Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War Test Review

Front

What was the special mission lots of people thought the USA had?

Back

To spread democracy and civilization across the continent.

Answer explanation

Many Americans believed the United States had a duty given to them by God to spread democracy and civilization across the continent. They thought it was their destiny, or fate, to move west, take over new lands, and bring their way of life to new places. This idea was called Manifest Destiny, and it led to the expansion of the country, even though it often caused conflict with Native American tribes and other nations.

Front

What does the goddess represent in the painting?

Back

American progress

Answer explanation

In "American Progress" by John Gast:

• The Goddess (Columbia) – Symbolizes Manifest Destiny, bringing education (book) and technology (telegraph wires).

• Telegraph Wires – Represent new communication technology.

• Train & Stagecoach – Show improved transportation for westward expansion.

• Settlers & Farmers – Represent new settlements and farming.

• Covered Wagons & Pioneers – Symbolize migration westward.

• Native Americans & Buffalo – Depict displacement due to expansion.

• Light vs. Darkness – The bright east represents "civilization," while the dark west suggests the "untamed" frontier.

The painting promotes westward expansion but also highlights its impact on Native Americans.

Front

The new areas of land were added as states right away to USA

Back

False

Answer explanation

New lands didn’t become states right away. First, they were territories, controlled by the U.S. government. People had to move there, set up towns, and reach a big enough population before they could apply for statehood. Some areas waited years or even decades before becoming states.

Front

Homesteading is​

Back

Moving to a plot of land, farming it, and being given ownership of it

Answer explanation

Homesteading was a way for people to claim land and make it their own by living and farming on it. Through the Homestead Act of 1862, the U.S. government offered 160 acres of free land to settlers who agreed to build a home, grow crops, and stay for at least five years. This encouraged westward expansion by giving poor families and immigrants a chance to own land. However, farming was tough, and Native American lands were taken as a result.

Front

What was the most famous trail people used to move west?

Back

Oregon Trail

Answer explanation

The Oregon Trail was the most famous route for westward expansion. Around 400,000 people traveled this 2,000-mile trail from Missouri to Oregon in search of new land and opportunities.

Other trails were important but had fewer travelers:

• Mormon Trail – About 70,000 people used it to reach Utah.

• Bozeman Trail – Around 3,500 people traveled it to Montana before conflicts with Native Americans shut it down.

• Santa Fe Trail – Mainly used for trade, with about 3,000 traders and settlers traveling it yearly.

The Oregon Trail was the most widely used for permanent settlement.

Front

Where were Native Americas forced to move to?

Back

Reservations

Answer explanation

Reservations. As settlers took more land, the U.S. government forced Native Americans onto reservations—small, controlled areas meant to confine them. These lands were often poor for farming and hunting, making survival difficult.

On reservations, Native Americans lost their independence, relying on government rations while facing poverty and oppression. Their cultures were suppressed, and children were sent to boarding schools to erase Native identities. Reservations were not about protection—they were about removing Native Americans from land settlers wanted. The effects of this forced removal still impact Native communities today.

Front

What is Manifest Destiny?

Back

The belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across North America

Answer explanation

Manifest Destiny was the belief that God wanted the U.S. to expand westward and spread democracy and civilization across North America.

This led to:

• Territorial expansion – The U.S. gained land through treaties, purchases, and war.

• Native displacement – Tribes were forced off their lands.

• Conflict – Wars and broken treaties with Native Americans and other nations.

While it helped the U.S. grow, it also caused violence and hardship for many.

Front

How did the belief in Manifest Destiny impact the USA?

Back

Manifest Destiny led to the westward expansion of the United States and significant territorial growth.

Answer explanation

Here’s how the United States acquired each major territory:

1. 13 Original Colonies (1783) – Won from Britain after the American Revolution through the Treaty of Paris (1783).

2. Ohio River Valley (Northwest Territory, 1783) – Also gained from Britain in the Treaty of Paris (1783), expanding U.S. land west of the Appalachian Mountains.

3. Louisiana Purchase (1803) – Bought from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the U.S.

4. Florida (1819) – Acquired from Spain through the Adams-Onís Treaty after U.S. military pressure.

5. Texas Annexation (1845) – Texas became part of the U.S. after winning independence from Mexico (1836) and later choosing to join the U.S.

6. Oregon Territory (1846) – Gained from Britain through a peaceful treaty, setting the U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel.

7. Mexican Cession (1848) – Won from Mexico after the Mexican-American War, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and more, under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

8. Gadsden Purchase (1854) – Bought from Mexico for $10 million to build a southern railroad route.

Front

How did the USA obtain (get) the 13 Original Colonies?

Back

The USA obtained the 13 Original Colonies from Great Britain through the American Revolutionary War.

Answer explanation

The 13 Original Colonies were first settled by Britain in the 1600s as a place for trade, farming, and religious freedom. Over time, colonists grew frustrated with British taxes and control, especially since they had no say in British government decisions (“no taxation without representation”).

This led to the American Revolution (1775-1783), where the colonies fought for independence from Britain. After winning the war, the Treaty of Paris (1783) officially made the United States a free and independent country, setting the stage for future expansion.

Front

How did the USA obtain (get) the Ohio River Valley?

Back

The USA obtained the Ohio River Valley from Great Britain in 1783 following the American Revolution.

Answer explanation

The USA obtained the Ohio River Valley from Great Britain in 1783 after winning the American Revolution. Before the war, Britain had banned colonists from settling there with the Proclamation of 1763, trying to avoid conflicts with Native American tribes.

After the Treaty of Paris (1783), the land officially became part of the U.S. This was important because it gave Americans new farmland, expanded the country westward to the Mississippi River, and led to more conflicts with Native American nations defending their land.