Western Settlement

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  • 1/24 Questions

    How did the transcontinental railroad help the settlement of the west?

    • Railroads transported people and goods throughout the nation.
    • The railroads gave away free land to those who asked
    • The railroads provided free rides to passengers.
    • Railroads helped Native Americans spread their culture.
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About This Quiz

Explore the pivotal moments in the expansion of the Western United States. This quiz covers key concepts such as Manifest Destiny, the role of boomtowns, and the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad, providing insights into the economic and social transformations of the era.

Western Settlement - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The history of Black Americans and Native Americans is similar in that both

    • Settled only in the South.

    • Were easily and fully accepted by Americans since the early 1800s.

    • Were denied equality and fair treatment in American society.

    • Wanted to abandon their culture to fully assimilate into the American way of life.

    Correct Answer
    A. Were denied equality and fair treatment in American society.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "were denied equality and fair treatment in American society." This answer is supported by historical evidence. Both Black Americans and Native Americans have faced systemic discrimination, oppression, and marginalization throughout American history. They have been subjected to slavery, forced removal from their lands, segregation, and various forms of discrimination and prejudice. Their struggles for equal rights and fair treatment continue to this day.

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  • 3. 

    Which statement best describes life for settlers in the West?

    • Settlers had an easy time farming the land of the Great Plains

    • Settlers struggled to survive and had to work together

    • Most women were afraid of sod homes

    • Farmers enjoyed nice tanning weather

    Correct Answer
    A. Settlers struggled to survive and had to work together
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Settlers struggled to survive and had to work together." This statement accurately reflects the challenges faced by settlers in the West. Life for settlers was difficult as they had to contend with harsh weather conditions, lack of resources, and isolation. They had to work together to build communities, protect themselves from Native American attacks, and overcome the challenges of farming in the Great Plains. Cooperation and mutual support were essential for their survival in this harsh environment.

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  • 4. 

    A landless settler eager to go West would likely have support the passage of the 

    • Stamp Act

    • Jim Crow Laws

    • Homestead Act

    • Dawes Act

    Correct Answer
    A. Homestead Act
    Explanation
    The Homestead Act would likely have been supported by a landless settler eager to go West. This act, passed in 1862, allowed any adult citizen or intended citizen, including freed slaves, to claim 160 acres of public land. In order to obtain the land, settlers had to improve it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act provided an opportunity for landless settlers to acquire land and start a new life in the West, which aligns with the aspirations of someone eager to go West.

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  • 5. 

    The federal government supported the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad by 

    • Offering railroad companies land along the tracks and subsidizing the construction cost.

    • Giving away construction equipment.

    • Allowing companies to build wherever they wanted.

    • Excusing railroad builders from paying taxes.

    Correct Answer
    A. Offering railroad companies land along the tracks and subsidizing the construction cost.
    Explanation
    The federal government supported the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad by offering railroad companies land along the tracks and subsidizing the construction cost. This support allowed the railroad companies to acquire the necessary land for the construction of the railroad and helped offset the high costs associated with building such a massive infrastructure project. By providing these incentives, the government encouraged the rapid expansion of the railroad network, which played a crucial role in connecting the east and west coasts of the United States and promoting economic growth and development.

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  • 6. 

    For most of their history, the needs of the Plains Native Americans were supplied by

    • Farming

    • Buffalo

    • Fishing

    • Horses

    Correct Answer
    A. Buffalo
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Buffalo. Plains Native Americans relied heavily on buffalo for their survival. Buffalo provided them with food, clothing, and shelter. They hunted buffalo for their meat, used their hides for clothing and shelter, and utilized their bones and sinews for tools and other necessities. Buffalo played a crucial role in the Plains Native Americans' way of life and was an essential resource for meeting their needs.

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  • 7. 

    All following words describe what the experience was like for the workers of the transcontinental railroad, except

    • Hazardous

    • Risk free

    • Poor pay

    • Dangerous

    Correct Answer
    A. Risk free
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "risk free" because the other three words (hazardous, dangerous, poor pay) all suggest negative aspects of the workers' experience. The construction of the transcontinental railroad was known to be dangerous and hazardous due to the challenging working conditions and the risks involved in building such a massive infrastructure project. Additionally, the workers were often paid poorly for their labor. Therefore, "risk free" does not accurately describe the experience of the workers on the transcontinental railroad.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following was an effect of the discovery of gold and silver on western development? 

    • It caused western population to decrease rapidly.

    • There was no longer a need for a railroad.

    • The value of gold and silver decreased.

    • It increased the flow of businesses and people to the West.

    Correct Answer
    A. It increased the flow of businesses and people to the West.
    Explanation
    The discovery of gold and silver in the West led to an increase in the flow of businesses and people to the region. The allure of wealth attracted individuals from all over the country, resulting in a population boom in the West. This influx of people also created a demand for various goods and services, leading to the establishment of new businesses and industries. The discovery of gold and silver therefore played a significant role in driving the development and growth of the western region.

