western expansion Flashcards
What was the name of the Treaty that secured the Mexican Cession?
The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.
How many acres did the Homestead Act provide settlers?
160 acres.
Which act provided money for states to set up farming and mechanical colleges?
The P… Act ?
Who founded the American Fur Company?
John Astor.
Which city grew as a result of the Comstock Lode?
Nevada City ?
In what year was the Gadsden Purchase?
1854 ?
Which farming invention was necessitated by the fertile but sticky and thick soil of the prairie?
The Plough by John Deere.
Halliday’s Water Pumps was invented to provide water for farming in which area in particular?
The dry, desert areas.
Give an example of one mountain man and their role in opening up the west.
Joe Meek, he became a guide.
Give two contextual reasons why the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush encouraged so many people to travel to Colorado.
- People that were in debt could escape bailiffs and have the hope of finding gold.
- The federal government began legitimising land claims and there was land up for grabs for free or for a cheap price.
Explain two ways in which the fur trade encouraged western expansion.
- More people ventured into the west to get beaver skin as it was in high demand.
- Fur traders needed amenities, so salesmen and other tradesmen moved west to set up businesses.
Explain two ways in which the invention of barbed wire encouraged western expansion.
- Farmers didn’t need to be near timber yards anymore for fencing.
- Barbed wire fences were cheaper and stronger, allowing farmers to invest more in crops.
Explain two ways in which the Comstock Lode encouraged western expansion.
- The gold found offered debtors a chance for a better life.
- There was a shortage of women in mining towns, leading to higher demand for women and better pay for those jobs.
What was the Louisiana Purchase and its significance?
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 caused the USA to double in size, allowing debtors from the east to flee westward for a fresh start and providing easy access to the Mississippi River for trade.
This acquisition facilitated faster travel and access to food and water.
What was the Florida Acquisition and its benefits?
The Florida Acquisition (Adams-Onís Treaty) in 1819 provided fertile soil for farming, job opportunities, and abundant land and water sources for settlers.
It allowed debtors to escape from the east and build a new life.
What did the Oregon Treaty of 1846 and the establishment of the Oregon Trail offer?
The Oregon Treaty offered free fertile land, ranching opportunities, and the possibility of gold discovery, alongside improved navigation across the mountains due to Jedidiah Smith’s findings.
The region had abundant timber for building.
What were the impacts of the Mexican Cession and Texas Annexation in 1848?
The Mexican Cession allowed debtors to flee to Texas, leading to cultural American settlement and calls for annexation, which occurred in 1845, significantly enlarging the US.
Land prices were very low, attracting settlers.
List four farming innovations that aided westward expansion.
- John Deere’s Steel Plough (1837)
- Glidden’s Barbed Wire (1874)
- McCormick Mechanical Reaper (1831)
- Halladay’s Wind Pump (1854)
These innovations made farming easier on difficult land.
What was the significance of the Lewis & Clarke Expedition?
The Lewis & Clarke Expedition (1804-6) explored and mapped the region, aiding the fur trade and establishing trade routes, which contributed to job opportunities and solidified American claims.
It also enhanced scientific knowledge.
What role did the Cumberland Pike and National Railroad play in westward expansion?
The Cumberland Pike and National Railroad (1811-37) provided easier access to the west for trade, serving as a transportation route for goods, livestock, and timber.
It was the first road built by the Federal government.
What was the Homestead Act of 1862?
The Homestead Act offered 160 acres of public land to settlers who lived on and improved the land, requiring a small registration fee.
This made settling in the west more accessible.
What did the Morrill Land-Grants Act of 1862 establish?
The Morrill Land-Grants Act established colleges to educate colonists on farming, improving their self-sufficiency and standard of living.
This facilitated better farming practices.
Fill in the blank: The Desert Land Act of 1877 offered colonists the chance to purchase _______ acres of land if they irrigated it within 2 years.
640
What were the impacts of the California Gold Rush (1848-49)?
The California Gold Rush led to rapid settlement, business expansion, and job opportunities, particularly for women who found higher wages due to a labor shortage.
It contributed to the creation of California as a state in 1850.
