Colonial Economics and Mercantilism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of mercantilism in terms of trade?

To engage in fair trade practices

To establish a balanced economy

To control trade through government policies (correct)

To import more goods than are exported

How did trans-Atlantic trade primarily stimulate the economic development of the colonies?

By fostering competition among colonial industries

By providing a market for cash crops and manufactured goods (correct)

By discouraging the cultivation of raw materials

By limiting agricultural exports to sustain local economies

What were some of the major cash crops cultivated in the southern colonies?

Barley and oats

Potatoes and soybeans

Wheat and corn

Tobacco, rice, and indigo (correct)

What advantage did the geography of the southern colonies provide for agriculture?

Warm climate and fertile soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the initial interactions between the southern colonies and Native Americans?

Cooperation through trade followed by conflict and displacement Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the disadvantages faced by the southern colonies due to their geography?

Diseases like malaria and yellow fever Signup and view all the answers

What role did slave labor play in the economic structure of the southern colonies?

It significantly supported the demand of large plantations Signup and view all the answers

What was the economic impact of mercantilism on the production of goods in the colonies?

It restricted manufacturing to prevent competition Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the forced transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean?

It resulted in the brutal and deadly journey on slave ships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how African culture evolved in the colonies?

It combined elements from African origins and New World influences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Salutary Neglect' refer to?

A British policy of relaxed enforcement of trade regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the House of Burgesses?

It acted as the first democratically-elected legislative body. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Treaty of Paris 1763 affect the British colonies?

It expanded British territory, granting control over French lands. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Proclamation Line of 1763 have on American colonists?

It spurred resentment and desire for self-governance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Stamp Act?

To raise revenue through direct taxation of printed materials. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main accomplishments of the First Continental Congress?

It coordinated a unified response to British policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary idea behind Locke's concept of natural rights?

All individuals have inalienable rights. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the French to support the United States during the Revolution?

To weaken Great Britain, their long-time rival. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Benjamin Franklin and John Adams have during the American Revolution?

Key diplomats to France securing support. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did women contribute to the war effort during the American Revolution?

Managing homefront operations and providing supplies. Signup and view all the answers

How did American Indians generally respond during the Revolutionary War?

Most remained neutral but many sided with the British. Signup and view all the answers

What weakness was found in the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government lacked authority to enforce laws. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

It led to a stronger central government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the separation of powers in the Constitution?

To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Virginia colony established?

for economic gain Signup and view all the answers

What caused the Jamestown settlement to struggle in its early years?

people were too busy looking for gold to grow food Signup and view all the answers

Which New England colonies were founded for religious freedom?

Connecticut Signup and view all the answers

Roger Williams was exiled because he believed in which principle?

separation of church and state Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of tobacco impact Virginia?

it caused a labor shortage that was filled by using slaves Signup and view all the answers

Which crops were introduced to the Americas by African slaves?

Okra and yams Signup and view all the answers

What was the middle passage known for?

the journey slaves took from Africa to America Signup and view all the answers

Which industry was controlled by Rockefeller?

oil Signup and view all the answers

Which type of integration occurs when a company controls all aspects of production from raw materials to sale?

vertical integration Signup and view all the answers

Which union allowed workers of all backgrounds to join regardless of color or skill level?

Knights of Labor Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Pullman Strike?

Workers were stripped of their jobs and blacklisted Signup and view all the answers

Which political party advocated for the direct election of senators and bimetallism?

Populist Party Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

to protect American jobs from competition Signup and view all the answers

What housing type did most immigrants after the Civil War occupy?

tenements Signup and view all the answers

What caused conflict between the Plains Indians and the U.S. government?

destruction of bison herds Signup and view all the answers

Which immigrant groups were primarily responsible for building the transcontinental railroad?

Chinese & Irish Signup and view all the answers

After the Wounded Knee incident, what happened to many Indians?

They were forced onto reservations Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly led to the restriction of colonial westward expansion by the British government?

Proclamation of 1763 Signup and view all the answers

Which group was specifically organized to oppose the financial policies imposed by the British Parliament?

The Sons of Liberty Signup and view all the answers

The Intolerable Acts primarily aimed to punish the colonies for which event?

The Boston Tea Party Signup and view all the answers

Which influential pamphlet did Thomas Paine write to advocate for American independence?

Common Sense Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Declaration of Independence primarily explains the reasoning behind the colonies seeking independence?

Preamble stating the need for independence Signup and view all the answers

What was a major provision of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

Rules for statehood Signup and view all the answers

The 3/5 Compromise was designed to resolve issues regarding what aspect of representation?

