APUSH Westward Expansion Quiz

Questions and Answers

What impact will westward expansion have on the physical environment of the West?

Destruction of environment, creation of the dust bowl, extinction of plant and animal species

What were the important trails during westward expansion?

Oregon Trail

California Trail

Bozeman Trail

All of the above (correct)

Who had more freedom during westward expansion?

African Americans, females, and lower classes

What does Manifest Destiny refer to?

It was proclaimed by God that the West should be populated Signup and view all the answers

What was the Homestead Act?

Gave 160 acres of land for free if settlers lived on the land for 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What was the Morrill Land Grant Act?

Federal law that gave 17 million acres of land to states to build agriculture and engineering colleges Signup and view all the answers

What did the Pacific Railway Act provide?

Provided land to two railroad companies to develop a line linking the east and west coasts Signup and view all the answers

How many companies were given charge to build the transcontinental railroad?

2 Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Union Pacific start and how much track was laid?

Started in Omaha and laid 1,087 miles of track Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Central Pacific start and how much track was laid?

Started in Sacramento and laid 690 miles of track Signup and view all the answers

Who worked on the transcontinental railway?

Over 10,000 workers; Chinese, Irish, Civil War vets, and freedmen Signup and view all the answers

When was the transcontinental railway finished?

May 10, 1869 in Promontory Point, Utah Signup and view all the answers

What were the pros of the railroad?

Easier, faster, and cheaper transportation of goods, people, and communication; improved economy; speeds up settlement of the west; jobs Signup and view all the answers

What were the cons of the railroad?

Destruction of Native American cultures; bye, bye buffalo; economic problems; environmental toll; dangerous work Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Westward Expansion

Led to environmental destruction, including the creation of the Dust Bowl.
Caused the extinction of various plant and animal species.

Important Trails

Key routes included the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Bozeman Trail.

Freedom During Expansion

African Americans, females, and lower-class individuals experienced increased freedom.

Manifest Destiny

Concept articulated by John O'Sullivan in 1839, suggesting divine approval for westward expansion.

Homestead Act

Provided 160 acres of land at no cost to settlers who lived on it for five years.

Morrill Land Grant Act

Federal law granting 17 million acres of land to states for agricultural and engineering colleges, primarily in the West.

Pacific Railway Act

Allocated land to two railroad companies to construct a line connecting the East and West coasts amid the Civil War.

Transcontinental Railroad Construction

Two companies were tasked with building the transcontinental railroad.

Union Pacific Railroad

Laid 1,087 miles of track, beginning in Omaha and moving westward.

Central Pacific Railroad

Laid 690 miles of track, starting in Sacramento and moving east; construction faced challenges due to mountain ranges.

Workforce on the Railroad

More than 10,000 workers, including Chinese laborers, Irish immigrants, Civil War veterans, and freedmen, contributed to construction.

Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

Finished on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Point, Utah.

Advantages of the Railroad

Facilitated faster, cheaper transportation of goods and people, improved economic conditions, accelerated westward settlement, and created job opportunities.

Disadvantages of the Railroad

Resulted in the destruction of Native American cultures, significant decline of the buffalo population, economic challenges, environmental damage, and hazardous working conditions.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Westward Expansion in American history with this quiz. Explore the environmental impacts, important trails, and social dynamics of the period. Perfect for APUSH students preparing for exams.