2B#1 Geography & Trails

Benchmark 2-B

Explain the physical and human characteristics of places and use this knowledge to define regions, their relationships with other regions, and their patterns of change.

#1 & #4 Standards with Test Specifications:

1. Select and explore a region by its distinguishing characteristics.

4. Describe geographically-based pathways of inter-regional interaction (i.e., the Camino Real’s role in establishing a major trade and communication route in the new world, the significance of waterways).

Specifications:

● Distinguish physical and human characteristics of the American Southwest.

● Describe the impact of the development of the Camino Real in the New World, the Santa Fe Trail and trade with the United States and the Butterfield Overland Trail in bringing people and information to New Mexico Territory.

Sample Question: Geography.II.2-B.4

Which trade route do historians recognize as the first major communication route between the colonists in northern New Mexico and Mexico City?

A. The Santa Fe Trail

B. The Old Spanish Trail

C. The Camino Real Trail*

D. The Butterfield Overland Trail

#3 Standard with Test Specifications:

Explain the significance of trails and trade routes within the region (e.g., Spanish Trail, Camino Real, Santa Fe Trail).

Specifications:

● Focus on the purpose of trade routes (specifically the Camino Real as a link between Santa Fe and Mexico City, Santa Fe and Missouri and the Butterfield Overland Trail)

● Understand how trade routes help to end New Mexico’s isolation

Sample Question:

Why was the Butterfield Overland Trail so significant in New Mexico Territory?

A. It was an important trade route to Missouri.

B. It was the only stagecoach trail in New Mexico.

C. It allowed for peace treaties to be signed between indigenous cultures.

D. It brought passengers and mail which allowed New Mexico to be less isolated. *

#3 Standard with Test Specifications:

Explain the accessibility to the New Mexico territory via the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad, conflicts with indigenous peoples, and the resulting development of New Mexico.

Specifications:

●Identify the positive and negative impacts that the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad had on the development of New Mexico and its effects on indigenous people

Sample Question:

Read the passage and then answer the question below:

"Becknell’s party kept traveling further west. They did not realize how far they had gone until they met a band of New Mexican soldiers. Becknell worried he was in trouble for violating trade laws and expected the worst. But instead of arresting him, the governor and people of New Mexico welcomed him into Santa Fe! New Mexicans wanted foreign goods now that they were free to purchase them. They especially wanted goods they could not make themselves. They quickly bought everything Becknell had not already sold to the Indians."

Source: The New Mexico Journey Textbook, p. 113; Gibbs M Smith (Publisher). https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/97645250/NM7_Chapter_04.pdf

Based on the passage, how did New Mexicans likely respond to Becknell’s advance into the area?

A. New Mexicans considered Becknell an outsider.

B. New Mexicans feared that the Americans would try to take their land.

C. Becknell was welcomed because he brought many desired items. *

D. Becknell was unsuccessful and chose to leave immediately.