Counting slaves for population Signup and view all the answers

Which method did colonists find most effective in resisting British taxation?

Economic boycotts Signup and view all the answers

Which compromise led to the establishment of a bicameral legislature in the United States?

Great Compromise Signup and view all the answers

Who authored the majority of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What action did the U.S. government take following the War of 1812 that demonstrated national pride?

Establishment of the Monroe Doctrine Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome resulted from the Missouri Compromise?

Balance of free and slave states Signup and view all the answers

What legal principle was established in the case of Marbury v. Madison?

Judicial review Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason abolitionists opposed the Mexican War?

Fear of increased slavery Signup and view all the answers

Which group of colonists was responsible for writing letters to discuss responses to British actions?

Committees of Correspondence Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the right of people to vote on the issue of slavery as allowed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

popular sovereignty Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Free Soil Party during its formation?

to stop slavery from spreading into new states/territories Signup and view all the answers

In the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, what did the Supreme Court rule regarding slaves?

slaves were not citizens Signup and view all the answers

Which action did John Brown, an abolitionist, famously undertake?

led a raid on Harper's Ferry to try and arm the slaves Signup and view all the answers

What was Abraham Lincoln's stance on the spread of slavery?

He did not want it to spread Signup and view all the answers

What event was considered the immediate catalyst for Southern secession from the Union?

the election of Abraham Lincoln Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lincoln suspend habeas corpus during the Civil War?

he wanted to silence critics of his policies Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation?

freed slaves in the Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

During which battle did Lincoln decide to issue the Emancipation Proclamation?

Antietam Signup and view all the answers

What does Lincoln mean by "With charity towards all and malice toward none"?

the process for Southern states to re-enter the Union should be easy Signup and view all the answers

What did the 13th amendment achieve?

ended slavery Signup and view all the answers

Why was President Johnson impeached?

He violated the Tenure of Office Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the first national government of America based on?

Articles of Confederation Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the idea that colonies should primarily benefit the mother country?

Mercantilism Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary action taken by colonists to protest the Tea Act?

Boston Tea Party Signup and view all the answers

Which British policy led to the development of colonial representative bodies such as the House of Burgesses?

Salutary Neglect Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that influenced the economic development of the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Southern colonies?

Geographic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of establishing the first permanent English colony in North America?

Financial gain for investors Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a person living in the colonies who opposed going to war with Great Britain?

Loyalist Signup and view all the answers

Which event is credited with persuading the French to openly support the American colonists during their conflict with Britain?

The Battle of Saratoga Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main branches of the U.S. government?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

What document is considered supreme over any state laws in the United States?

the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

two years Signup and view all the answers

Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court's power of what?

judicial review Signup and view all the answers

What did the Louisiana Purchase indicate about President Jefferson's views on the Constitution?

He had to interpret it loosely for the purchase. Signup and view all the answers

How did the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin contribute to the Civil War?

By intensifying Northern views against slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?

To prevent European colonization in the Americas. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery?

13th Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) decision?

It ruled that Congress could not ban slavery in territories. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Abraham Lincoln when the Civil War began?

To preserve the Union. Signup and view all the answers

The Great Compromise led to an agreement that established what kind of legislature?

A two-house Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Which two immigrant groups primarily supplied labor for railroad construction?

Chinese and Irish Signup and view all the answers

Which invention is Thomas Edison credited with creating?

The phonograph Signup and view all the answers

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act allow for regarding slavery?

It allowed settlers to vote on the status of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Indian Removal Act?

Native Americans were forced to leave their ancestral lands Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of the Abolition movement?

End slavery in the United States Signup and view all the answers

What event was a catalyst for the nullification crisis?

Southern opposition to tariffs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes popular sovereignty?

The people have the right to govern themselves Signup and view all the answers

Which principle was incorporated in the Connecticut Compromise?

A bicameral legislature combining population and equal representation Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of Nat Turner's rebellion?

Stricter slave codes were enacted Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the impact of the Mexican Cession?

It increased tensions between the North and South over slavery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Horizontal Integration?

Acquiring competing companies in the same industry Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary aim of labor unions during their formation?

To represent workers’ rights and negotiate for better wages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant outcome of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

It allocated land for public school use Signup and view all the answers

What was the intention behind the Homestead Act?

To provide free land to settlers in the West Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary goal of the Reform movement at Seneca Falls?

Promoting women's rights and suffrage Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Paris in 1783 accomplish?

