Colonial America Quiz

England's first attempt at colonization in the Americas, located off the coast of North Carolina. The colony mysteriously disappeared after its governor returned to England for supplies.

The first successful English colony in America, located in Virginia. It faced hardships like the 'Starving Time' but eventually thrived.

A business venture where multiple investors pool their money to finance a colony or exploration in hopes of profit.

An English explorer and leader who helped save the Jamestown colony by establishing order and enforcing work discipline.

A harsh winter period in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1609-1610, causing high mortality rates due to starvation.

John Rolfe's introduction of tobacco cultivation to Jamestown, which significantly impacted the colony's economy, helping it survive.

A person who agreed to work for a set period of time (usually seven years) in exchange for passage to the colonies or other benefits.

The first representative government in the English colonies in America, established in Virginia.

The first college established in the American colonies, founded for the training of Puritan clergy.

Founder of Rhode Island, seeking religious freedom due to Puritan intolerance.

Originally a Dutch colony focused on fur trade, later taken over by the English.

A Quaker colony emphasizing inner light, religious tolerance, and good relations with Native Americans.

Founded as a buffer colony between Florida and the Carolinas, initially for debtors from Europe.

A system granting land to settlers, often leading to large plantations and slavery.

Massachusetts Bay Puritan who challenged religious authority, resulting in her exile.

A period of mass hysteria and accusations of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.

A form of direct democracy in New England, where community members had a political voice.

The first written constitution in the colonies, establishing a representative government.

England faced internal conflicts which hindered its early colonization efforts, contrasted to Spain and Portugal.

Initial Jamestown settlers struggled due to unsuitability of colonists and lack of initial planning, leading to a perilous start.

Companies that pooled resources to fund colonial ventures. Often the primary financial backers for the establishment of settlements.

Jamestown's success was mainly due to John Smith's leadership and the introduction of a profitable cash crop - tobacco - via John Rolfe.

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individual rights over a God-centered universe.

The belief that kings derive their authority directly from God.

British philosopher whose ideas influenced the American Revolution, notably on natural rights.

John Locke's major work arguing for natural rights and limited government.

A religious revival emphasizing individual faith and religious freedom.

The belief that fate is predetermined from birth (heaven or hell).

War between France and Britain (and their allies) for control of North America.

A boundary set by Britain to limit colonial expansion west after the French and Indian War.

Tax on foreign molasses designed to make colonists buy British sugar.

Tax on legal documents, playing cards, etc. A strongly disliked tax.

A period of British indifference to colonial affairs (1607-1754).

A confrontation between British troops and colonists that ended in the deaths of several colonists.

Colonial protest against British tea taxes, involving dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

Laws passed by Britain to punish Boston after the Boston Tea Party.

1774 meeting of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance against British policies.

A law that determined how territories could become states. It required a population of 60,000 before applying for statehood.

Considered the 'Father of the Constitution' for his key role in drafting it and advocating for a stronger national government.

A meeting initially focused on trade but revealed the need for a stronger national government to address issues like trade and currency.

A rebellion of farmers in Massachusetts protesting debt and unfair taxation, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

A meeting in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, ultimately leading to the creation of the United States Constitution.

Proposed by James Madison, it advocated for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, a strong executive branch, and a national judiciary.

Proposed by William Paterson, it favored a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, aimed at protecting the interests of smaller states.

A compromise that resolved the issue of representation in the legislature, creating a bicameral Congress with the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation.

An agreement that counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation, addressing the issue of slavery in the Constitution.

A compromise that delayed the abolishment of the slave trade for 20 years, satisfying both Southern states who relied on slave labor and Northern states seeking to end slavery.

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government and believed democracy was safer in a large republic.

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and feared a powerful national government, believing democracy was safer in smaller republics.

The first president of the United States, he set important precedents by serving two terms, stepping down peacefully, and establishing key institutions like the cabinet.

Established a three-tiered federal court system with the Supreme Court at the top, laying the foundation for the American judicial branch.

