American History: Lewis and Clark Expedition

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Questions and Answers

What role did Sacagawea play during the Lewis and Clark expedition?

She assisted with negotiations and finding resources. (correct)

She led the expedition in the absence of Lewis and Clark.

She was responsible for maintaining the camp supplies.

She served as the main navigator for the explorers.

What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

To establish diplomatic relations with European powers.

To survey the indigenous populations for their potential integration.

To discover new lands for potential colonization.

To find and map a route to the Northwest Passage. (correct)

Who was primarily responsible for the Louisiana Purchase?

James Madison, who negotiated the terms.

George Washington, who endorsed the purchase.

Thomas Jefferson, who orchestrated the deal.

Napoleon Bonaparte, who sold the land. (correct)

Which concept encapsulates the belief that America was destined to expand across North America?

Manifest Destiny Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

It inspired westward expansion and settlement in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic benefit of the Louisiana Purchase for the United States?

Control over the trade route of the Mississippi River Signup and view all the answers

Which group was explicitly allowed to acquire property under the Homestead Act, despite general restrictions on women?

Single women Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Land Act of 1800 made land acquisition more accessible for settlers?

Permitting installment payments over four years Signup and view all the answers

What was one of President Polk's primary objectives in the conflict with Mexico regarding territory?

To reclaim Texas as part of the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

During the Seneca Falls Convention, what did the Declaration of Sentiments primarily demand?

Equal rights, including suffrage for women Signup and view all the answers

What happened on June 14, 1846 in California?

The Bear Flag Republic was declared. Signup and view all the answers

Which terms were included in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Mexico ceded 500,000 square miles to the U.S. and received $15 million. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for leading U.S. forces into Mexico through the Rio Grande?

General Zachary Taylor Signup and view all the answers

What role did ranchos play in California's economy after Mexico's independence?

They were used to raise cattle and sheep. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant event led to Texas declaring independence from Mexico?

The siege at the Alamo. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Captain Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipero Serra in California?

To convert Native Americans to Christianity. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Bear Flag Republic shortly after its declaration?

American warships claimed it for the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of Van Buren's laissez-faire policy during the economic crisis?

State bank control ceased and banknotes lost value. Signup and view all the answers

What led to Andrew Jackson's initial loss in the 1824 presidential election?

He did not receive the majority of the votes. Signup and view all the answers

What key action did Andrew Jackson take regarding the Second Bank of the United States?

He vetoed the charter renewal and closed the bank. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons Van Buren became an unpopular president?

He was unable to solve the financial crisis effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which political change did Jackson's presidency result in regarding party organization?

Creation of the spoils system to reward political supporters. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by Texan leaders during the battle at the Alamo?

They declared independence and established the Republic of Texas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the status of Florida before its statehood?

It was a territory governed by an appointed governor and legislature. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Whigs attempt to gain an advantage in the Election of 1836?

By nominating multiple candidates to split votes. Signup and view all the answers

What campaign symbol did the Whigs adopt to portray Harrison?

A log cabin. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for the difficulty in Florida achieving statehood?

It faced opposition from slave states. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence followed the death of William Henry Harrison shortly after his inauguration?

Tyler's leadership disrupted the Whig plans. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key result of the census reported in 1837 in Florida?

The population had increased to 48,000 people, with half being enslaved. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the public perception of Harrison as a 'man of the people'?

His military achievements and humble presentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which conflict was pivotal in establishing William Henry Harrison's popularity?

The War of 1812. Signup and view all the answers

What issue divided the Whig party during the election of 1844?

Disagreements over slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lewis & Clark Expedition

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a sponsored expedition in 1804.
The expedition aimed to find the Northwest Passage and document the West.
Lewis, 28, was a private secretary commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson.
Clark, 32, was Lewis' friend and co-leader.
The expedition included sailors, gunsmiths, carpenters, scouts, and a cook.
They traveled from St. Louis up the Mississippi River.
The expedition lasted 18 months from 1804 to 1806, covering 4,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean.
They encountered Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, who aided them.
Sacagawea assisted with negotiations for horses, plant identification, and other necessities.
Sacagawea's French husband was an interpreter on the expedition.
Collected data on people, plants, animals, and geography of the West.

Manifest Destiny

A rhetorical concept, introduced by John O’Sullivan in 1845.
Encapsulated the belief that the United States was destined to expand westward to the Pacific.
It was a political doctrine emphasizing American exceptionalism and expansion.
Justified expansion, cultural influence, and perceived superiority.

Louisiana Purchase

A 1803 land deal increasing US territory.
The land deal was made from France by $15 million.
French leader Napoleon Bonaparte sold the land.
Napoleon sold the land due to loss of Saint-Domingue and being unable to fund war with Britain.
U.S. representatives Robert Livingston and James Monroe negotiated the deal.
Jefferson deemed the purchase constitutional.
Expanded USA’s size. Increased economic growth via Mississippi River trade route.

Homestead Act

Passed in 1862, encouraging settlement on the Great Plains.
Family heads received 160 acres of land in exchange for a small fee and residency for 5 years.
Encouraged settlers from the East.
Allowed widows and single women to claim land, with a notable number of women settling in Colorado and Wyoming.
African Americans also took advantage of free land opportunities, escaping the difficulties of Reconstruction-era segregation and violence.

