Unit 8 Study Guide
Westward Expansion and
Causes of the Civil War
Westward Expansion:
1. Which land was annexed by the U.S. and initiated the
Mexican American War?
2. Why did we take the trail to Oregon Country?
3. Explain how the Gold Rush was a “pull factor” for
Westward Expansion:
4. Who moved to Utah? Why?
5. Why was the Gadsden Purchase important?
6. How did the Transcontinental Railroad impact population
and migration in the Western territories?
7. Define Manifest Destiny:
Hi, I am President Polk. I am famous for:

My Campaign Slogan:

Major conflict during my Presidency:

What excuse did I use to justify our involvement:
 Your Study Guide is due on: Wed 4/5
at the beginning of class for +5 bonus points
 Your Test is on: Thurs 4/6
 ISN Notebook pages to study: ___________
 Textbook Chapters to study: Ch. 14 & 17
 Study your STAAR Facts!

Motives:
Explain the six reasons for migration to
the Western territories:
Compare and Contrast the different regional economies.
Region
Economic Characteristics
Geographical
Contributing Factors
North
South
West
Sectionalism
1. Explain the term Sectionalism.
2. Explain the significance of Dred Scott v. Sanford
3. Identify the role the following key people played in Sectionalism and the Civil War.

Henry Clay-

John C. Calhoun-

Daniel Webster-

Abraham Lincoln-
Events Leading Up to the Civil War
(Don’t you LOVE your big foldable???)
Explain why the following were causes of the Civil War:
Explanation of Cause
Compromise of 1850
Fugitive Slave Act
Bleeding Kansas
John Brown’s Raid
Abraham Lincoln’s Election in 1860
Direct Result/Reaction
Ultimately
Led to…