U.S. History : History from 1801-1848

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for U.S. History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : History From 1801 1848

The Bureau of Indian Affairs was formed in what year and as a division of what department? 

Possible Answers:

1955 . . . Education

1824 . . . War

1824 . . . Health

1955 . . . Health

Correct answer:

1824 . . . War

Explanation:

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (initially named the Office of Indian Affairs) was created (without congressional approval) in 1824, and was under the purview of the Secretary of War. While the Bureau has (ineffectually) tried to transition into a more progressive agency focused on providing healthcare to disempowered indigenous communities, it was initially, and for the vast majority of its history) an extremely insensitive institution focused on forcing assimilation on Native American communities.

Example Question #1 : Identity, Ideas, Beliefs, And Culture

Who was the first active president to publicly espouse views in line with the idea of Manifest Destiny?

Possible Answers:

Martin Van Buren

John Quincy Adams

George Washington

Andrew Jackson

Correct answer:

Andrew Jackson

Explanation:

Andrew Jackson, as evidenced by his horrifying Indian Removal Policy, was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the (highly ontologically and ethically suspect) doctrine of Manifest Destiny. Van Buren succeeded Jackson as president, and John Quincy Adams preceded him. The notion of Manifest Destiny had not come into the popular imagination during Washington's presidency.

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