Westward Expansion Unit Test
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
What was the name of the city that was called "The Gateway to the West"?
- A.
Columbus, Ohio
- B.
Kansas City, Kansas
- C.
St. Louis, Missouri
- D.
Omaha, Nebraska
Correct Answer
C. St. Louis, MissouriExplanation
St. Louis, Missouri is known as "The Gateway to the West" because it served as a major port and starting point for westward expansion during the 19th century. It was a crucial hub for trade and transportation, with the Mississippi River providing access to the western territories. The city's iconic Gateway Arch also symbolizes its role as the gateway to the American West.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What ways did the Transcontinental Railroad help pioneers and settlers?
- A.
It made it easier to travel the world.
- B.
Travel to the west became faster and cheaper.
- C.
It helped get the riflemen to the buffalo so they could kill them.
- D.
It slowed down the speed of settlers getting out west.
Correct Answer
B. Travel to the west became faster and cheaper.Explanation
The Transcontinental Railroad helped pioneers and settlers by making travel to the west faster and cheaper. This means that they could reach their destinations more quickly and at a lower cost, allowing them to settle and establish communities more efficiently. The railroad also facilitated the transportation of goods and resources, supporting economic growth and development in the western regions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why was the Great Plains called the "Great American Desert"?
- A.
The was dry (arid), hot, and the land was flat.
- B.
There were a lot of desert animals living there.
- C.
You could get any type of cake you wanted.
- D.
They did not have windmills out West.
Correct Answer
A. The was dry (arid), hot, and the land was flat.Explanation
The Great Plains was called the "Great American Desert" because the region was dry, arid, and hot, with flat land. This made it difficult for vegetation to grow and sustain life, leading to a desert-like environment. The absence of significant rainfall and the lack of water sources also contributed to the perception of the Great Plains as a desert.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did the windmill help pioneers out west?
- A.
It brought electricity to the Great Plains.
- B.
It powered the generators for farmers.
- C.
It pumped water from underground to the crops for farmers to use.
- D.
They did not have windmills out West.
Correct Answer
C. It pumped water from underground to the crops for farmers to use.Explanation
The windmill helped pioneers out west by pumping water from underground to the crops for farmers to use. This was crucial in areas where water was scarce and difficult to access. The windmill's mechanism converted the power of the wind into rotational energy, which in turn operated a pump that drew water from underground wells. This water was then used for irrigation, allowing farmers to grow crops and sustain their livelihood in otherwise arid regions.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What are some of the rivers that pioneers had to traverse or cross on their journey out West? (CHOOSE 4)
- A.
Colorado River
- B.
Snake River
- C.
Carolina River
- D.
Mississippi River
- E.
Cooper River
- F.
Columbia River
Correct Answer(s)
A. Colorado River
B. Snake River
D. Mississippi River
F. Columbia RiverExplanation
Pioneers who journeyed out West had to traverse or cross the Colorado River, Snake River, Mississippi River, and Columbia River. These rivers were significant obstacles that pioneers had to overcome on their westward journey, requiring them to find ways to safely cross or navigate these water bodies.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What were 3 challenges that pioneers faced as they traveled out West?
- A.
Hot and dry drought
- B.
Blizzards in the mountains
- C.
Hurricanes in the oceans
- D.
Spring floods and rushing rivers
- E.
Tsunamis under the ocean
Correct Answer(s)
A. Hot and dry drought
B. Blizzards in the mountains
D. Spring floods and rushing riversExplanation
Pioneers faced several challenges as they traveled out West. One of the challenges was the hot and dry drought, which made it difficult for them to find water and grow crops. They also had to deal with blizzards in the mountains, which could make travel dangerous and hinder their progress. Additionally, spring floods and rushing rivers posed a threat, as they could wash away supplies and make crossing difficult. These challenges tested the resilience and resourcefulness of pioneers as they ventured into unfamiliar territories.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Boom Towns turned into what after gold and silver was no longer found?
- A.
Surburbs
- B.
Vacant empty alleys
- C.
Ghost towns
- D.
No man's land
Correct Answer
C. Ghost townsExplanation
After the gold and silver mines were depleted, the boom towns lost their economic value and the population dwindled. As a result, these towns became deserted and abandoned, earning the name "ghost towns".Rate this question:
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- 8.
