US History Chapter 1 Test Review

Key Themes and Concepts in US History - Chapter One

• Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing trade and commerce to increase national wealth, ensuring a favorable balance of trade.

• Christopher Columbus: An Italian explorer, sponsored by Spain, who made four voyages across the Atlantic, discovering the Americas in 1492, mistaking them for Asia.

• Spanish Armada: A fleet of 130 ships sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England; it failed due to poor weather and tactical naval battles, leading to a significant decline in Spanish naval power.

• Circumnavigate: To sail completely around the world; first achieved by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, which demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and global navigation possibilities.

• Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of Protestant denominations and significant political and social changes in Europe.

• Bering Strait: A narrow passage between Russia and Alaska, believed to be a land bridge that early humans used to migrate from Asia to North America.

• Compass: An instrument that shows the direction of magnetic north; crucial for navigation, especially during the Age of Exploration.

• Astrolabe: An ancient tool used by explorers to determine latitude by measuring the position of the sun and stars, improving navigation accuracy at sea.

• Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century, allowing for exploration and long voyages due to its speed and ability to sail against the wind.

• Pueblo: A Spanish term meaning "village," referring to the adobe dwelling of Native American tribes in the Southwest United States, known for their complex multi-story structures.

• Conquistador: Spanish explorers and soldiers who conquered lands in the Americas, often associated with the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples.

• Aztec King: Montezuma II, the ninth ruler of the Aztec Empire, known for his wealth, power, and the eventual encounter with Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.

• Oldest Permanent European Settlement: St. Augustine, Florida, founded by the Spanish in 1565, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States.

• Henry Hudson: An English explorer known for his explorations of North America in the early 17th century, including the Hudson River and Hudson Bay, contributing to Dutch claims on the region.

• Founder of Virginia: Sir Walter Raleigh established the Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in North America, officially noting the beginnings of Virginia.

• "Lost Colony" Inscription: The word "Croatoan" carved into a tree by settlers of Roanoke Island, hinting at their fate or potential relocation but leaving their disappearance a mystery.

• Spanish Armada Composition: Comprising approximately 130 ships and around 30,000 men, the Spanish Armada was a symbol of Spain's naval dominance and its efforts to assert control over Europe.

Prepare for your US History Chapter One test with this review quiz. Explore essential themes, significant individuals, and key concepts like Mercantilism and the Protestant Reformation. Test your knowledge of historical events and their impact on American history.