Trappers and explorers in the rocky mountains
Mountain men
Why did Marcus and Narcissa Whitman travel the Oregon Trail?
The Whitmans moved to Oregon to convert Native American tribes to Christianity.
Setup that brought trappers together with businessmen from the east
Rendezvous
Why did the Mormons migrate west to Utah?
To escape persecution for their religious and personal beliefs.
Who led the Mormons after Joseph Smith was killed in Illinois?
Brigham Young
Despite the dry climate, how did the Mormons create a thriving community near the Great Salt Lake?
They built dams and canals for irrigation.
What did Stephen Austin's father, Moses hope to create in Texas?
He hoped to create a colony for Americans in Spanish Texas.
What were the original American settlers in Texas called?
The old 300
Why did the Spanish offer huge amounts of land to empresarios?
To defend the land from hostile Native Americans.
What did Santa Anna do when he heard of Mexican troops being forced out of Gonzales and San Antonio?
He and 6,000 troops headed north to put down the revolt in Tejas.
Who was placed in command of the Texan Army?
Sam Houston (Houston Texas)
Who was Juan Seguin?
He was a Tejano that led a band of 25 in support of the revolt against Santa Anna.
In 1844, who was the Democratic Presidential Candidate committed to national expansion?
James K. Polk
What does Manifest Destiny mean?
It is the belief that the United States was meant to expand from coast to coast.
What became the nickname for the Republic of Texas?
Lone Star Republic
What was the Democrat's slogan toward Great Britain's claim to Oregon?
"Fifty-four forty or Fight"
In 1844, what other country had claimed the Oregon Territory besides the US?
Great Britain
Why was the United States eager to compromise with Great Britain over the Oregon Territory?
A compromise was made since a war with Mexico was likely.
Why wasn't Texas immediately annexed into the United States?
Many people thought and feared that Texas would allow slaves and upset the balance between "free" and "slave" states.
After diplomacy failed with Mexico over a border dispute, how did the President try to force the issue?
Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to station 3,500 troops on the north bank of the Rio Grande.
Which American general captured Mexico City?
Winfield Scott
What 1848 treaty ended the Mexican-American War?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
What were those who went to California in search of Gold called?
49ers
Describe the 3 ways one could journey to California from the East.
a. Sail the coast and cross the Isthmus of Panama b. Sail around South America and then north to the Pacific Coast c. Take a wagon train across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains