American History Quiz: Colonial Era

The Articles of Confederation was the first government established by the newly independent United States, serving as the governing document from 1781 to 1789. It created a weak central government with limited powers, leaving most authority to the individual states.

Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the importance of a favorable balance of trade for a nation, where exports exceed imports, resulting in wealth accumulation. Colonies were expected to benefit the mother country by providing raw materials and buying manufactured goods from them.

The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event in the American Revolution where colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest the unjust Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on the tea trade in the colonies.

Salutary Neglect was a British policy toward its American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. It entailed relaxed enforcement of British laws and regulations, allowing the colonies a degree of self-governance. This policy promoted colonial development and trade but also led to a growing sense of independence among the colonists.

The differences in economic development across the American colonies stemmed primarily from geographic factors, such as climate, soil quality, and access to natural resources. The Mid-Atlantic colonies, with their fertile land and diverse agriculture, prospered in farming. New England, with its rocky soil and harsh winters, focused on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. The Southern colonies relied heavily on plantation agriculture, particularly tobacco and later, cotton, using slave labor.

The first permanent English colony in North America, Jamestown, was established in 1607 with the main goal of financial gain for the investors. They sought to extract wealth from the New World through trade and exploration, hoping to discover valuable resources like gold and silver.

Colonists preferred to settle along seacoasts and rivers for various reasons. Primarily, it facilitated trade and access to markets for exporting goods and importing supplies. Seaports served as crucial centers for commerce, and rivers provided transportation routes and resources.

A Loyalist was a colonist who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution. They opposed independence from Britain and believed in maintaining allegiance to the monarchy. These loyalists often faced persecution and sometimes fled to Canada or Britain.

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning it takes precedence over any state laws. It establishes the framework for American government and outlines the fundamental rights and responsibilities of its citizens.

The three branches of the U.S. government are the executive branch (headed by the President), the legislative branch (Congress), and the judicial branch (the Supreme Court). Each branch has distinct powers to ensure a balance of authority and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law or action of the executive branch unconstitutional. This case established the Court's ability to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws comply with its provisions.

The Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the U.S., showed that President Jefferson was willing to interpret the Constitution more loosely when it served the nation's interests. While he was a strict constructionist (believing in a literal interpretation of the Constitution), he prioritized national expansion in this case.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' depicted the harsh realities of slavery in graphic detail. This novel outraged many Northerners and fueled their anti-slavery sentiment, contributing to the growing tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It fueled westward expansion and justified territorial acquisitions like the Mexican-American War.

The Dred Scott v. Sandford decision stated that slaves were not citizens and had no rights under the Constitution. This ruling further divided the nation and strengthened the pro-slavery South while angering the North, making the Civil War more inevitable.

The Great Compromise resolved the conflict between large and small states during the Constitutional Convention. It created a bicameral (two-house) Congress, with the Senate (equal representation for each state) and the House of Representatives (representation based on population).

The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the Civil War because it represented a major defeat for the Confederacy and ultimately broke their attempt to invade the North. General Robert E. Lee's defeat at Gettysburg made it clear that the Confederates would not be victorious.

At the beginning of the Civil War, President Lincoln's primary goal was to preserve the Union. He emphasized that the war was about keeping the nation together and not primarily about abolishing slavery. He feared that if the Union fell apart, it would set a dangerous precedent.

The 13th Amendment officially abolished slavery in the United States. It was passed by Congress in 1865 and ratified by the states in 1865. This amendment marked a monumental turning point in American history, guaranteeing freedom for all Americans.

Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' was a powerful pamphlet that argued for American independence from Great Britain. It was widely read throughout the colonies and played a crucial role in turning public opinion against British rule. The pamphlet provided a clear, simple message that resonated with many colonists.

Monopolies and trusts were used by big businesses in the late 1800s to eliminate competition and control entire industries. This gave them vast economic power and often led to unfair business practices, such as setting high prices and exploiting workers.

Samuel Gompers and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) improved workers' conditions by advocating for their right to organize unions and bargain collectively with employers. This allowed workers to have a greater say in their wages, working hours, and workplace conditions.

The primary source of labor for building the railroads in the 19th century was Irish and Chinese immigrants. They faced harsh conditions, low wages, and dangerous work, but they played a vital role in connecting the nation.

Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the light bulb, the phonograph, and more. He is considered one of the greatest inventors of the 19th century and his inventions played a major role in revolutionizing everyday life.

Abolitionists opposed the annexation of new western territory because it could result in the expansion of slavery. They feared that admitting new slave-holding states to the Union would strengthen the power of the pro-slavery South and make it more difficult to abolish slavery in the long run.

Ellis Island was the main entry point for most immigrants arriving on the east coast of America. Millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island, where they were processed and inspected before being allowed to enter the country.

