party emerged from the combination of anti-slavery Whigs, Northern Democrats, and Free-Soilers.

Bleeding Kansas

Pro-slavery and abolitionist forces clashed violently in Kansas leading to numerous death
John Brown played a role in the violence.

Election of 1856

Republicans nominated John C. Frémont
Democrats nominated James Buchanan (won).
Buchanan's presidency was marked by the economic downturn, the Dred Scott Decision, and Kansas issues.

Panic of 1857

The US economy experienced a downturn, hurting Buchanan's popularity.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

The Supreme Court ruled that someone wasn't a human being but property and therefore had no rights
This decision further intensified sectional tensions and intensified the division in the country.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Lincoln and Douglas debated slavery in the 1858 Illinois senatorial race
Lincoln gained national prominence

John Brown's Raid

John Brown led a raid on Harper's Ferry (1859) in an attempt to incite a slave rebellion.
Brown's actions heightened tensions and were viewed either heroically or as insane extremism.

Election of 1860

Lincoln won the presidency
Sectional divisions were evident, including the secession of Southern states

Secession and the Start of the Civil War

South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860
Other Southern states followed.
The Confederacy was formed with Jefferson Davis as president.
Fort Sumter was fired on, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key events and themes leading up to the American Civil War and the concept of manifest destiny. This quiz covers significant moments such as the attack on Fort Sumter, California's gold discovery, and the role of Southern politicians in the persistence of slavery. See how well you understand this pivotal time in U.S. history.