Colonization of North America Quiz

Prior to European arrival, Native American societies exhibited a wide variety of organizational structures and practices. They were not a monolithic entity.

The lack of unity between different Native American communities made it easier for Europeans to conquer and control them.

The Europeans utilized their advanced agricultural knowledge to establish successful colonies, as many did not know how to farm efficiently.

European exploration and colonization were driven by various factors, including economic gain, religious conversion, and competition between nations.

Economic prosperity after the Black Death, technological advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, and a thirst for knowledge contributed to the European Age of Exploration.

Spain, motivated by gold, converting natives to Christianity, and providing land for second sons, pursued a violent and exploitative approach.

France, seeking to gain fur trade resources, convert natives, and acquire land, favored a more blended approach with local populations.

England and the Netherlands, driven by overpopulation, religious freedom, and economic opportunities, established permanent settlements in North America, focusing on long-term colonization.

Enslaved individuals who had the ability to read and write in English. Venture Smith provided first-hand accounts of the brutal slave trade, highlighting the horrors of forced removal and the devastating conditions endured by those captured.

A British sea captain who visited a slave ship and was deeply disturbed by the inhumane conditions on board. His observations highlighted the horrific realities of the transatlantic slave trade, exposing the cramped quarters, lack of sanitation, and the exploitation of enslaved individuals for profit.

Religious ministers who denounced the poor behavior of Chesapeake settlers, including excessive drinking, gambling, neglect of familial responsibilities, and mistreatment of workers.

An argument that indentured servants faced even worse physical conditions compared to slaves initially. However, the incentive to keep slaves alive for their long-term labor meant they ultimately endured better treatment over their lifetimes.

A period of increased religious fervor and emotional expression, emphasizing personal experience and a direct relationship with God. It challenged traditional formalistic Christianity, shifting the focus away from rituals and towards individual spiritual engagement.

The belief that those with exceptional intelligence and hard work should be in positions of leadership. This view emphasizes merit and individual ability as central to governing.

The idea that individual self-interest, pursued ethically, guides society towards prosperity. This version of republicanism advocates for minimal government interference, allowing the free market to regulate itself.

A form of republicanism that calls for active government involvement in society to improve outcomes for citizens. This approach emphasizes social responsibility and a proactive role for the government in promoting the common good.

A period of relative British inaction toward colonial affairs, allowing colonists to develop their own institutions and political philosophies. This policy indirectly contributed to growing differences between the colonies and the motherland.

The belief that colonial assemblies should have representation in the British Parliament. This idea challenged the notion of taxation without representation, sparking a central point of contention with the British government.

The colonial response to British policies, particularly the Stamp Act, arguing that their rights as British citizens were violated. They believed they should not be subjected to taxation without consent or representation in Parliament.

A declaration by the British Parliament asserting its right to legislate for the colonies in all matters, including taxation, regardless of colonial consent. This act further fueled tensions and underscored the growing gap between British and colonial perspectives.

Colonial resistance to British policies, particularly the Townshend Acts, involving a boycott of imported British goods. This act of non-compliance highlighted the growing resolve of the colonists to oppose British policies.

A clash between British soldiers and colonists in Boston, Massachusetts, where soldiers fired upon a crowd of protesters, killing several. The event deepened tensions and served as a propaganda tool for the growing anti-British sentiment.

A network of communication established by Samuel Adams to facilitate communication and coordination among colonists. Key to mobilizing patriot efforts, it disseminated information and strategies to resist British rule.

Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution. They opposed independence and wanted America to stay under British rule.

Patriots were colonists who supported the American Revolution and fought for independence from British rule. They believed in self-governance and creating a new nation free from British control.

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States. It established a weak central government and gave most power to the individual states. This created disagreements and challenges in governing the newly formed nation.

The 2nd Continental Congress was a gathering of representatives from the American colonies. They declared independence from Britain, drafted the Articles of Confederation, and acted as the government during the Revolutionary War.

