Impact of the Gold Rush and Civil War Issues

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Questions and Answers

What was the impact of the Gold Rush on California's non-Indian population?

It had little effect as most immigrants returned home.

It led to a stable population ratio between men and women.

It decreased significantly due to the high costs of mining.

It increased dramatically from 15,000 to 360,000 in just 8 years. (correct)

Which group faced racial conflicts during the Gold Rush?

Women were exempt from participating in mining competition.

Only white miners benefited from the mining industry.

White miners organized groups that targeted Mexicans, Chileans, Chinese, French, and Indians. (correct)

Mexicans, Chileans, Chinese, French, and Indians were equally expelled.

What was the Wilmot Proviso intended to address?

To promote the interests of slave states in Congress.

To prohibit slavery in any land acquired in the Mexican War. (correct)

To establish new territories exclusively for free states.

To abolish slavery throughout the United States.

How did the end of the Mexican War influence U.S. trade with China?

Trade with China tripled between 1848 and 1860. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Commodore Matthew Perry play in U.S.-Japan relations?

He negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, starting U.S.-Japan relations. Signup and view all the answers

What was Lincoln's view on the inalienable rights of men?

They should be extended to all men regardless of race. Signup and view all the answers

What solution did Lincoln propose for addressing slavery and racial issues?

Colonization of freed blacks to other nations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the essence of Douglas's definition of freedom?

Local governance and individual self-determination. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the election in Illinois during Douglas's campaign?

Douglas won by a narrow margin. Signup and view all the answers

What act of violence is associated with John Brown during the Civil War in Kansas?

Murdering 5 proslavery settlers at Pottawatomie Creek. Signup and view all the answers

What was the site of John Brown's failed raid in 1859?

Harpers Ferry. Signup and view all the answers

Who surrounded John Brown during his raid at Harpers Ferry?

General Robert E. Lee. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence for John Brown after his capture at Harpers Ferry?

He was executed after a trial for treason. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant political issue that emerged in the U.S. due to territorial expansion in the 1840s?

The emergence of slavery as a central political topic Signup and view all the answers

Who published 'Life in California' in 1846 and suggested its annexation?

Alfred Robinson Signup and view all the answers

Which event was a direct response to Mexican government's changes in land policy in Texas?

The Texas Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Santa Anna in the Texas Revolution?

He was a military leader and dictator of Mexico Signup and view all the answers

What did the American settlers in Texas initially want from the Mexican government?

Greater autonomy within Mexico Signup and view all the answers

What was the population situation like in Mexico around the 1820s?

It was isolated and sparsely populated Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Mexican government's abolition of slavery?

It allowed American settlers to continue bringing slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Stephen F. Austin and what was his contribution to Texas?

He received a large land grant and resold it to American settlers. Signup and view all the answers

Which political platform primarily aimed to preserve the Constitution with respect to slavery?

Constitutional Union Party Signup and view all the answers

What was a key economic proposal included in the Republican Convention's platform?

Government aid for a transcontinental railroad Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate cause of secession for South Carolina?

Election of Abraham Lincoln Signup and view all the answers

Which principle did Lincoln’s Republican Party reaffirm during their convention?

Opposition to slavery’s expansion Signup and view all the answers

How did President Buchanan respond to the secession of states?

He denied both the right to secede and the use of force. Signup and view all the answers

Who were Lincoln’s primary opponents in the North during the 1860 election?

Douglas and Bell Signup and view all the answers

What was the first state to secede from the Union?

South Carolina Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did the Declaration of the Immediate Causes of Secession emphasize?

Free states interfering with fugitive slave returns Signup and view all the answers

What was President Zachary Taylor's stance on the admission of California into the Union?

He insisted that admitting California was all Congress needed to do. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary goal of the Republican Party regarding slavery during the 1856 election?

To prevent the expansion of slavery Signup and view all the answers

Which principle did William H. Seward advocate in regard to the issues surrounding slavery?

The law of morality against slavery was more important than constitutional provisions. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 enable federal commissioners to do?

Determine the fate of alleged fugitive slaves without a trial by jury. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is referred to as 'Bleeding Kansas'?

Violence between pro- and antislavery settlers in the Kansas Territory Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the Fugitive Slave Act in Northern states?

Intensified opposition toward the federal government's involvement in slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the stance of the Know-Nothing Party in the 1856 election?

Opposed all immigration Signup and view all the answers

How did President Franklin Pierce respond to the proslavery legislature in Kansas?

He recognized its legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

Which president succeeded Zachary Taylor after his sudden death?

Millard Fillmore Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the 1856 election in terms of political party dynamics?

A major party was destroyed and a new one emerged devoted to the North Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial contradiction highlighted by the Fugitive Slave Act according to Southern beliefs?

It promoted state rights while enforcing federal governance. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the Underground Railroad after the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted?

Increased violent resistance to the recapture of escaped slaves. Signup and view all the answers

What was James Buchanan's approach to sectional tensions during his presidency?

He attempted to pacify inflamed sectional emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which court case ruled that Dred Scott was not a citizen and had no right to sue?

Dred Scott v. Sanford Signup and view all the answers

What major political event occurred in the 1852 presidential election related to the Compromise of 1850?

Franklin Pierce won on a platform that recognized the Compromise. Signup and view all the answers

What did northern free laborers believe would happen if slavery expanded westward?

Their chances for social advancement would be diminished Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Continental Expansion

National territorial expansion coincided with increased slavery debates
Between 1840 and 1860, 300,000 people moved west to Oregon and California
US expanded its border to Utah, though Americans still settled there
Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821 created a significant territorial entity nearly equivalent in size to the US and with about two-thirds of the population

The Mexican Frontier

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821
Mexico's territory was vast and sparsely populated in 1846
Alfred Robinson suggested annexing California

The Texas Revolt

Texas was the first part of Mexico settled by a large number of Americans
Tejanos (non-Indian, Spanish population) already lived in Texas
Moses Austin first requested to colonize Texas in 1820
Stephen Austin inherited the land grant and let more Americans settle there
Mexico annulled land contracts and stopped new emigration from the US, in part due to the economic boom
In 1835 Texans rebelled, seizing the Alamo, though the Texans were ultimately victorious
Texans captured Santa Anna, leading to Texas's recognition as an independent republic, with the signing of a treaty in 1837.
Texas declared independence as Republic of Texas and sought to join the US.

The Election of 1844

President John Tyler promoted Texas annexation in hopes of political revival and southern support
Henry Clay was nominated for President by Whig's party
James K Polk (former TN governor) was nominated by the Democratic party
Polk favored 'reannexation' of Texas and 'reoccupation' of Oregon. He defeated Henry Clay.
Texas became part of the US in 1845.

The War and Its Critics

The Mexican-American War (1846–1848) led to the US control of California, New Mexico, and parts of present-day southwestern states
The war resulted in a significant extension of US territory
Although the majority of Americans supported the war, some in the North feared it would expand slavery, making significant concerns regarding the war.

Combat in Mexico

Americans were motivated by the desire for land
An armed revolt of American settlers proclaimed California independent
The US Army conquered Mexico City in September 1847
War ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The Mexican Cession

The Treaty guaranteed Mexican citizens' property rights
Settlers moved into California, Mexicans were integrated into the new community, and Mexican citizens faced discrimination.

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Description

Explore the profound effects of the Gold Rush on California's population and the racial tensions that ensued. Delve into key historical figures and events related to U.S.-Japan relations, slavery, and major conflicts. This quiz covers pivotal moments and ideologies that shaped America's path during this transformative era.