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  • 9. 

    Why was the National Grange created?

    • To unite farmers so they could try to improve their economic problems.

    • To decrease the number of farmers in the West.

    • To try to decrease the price of their crops.

    • To discourage people from moving west.

    Correct Answer
    A. To unite farmers so they could try to improve their economic problems.
    Explanation
    The National Grange was created to unite farmers so they could try to improve their economic problems. This organization aimed to provide a platform for farmers to come together and address the common challenges they faced, such as low crop prices and lack of government support. By joining forces, farmers hoped to have a stronger voice and be able to advocate for policies that would benefit their economic situation.

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  • 10. 

    What was the most significant economic impact of the transcontinental railroad? 

    • Fewer workers were needed

    • Expanding interstate trade nationwide

    • Rapid rebuilding of the South after the Civil War

    • Eliminating overseas trade with Europe

    Correct Answer
    A. Expanding interstate trade nationwide
    Explanation
    The most significant economic impact of the transcontinental railroad was expanding interstate trade nationwide. The construction of the railroad allowed for the transportation of goods and people across long distances, connecting different regions of the country. This facilitated the growth of trade between states and led to the development of new industries and markets. The railroad also made it easier for goods to be transported to and from ports, increasing the efficiency of domestic trade. Overall, the transcontinental railroad played a crucial role in promoting economic integration and development in the United States.

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  • 11. 

    The belief that the U.S. should extend from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean was called 

    • Isolationism

    • Pacifism

    • Imperialism

    • Manifest Destiny

    Correct Answer
    A. Manifest Destiny
    Explanation
    Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the destiny and right of the United States to expand its territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This belief was prevalent in the 19th century and was used to justify westward expansion, the annexation of territories such as Texas and California, and the displacement of Native American tribes. It was driven by a sense of American exceptionalism and the belief in the superiority of American institutions and values.

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  • 12. 

    Throughout the late 1800s, which experience was shared by most Native Americans living in the western region of the US?

    • They maintained control of their traditional lands.

    • They benefited economically from government policy.

    • They became farmers and small business owners.

    • They were forced to live on reservations.

    Correct Answer
    A. They were forced to live on reservations.
    Explanation
    Most Native Americans living in the western region of the US during the late 1800s were forced to live on reservations. This was a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and other policies aimed at pushing Native Americans off their traditional lands and onto designated reservation areas. These policies were part of the US government's efforts to control and assimilate Native American populations.

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  • 13. 

    A major source of conflict between Native Americans and the US government was their opposing views on 

    • The importance of religion in daily life.

    • The value of gold and silver.

    • Educating the young for adulthood.

    • Land ownership and use.

    Correct Answer
    A. Land ownership and use.
    Explanation
    The major source of conflict between Native Americans and the US government was their opposing views on land ownership and use. Native Americans had a communal approach to land, viewing it as a shared resource that should be used sustainably. In contrast, the US government promoted private ownership and the exploitation of land for economic gain. This clash of ideologies led to numerous conflicts and forced removals of Native Americans from their ancestral lands.

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  • 14. 

    The use of sod homes by farmers on the Plains is an example of

    • How easy and luxurious farming life was

    • One of the many factors that attracted people to the west

    • The willingness of the government to settle the west

    • How people adapt to their environment.

    Correct Answer
    A. How people adapt to their environment.
    Explanation
    The use of sod homes by farmers on the Plains is an example of how people adapt to their environment. Sod homes were made by cutting blocks of sod from the ground and using them to build walls and roofs. This method of construction was necessary because of the lack of trees and other traditional building materials on the Plains. By using the resources available to them, farmers were able to create shelter and adapt to the harsh conditions of the environment they were living in.

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  • 15. 

    Which action is most closely associated with the term Manifest Destiny?

    • Declaring independence from Great Britain

    • Deciding to end the War of 1812

    • Acquiring western territory as a result of the Mexican-American War

    • Annexing Hawaii and the Philippines

    Correct Answer
    A. Acquiring western territory as a result of the Mexican-American War
    Explanation
    Manifest Destiny was the belief in the 19th century that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast. Acquiring western territory as a result of the Mexican-American War aligns with this belief because it involved the United States expanding its borders and gaining control over new lands in the western part of the continent. This action was seen as a fulfillment of the nation's manifest destiny to expand and spread its influence.

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  • 16. 

