Early American History Quiz

An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided the newly discovered lands in the Americas between them. It aimed to prevent conflicts and ensure that each country controlled specific territories.

The first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607. It was initially intended to find gold and silver but struggled to survive due to hardships.

Established in 1620 by English Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. This was one of the earlier settlements in North America.

A larger group of English Puritans founded this colony in 1630, led by John Winthrop. It was known for its religious conformity and strict social structure.

A widespread religious revival in the British American colonies during the 18th century. It emphasized personal conviction and repentance, leading to the growth of different denominations.

An intellectual and cultural movement emphasizing reason, science, and observation. It encouraged individuals to critically examine the world and seek truth.

The influential leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for his sermon 'City Upon a Hill', which called for the colony to be a model society for others to follow.

A protest in 1773 by American colonists against British taxation policies. Colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped British tea into the Boston harbor.

A document signed by 41 men aboard the Mayflower, establishing self-governance for the Plymouth Colony. It aimed to ensure unity and safety as they built a new settlement.

A 1765 law imposed by Britain requiring colonists to purchase stamps for printed materials. It angered Americans as it was a tax levied without their consent.

A 1764 British law aimed to increase revenue by imposing taxes on sugar, molasses, and other goods. It imposed strict trade laws and customs.

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence. It argued for a self-governed republic free from British rule.

A document adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies independent from Great Britain. It was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson and justified the pursuit of liberty.

A British law designed to quell tea smuggling and raise revenue. It increased the price of tea while imposing a tax, leading to further colonial unrest.

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party. They punished the colonists with actions like closing Boston Harbor and restricting self-governance.

A violent clash between British soldiers and colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. Colonists taunted the soldiers, leading to one soldier firing and a deadly escalation.

The first major battle of the American Revolution, fought in Massachusetts in June 1775. American patriots were defeated by the British, but their resilience proved their determination.

It was a document signed by 41 men aboard the Mayflower, establishing self-governance for the Plymouth Colony. It aimed to ensure unity and safety as they built a new settlement.

A group of colonists who resisted the Stamp Act through various methods, including boycotts, vandalism, and violence. They played a significant role in the fight for American independence.

The first battle of the American Revolution where Massachusetts militia clashed with British troops. This event marked the start of the war for independence.

A battle where colonial militias, despite losing, showed their ability to withstand the British. This victory boosted the morale of the colonists.

A political ideology based on virtues of citizens and civic engagement, where citizens elect their leaders. Heavily influenced by the Roman Republic and gave power to property holders.

A crucial event where General Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on Hessian forces in Trenton. This victory boosted American morale.

A rebellion led by Daniel Shay in 1786, caused by economic hardships faced by farmers and Revolutionary War veterans, who demanded debt forgiveness.

A significant victory for the American Continental Army against the British in 1777, which convinced France to formally recognize the United States and provide military support, ultimately contributing to the American Revolution's success.

The decisive final battle of the American Revolution in 1781, resulting in the surrender of British forces under General Cornwallis and securing American independence.

The first government document establishing the United States as a confederation of states, adopted in 1777. It lacked a strong central authority and had limited powers, ultimately proving ineffective in governing the newly formed nation.

A group of Scottish-Irish settlers in Pennsylvania who violently attacked Native Americans in 1763, fueled by tensions over land and protection from Native American raids.

A law passed by the United States Congress that facilitated the sale of Western lands, encouraging westward expansion. This contributed to speculation in land markets.

A pivotal exploration led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806, which aimed to chart the Louisiana Purchase territory, study its geography, and establish trade relations with Native American tribes.

Two opposing factions during the debate over the ratification of the United States Constitution in the late 18th century. Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists advocated for a more decentralized system with greater state power.

A set of virtues or values advocated by Benjamin Franklin as a model for personal conduct and public morality, emphasizing temperance, silence, order, and other virtues.

Oliver Evans, an American inventor, transformed flour mills in the mid-Atlantic states by incorporating more automated processes, making them more efficient and widespread.

Young women, known as Lowell Girls, worked in New England textile mills. They faced long hours and low wages but also gained new opportunities, sparking discussions about women's roles.

Invented in 1794 by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin efficiently separated cotton seeds, revolutionizing the industry. However, this also contributed to the expansion of slavery in the South.

Cyrus McCormick's 1831 invention, the mechanical reaper, replaced manual labor in harvesting wheat. This horse-drawn machine helped farmers cut and gather wheat more efficiently.

Samuel Morse, in the 1830s, created the telegraph, which revolutionized communication by making it faster and more efficient. He also developed Morse code for transmitting messages electronically.

This economic crisis in the U.S. was triggered by several factors, including the failure of banks due to fear and British textile mills' decreased consumption of American cotton.

An intellectual movement in the 1820s, particularly in the Northeast U.S., emphasizing individualism, self-reliance, and resistance to social injustice. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a key figure.

This significant antebellum reform movement aimed to reduce alcohol consumption in the early 1800s, leading to organizations like the Washington Temperance Society and advocating for total abstinence.

Supporters of the 1787 Constitution who believed in a strong central government and clear distinctions of social classes. They prioritized a well-organized nation with power concentrated at the federal level.

Opponents of the 1787 Constitution who feared it would concentrate too much power in the central government, potentially jeopardizing individual liberties. They advocated for strong protections for individual rights.

A political group that rose in opposition to the Federalists, advocating for limited government, state's rights, and a focus on agriculture. They largely represented the interests of farmers and ordinary citizens.

A financial plan delivered by Alexander Hamilton in 1790, proposing the conversion of war debts into government bonds to establish creditworthiness for the U.S. both domestically and internationally.

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, stemming from disputes over French seizure of American ships. This led to the expansion of the U.S. Navy.

Pro-war members of Congress leading up to the War of 1812, advocating for military action against Great Britain. They were angered by British actions and sought to defend American interests.

A conflict between the United States and Great Britain, triggered by British trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. It included invasion of Canada, battles like New Orleans, and naval skirmishes.

A significant shift in the U.S. economy in the 19th century, transitioning from home-based work to factory-based work, driven by innovations like canals, steamboats, and railroads. It impacted social and cultural structures, fostering wage labor and a market-based economy.