The first Secretary of the Treasury, he implemented policies to stabilize the nation's economy, including a national bank, protective tariffs, and excise taxes.

A political party that believed in a strong central government, strong foreign policy, and was supported by northeastern merchants.

A political party that favored a weaker central government, state power, and was supported by farmers and artisans in the South and West.

The belief that the government should only have powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.

The purchase of a vast territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the United States.

A conflict between two nations without an official declaration of war.

The belief that states could declare federal laws unconstitutional and void within their borders.

The first time in US history that a political party peacefully transferred power to another.

An amendment to the Constitution that separates the presidential and vice-presidential elections.

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

The landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

French leader who sold the Louisiana Territory to the U.S., fearful of a war with Britain.

Members of Congress who favored going to war with Britain in 1812.

A war between the United States and Great Britain, partly over impressment of American sailors.

A plan to promote national economic development, featuring tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

A decisive US victory against the British, even though the war was already over.

President Andrew Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the United States, believing it was unconstitutional and served the elite rather than the common man. He vetoed its recharter, leading to its demise and contributing to the Panic of 1837.

A tax on imported goods, designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Northern industries favored it, while the South opposed it, arguing it raised prices for imported goods and hurt Southern trade.

A heated dispute over states' rights, specifically South Carolina's threat to nullify the 1828 Tariff Act, arguing it violated states' rights and harmed the Southern economy.

A measure that reduced tariffs gradually over a nine-year period, easing tensions between the North and South and preventing a potential civil war.

A prominent South Carolina politician who championed nullification and states' rights, ultimately resigning as vice president to support his cause.

An essay written by John C. Calhoun arguing for nullification and states' rights. It was a powerful statement against federal authority.

Jackson's practice of replacing government officials with his supporters, regardless of their experience or qualifications. Critics saw it as corrupt and detrimental to good governance.

Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a machine that rapidly separated cotton fibers from seeds, making cotton production more efficient. This also made slavery more profitable and widespread.

John Deere invented a plow made of iron, which was stronger and more efficient than wooden plows, helping farmers to cultivate land more easily.

Cyrus McCormick invented a machine that harvested grain much faster than manual labor, revolutionizing agriculture and helping to open up Western lands.

A major road built by the federal government, connecting the East Coast to the West, facilitating trade and westward expansion.

Invented by Robert Fulton, the steamboat revolutionized water transportation, making travel upriver faster and more efficient, contributing to the growth of trade and westward expansion.

Samuel Slater brought textile factory technology from England to the United States, establishing the first successful textile mills, stimulating industrial growth.

The cottage stage involved individuals producing goods at home, while the factory stage shifted production to large factories with specialized machines and workers, ushering in the Industrial Revolution.

A textile factory in Lowell, Massachusetts, that employed young women from rural areas, offering them new opportunities for work and independence.

Treaty signed between the US and Spain in 1795, granting the US access to the Port of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Spain feared a US alliance with Britain and sought to prevent conflict.

George Washington's speech urging the US to avoid forming permanent alliances with foreign nations, to refrain from forming political parties, and to reject regional divisions.

Diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes and a loan from US diplomats before discussing grievances, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.

Laws passed by President Adams' administration to restrict immigration and suppress criticism of the government, violating freedom of speech and raising concerns about civil liberties.

Statements by Jefferson and Madison challenging the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts, arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws that they deemed unconstitutional.

The first governing document of the US, adopted during the Revolutionary War, had some successes, including establishing land ordinances for westward expansion and supporting religious freedom and education.

Experienced problems such as a weak central government with limited powers to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws, leading to instability and economic struggles.

Meeting called by Madison to address issues with trade and navigation under the Articles of Confederation, ultimately leading to the call for a Constitutional Convention to address systemic problems.

Concerns about excessive power granted to the federal government, potential for tyranny, lack of a bill of rights to protect individual freedoms, and concerns about a strong national army.

A series of essays published during the ratification debate, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, advocating for the adoption of the Constitution.

