United States Territorial Expansion
This information describes the history of territorial expansion of the United States.
1 An 1845 magazine article claimed that other nations have undertaken to intrude themselves into it [U.S, territorial expansion], ... for the avowed object of thwarting our policy and hampering our power, limiting our greatness and, checking the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions." The concept of the United States having a manifest destiny promoted the idea that territorial expansion was necessary and inevitable.
2. Past territorial acquisitions contributed to this belief. The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and moved the nation's western border to the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the country. The Treaty of 1818 established the 49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and Canada. Che year later, Spanish cessions gave the nation territory on the Gulf of Mexico and
3 One year after the magazine article, a treaty with Great Britain divided the disputed Oregon Territory and extended the U.S. Canadian border along the 49th parallel. The signing of an 1848 treaty ended a war and added territory that would eventually make up all or part of seven western states. With the purchase of a nearly 30,000 square mile portion of Mexico in 1853, the borders of the continental United States were set.
What is the nearly 30,000 square mile acquisition known as?
- A. Alaska Purchase
- B. Hawaii Annexation
- C. Oregon Territory
- D. Gadsden Purchase
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
Other Related Questions
The Bill of Rights is part of which document?
- A. The Magna Carta
- B. The Constitution
- C. The Articles of Confederation
- D. The Declaration of the Rights of Man
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, is embedded within the Constitution of the United States, ensuring individual liberties and limiting governmental power. Option A, the Magna Carta, is a historical document from 1215 that influenced constitutional law but is not directly related to the U.S. Bill of Rights. Option C, the Articles of Confederation, served as the first governing document of the U.S. but did not include a Bill of Rights. Option D, the Declaration of the Rights of Man, pertains to the French Revolution and outlines rights for French citizens, not American rights.
The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, is embedded within the Constitution of the United States, ensuring individual liberties and limiting governmental power. Option A, the Magna Carta, is a historical document from 1215 that influenced constitutional law but is not directly related to the U.S. Bill of Rights. Option C, the Articles of Confederation, served as the first governing document of the U.S. but did not include a Bill of Rights. Option D, the Declaration of the Rights of Man, pertains to the French Revolution and outlines rights for French citizens, not American rights.
Before leaving Germany, where did most of the passengers intend to resettle?
- A. Cuba
- B. Great Britain
- C. France
- D. United States
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Most passengers intended to resettle in the United States due to its reputation as a land of opportunity and refuge for immigrants. The U.S. offered economic prospects and a chance for a fresh start, making it a primary destination for those leaving Germany. Option A, Cuba, was less appealing as it did not have the same level of immigration support or opportunities. Option B, Great Britain, while historically significant, was less favored due to its stringent immigration policies at the time. Option C, France, although attractive, did not match the U.S. in terms of the number of immigrants seeking a new life.
Most passengers intended to resettle in the United States due to its reputation as a land of opportunity and refuge for immigrants. The U.S. offered economic prospects and a chance for a fresh start, making it a primary destination for those leaving Germany. Option A, Cuba, was less appealing as it did not have the same level of immigration support or opportunities. Option B, Great Britain, while historically significant, was less favored due to its stringent immigration policies at the time. Option C, France, although attractive, did not match the U.S. in terms of the number of immigrants seeking a new life.
The government permits a group of people to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Which amendment protects this action?
- A. Amendment 1
- B. Amendment 4
- C. Amendment 5
- D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
During the Civil War, which Confederate state had some of its citizens oppose secession and organize their own state, which eventually joined the Union?
- A. Arkansas
- B. Tennessee
- C. Texas
- D. Virginia
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
During the Civil War, Virginia experienced significant internal conflict over secession. A portion of its citizens opposed joining the Confederacy, leading to the formation of West Virginia. This new state, created in 1863, ultimately joined the Union. In contrast, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas remained firmly aligned with the Confederacy throughout the war, with no significant movements to create separate states that joined the Union. Arkansas and Tennessee had divisions in loyalty, but they did not result in the establishment of a new state like West Virginia. Virginia's unique situation highlights the complexities of loyalty during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Virginia experienced significant internal conflict over secession. A portion of its citizens opposed joining the Confederacy, leading to the formation of West Virginia. This new state, created in 1863, ultimately joined the Union. In contrast, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas remained firmly aligned with the Confederacy throughout the war, with no significant movements to create separate states that joined the Union. Arkansas and Tennessee had divisions in loyalty, but they did not result in the establishment of a new state like West Virginia. Virginia's unique situation highlights the complexities of loyalty during the Civil War.