United States Territorial Expansion
This information describes the history of territorial expansion of the United States.
1 An 1845 magazine article claimed that other nations have undertaken to intrude themselves into it [U.S, territorial expansion], ... for the avowed object of thwarting our policy and hampering our power, limiting our greatness and, checking the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions." The concept of the United States having a manifest destiny promoted the idea that territorial expansion was necessary and inevitable.
2. Past territorial acquisitions contributed to this belief. The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and moved the nation's western border to the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the country. The Treaty of 1818 established the 49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and Canada. Che year later, Spanish cessions gave the nation territory on the Gulf of Mexico and
3 One year after the magazine article, a treaty with Great Britain divided the disputed Oregon Territory and extended the U.S. Canadian border along the 49th parallel. The signing of an 1848 treaty ended a war and added territory that would eventually make up all or part of seven western states. With the purchase of a nearly 30,000 square mile portion of Mexico in 1853, the borders of the continental United States were set.
What is the nearly 30,000 square mile acquisition known as?
- A. Alaska Purchase
- B. Hawaii Annexation
- C. Oregon Territory
- D. Gadsden Purchase
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
Other Related Questions
After the Revolutionary War, the western border of the United States was the
- A. Mississippi River.
- B. Gulf of Mexico.
- C. Rocky Mountains.
- D. Great Lakes.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The western border of the United States after the Revolutionary War was defined by the Mississippi River, which served as a natural boundary facilitating westward expansion. Option B, the Gulf of Mexico, is incorrect as it is located to the south, not marking the western border. Option C, the Rocky Mountains, is also inaccurate; while they are a significant geographical feature, they were not recognized as a border at that time. Option D, the Great Lakes, pertains to the northern boundary and does not represent the western limit. Thus, the Mississippi River accurately reflects the western boundary post-war.
The western border of the United States after the Revolutionary War was defined by the Mississippi River, which served as a natural boundary facilitating westward expansion. Option B, the Gulf of Mexico, is incorrect as it is located to the south, not marking the western border. Option C, the Rocky Mountains, is also inaccurate; while they are a significant geographical feature, they were not recognized as a border at that time. Option D, the Great Lakes, pertains to the northern boundary and does not represent the western limit. Thus, the Mississippi River accurately reflects the western boundary post-war.
Based on the obituary, for what was Taylor best known?
- A. Being president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- B. Winning a U.S. tennis championship
- C. Inventing a way to treat high-speed tools
- D. Developing theories on scientific management
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Taylor was best known for developing theories on scientific management, which revolutionized industrial efficiency and productivity. His principles laid the groundwork for modern management practices, making him a pivotal figure in the field. Option A is incorrect; while Taylor may have had connections to engineering societies, he is not primarily recognized for his presidency in any organization. Option B is not applicable, as there is no evidence linking him to tennis achievements. Option C, although related to engineering, does not capture the essence of Taylor's legacy, which centers on management theory rather than specific inventions.
Taylor was best known for developing theories on scientific management, which revolutionized industrial efficiency and productivity. His principles laid the groundwork for modern management practices, making him a pivotal figure in the field. Option A is incorrect; while Taylor may have had connections to engineering societies, he is not primarily recognized for his presidency in any organization. Option B is not applicable, as there is no evidence linking him to tennis achievements. Option C, although related to engineering, does not capture the essence of Taylor's legacy, which centers on management theory rather than specific inventions.
Which point on this PPF graph represents a currently unobtainable output level for this economy?
- A. V
- B. X
- C. Y
- D. Z
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Point D represents a currently unobtainable output level for this economy because it lies outside the production possibilities frontier (PPF). The PPF illustrates the maximum efficient production of two goods, given the available resources and technology. Point A (V), Point B (X), and Point C (Y) are all located on or within the PPF, indicating feasible production levels that the economy can achieve. In contrast, Point D (Z) exceeds these capabilities, signifying an output level that cannot be realized with the current resources and technology. Thus, only Point D is unattainable.
Point D represents a currently unobtainable output level for this economy because it lies outside the production possibilities frontier (PPF). The PPF illustrates the maximum efficient production of two goods, given the available resources and technology. Point A (V), Point B (X), and Point C (Y) are all located on or within the PPF, indicating feasible production levels that the economy can achieve. In contrast, Point D (Z) exceeds these capabilities, signifying an output level that cannot be realized with the current resources and technology. Thus, only Point D is unattainable.
A police department allows a person suspected of committing a crime to refuse to answer questions asked by the investigating officer. Which amendment protects this right?
- A. Amendment 1
- B. Amendment 4
- C. Amendment 5
- D. Amendment 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing a person suspected of a crime to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement. This right ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to provide testimony that could implicate them in a crime. Option A, the First Amendment, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, but does not address self-incrimination. Option B, the Fourth Amendment, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but does not relate to questioning. Option D, the Sixth Amendment, guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to counsel and a fair trial, but does not specifically cover the right to remain silent during questioning.
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing a person suspected of a crime to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement. This right ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to provide testimony that could implicate them in a crime. Option A, the First Amendment, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, but does not address self-incrimination. Option B, the Fourth Amendment, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but does not relate to questioning. Option D, the Sixth Amendment, guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to counsel and a fair trial, but does not specifically cover the right to remain silent during questioning.