Politics And General Knowledge Questions! Trivia Quiz
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Who named the Columbia River?
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Robert Gray
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James Beckwourth
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Manuel Lisa
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John Jacob Astor
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Mrs. Foster
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Explore pivotal moments in American History with this trivia quiz! Questions cover early explorations, political demands, and migration patterns.
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- 2.
Who discovered a pass through the Sierra Nevada?
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Manuel Lisa
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Robert Gray
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James Beckwourth
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John Jacob Astor
Correct Answer
A. James BeckwourthExplanation
James Beckwourth is the correct answer because he is known for discovering a pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Beckwourth was an African American mountain man and explorer who played a significant role in the exploration of the American West. He is credited with discovering the Beckwourth Pass, which provided a route through the Sierra Nevada range and was used by many pioneers traveling to California during the Gold Rush era.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Non-Native Americans went to the Oregon Country to_____
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Mine minerals
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Hunt for fur
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Farm
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Build rances
Correct Answer
A. Hunt for furExplanation
Non-Native Americans went to the Oregon Country to hunt for fur. This was a common practice during the 19th century when the fur trade was booming. The Oregon Country was rich in fur-bearing animals such as beavers, which were highly sought after for their pelts. Trappers and fur traders ventured into the region in search of valuable furs, which they could sell for profit. The fur trade played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of the Oregon Country, attracting many non-native individuals who were motivated by the economic opportunities it presented.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The 1844 presidential candidate who demanded "fifty-four forty or fight" was?
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James Becwourth
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Martin Van Buren
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Marcus Whitman
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James K. Polk
Correct Answer
A. James K. PolkExplanation
In 1844, James K. Polk was the presidential candidate who demanded "fifty-four forty or fight." This slogan referred to the dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the Oregon Territory. Polk's campaign promise was to aggressively pursue American claims to the entire territory, up to the latitude line of 54°40'N. While war was a possibility, Polk ultimately negotiated a peaceful resolution with Britain, establishing the current border between the United States and Canada at the 49th parallel.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In 1818 the United States agreed to share the Oregon Country with?
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Great Britain
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France
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The Native Americans
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Canada
Correct Answer
A. Great BritainExplanation
In 1818, the United States agreed to share the Oregon Country with Great Britain. This agreement, known as the Treaty of 1818, established joint occupancy of the region between the two countries. It allowed both the United States and Britain to settle and trade in the area, avoiding potential conflicts. The agreement lasted until 1846 when the Oregon Treaty was signed, dividing the region along the 49th parallel between the United States and Canada.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In the summer mountain men headed to a meeting place called a?
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Congress
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Hangout
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Rendezvous
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Stakeout
Correct Answer
A. RendezvousExplanation
In the summer, mountain men would gather at a meeting place called a "rendezvous." This term refers to a planned meeting or assembly point where people come together for a specific purpose. It was a common practice for mountain men to convene at these rendezvous locations to trade goods, share information, and socialize. The term "congress" refers to a formal meeting of representatives, while "hangout" and "stakeout" do not accurately describe the purpose or nature of the mountain men's gathering.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What where the people called who agreed to recruit settlers to Texas?
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Empresarios
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River men
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Texas annex
Correct Answer
A. EmpresariosExplanation
The correct answer is "empresarios." In the context of Texas history, empresarios were individuals who agreed to recruit and bring settlers to Texas. They were granted land and given the authority to establish colonies in exchange for their efforts in attracting new settlers. The empresarios played a crucial role in the colonization of Texas during the 19th century.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?
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Davy Crockett
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Sam Houston
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James Fannin
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Deaf Smith
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John Alamo
Correct Answer
A. Sam HoustonExplanation
Sam Houston was the first president of the Republic of Texas. He played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution and led the Texan army to victory against Mexico in the Battle of San Jacinto. After Texas gained independence, Houston was elected as the president and served from 1836 to 1838. He was known for his strong leadership, negotiating skills, and efforts to secure recognition and annexation of Texas by the United States. Houston's presidency laid the foundation for the future statehood of Texas and his legacy as a founding father of the Republic is widely recognized.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who defended the Alamo?
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Sam Houston
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James Fannin
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Davy Crockett
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Deaf Smith
Correct Answer
A. Davy CrockettExplanation
Davy Crockett defended the Alamo. Davy Crockett was a famous frontiersman and politician who fought in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. He and a group of Texan soldiers held off the Mexican army for 13 days before ultimately being overrun. Crockett's bravery and sacrifice at the Alamo became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence from Mexico.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Old Three Hundred were the settlers chosen by?