    The term assimilate is best defined as

    • The act of leaving one's homeland

    • The talent to speak a variety of languages

    • The ability to blend into a larger culture

    • The desire to maintain one's old language and customs

    Correct Answer
    A. The ability to blend into a larger culture
    Explanation
    Assimilate refers to the process of integrating or adapting into a larger culture or society. It involves adopting the customs, traditions, and values of the new culture while still retaining one's own identity. This term does not refer to leaving one's homeland, speaking multiple languages, or maintaining old language and customs, but rather the ability to blend into a larger culture.

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  • 17. 

    What were boomtowns? 

    • Large industrial cities

    • Pasture land which cattle roamed

    • Instant towns set up near mining centers

    • Deserted, empty towns in the West

    Correct Answer
    A. Instant towns set up near mining centers
    Explanation
    Boomtowns were instant towns that were set up near mining centers. These towns experienced rapid growth and development as a result of a sudden influx of people seeking opportunities in mining. They were often characterized by a bustling economy, temporary structures, and a transient population. Boomtowns emerged as mining activities boomed and declined as the mining resources were exhausted or relocated.

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  • 18. 

    During the late 1800s, the federal government encouraged westward settlement by

    • Paying farmers to grow certain crops

    • Loaning money to U.S. citizens in the east at a very low interest rate.

    • Giving land to Homesteaders.

    • Honoring Native American territorial land claims.

    Correct Answer
    A. Giving land to Homesteaders.
    Explanation
    During the late 1800s, the federal government encouraged westward settlement by giving land to Homesteaders. This policy, known as the Homestead Act of 1862, allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land for a small fee and a commitment to improve the land by building a house and cultivating crops. This initiative aimed to populate and develop the western territories, as well as promote agricultural expansion. By providing land to Homesteaders, the government incentivized migration and settlement in the West, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following is a fact about the frontier?

    • The West was the best place to live in America

    • The settling of the West was the most important era in our history.

    • Native Americans were killed from wars between themselves and the US government.

    • Being a cowboy was an easy and high paying job.

    Correct Answer
    A. Native Americans were killed from wars between themselves and the US government.
  • 20. 

    How did the mining boom change the US?

    • More states were added to the US

    • The value of gold decreased.

    • Fewer people settled in the west.

    • The development of mining towns had no impact on the US

    Correct Answer
    A. More states were added to the US
    Explanation
    During the mining boom in the US, more states were added to the country. This was primarily due to the discovery of valuable resources such as gold and silver in various regions, which attracted settlers and led to the establishment of new states. The influx of people and the economic growth associated with mining activities contributed to the expansion of the US territory and the overall development of the nation.

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  • 21. 

    All the follower were hardships or problems for Great Plains farmers EXCEPT

    • A lack of cheap land.

    • Severe winters

    • Dry climate

    • Lack of wood.

    Correct Answer
    A. A lack of cheap land.
    Explanation
    The statement "a lack of cheap land" is the exception to the hardships faced by Great Plains farmers. The other options, severe winters, dry climate, and lack of wood, all represent challenges that farmers in the Great Plains region had to contend with. However, a lack of cheap land is not listed as one of the hardships, suggesting that it was not a significant issue for these farmers.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following inventions did NOT help the farmers on the Great Plains?

    • Steel plows

    • The cotton gin

    • Barbed wire fencing

    • Windmills

    Correct Answer
    A. The cotton gin
    Explanation
    The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, revolutionized the cotton industry by mechanizing the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds. However, this invention did not directly help farmers on the Great Plains because the region was not suitable for growing cotton. The Great Plains had a different agricultural focus, mainly on crops like wheat and corn. Therefore, while the cotton gin was a significant invention for cotton farmers in other regions, it did not have a direct impact on the farmers on the Great Plains.

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  • 23. 

    What was a major economic problem faced by farmers on the Plains?

    • Not enough crops were produced.

    • They had a surplus of goods resulting in decreasing crop values.

    • The price of their crops was too high.

    • Natives were forced on to reservations.

    Correct Answer
    A. They had a surplus of goods resulting in decreasing crop values.
    Explanation
    Farmers on the Plains faced a major economic problem of having a surplus of goods, which led to decreasing crop values. This means that they were producing more crops than the market demanded, causing an oversupply. As a result, the prices of their crops decreased, leading to financial difficulties for the farmers. This surplus issue was a significant challenge for the agricultural sector in the Plains region.

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  • 24. 

    In the last half of the 19th century, the western frontier land 

    • Increased in size

    • Remained the same size

    • Slowly disappeared

    • Changed little.

    Correct Answer
    A. Slowly disappeared
    Explanation
    During the last half of the 19th century, the western frontier land gradually disappeared. This can be attributed to various factors such as the expansion of settlements, the establishment of law and order, and the implementation of policies that encouraged the development of the West. As more and more people migrated to the region, the once vast and untamed frontier gradually transformed into a more settled and civilized area, leading to the slow disappearance of the frontier land.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 17, 2012
    Quiz Created by
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