U.S. History Quiz: Independence to Manifest Destiny

The Mayflower Compact was an agreement signed by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a form of self-government based on majority rule, which established the foundations of democracy in America.

The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson, declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. It stated reasons for separation and established America's core values of liberty, equality, and self-government.

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, established a weak central government with limited powers. It faced numerous challenges such as a lack of national currency, inability to regulate trade, and a weak military.

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing a federal system, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights. The Bill of Rights, included in the Constitution, guarantees fundamental liberties.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War. It recognized the independence of the United States and ceded vast territories to the newly formed nation.

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, mainly caused by British impressment of American sailors, trade restrictions, and territorial disputes. The war ended in a stalemate, but cemented American national identity.

The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition of a vast territory in North America from France by the United States in 1803, for a sum of $15 million. It doubled the size of the United States, providing valuable land resources.

Manifest Destiny was a belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. This ideology justified westward expansion and territorial acquisitions.