The Monroe Doctrine was a statement issued by President James Monroe in 1823. It declared that the United States would resist any attempts by European powers to colonize or interfere with independent nations in the Western Hemisphere. It helped assert American dominance in the region and signaled a shift in international power dynamics.

The temperance movement was a social reform movement that aimed to prohibit the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Advocates believed that alcohol was responsible for various social ills like poverty, crime, and violence, and they sought to eliminate its harmful effects through legal restrictions.

The Erie Canal was a 363-mile canal that connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. It allowed goods and people to travel between the Great Lakes and the East coast much more efficiently, making it a vital artery for trade and transportation, particularly for those living in the Midwest.

Eli Whitney is known for inventing the cotton gin, a machine that greatly sped up the process of removing seeds from cotton, and interchangeable parts, a system of manufacturing where components are standardized and can be easily replaced. These inventions had a profound impact on the development of the American economy.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether they would allow slavery or not. This decision would be made by the residents of those territories through popular sovereignty. This Act proved to be incredibly divisive, fueling the conflict over slavery and contributing to violence in the region.

A phrase used in the Texas War for Independence, it symbolized the Texans' determination to fight for their independence from Mexico. It reflected their willingness to defend their land and their commitment to creating an independent republic.

The Mexican Cession, a result of the Mexican-American War, added a vast territory to the United States. This territory included the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. Oregon, however, was acquired through a separate agreement with Britain.

The Freedmen's Bureau, established by the federal government, was a vital agency aiming to aid former slaves after the Civil War. Its main objective was to provide assistance and education to emancipated slaves, assisting them in transitioning to freedom.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate states were to be freed. This proclamation was a turning point in the Civil War, transforming it into a fight for abolition.

Nativism refers to a political movement advocating for the interests of native-born citizens over immigrants. This movement gained momentum during periods of significant immigration, often leading to anti-immigrant sentiment and discriminatory policies.

The House of Burgesses was the first representative assembly in the American colonies. Established in 1619 in Virginia, it marked a significant step towards self-government and democratic principles in colonial America.

Bacon's Rebellion, a significant uprising in Virginia, led to a shift from indentured servitude to African slavery as the primary labor source. This shift occurred due to various factors, including the growing demand for labor, the availability of enslaved Africans, and the perceived threat posed by free indentured servants.

John Rolfe, a prominent figure in early colonial America, played a crucial role in introducing tobacco cultivation to Jamestown. His successful tobacco plantation transformed Virginia's economy and led to the colony's lasting prosperity.

John Winthrop, a prominent Puritan leader, envisioned the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a shining example of a righteous society. He believed that the colony should serve as a model for other English settlements, demonstrating their dedication to religious principles.

William Penn, a Quaker leader, founded the colony of Pennsylvania based on principles of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. This "Holy Experiment" aimed to create a haven for those seeking religious freedom and a society based on equality and justice.

The Middle Passage constituted the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. It was a brutal and inhumane journey, filled with suffering, disease, and death, marking a significant part of the transatlantic slave trade.

The Navigation Acts, a series of laws enacted by the British Parliament, aimed to restrict colonial trade to benefit Great Britain. These acts were designed to maintain British economic control over the colonies and ensure that colonial trade flowed primarily through England.

The involvement of France in the Revolutionary War, particularly the contributions of the Marquis de Lafayette, significantly boosted the American cause. Lafayette's military experience and political influence helped to strengthen the Continental Army, provide crucial resources, and gain international recognition for the American struggle.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States. It established the boundaries of the new nation, granting the US control over all lands east of the Mississippi River. However, France did not regain control of Louisiana, contrary to some common misconceptions.

The Proclamation Line of 1763 was a policy issued by the British government, which restricted colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It was intended to prevent further conflict with Native American tribes and establish a controlled expansion process for the colonies.

Colonial leaders portrayed the Boston Massacre as a massacre to rally public support against British rule. By highlighting the brutality of the incident, they aimed to evoke public outrage, galvanize support for independence, and persuade the British government to address colonial grievances.

The formation of the Sons of Liberty and the slogan "no taxation without representation" were responses to the Stamp Act. This act imposed taxes on various printed materials in the colonies, sparking widespread resistance and highlighting the colonists' demand for political representation in British Parliament.

Parliamentary sovereignty is a principle that asserts Parliament as the supreme law-making body. It implies that Parliament holds the ultimate authority to legislate on any matter and that its laws cannot be overridden by any other body, including the judiciary.

Lexington and Concord was the site of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. This event marked the beginning of the armed conflict between British troops and American colonists, ultimately leading to the independence of the United States.

Shay's Rebellion, a farmer's uprising in Massachusetts, exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion highlighted the inability of the central government to effectively address economic instability and maintain order, leading to calls for a stronger national government.

The Three-Fifths Compromise, a crucial agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention, determined that enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of representation in Congress and taxation. This compromise ultimately favored Southern states with large slave populations but also sparked debates about the political status of enslaved people.