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Jim Bowie
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William Travis
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Davy Crockett
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Stephen Austin
Correct Answer
A. Stephen AustinExplanation
The Old Three Hundred were the settlers chosen by Stephen Austin. Stephen Austin played a crucial role in the colonization of Texas in the early 19th century. He was granted permission by the Mexican government to bring settlers to the region, and he handpicked the first 300 families, known as the Old Three Hundred, to establish settlements in Texas. These settlers played a significant role in the development and growth of the region, contributing to the eventual independence of Texas from Mexico.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In 1833 Stephen F. Austin traveled to Mexico City with a?
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Petition
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Declaration
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Bride
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Peace offer
Correct Answer
A. PetitionExplanation
Stephen F. Austin traveled to Mexico City with a petition. A petition is a formal written request made to a governing authority, in this case, the Mexican government. Austin likely traveled to Mexico City to present the petition and advocate for the rights and interests of the settlers in Texas. This could have been related to issues such as land grants, self-governance, or other concerns of the American colonists in Texas during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Alamo was a former?
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School
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Mission
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Library
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Military post
Correct Answer
A. MissionExplanation
The Alamo was a former mission. Missions were religious outposts established by Spanish colonizers in the Americas during the 16th to 19th centuries. The Alamo was originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero and was founded in the 18th century as a Catholic mission to convert Native Americans to Christianity. It later became a symbol of Texan independence when it was famously besieged by Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution in 1836.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A Tejano is a person who considers Texas home and is of?
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Texas heritage
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Taiwanese heritage
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Mexican heritage
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Spanish heritage
Correct Answer
A. Mexican heritageExplanation
A Tejano is a person who considers Texas home and is of Mexican heritage. This term specifically refers to individuals of Mexican descent who have deep roots in Texas and identify strongly with the state's culture and history. The term "Tejano" originated during the Spanish colonial period and has been used to describe the Mexican-American community in Texas ever since. It signifies a unique blend of Mexican and Texan identities, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of this group.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Slavery had been established in Texas by colonists who?
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Grew cotton
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Raised cattle
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Grew tobacco
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Drilled for oil
Correct Answer
A. Grew cottonExplanation
The correct answer is "grew cotton." This is because cotton was a major cash crop in Texas during the time of slavery. The colonists in Texas relied heavily on slave labor to cultivate and harvest cotton on their plantations. The profitability of cotton farming led to the widespread establishment of slavery in Texas.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who won the presidential election in 1844?
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Martin Van Buren
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Winfield Scott
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John C. Fremont
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Zachary Taylor
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James K. Polk
Correct Answer
A. James K. PolkExplanation
James K. Polk won the presidential election in 1844.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who set up military posts north of the Rio Grande?
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John C. Fremont
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Zachary Taylor
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James K. Polk
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Martin Van Buren
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Winfield Scott
Correct Answer
A. Zachary TaylorExplanation
Zachary Taylor set up military posts north of the Rio Grande.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Polk told John Slidell to offer Mexico money for New Mexico and?
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Texas
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California
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Arizona
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Baja Mexico
Correct Answer
A. CaliforniaExplanation
Polk told John Slidell to offer Mexico money for New Mexico and California. This is because during the Mexican-American War, Polk aimed to acquire these territories from Mexico. California was particularly attractive due to its strategic location and its potential for expansion and economic growth. By offering money for these territories, Polk hoped to negotiate a peaceful acquisition rather than resorting to military force.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Mexican Cession included present-day?
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Arkansas
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Louisiana
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Florida
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Utah
Correct Answer
A. UtahExplanation
The Mexican Cession refers to the territory that Mexico ceded to the United States after the Mexican-American War in 1848. It included present-day Utah, among other areas. This means that Utah was part of the territory that Mexico gave up to the United States as a result of the war.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The boundary between Mexico and the United States was completed with the?
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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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California Treaty
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Gadsden Purchase
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Mexican Cession
Correct Answer
A. Gadsden PurchaseExplanation
The Gadsden Purchase is the correct answer because it refers to the treaty signed between the United States and Mexico in 1853. This treaty established the final boundary between the two countries, specifically determining the border between Mexico and the southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico. The Gadsden Purchase was significant in completing the boundary between Mexico and the United States.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Bear Flag Republic was created in?
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California
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Texas
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Mexico
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New Mexico
Correct Answer
A. CaliforniaExplanation
The Bear Flag Republic was created in California. This was a short-lived, unrecognized state that existed for about a month in 1846. It was established by American settlers in California who declared their independence from Mexico during the Mexican-American War. The republic was named after the bear on the flag that was raised during the declaration of independence. Eventually, California became a part of the United States with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 26, 2009Quiz Created by
Ecurtis
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