The Coercive Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament to punish the colonists for their resistance. These included the Boston Port Act, which closed Boston Harbor, and the Quartering Act, which required colonists to house British soldiers.

The Quebec Act was a law passed by the British Parliament that granted French Canadians religious freedom and allowed them to keep their laws. This angered many colonists who saw it as granting special rights to Catholics and encroaching on colonial territory.

Historian Bernard Bailyn argued that Massachusetts was democratic because land ownership was relatively attainable for anyone willing to work. He believed that based on tax records, wealth distribution was fair and the social hierarchy was not overly rigid.

Historian Charles Sydnor argued that Virginia was not truly democratic despite the increase in eligible voters. He believed that the ruling elite, a small number of wealthy families, controlled government and power. He pointed to tactics like bribery and voting in multiple locations to illustrate the limitations of democracy.

Historian John Demos argued that the colonies saw themselves as a small part of the British monarchy. He highlighted that after George III's death, many colonists mourned and expressed affection, suggesting a deep sense of attachment to the British system even during the Revolution.

The Stamp Act was a British law that imposed a tax on printed materials in the colonies. The colonists protested against the tax, arguing that it was taxation without representation, as they had no elected representatives in the British Parliament.

A system where settlers were granted 50 acres of land for each person they brought to the colony. It was a key motivation for settling in Chesapeake colonies, particularly Virginia.

A central government that has overall power, often with control over various state or regional governments.

The primary crop in the Chesapeake colonies, especially Virginia. It was a lucrative cash crop that greatly shaped the region's economy and society.

The ability of a government to impose taxes on its citizens to fund its operations.

The right of a government to make laws that affect people, including regulations and rules.

The dominant religious group in the Chesapeake colonies (Maryland and Virginia). Established by the English Crown, it was a more moderate form of Protestantism.

A system where a government has the authority to enforce its laws and maintain order within its territory.

The dominant religious group in New England colonies. They believed in strict moral rules and the importance of church membership in order to participate in society.

The right of citizens to be protected from being imprisoned without a valid legal reason.

A system of self-governance adopted by many New England colonies. It combined church and state under a single authority, with strict adherence to religious doctrine.

A law that punishes someone for a crime committed before the law was passed.

The primary economic activities in New England colonies, focusing on farming for personal use and selling surplus goods. This often involved trading with Native Americans.

These colonies were established by Charles II as a reward for those who supported the monarchy during the English Civil War. Included New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Jamaica.

Powers specifically listed and granted to the national government in the Constitution.

Powers that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are implied from the expressed powers.

The economic foundation of Pennsylvania. This provided the basis for a thriving agricultural economy.

The primary economic activity in New York, combining farming with the trade of valuable furs, primarily with Native Americans.

Powers essential for any government to function effectively, even if not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Powers reserved for the states that are not delegated to the national government.

This rebellion, led by Nathaniel Bacon in 1676, challenged the colonial government in Virginia. It exposed tensions between settlers, Native Americans, and the elite.

This event in 1692 in Massachusetts involved accusations of witchcraft, leading to trials and executions. It reflected the Puritan culture's emphasis on religious purity and the fear of the unknown.

Powers shared by both the national government and state governments.

A system of labor based on forced servitude, primarily of African people. It became increasingly important throughout the British colonies.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, providing basic rights to citizens.

Though not as reliant on enslaved labor as Southern colonies, New England colonies still participated in the Atlantic slave trade. Some enslaved people worked in households, on small farms, or in maritime industries.

A political philosophy that favors a strong central government with increased economic power and regulation.

One of the key factors that influenced the development of slavery in the colonies. As Native American populations declined, the need for labor increased, and African slaves offered a readily available workforce.

A political philosophy that favors a weaker central government and limited power.

An agreement or practice that becomes a standard or tradition for future behavior.

The observation that the success of the slave system in the Caribbean encouraged its adoption in other colonies. This highlights the power of regional economic models.

This region, which became a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade, played a key role in the transatlantic system of enslavement. This economic activity significantly impacted the lives of enslaved people and contributed to the growth of slavery across the colonies.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits a president to serve two terms, or a total of ten years. This was a response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four consecutive terms.

