American History Quiz: Colonial Era Insights

A brutal journey across the Atlantic Ocean that transported enslaved Africans to the Americas. It was characterized by inhumane conditions, disease, and a high mortality rate.

This rebellion in 1739 was a significant uprising by enslaved Africans in South Carolina who fought for their freedom. It was one of the largest slave rebellions in colonial America.

A religious movement that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, emphasizing a personal and emotional relationship with God. It challenged traditional religious authority and promoted a more egalitarian approach to faith.

A powerful sermon delivered by Jonathan Edwards, a prominent figure of the Great Awakening. It vividly described the dangers of sin and the wrath of God, urging listeners to turn away from their wicked ways.

These two regions — New England and the Chesapeake — evolved into distinctive societies due to factors such as their geography, economic activities, and social structures.

A system of forced labor where Spanish landowners were granted rights to Native American labor in exchange for promises of Christianization. It was established in the Americas by the Spanish Crown.

A group of religious missionaries who attempted to convert Native Americans to Christianity, particularly in Canada and areas west of the Appalachians.

A period of severe famine and hardship faced by the early English settlers of Jamestown, Virginia, during the winter of 1609. Food shortages and harsh conditions led to widespread starvation and death.

A document signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a civil government with the authority to enact laws. This was a crucial step towards self-governance in Plymouth Colony.

A document established in 1635 by the Connecticut Colony. It created a representative government of “substantial citizens,” and is considered the first written constitution in America.

A system of labor where individuals worked for a set period of time in exchange for passage to the colonies. They were more numerous than slaves until after Bacon's Rebellion in 1676.

A rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon in 1676, protesting against the Virginia government's policies towards Native Americans and the lack of protection offered to settlers.

The forced migration and enslavement of Africans in the Americas, which played a significant role in the development and economy of the colonies, particularly in the Southern colonies.

A group of people who share a common goal or purpose, especially in a social or political context.

The idea that society should be structured in a hierarchical way, with different groups of people having different levels of power and status.

A religious movement that emphasizes the importance of personal piety and strict adherence to the Bible.

An organized group of people who invest money in a venture to make a profit.

A colony that was founded primarily for religious reasons, like the Massachusetts Bay Colony which Winthrop led, and valued personal piety and obedience to God.

A colony that was founded primarily for economic reasons, like the Virginia Colony, and valued wealth and profit.

The conflict between the wealthy elites (planters, landholders) and the poor (indentured servants), highlighting the social tensions and inequalities that arose in colonies.

A colony in which there are a few families, but mostly single men seeking economic opportunities, often leading to instability and social issues.

General Braddock led a British force against the French at Fort Duquesne in 1755, but was ambushed and defeated. The British suffered heavy casualties and Braddock died from his wounds.

The French often traded and lived alongside Native Americans, building positive relationships that led many tribes to support them during the war.

The Iroquois Confederacy, initially neutral, eventually allied with the British in 1758.

British Prime Minister William Pitt focused on conquering Canada, leading to British victories at Louisbourg, Quebec, and Montreal, ending French power in North America by 1760.

Britain's victory in the French and Indian War resulted in the acquisition of French Canada and Spanish Florida.

The British viewed the colonial military effort as poorly trained and undisciplined, criticizing their contribution to the war effort.

Some American colonies refused to contribute troops or money to the British war effort, further straining the relationship between the colonies and Britain.

This refers to the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and culture between the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (the Americas) following Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492.

This system was used by the Spanish in the Americas that granted Spanish conquistadors the right to demand labor and tribute from Native Americans in exchange for converting them to Christianity.

This refers to the various goals and motivations that drove Europeans to explore and conquer the Americas. Their aims ranged from seeking wealth and power to spreading Christianity and establishing colonies.

The British colonies on the Atlantic seaboard developed unique characteristics due to their distinct geography, economies, and social structures. New England colonies, for example, emphasized agriculture, shipbuilding, and the importance of education and religion. The Chesapeake region, in contrast, heavily relied on tobacco plantation agriculture and faced demographic challenges due to disease and a high mortality rate.

Colonists believed they could handle their own defense, while Britain thought they were incapable and unwilling. This shows a gap in understanding.

Britain's earlier policy of ‘salutary neglect’ ended, and they began actively controlling the colonies.

The wars were expensive, pushing King George III and Parliament to raise taxes on colonies to offset the costs.

The American colonies had to bear more of the cost of maintaining the British empire through increased taxes, which led to growing tensions.

The British shift towards more direct control and taxation marked a dramatic change in the relationship between Britain and America. It set the stage for the American Revolution.