The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added to safeguard individual liberties and ensure a balance of power between the government and citizens. It enshrined fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, to protect citizens from potential government overreach.

Hamilton's Financial Plan aimed to strengthen the national government's finances, promoting economic stability and national unity. It included key components such as establishing a national bank, assuming state debts, and creating a system for funding the national debt. However, Hamilton's plan did not include establishing a lower court system; that came later with the Judiciary Act of 1789.

In his Farewell Address, President Washington warned against political factions and foreign entanglements. He believed that such divisions could weaken the nation and lead to conflicts with other countries. He also cautioned against forming alliances with foreign powers, advocating for a policy of neutrality in international affairs.

The XYZ Affair involved a diplomatic incident with France. French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats as a condition for negotiating a treaty. This incident led to widespread outrage in the United States, contributing to an anti-French sentiment and a quasi-war between the two countries.

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress, were a series of controversial laws that aimed to suppress dissent and control immigration. These acts allowed the president to deport or imprison non-citizens deemed a threat to national security and made it illegal to criticize the government or its officials.

A system of policies aimed at economic development for the United States, consisting of a national bank for financial stability, a protective tariff to promote American industry, and a nationwide transportation network for better trade.

The Seneca Falls Convention, held in 1848, was a pivotal gathering of women's rights advocates who issued a Declaration of Sentiments calling for equal rights for women, including suffrage, property ownership, and education.

True. Jackson's supporters, known as "spoilsmen," were awarded government positions, solidifying his political power and leading to the concept of "spoils system."

The Nullification Crisis of 1832 was triggered by the South's opposition to the high protective tariffs imposed by the federal government, which they felt disproportionately benefited Northern industries.

Sectionalism refers to the tendency of different regions within a country to focus on their own interests and concerns, often leading to political divisions and conflicts.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced Native American tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi River, resulting in the tragic Trail of Tears, a forced migration that led to significant hardship and loss of life.

The Trail of Tears was a forced migration of Native American tribes westward from their ancestral lands, driven by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The journey was marked by disease, suffering, and death, leaving a lasting legacy of injustice and tragedy.

Abolitionists were individuals and groups who advocated for the complete end of slavery, demanding the freedom and rights of all enslaved people.

The Mexican Cession included California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Oregon is not part of the Mexican Cession.

The Great Compromise, or Connecticut Compromise, combined elements of the Virginia Plan (representation based on population) and the New Jersey Plan (equal representation for each state) to create a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.

Popular sovereignty, a key principle of democracy, emphasizes that the people hold the ultimate power in the government and their consent is crucial for the legitimacy of the government.

Nat Turner's Rebellion, a slave uprising in 1831, led to stricter slave codes and increased fear among white Southerners. The uprising resulted in the deaths of many whites and intensified the debate about slavery.

The issue of slavery was a pivotal factor in the election of 1860, leading to Abraham Lincoln's victory and the subsequent secession of Southern states, triggering the Civil War.

Lincoln's Ten-Percent Plan was a lenient plan for Reconstruction after the Civil War. It aimed to quickly restore the South to the Union by granting amnesty to Confederates who swore loyalty to the United States and allowed states to rejoin the Union if 10% of their voters swore allegiance to the Union.

John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil Company, which became a dominant force in the oil refining industry.

Andrew Carnegie, a leading figure in the steel industry, expanded the manufacturing of steel in the late 19th century, contributing to economic growth and industrialization.

Horizontal Integration is a business strategy where a company expands its operations by acquiring competitors in the same industry, aiming to gain market dominance and potentially establish a monopoly.

Vertical Integration is a strategy where a company controls the different stages of production and distribution of a product, from raw materials to finished goods, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Political machines were influential political organizations in cities that used patronage, favors, and services to gain votes and maintain control. They were known for their corrupt practices but also provided assistance to immigrants and those in need, gaining their support.

Labor unions are organizations that represent the interests of workers, aiming to improve wages, working conditions, and benefits through collective bargaining, strikes, and other forms of protest.

The Populist Party emerged in the late 19th century as a political movement that advocated for farmers' rights, challenging the economic power of banks and corporations.

William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech, delivered at the 1896 Democratic National Convention, advocated for bimetallism, a system that would use both gold and silver as backing for currency, benefiting farmers by increasing the money supply and boosting prices for agricultural products.

The Homestead Act of 1862 offered free land to settlers in the West, encouraging westward expansion and promoting agricultural development.

The Indian Wars were rooted in the desire of European settlers to expand westward, leading to conflicts over land claims, resources, and cultural clashes.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War, granting independence to the United States and setting its borders.

The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a system for surveying and selling western lands, setting aside section 16 of each township for public schools, promoting education in new territories.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a process for governing western territories and admitting new states to the Union, setting guidelines for territorial development and government.