Antifederalists argued that a Bill of Rights was crucial to safeguard individual rights and prevent government overreach, especially in the absence of clear protections.

Hamilton aimed to strengthen the national economy through measures like tariffs, establishing a National Bank, assuming state debts, and promoting domestic manufacturing, aiming to create a stronger financial system.

The treaty that officially ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.

A period of American history (1815-1824) characterized by a sense of unity and national pride following the War of 1812.

A political agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power between slave and free states in the U.S. Senate.

A treaty between the United States and Spain in 1819 that ceded Florida to the United States.

A U.S. foreign policy statement issued by President James Monroe in 1823, declaring that European powers could no longer colonize or interfere with the affairs of independent nations in the Americas.

President Andrew Jackson's veto of a bill that would have funded a road in Kentucky, establishing a new precedent for presidential vetoes.

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to territories west of the Mississippi River.

The forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands east of the Mississippi River to territories west of the river, resulting in hardship and death.

A political conflict during Andrew Jackson's presidency surrounding the renewal of the charter for the Second Bank of the United States.

President of the United States from 1825 to 1829. Served as Secretary of State under James Monroe.

President of the United States from 1829 to 1837, known for his military career and policies popular with the 'common man.'

An informal group of advisors to President Andrew Jackson who met in the White House kitchen.

A prominent American statesman known for his role in resolving political conflicts and his support for economic development.

Horace Mann believed education could break the cycle of poverty. He implemented changes like a six-month school year, teacher training, and a state board of education in Massachusetts.

This group aimed to reduce alcohol consumption, but divided over the issue. Some wanted complete prohibition, while others focused on only hard liquor.

Dix worked to improve the conditions of mental asylums by advocating for state-funded support which led to better care and regulation.

Stanton, inspired by witnessing inequalities at an abolitionist convention, organized the Seneca Falls Convention, advocating for women's rights and drafting the Declaration of Sentiments.

Similar to Stanton, Mott was also present at the abolitionist convention and became a key figure in the women's rights movement, co-founding the Seneca Falls Convention.

Advocating for the end of slavery, this group proposed sending enslaved people 'back to Africa' as a solution.

A radical abolitionist who wanted immediate emancipation without compensation for slave owners. He burned a copy of the Constitution to show his opposition.

A former slave who became a powerful abolitionist speaker and editor of The North Star. He proved that enslaved people could be educated and contribute to society.

Romantics emphasized emotion in their writing, focusing on personal feelings and experiences.

Transcendentalists valued nature and simplicity, advocating for a rejection of materialism and embracing spiritual experiences.

This religious revival spread across the nation, leading to new denominations, a shift from predestination to free will, and greater belief in reforming society.

In this period, women lacked many basic rights: they couldn't vote, divorce easily, own their children in a divorce, access education, or work in many professions.

Women involved in the movement were inspired by their experiences in the Abolitionist Movement, realizing they couldn't fight for others' rights without their own.

The most controversial demand in the women's movement was the right to vote, a right that was not granted until the 20th century.

A Union strategy to defeat the Confederacy by blockading Southern ports, gaining control of the Mississippi River, waging total war, and taking the Confederate capital.

A presidential decree issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared slaves in Confederate states to be free. It did not immediately free slaves but aimed to weaken the Confederacy.

A short but powerful speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of a national cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1863. It redefined the Civil War as a fight to preserve the Union and its principles of liberty.

The period following the Civil War (1865-1877) during which efforts were made to rebuild the South, reintegrate Confederate states into the Union, and define the rights of formerly enslaved people.

President Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction, which stated that a Confederate state could be readmitted to the Union when 10% of its 1860 voters swore allegiance to the United States.

A federal agency established during Reconstruction to help former slaves transition to freedom. It provided food, clothing, education, and legal aid.

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery in the United States.

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing citizenship rights and due process of law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing the right to vote to all male citizens regardless of race.

Laws passed by Congress in 1867 that divided the former Confederate states into five military districts, imposed military rule, and set conditions for readmission to the Union.

