APUSH UNIT 5 FLASHCARDS
Mormon settlements in Utah (1847)- -The migration of Mormons to Utah, led by
Brigham Young, to escape religious persecution and establish a community based on their
Page | 1
beliefs.
California gold rush (1848)- -A massive migration to California following the discovery
of gold, leading to significant economic growth and the state's rapid population increase.
Chinese immigration- -Large-scale immigration of Chinese workers, particularly
during the 19th century, driven by economic opportunities like gold mining and railroad
construction.
Comstock Lode - silver mining in Nevada (1859)- -The first major discovery of silver
ore in the U.S., leading to a mining boom in Nevada.
Pike’s Peak gold rush (1858-1861)- -A gold rush that brought thousands of settlers to
the Colorado Territory, stimulating economic and population growth.
Manifest Destiny- -The belief that the United States was destined to expand westward
across the continent, justified by cultural and political ideals.
Election of 1844- -Presidential election where James K. Polk defeated Henry Clay,
campaigning on expansionist policies like the annexation of Texas and Oregon.
Slidell Mission (1845)- -An unsuccessful U.S. diplomatic mission to purchase
California and resolve border disputes with Mexico before the Mexican-American War.
, U.S. annexation of Texas (1845)- -The formal incorporation of Texas into the United
States, which heightened tensions with Mexico and led to the Mexican-American War.
Page | 2 Bear Flag Revolt (1846)- -A short-lived rebellion by American settlers in California
against Mexican rule, leading to the U.S. claiming California.
Oregon Boundary Treaty (1846)- -Agreement between the U.S. and Britain setting the
49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and Canada in the Oregon Territory.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)- -Ended the Mexican-American War; Mexico
ceded California and much of the Southwest to the U.S., solidifying U.S. territorial
expansion.
Gadsden Purchase (1853)- -The U.S. purchased land from Mexico to facilitate the
construction of a southern transcontinental railroad.
Pony Express (1860-1861)- -A mail service using horseback riders that connected the
eastern U.S. with California, improving communication across the country.
Wilmot Proviso (1846)- -A proposed law to ban slavery in territories acquired from
Mexico; it heightened sectional tensions but failed to pass
Lincoln’s Spot Resolutions (1846)- -Abraham Lincoln's demand for President Polk to
specify the exact location where American blood was shed, questioning the justification for
the Mexican-American War.
Free Soil Party (1848)- -A political party opposing the expansion of slavery into
western territories, emphasizing "free soil, free speech, free labor, and free men."
Mormon settlements in Utah (1847)- -The migration of Mormons to Utah, led by
Brigham Young, to escape religious persecution and establish a community based on their
Page | 1
beliefs.
California gold rush (1848)- -A massive migration to California following the discovery
of gold, leading to significant economic growth and the state's rapid population increase.
Chinese immigration- -Large-scale immigration of Chinese workers, particularly
during the 19th century, driven by economic opportunities like gold mining and railroad
construction.
Comstock Lode - silver mining in Nevada (1859)- -The first major discovery of silver
ore in the U.S., leading to a mining boom in Nevada.
Pike’s Peak gold rush (1858-1861)- -A gold rush that brought thousands of settlers to
the Colorado Territory, stimulating economic and population growth.
Manifest Destiny- -The belief that the United States was destined to expand westward
across the continent, justified by cultural and political ideals.
Election of 1844- -Presidential election where James K. Polk defeated Henry Clay,
campaigning on expansionist policies like the annexation of Texas and Oregon.
Slidell Mission (1845)- -An unsuccessful U.S. diplomatic mission to purchase
California and resolve border disputes with Mexico before the Mexican-American War.
, U.S. annexation of Texas (1845)- -The formal incorporation of Texas into the United
States, which heightened tensions with Mexico and led to the Mexican-American War.
Page | 2 Bear Flag Revolt (1846)- -A short-lived rebellion by American settlers in California
against Mexican rule, leading to the U.S. claiming California.
Oregon Boundary Treaty (1846)- -Agreement between the U.S. and Britain setting the
49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and Canada in the Oregon Territory.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)- -Ended the Mexican-American War; Mexico
ceded California and much of the Southwest to the U.S., solidifying U.S. territorial
expansion.
Gadsden Purchase (1853)- -The U.S. purchased land from Mexico to facilitate the
construction of a southern transcontinental railroad.
Pony Express (1860-1861)- -A mail service using horseback riders that connected the
eastern U.S. with California, improving communication across the country.
Wilmot Proviso (1846)- -A proposed law to ban slavery in territories acquired from
Mexico; it heightened sectional tensions but failed to pass
Lincoln’s Spot Resolutions (1846)- -Abraham Lincoln's demand for President Polk to
specify the exact location where American blood was shed, questioning the justification for
the Mexican-American War.
Free Soil Party (1848)- -A political party opposing the expansion of slavery into
western territories, emphasizing "free soil, free speech, free labor, and free men."