The President's Cabinet is comprised of the heads of the executive branch departments. They advise the president and help execute laws.

The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal court system, defining its structure and jurisdiction. This set the foundation for the judicial branch of the U.S. government.

Patrick Henry was a prominent figure in the American Revolution. He favored strong state governments and opposed a powerful central authority, believing it could become tyrannical.

Madison believed that a strong central government was essential for economic unity and international standing. He argued that the U.S. needed to resolve its war debt to gain credibility and a strong economy.

Madison believed that a strong central government could prevent the formation of powerful political factions that could potentially threaten the stability of the nation.

Alexander Hamilton was a strong advocate for a robust central government. He believed a strong national government was necessary to foster economic growth, trade, and modernization.

Laws passed in the early years of the United States often enshrined racial and sex discrimination. These laws were used to limit the rights of women and African Americans, particularly in areas like voting.

Sectionalism refers to the prioritization of a region's interests over the interests of the nation as a whole. This conflict emerged as the United States grappled with the issue of slavery.

The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney revolutionized cotton production, leading to a surge in demand for enslaved labor. This forced migration of enslaved people further south and west, intensifying the problem of slavery.

The continued expansion of the United States westward put pressure on Native American lands. This expansionist policy often resulted in the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes.

The U.S. government, driven by a belief in private property, attempted to impose this concept on Native American communities, who often held different views about land ownership.

Judicial review grants the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws deemed unconstitutional. This principle was established by the Marbury v. Madison case in 1803, significantly shaping the balance of power within the government.

The Louisiana Purchase was a significant land acquisition from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States. This purchase provided valuable access to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans.

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, sparked by British interference with American shipping and impressment of American sailors. The war helped to establish the United States as a legitimate world power.

The Hartford Convention was a meeting of Federalist Party leaders during the War of 1812. They expressed concerns about the war's impact on New England and even discussed secession from the United States.

A policy where the US would not intervene in European affairs, and Europe would not interfere in the Western Hemisphere. It was an attempt to avoid entangling alliances.

A period in US history where the Federalist Party disappeared, leaving only the Democratic-Republican Party. This led to a sense of national unity and harmony.

The split of the Democratic-Republican Party into Democrats and National Republicans, primarily due to conflicts over policies and Andrew Jackson's presidential ambitions.

A political party formed in the 1830s that opposed the policies of Andrew Jackson. It combined members of the Anti-Masons, Federalists, and National Republicans.

The growing differences in perspectives and priorities between the North and South, especially concerning issues like slavery, tariffs, and federal power.

A major political issue that divided the nation during the early 1800s. The North generally supported the expansion of industry through tariffs, while the South opposed them due to their impact on consumer prices.

A period of religious revivalism in the US during the early 1800s. It focused on individual salvation and social reform, leading to the rise of new Protestant denominations.

A belief that it was God's will for the US to expand its territory across North America. This concept justified westward expansion and fueled tensions with Mexico.

The US war with Mexico triggered by territorial disputes in Texas and California. It resulted in a massive territorial gain for the US, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

A proposal to ban slavery in any new territory acquired from Mexico. It was highly controversial and sparked intense debate about the expansion of slavery.

A series of compromises reached in 1850 that aimed at resolving the issue of slavery and maintaining peace between the North and South. It temporarily eased tensions but ultimately proved unsuccessful.

A federal law passed as part of the Compromise of 1850 that required free states to return escaped slaves to their owners. It was a major source of conflict and contributed to the growing divide between the North and South.

A group of religious reformers who emphasized communal living and religious devotion, often rejecting traditional social norms and structures. They sought to create an ideal community based on their beliefs.

A women's movement that emerged in the 1800s, driven by religious activism and a desire to improve the lives of women. It focused on issues like education, property rights, and temperance.

A movement that sought to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, arguing that it led to social problems and personal ruin. It was led primarily by women who saw alcohol abuse as a threat to families and communities.