Miners cooperated and worked together when trying to find gold and silver?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Miners did not always cooperate and work together when trying to find gold and silver. In the competitive and high-stakes environment of mining, it was common for miners to work individually or in small groups, often in secret, to maximize their own chances of striking it rich. Cooperation and collaboration were not the norm, as miners were driven by their own self-interest and the desire to keep their discoveries and profits to themselves. Therefore, the statement that miners cooperated and worked together when trying to find gold and silver is false.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was the main reason that cowboys and farmers got into arguements on the Great Plains when it dealt with cattle?
- A.
Who should get to use the water from the windmills.
- B.
Fences being built blocking cowboys from delivering their cattle to the trains.
- C.
Farmers and cowboys arguing about how much the land should cost.
- D.
Farmers and cowboys arguing about who gets to keep the cattle.
Correct Answer
B. Fences being built blocking cowboys from delivering their cattle to the trains.Explanation
Cowboys and farmers got into arguments on the Great Plains when it came to cattle because fences were being built, which blocked the cowboys from delivering their cattle to the trains. This created conflicts between the two groups as the cowboys relied on open grazing land for their cattle, while the farmers wanted to protect their crops and property by fencing off their land. The construction of fences disrupted the traditional way of cattle herding and transportation, leading to disputes and tensions between the cowboys and farmers.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How did railroad companies that hired Asian Immigrants treat them while they were working on building the railroad?
- A.
Kindly and with respect
- B.
Paid them extra for their hard work.
- C.
Cussed and spit on them while they worked.
- D.
Discriminated against and paid less because of their race.
Correct Answer
D. Discriminated against and paid less because of their race.Explanation
Railroad companies that hired Asian immigrants treated them with discrimination and paid them less because of their race. This was a reflection of the prevalent racism and prejudice during that time. The Asian immigrants were subjected to unfair treatment and were not given the same opportunities and wages as their non-Asian counterparts. This discrimination was a result of the racist attitudes and beliefs held by the railroad companies and society as a whole.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The riflemen on the Transcontinental Railroad were paid to guard the trains and protect the bison on their land.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the riflemen on the Transcontinental Railroad were not paid to protect the bison on their land. Their main role was to guard the trains and ensure their safe passage. The protection of bison would not have been part of their job description.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Coal burning engines had a positive (good) impact on the environment because the engines required less fuel to run.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Coal burning engines did not have a positive impact on the environment because they released large amounts of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. While it is true that these engines required less fuel to run compared to other engines, the overall negative impact on the environment outweighed any potential benefits. The burning of coal contributed to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change, making the statement false.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Smoke and waste from meat processing plants polluted the air and water.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement suggests that smoke and waste from meat processing plants have caused pollution in the air and water. This implies that the statement is true, as it indicates that these plants are contributing to environmental pollution through their emissions and waste disposal practices.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What was discovered in the Black Hills that forces the Native Americans to move off their land?
- A.
Diamonds and gems
- B.
Oil
- C.
Pirate treasure
- D.
Silver and gold
Correct Answer
D. Silver and goldExplanation
The correct answer is silver and gold. During the late 19th century, a significant amount of silver and gold was discovered in the Black Hills, which led to a rush of miners and settlers moving into the area. This resulted in the displacement of Native American tribes, as their land was taken over by the newcomers in search of wealth. The discovery of silver and gold in the Black Hills played a major role in the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Westward Expansion had a positive impact on Native Americans because they all managed to get along peacefully.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because Westward Expansion had a negative impact on Native Americans. It resulted in the displacement, forced removal, and loss of land for many Native American tribes. They were often subjected to violence, disease, and cultural assimilation. The expansion of European settlers led to conflicts and the loss of their traditional way of life. Therefore, the statement that Westward Expansion had a positive impact on Native Americans is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Life on reservations was easy living for Native Americans.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that life on reservations was easy for Native Americans, but the correct answer is False. Historically, Native Americans faced numerous challenges and hardships on reservations, including loss of land, forced assimilation, poverty, and limited access to resources and opportunities. These difficulties have had long-lasting impacts on Native American communities and continue to be a significant issue today.Rate this question:
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- 17.
When the Mexican Americans lost the Mexican-American War what was the effect on the Mexicans that lived on that land?
- A.
They had to give up their rights and ownership of their land.
- B.
They were forced into slavery.
- C.
They became very rich when the US Government paid them for their land.
Correct Answer
A. They had to give up their rights and ownership of their land.Explanation
After losing the Mexican-American War, the Mexicans living on the land had to give up their rights and ownership of their land. This suggests that the outcome of the war resulted in a loss of land for the Mexican Americans, indicating a significant impact on their lives and property ownership.Rate this question:
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