John Tyler became president after William Henry Harrison died, marking the first time a vice-president assumed the presidency due to the death of the president.

The belief that the United States had a God-given right and duty to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean.

Americans sought fertile land, feared British encroachment, desired Pacific ports for trade, and aimed for national greatness.

President Andrew Jackson hesitated to annex Texas, fearing a war with Mexico.

President Polk sent Zachary Taylor to a disputed territory, hoping to provoke Mexico into firing first and thus justifying a war.

The war against Mexico was difficult due to a small troop size, disease outbreaks, harsh terrain, and fighting against the civilian population.

The war strained relations with Latin America, boosted U.S. global standing, and fueled debate over slavery in acquired territories.

Northerners advocated for free territories, believing Congress should prohibit slavery in new lands.

Southerners argued that slavery could not be outlawed in new territories based on the 5th Amendment, considering slaves as property.

The idea that residents of a territory should decide whether it would be a free or slave state.

A major ironworks factory in Richmond, Virginia, representing the South's limited industrial capacity (only 22% of national industry).

Southern landowners who possessed 20 or more slaves, representing a small but powerful elite.

Small farmers who made up a majority of the Southern population, often working the land themselves and supporting slavery.

A radical abolitionist's attempt to incite slave revolts by seizing a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

A law that allowed for the creation of the Kansas and Nebraska territories and allowed for popular sovereignty on the issue of slavery, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise.

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that enslaved people were not citizens and had no right to sue in federal court. It also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, effectively expanding slavery into new territories.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during the Dred Scott case. His ruling in the case fueled tensions between the North and South, contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War.

The group of Southern states that seceded from the Union after Lincoln's election. They formed a separate nation, with Jefferson Davis as their president.

The president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. He led the South in its fight for independence from the Union.

A Union fort located in Charleston, South Carolina. Confederate forces fired on the fort, marking the official start of the Civil War.

A Confederate general considered by many to be one of the best military commanders of the Civil War. He led the Army of Northern Virginia and fought against Ulysses S. Grant. Eventually, he surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse.

A Union general who played a crucial role in the Union's victory. He eventually became the general commanding the Union Army, forcing Lee to surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

A major battle in the Civil War where the Union forces defeated a Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania. This decisive victory marked a turning point in the war.

A military strategy employed by Union General William T. Sherman, focusing on targeting civilian populations and resources to hasten the end of the war.

The site where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, marking the end of the Civil War.

Colonial militia groups ready to fight at a moment's notice, known for their quick response to British threats.

A colonial organization that promoted boycotting British goods, aiming to hurt the British economy and gain leverage in disputes.

Colonial engraver and minuteman who created the iconic 'Boston Massacre' engraving, spreading awareness of the event and fueling colonial anger.

Gathering of colonial delegates in Philadelphia, known for declaring independence, appointing George Washington as the leader of the Continental Army, and drafting the Olive Branch Petition.

A last-ditch attempt by the colonists to appease King George III, seeking reconciliation but ultimately failing to prevent the Revolution.

A formal document declaring the 13 American colonies independent from British rule, written by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by John Locke's ideas.

Author of the Declaration of Independence, known for his belief in individual rights and self-government.

The first major battle of the Revolution, resulting in a colonial loss despite fierce resistance, showcasing the colonists' potential.

A decisive colonial victory where Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night and captured British troops, boosting colonial morale.

A crucial colonial victory that convinced the French to ally with the Americans, turning the tide of the war in their favor.

A harsh winter encampment for the Continental Army, a symbol of their resilience and loyalty to the cause, despite hardship.

The last major battle of the American Revolution, ending with Cornwallis' surrender and the defeat of the British.

British commander who faced defeat at Yorktown, his surrender marking a significant turning point in the war.

Emphasized natural rights (life, liberty, and property), the social contract, and the right to revolution against tyrannical governments.

The first form of government established by the newly independent colonies, characterized by weak central authority and strong state power.