History Chapter 13: Westward Expansion

Questions and Answers

What does Manifest Destiny refer to?

The belief in U.S. expansion (correct)

The right to have and claim land (correct)

The idea of helping other countries

None of the above

Who were land speculators?

People that bought huge areas of land.

Who was Brigham Young?

Next Mormon leader who led his people out of the US.

What is the Oregon Trail?

A major route that settlers used to travel to Oregon in the 19th century. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Stephen Austin?

Important leader in the Texas Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Texas Revolution?

A rebellion against Mexican rule in Texas. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Santa Anna?

The Mexican general during the Texas Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Who were Tejanos?

Spanish people who considered Texas their home. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sam Houston?

The only man with military experience at a meeting, placed in command of the Texas army. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of the Alamo?

In 1836, only 5 Texans were alive at the end of the battle, they defended a church called the Alamo against the Mexican army. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Lone Star Republic?

The independent republic of Texas before it joined the US. Signup and view all the answers

What was Texas Annexation?

The process of Texas becoming a part of the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Forty-niners?

Someone who went to California to find gold. Signup and view all the answers

What was the California Gold Rush?

When large numbers of people moved to a site where gold was found. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish?

Mexico recognized that Texas was part of the US, and Rio Grande was the border between the US and Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Sutter?

Swiss immigrant who persuaded the Mexican governor to grant him 50,000 acres in the Sacramento Valley. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Bear Flag Revolt?

Rebellion by Americans against Mexican rule in California, led by explorer John C. Fremont. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Santa Fe Trail?

A trail that began in Missouri and ended in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Mountain Men?

Daring fur trappers and explorers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Mexican Cession?

Vast region of present-day states given up by Mexico to the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Californios?

Settlers of Spanish/Mexican descent who populated California. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Chapter 13

Manifest Destiny
- Ideology promoting the expansion of the United States across the continent.
- Based on the belief that Americans had the right to claim lands.
Land Speculator
- Individuals who invested in large tracts of land, speculating on future value and settlement.
Brigham Young
- Successor to Joseph Smith as Mormon leader.
- Directed the migration of Mormons westward to escape persecution.
Jedediah Smith
- Prominent early American explorer and fur trader known for his expeditions into the western territories.
Oregon Trail
- Major route for settlers moving west, critical for the migration to Oregon and California.
Stephen Austin
- Known as the "Father of Texas."
- Led the first successful colonization of the region by bringing American settlers to Texas.
Texas Revolution
- Armed conflict between Texas settlers and the Mexican government (1835-1836).
- Key events included the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.
Santa Anna
- President of Mexico during the Texas Revolution.
- Played a major role in the conflict and surrendered after the defeat at San Jacinto.
Tejanos
- Mexican residents of Texas, who had a significant role in the early history and culture of the state.
Sam Houston
- Leader in the Texas Revolution and first President of the Republic of Texas.
- Appointed commander of the Texan army due to his military experience.
Battle of the Alamo
- Iconic 1836 battle where a small group of Texans defended the Alamo against a larger Mexican force.
- Ended with the deaths of most defenders, symbolizing the struggle for Texan independence.
Lone Star Republic
- The independent republic of Texas from 1836 to 1845, characterized by its single star flag.
Texas Annexation
- The process in 1845 by which Texas was admitted to the United States, leading to significant political and military consequences.
Forty-niner
- Individuals who flocked to California in 1849 in search of gold during the Gold Rush.
California Gold Rush
- Began in 1848 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill.
- Resulted in a massive influx of settlers to California, reshaping the demographic and economic landscape.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- Ended the Mexican-American War in 1848.
- Mexico ceded large territories to the U.S., including present-day California and New Mexico.
Gadsden Purchase
- Transaction in 1853 where the U.S. acquired land from Mexico to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad.
John Sutter
- Swiss immigrant who established Sutter's Fort in California, pivotal in the early gold rush and agricultural development.
Bear Flag Revolt
- 1846 rebellion by American settlers against Mexican rule in California, leading to the short-lived Bear Flag Republic.
Santa Fe Trail
- Trade route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, significant for commerce and westward expansion.
Mountain Men
- Adventurous fur trappers and explorers who played a key role in mapping and exploring the western territories.
Mexican Cession
- Territory ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1848, encompassing parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and more.
Californios
- Descendants of Spanish settlers in California, contributing to its cultural heritage and history.

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Explore the key concepts of American expansion in Chapter 13, including Manifest Destiny, land speculation, and notable figures like Brigham Young and Stephen Austin. This quiz covers important historical events such as the Texas Revolution and the Oregon Trail. Test your knowledge of how the United States grew across the continent.