Land Act of 1800

Passed to promote Westward settlement, and made land more accessible in the Northwest Territory.
Allowed for installment payments of land.
Required a minimum 320 acres at $2 per acre. Buyers paid half upon purchase ans the rest over 4 years.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848.
Organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott.
Debate over the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. This document demanded basic rights.
Resolutions called for an end to discriminatory laws impacting women.
Demanded women's access in trades, professions, and businesses.
Advocated for woman suffrage (the right to vote).
Modeled after the Declaration of Independence.

President Polk's Goals & Achievements (Mexico)

Polk aimed to obtain California and New Mexico from Mexico.
Wanted the Rio Grande to be the border between the U.S and Mexico, but Mexico refused the deal.
Polk sent John Slidell to negotiate, but the deal was rejected.
Polk instigated war by sending troops to the Rio Grande, which caused Mexico to attack.
Goal was to defeat Mexican forces in Texas. This was achieved by capturing towns on the Texas-Mexican border under Zachary Taylor.
Seizing New Mexico and California. General Stephen Kearny was successful in capturing New Mexico and later California.
Advance into Mexico and capture Mexico City. General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City concluding the war.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War.
The U.S. paid Mexico for the territory and debts.
Mexico ceded 500,000 sq miles of territory to the USA (California, Nevada, etc).

Rio Grande River (Importance)

Served as a contested border between U.S. and Mexico.
The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border.
Established in the border after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
A significant area for military conflict.

Ranchos & Native Americans

Ranchos (large cattle and sheep ranches) were established in California after Mexico gained independence.
Native Americans were forced to work on the ranchos.

Spanish Influence on Mexico

Spain influenced Mexican culture, especially in California.
This involved missions, farming methods, and ranching.
Explorers and missionaries established missions across the region.

Texas & the Battle of San Jacinto

Texans declared independence from Mexico in 1836.
Sam Houston led Texan forces at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Texans ambushed Santa Anna’s forces killing and capturing many.
Santa Anna signed a treaty recognizing Texan independence.

Santa Anna

Became Mexican President in 1833.
Led Mexican forces in conflicts against Texan resistance.
He was captured at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The Alamo

A mission building in present-day San Antonio.
Site of a pivotal battle between Texan and Mexican forces.
Texan forces were vastly outnumbered, and ultimately defeated.
The battle inspired Texans to fight for independence.

Florida (Details)

Florida transferred from Spain to the U.S. in 1821.
Florida gradually became a territory with governmental structures.
Population grew as news of fertile land spread.
Planters from the Southeast moved there for new land and plantations.
Achieved statehood in 1845 as a slave state.

Pensacola

An early European settlement and a significant location in Florida.
Strategic place in the War of 1812.

William Henry Harrison

Whig presidential candidate in 1836 and 1840.
War hero from the War of 1812.
Campaign slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too."
Short presidency due to illness after taking office.

The Whigs

A new political party that emerged in 1836.
Opposed Andrew Jackson and his policies.
Nominated multiple candidates in 1836, but failed.
Won the presidency in 1840 but faced a short term due to Harrison's death.
Internal divisions over slavery led to their decline.

Van Buren & Laissez-faire

Andrew Jackson's successor as president (1837-1841).
Believed in laissez-faire economics, which limited government intervention.
Faced a financial crisis during his presidency, but implemented some measures for stability.
Lost the 1840 election due to unpopularity.

Andrew Jackson

The 7th president of the United States.
War hero from the War of 1812.
Won the presidency in 1828.
Created the Democratic Party.
Refused a charter for the Second Bank of the United States.
Supported removal of Native Americans to the west.

Second Bank of the United States

A privately owned federal bank; existed from 1816 to 1836.
Controlled national money supply, leading to political controversies.
Jackson vetoed its recharter, causing a financial crisis.

Nicholas Biddle

President of the Second Bank of the United States.
Opposed by Andrew Jackson.

Dade Massacre

A significant loss for the U.S. Army during the Seminole Wars.
Occurred in 1835.

Five Civilized Tribes

Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw.
Called "civilized" for coexisting with Americans, but were forcibly removed.
Subject of the Indian Removal Act.

The Seminole

Native American group in Florida that resisted removal.
Successfully resisted removal for a long time.

Worcester v. Georgia

Supreme Court case in 1832 that ruled against state interference with Native American lands.
President Jackson ignored the ruling.

Indian Removal Act

Passed in 1830, authorizing the removal of Native Americans.
Led to the Trail of Tears and other removals.

Voting Rights (1824)

Only white men who owned property could vote.

Favorite Son

Candidates in the 1824 election who represented specific regional interests.

Mudslinging

Political tactic used in the 1828 election to damage the reputation of opponents.

Nominating Convention vs. Caucus

Nominating conventions replaced the caucus system.
Allowed for greater participation in candidate selection.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee tribe in the 1830s.
A deadly journey to the West.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the critical events and figures surrounding the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Louisiana Purchase. Dive into the implications and consequences of these historical moments, including expansionist beliefs and women's rights at the time. This quiz will challenge your understanding of early American history.