U.S. History Matching Quiz

A Spanish explorer who led an expedition through the southwestern United States in the 16th century, searching for the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola, rumored to be rich in gold.

A staple food crop originally from the Americas, now widely cultivated around the world.

The Crusades, a series of religious wars in the Middle East, had a significant lasting impact on Europe, leading to increased trade with Asia, and ultimately weakening the power of European nobles, strengthening the power of monarchs.

Hernándo Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, marched towards the Aztec Empire in 1519 with the intention of conquering their cities, seizing their wealth in gold and silver, and possibly enslaving the Aztecs for Spain.

A major uprising of Pueblo Native Americans in the 17th century against Spanish colonial rule in the Southwest, resulting in the destruction of many Spanish settlements.

The first elected representative assembly in the British colonies in America, established in Virginia in 1619, allowing colonists to participate in their own governance.

A system implemented by the Virginia Company to attract settlers to Jamestown, granting land to those who paid for their own or others' passage to the colony.

Bacon's Rebellion, a rebellion by former indentured servants led by Nathaniel Bacon, highlighted the growing tensions between elites and poor colonists, exposing issues of representation and inequality in Virginia.

The majority of settlers in the New England colonies were Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England.

Native Americans viewed land as a shared resource for a limited time, while English colonists saw it as ownership.

The Pequot War in 1637 resulted in the near destruction of the Pequot nation, demonstrating the colonists' dominance.

King Philip's War in 1675 weakened Native American power in southeastern New England, giving the colonists a greater advantage.

The Middle Colonies were characterized by a diverse population, including Quakers, Calvinists, Jews, Mennonites, and Catholics.

William Penn's colony was called a 'holy experiment' because it guaranteed freedom of religion for all settlers.

Most settlers in the New England colonies were primarily motivated by seeking religious freedom, rather than solely economic opportunities.

Colonists often gained land from natives through a combination of military force and language barriers, rather than respecting native land claims.

A treaty between the United States and Spain in 1819 that ceded Florida to the US and established a clear border between the two countries.

A policy statement made by President James Monroe in 1823, stating that the US would oppose any European attempts to colonize or interfere with the affairs of independent nations in the Western Hemisphere.

A canal built in New York State in the early 19th century, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, primarily intended to transport goods and raw materials, rather than passengers.

The successful completion of the Erie Canal greatly boosted the economy of New York State, and spurred a nationwide canal-building boom.

The Monroe Doctrine convinced Russia to give up its claims on Alaska and its interest in the Northwest.

The colonists expressed their anger at unfair British taxes through various methods, including boycotting British goods, refusing to shop at British-owned stores, and organized protests like the Boston Tea Party.

The British regular army's disadvantage at the Battle of Bunker Hill was their traditional battle formation in broad lines, which made them vulnerable to colonial fire from fortified positions.

According to the Declaration of Independence, the government derives its power from the consent of the governed, meaning the people.

The first constitution of the United States of America was the Articles of Confederation.

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature (two houses) with representation based on population, favoring larger states.

The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature (one house) with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the debate over representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature with the Senate having equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives having representation based on population.

The Three-Fifths Compromise determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for purposes of taxation and representation in Congress.

The United States bought a vast territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the country and extending westward to the Rocky Mountains.

A conflict between the United States and Great Britain, primarily caused by the issue of British impressment of American sailors and trade restrictions.

The British practice of forcibly seizing American sailors and forcing them to serve in the Royal Navy.

Members of Congress who strongly advocated for war with Britain and expansion of the U.S.

A machine invented by Eli Whitney that made cotton production much faster by separating seeds from cotton fibers.

A plan for economic development and national unity that promoted internal improvements such as roads, canals, and a national bank.

A period of national unity and prosperity in the United States following the War of 1812.

A strong sense of regional loyalty and identity that sometimes led to disagreements between different parts of the country.

The first two political parties in the United States, formed during the early years of the nation's history. Federalists favored a strong central government, while Democratic-Republicans preferred states' rights.

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, giving the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

A diplomatic incident between the United States and France during John Adams' presidency, in which French officials demanded bribes to negotiate a treaty. This led to strained relations and an undeclared naval war.

In his Farewell Address, Washington cautioned against the dangers of political factions, arguing that they could divide the nation and undermine its stability.

Washington's policy of neutrality in international conflicts, a key precedent for US foreign policy for a long time.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835, known for his strong interpretation of the Constitution and his role in establishing judicial review.

A Shawnee leader who fought to unify Native American tribes in the early 19th century to resist American expansion.