It defined the borders of the United States as an independent nation Signup and view all the answers

"54, 40 or Fight" primarily refers to which border dispute?

The border dispute with Mexico Signup and view all the answers

The Mexican Cession added all of the following states except which one?

Oregon Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

Providing aid and education to emancipated slaves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the Emancipation Proclamation?

It freed all slaves in the Confederacy. Signup and view all the answers

Nativism can be best defined as which of the following?

A policy of protecting the interests of native-born over immigrants Signup and view all the answers

What does the House of Burgesses represent in American history?

The first representative assembly in the Americas Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Bacon's Rebellion lead to?

A switch from indentured servants to African slaves Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with bringing tobacco to Jamestown?

John Rolfe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes John Winthrop?

A Puritan seeking to create a 'city upon a hill' Signup and view all the answers

What was the Middle Passage primarily associated with?

The transatlantic journey of enslaved Africans Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose behind the Navigation Acts?

To regulate colonial trade for British benefit Signup and view all the answers

The involvement of the French and Marquis de Lafayette in the Revolutionary War primarily led to what?

American troops becoming better trained Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Treaty of Paris 1783?

France regained control of Louisiana Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Parliamentary Sovereignty' imply?

Parliament is the ultimate source of authority Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

US History Final Exam Study Guide 2024-2025

The exam covers Units 1-3, focusing on Colonization through the Constitution.
Review the provided links for detailed unit information.

Mercantilism

Mercantilism is an economic system where a country aims to become wealthy by exporting more goods than it imports.
A country controls trade through government policies to accumulate wealth in the form of gold and silver.
The mother country exports finished products to colonies, and colonies export raw materials to the mother country.
Colonies were often restricted from trading with other colonies, fostering economic dependence.
Mercantilism encouraged the growth of specific industries based on available resources, and offered protection from foreign competition.

Trans-Atlantic Trade

Trans-Atlantic trade involved the exchange of goods, people, and natural resources between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Colonial economies depended on European demand for raw materials, and European markets for goods produced in the colonies (and on enslaved labor).
This interconnected global economy was significantly influenced by trans-Atlantic trade, influencing colonial development within Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Southern Colonies

Southern colonies were established to cultivate cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.
The warm climate and fertile soil were advantageous for large-scale plantation agriculture.
The climate also created a challenging environment, promoting dependence on enslaved African labor due to intensive work.
The intense work of plantations was challenging, increasing susceptibility to diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
Early relations with Indigenous people were marked by some cooperation through trade but ultimately conflicts erupted due to the colonists' land demands.
Southern colonies developed a plantation system, which necessitated larger farms to be profitable, causing a more dispersed population than in the middle and New England colonies.

Middle Passage

The Middle Passage was the forced transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas, and a brutal leg of the Triangular Slave Trade.
Conditions on slave ships were cramped, with high rates of disease and inhumane treatment, leading to a high mortality rate.

African Culture in the Colonies

African culture in the colonies blended diverse African origins with influences from the New World.
Aspects of African culture, like music, food, language, and social practices, were demonstrated through resistance and inventive expression.
These elements impacted life in the Americas in subtle yet profound ways, leaving lasting influences in culture and society.

Salutary Neglect

Salutary Neglect was a British policy of relaxed enforcement of trade laws and regulations on American colonies.
Relaxations in enforcement led colonists to develop independent economic practices.
This policy fostered a sense of relative freedom, contributing to feelings of self-governance, and desires for greater autonomy.
This policy lasted from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century.

House of Burgesses

The House of Burgesses was the first democratically elected legislative body in the British American colonies.

Town Meetings in New England

Town meetings were a form of direct democracy in New England.
Residents participated in deliberation and decision-making on public issues (regarding laws and budgets).

Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

The Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were significant for demonstrating colonial desires to establish self-government based on democratic principles.
The Mayflower Compact represented an early agreement, while the Fundamental Orders emphasized a structured system of government.

Treaty of Paris 1763

The Treaty of Paris 1763 significantly expanded British territory in North America, granting control over all French land east of the Mississippi River.
Effectively ending any immediate military threat from France to British colonies.

Stamp Act

The Stamp Act aimed to increase revenue for the British government by imposing a direct tax on printed materials (like newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards).
This act aroused resentment from colonists who viewed it as unjust taxation without representation.

First Continental Congress

The First Continental Congress aimed to address growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain via protesting British policies, particularly the Intolerable Acts.

Proclamation of 1763

The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial westward expansion by forbidding settlement west of a designated line.
This proclamation angered colonists who felt entitled to the lands they had acquired through conflict.

Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against British Parliament's tax on tea, with colonists expressing opposition under the slogan "No taxation without representation."
Colonists threw chests of tea into Boston Harbor as a symbolic act of protest.

Intolerable Acts

The Intolerable Acts (also known as the Coercive Acts) punished the Massachusetts colony (especially Boston) for the tea party by restricting self-governance and imposing harsh penalties.
These acts deepened resentment in the American colonies, promoting sentiment toward revolution.

Sons and Daughters of Liberty

The Sons and Daughters of Liberty actively protested British policies, specifically unfair taxation (like the Stamp Act).
Their methods included boycotts, demonstrations, and sometimes acts of civil disobedience, highlighting the colonists' desire for representation.

Committees of Correspondence

Committees of Correspondence facilitated communication between different colonies.
These committees shared news, information about British policies and mobilized opposition to those policies, fostering unity among the colonies.

Declaration of Independence Committee

The Declaration of Independence was authored by a committee of five but ultimately Thomas Jefferson wrote the initial draft.

Locke and Montesquieu's Influence

John Locke's concept of natural rights, emphasizing "life, liberty, and property," significantly influenced the Declaration of Independence.
Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers, advocating for distinct branches of government to prevent tyranny, also influenced constitutional structure.

French Support

The French supported the United States in the revolution motivated by a desire to weaken their long-time rival, Great Britain.
Seeing an opportunity to regain lost territory, they aided the colonists.

Diplomatic Roles of Franklin and Adams

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams served as key diplomats to France, securing crucial support for the American cause.

Women's Role in the War Effort

Women managed the homefront, demonstrating strength by producing supplies (clothing and ammunition) and raising funds.
They acted as spies, provided care to soldiers, and participated in boycotts and protests.

American Indians' Role in the War Effort

Most Native American tribes attempted to remain neutral, but many ultimately sided with the British out of concerns about further land loss and westward expansion.

Enslaved and Free Blacks supporting the war effort

Enslaved and Free Blacks supported the war effort as laborers, spies or by petitioning for freedom, and by escaping to British-controlled territories in search of liberty.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

The federal government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to enforce laws, lacking power in crucial spheres, including taxation, commerce, and military functions.
The government's weaknesses hampered the ability to achieve significant success.

Shay's Rebellion's Impact

Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weakness of the federal government in responding to armed uprisings.
This incident prompted prominent figures like George Washington and James Madison to advocate for strengthening the federal government significantly.

Great Compromise

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature with representation in the House based on population and in the Senate by equal numbers for each state.

Separation of Powers in the Constitution

The Constitution features a separation of powers to prevent any single branch of the government from becoming too powerful.
This arrangement is achieved by dividing governmental authority among three distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).

3/5 Compromise

The 3/5 Compromise stated that only three-fifths of a state's enslaved population would be counted when determining its total population for representation in Congress and taxation purposes.

Arguments of Anti-Federalists and Federalists

Anti-Federalists generally supported a weaker national government and were concerned about potentially problematic concentrations of power in a strong executive.
Federalists generally supported a stronger national government and felt that a strong central authority was necessary for effective governance.

Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers were a series of essays encouraging New York delegates to ratify the Constitution.
These essays clearly advocated for a stronger, unified, national government.

Alexander Hamilton's Role

Alexander Hamilton played a significant role in writing the Federalist Papers that presented compelling arguments to support the Constitution's ratification.

James Madison's Role

James Madison co-authored the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.
He played a critical role in shaping the arguments and is often called the "Father of the Constitution".

George Washington's Presidency

George Washington set many important precedents that shaped the Presidency.
His precedents included establishing a cabinet, serving two terms, and establishing a non-partisan, neutral foreign policy based on prudence and avoidance of entanglements in foreign affairs.

Development of Political Parties

Differing interpretations of the Constitution and political policies (such as the role of government, representation) between Hamilton and Jefferson led to the formation of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican political parties.

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

President Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality was an effort to guide the country through European conflicts by avoiding active participation, due to the belief the country was too weak to get embroiled in European conflicts.

Washington's Farewell Address

Washington warned against political factions and sectionalism in his Farewell Address.
He urged Americans to prioritize national unity and avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations in order to foster a stronger, more unified society and to more effectively protect the nation from future threats.

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Description

This quiz explores the economic principles of mercantilism as they relate to the southern colonies. Topics include trade impacts, cash crops, geography advantages, and the role of slave labor. Test your knowledge on how these elements shaped the economic landscape of early America.