APUSH Period 5 Manifest Destiny
38 flashcards covering APUSH Period 5 Manifest Destiny for the AP-US-HISTORY Period 5 (1844–1877) section.
Manifest Destiny, a key concept in APUSH Period 5 (1844–1877), refers to the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This idea is defined within the College Board's AP United States History Curriculum Framework, which emphasizes its role in shaping U.S. policies and attitudes during this period, including territorial acquisitions and conflicts such as the Mexican-American War.
On practice exams, questions about Manifest Destiny often require students to analyze primary sources, interpret political cartoons, or evaluate the impact of territorial expansion on various groups. A common pitfall is overlooking the perspectives of marginalized populations affected by this expansion, such as Native Americans and Mexican citizens, which can lead to incomplete answers. A practical tip is to always consider multiple viewpoints in your responses, as this depth of analysis is often rewarded in APUSH assessments.
Terms (38)
- 01
What is Manifest Destiny?
Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable, reflecting a belief in American cultural and racial superiority (College Board AP CED).
- 02
Which event is most closely associated with the concept of Manifest Destiny?
The annexation of Texas in 1845 is closely associated with Manifest Destiny, as it exemplified the belief in the United States' right to expand its territory (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What was a major consequence of the Mexican-American War?
A major consequence of the Mexican-American War was the acquisition of vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, which intensified the debate over slavery in the new territories (College Board AP CED).
- 04
How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence American foreign policy?
Manifest Destiny influenced American foreign policy by promoting territorial expansion and justifying actions such as the annexation of territories and conflicts with other nations (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What was the Wilmot Proviso?
The Wilmot Proviso was a proposed amendment in 1846 to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, highlighting the sectional conflicts over slavery (College Board AP CED).
- 06
What was the significance of the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail was significant as it facilitated the westward migration of thousands of settlers seeking new opportunities, embodying the spirit of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 07
Which group primarily settled in California during the Gold Rush?
The Gold Rush attracted a diverse group of settlers, but a significant number were young men seeking fortune, often referred to as '49ers' (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What role did the Gadsden Purchase play in Manifest Destiny?
The Gadsden Purchase in 1853 facilitated the expansion of the United States by acquiring land for a southern transcontinental railroad, furthering the goals of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 09
What was the impact of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories that would become California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming (College Board AP CED).
- 10
How did Manifest Destiny contribute to sectional tensions?
Manifest Destiny contributed to sectional tensions by intensifying debates over the extension of slavery into new territories, leading to conflicts such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What was the main idea behind the phrase 'Fifty-Four Forty or Fight'?
The phrase 'Fifty-Four Forty or Fight' referred to the U.S. claim to the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory at latitude 54°40′, illustrating the aggressive expansionist sentiment of the time (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What was the significance of the Compromise of 1850?
The Compromise of 1850 was significant as it attempted to ease tensions between slave and free states by admitting California as a free state and allowing popular sovereignty in other territories (College Board AP CED).
- 13
What was the role of the American Anti-Slavery Society in the context of Manifest Destiny?
The American Anti-Slavery Society opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, arguing that Manifest Destiny should not include the spread of slavery (College Board AP CED).
- 14
How did the concept of 'American Exceptionalism' relate to Manifest Destiny?
'American Exceptionalism' related to Manifest Destiny by promoting the idea that the United States had a unique mission to spread democracy and civilization across the continent (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What was the significance of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed settlers in those territories to decide on the legality of slavery, leading to violent conflict known as 'Bleeding Kansas' and heightening sectional tensions (College Board AP CED).
- 16
Which president is most associated with the expansionist policies of Manifest Destiny?
President James K. Polk is most associated with Manifest Destiny, as he actively pursued territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon and California (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What was the main outcome of the California Gold Rush?
The main outcome of the California Gold Rush was a massive influx of settlers to California, leading to its rapid admission as a state and significant economic growth (College Board AP CED).
- 18
How did the idea of Manifest Destiny affect Native American populations?
Manifest Destiny had devastating effects on Native American populations, leading to forced removals, loss of land, and violent conflicts as settlers expanded westward (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What was the role of the Homestead Act of 1862 in relation to Manifest Destiny?
The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged westward migration by providing land to settlers, reinforcing the ideals of Manifest Destiny by promoting settlement in the West (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What was the impact of the Oregon Treaty of 1846?
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain and established the U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel, furthering U.S. territorial expansion (College Board AP CED).
- 21
What was the significance of the phrase 'Manifest Destiny' in American culture?
The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' became a cultural justification for expansion, influencing literature, politics, and public sentiment during the 19th century (College Board AP CED).
- 22
Which territory was acquired through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in the acquisition of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on U.S.-Mexico relations?
The Mexican-American War significantly strained U.S.-Mexico relations, leading to long-lasting tensions and disputes over territory (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What was the primary motivation for settlers moving west during the period of Manifest Destiny?
The primary motivation for settlers moving west was the pursuit of economic opportunities, such as land ownership and gold prospecting (College Board AP CED).
- 25
How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence the abolitionist movement?
Manifest Destiny influenced the abolitionist movement by prompting activists to argue against the extension of slavery into new territories, framing it as a moral issue (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What was the significance of the phrase 'Go West, young man'?
The phrase 'Go West, young man' encapsulated the spirit of Manifest Destiny, encouraging young Americans to seek opportunities and adventure in the western territories (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What was the main reason for the establishment of the Free Soil Party?
The Free Soil Party was established primarily to oppose the extension of slavery into the western territories, reflecting the tensions of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 28
How did the discovery of gold in California impact migration patterns?
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to a massive migration of people from across the United States and abroad, significantly increasing California's population (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What role did railroads play in the context of Manifest Destiny?
Railroads played a crucial role in Manifest Destiny by facilitating westward expansion, enabling faster transportation of goods and people to new territories (College Board AP CED).
- 30
How did the idea of Manifest Destiny contribute to the Civil War?
Manifest Destiny contributed to the Civil War by exacerbating sectional tensions over slavery in newly acquired territories, leading to conflicts such as the Dred Scott decision (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What was the impact of the Treaty of Fort Laramie?
The Treaty of Fort Laramie aimed to establish peace between settlers and Native American tribes, but it was often violated, leading to further conflicts as settlers moved westward (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What was the significance of the Pony Express?
The Pony Express was significant as it provided a fast mail service between the East and West, symbolizing the connection and communication fostered by westward expansion (College Board AP CED).
- 33
Which group faced significant discrimination during the westward expansion?
Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination during the westward expansion, especially during the Gold Rush, where they were often marginalized and subjected to violence (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What was the primary goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
The primary goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a route to the Pacific Ocean, laying the groundwork for westward expansion (College Board AP CED).
- 35
How did the concept of Manifest Destiny affect American attitudes towards Mexico?
Manifest Destiny fostered a sense of superiority among Americans, leading to negative attitudes towards Mexico and justifying territorial expansion at its expense (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What was the significance of the Alamo in the context of Manifest Destiny?
The Battle of the Alamo became a rallying point for Texan independence and exemplified the struggle for expansion and self-determination in the context of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 37
How did the concept of popular sovereignty relate to Manifest Destiny?
Popular sovereignty, the idea that the residents of a territory should decide on the legality of slavery, was a key principle during the debates over new territories acquired through Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 38
What was the impact of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention on women's rights?
The 1848 Seneca Falls Convention marked the beginning of the organized women's rights movement, advocating for equality and suffrage, which paralleled the expansionist sentiments of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).