President John Tyler War Sample Essay.
HIS 101 Chapter 13 Open-Book Reading Quiz
- Given their views towards territorial expansion, Manifest Destiny would probably be more popular with Democrats than Whigs (generally speaking).
True
- Which of the following was not a trail leading from the east to the western territories on the “Wagon Trails West” map?
Continental Divide
- In 1821, French forces under Napoleon occupied Mexico and won its independence from Spain.
False
- Which of the following is NOT true about settlers moving into the western territories?
Unlike in the East, on the trails heading West Women were actually able to rest while men did most of the work.
- Spain became more active in California because of concerns of Russians moving into the region. Eventually the Spanish constructed ‘presidios’ and twenty missions, stretching from San Diego to San Francisco.
True
- By the time Mexico (which at the time included California, Texas, and what are today several other states of the USA) became independent of Spain in 1821, the Indian population of California was 18,000 (down from 72,000 in 1769).
True
- The explorer John C. Fremont led an attempt to create an independent Republic of California, which was in American control by 1846. The flag of the Republic showed a large sun above a bowl of fruit representing the agricultural wealth and climate of California.
False
- Which of the following is NOT true about Texas?
In 1836, 200 Americans (including James Bowie, William Barret Travis, and David Crockett) successfully defended the Alamo against 3,000 Mexican soldiers, forcing Santa Anna to retreat.
- Which of the following is NOT true about Sam Houston?
After hearing about the fighting at the Alamo, Houston disregarded advice to make a strategic retreat, and instead boldly attacked Santa Anna a the Battle of San Jacinto.
- Which of the following is NOT true about political parties during this period?
Harrison’s Vice President, John Tyler, was the youngest president to date, and a loyal Whig.
- When slaves being transported from Virginia to Louisiana revolted and took over the ship (the Creole), they sailed to the Bahamas, where British authorities set 128 of them free. This made the event the most successful slave revolt in US history.
True
- Which of the following is NOT true of President John Tyler?
Tyler ran for president in 1844 with the slogan “Tyler and Texas”. He did not win, but he did very well for an independent with no party support.
- Which of the following is NOT true about James K. Polk?
As an expansionist, Polk was very much in favor of federally funded infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, etc.) which won him support among westerners.
- Which of the following is NOT true about the Mexican-American War?
For those Americans who were excited about the War, Polk became known as “Old Rough and Ready”.
- The famous explorer John C. Fremont (the “Pathfinder”) was named governor of California, but was soon arrested by a man named Kearny, who Polk had appointed as governor. Polk quickly reversed the legal action, but Fremont resigned in anger from the army, and became California’s first US senator.
True
- Two of the best known heroes of the War were Winfield Scott, who what victories in North Mexico, and Zachary Taylor, who led an amphibious assault against Vera Cruz and eventually occupied Mexico City.
False
- The Duke of Wellington, who had led British forces in the victory against Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, called Winfield Scott the world’s “greatest living soldier.”
True
- Many Irish and German immigrants fight for the USA formed the Saint Patrick’s Battalion to defend American Catholics from Mexican atrocities.
False
- In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico lost more than half of all Mexican territory
True
- Which of the following is NOT true about the Mexican-American War?
General Zachary Taylor called the war “unnecessary and senseless”, but future general Ulysses S. Grant believed the War was a noble cause.