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Manifest Destiny- Key
Student Activity Sheet
Event
Answer
Code
Follow-up Question
Briefly define Manifest Destiny.
1. Manifest
Destiny defined
Z
“Manifest Destiny” is a term that refers to the American belief that the
United States was destined to expand its territory from the Atlantic to
the Pacific. The meaning of the term actually means “obvious” and
“certain.”
From whom was the Louisiana Territory Purchased? Why was is
purchased?
2. Louisiana
Purchase
Q
The Louisiana Territory was purchased from France when Napoleon
abandoned his plans for a North American empire. The purchase was
originally made so that neither Spain nor France could block the port
of New Orleans which was crucial to trading along the Mississippi
River.
With whom was the War of 1812 fought? List 3 reasons that the
United States cited as causes of the war:
3. War of 1812
R
The War of 1812 was fought with the British for several reasons. The
British, it was believed, were supplying Native American Indians with
weapons to attack Americans. The British had attempted to prevent
the U.S. from trading with France. The British Navy forced U.S.
sailors to serve aboard their ships. The U.S. desired to expand into
British territory in Canada.
What was the result of settlers using the Oregon Trail?
4. Oregon Trail
K
The Oregon Trail allowed settlers to arrive in the West and build small
settlements and towns. This provided a new trade market for U.S.
goods and permanent settlements needed to retain control of the
territory.
Who were the candidates in the election and did they each support
western expansion?
5. Election of
1844
D
James Polk favored expansion and the annexation of Texas. Henry
Clay focused more on the economy and his stance on the annexation
of Texas was unclear- he relented at last, stating he’d support the
annexation if it could be done without war.
How did the United States provoke this war? Why?
6. MexicanAmerican War &
Mexican
Cession
C
Many believe the U.S. provoked this war by placing troops very near
the border- in an area that the U.S. knew Mexico still claimed. An
attack by Mexico in this area would give justification for declaring war,
claiming the need for defense.
Why did the Mormons follow the trail westward? What evidence is
there today of their westward migration?
7. Mormon Trail
W
The Mormons traveled westward in hopes of finding a place where
they could practice their religion without harassment like they had
experienced in Missouri, Ohio, and other places. Salt Lake City was
founded by the Mormons and is alive and well today as the capital of
Utah. The Mormon population is dense in the Utah area as well as
cities along the historic trail.
How did the United States acquire the California area?
P
8. California
Gold Rush
The United States acquired the California area as part of the Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo ending the Mexican-American War. This is called
the Mexican Cession.
Why was the United States interested in this relatively small strip of
land?
E
9. Gadsden
Purchase
The land involved in the Gadsden Purchase was needed to complete
a southern trans-continental railroad.
Using the above answers, write your 9-digit answer code in sequence here:
Z
Q
R
K
D
C
W
P
E
Navigate to the following website: http://googleearth.teamvistech.com/us/md/index.php. Enter
your code in the field to see if you have answered the questions correctly. This code must be
entered with lower-case letters. At your teacher’s discretion, print the page once you have
successfully entered the correct code.