10th Grade Semester Test

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  • 1/31 Questions

    1. Anne Hutchinson and a few followers settled on an island, later called Rhode Island, and founded the town of _____________________.

    • Boston
    • Portsmouth
    • Philadelphia
    • Providence
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About This Quiz

This 10th Grade Semester Test covers key events and figures in American history, assessing knowledge on early settlements, colonial wars, and explorations. It focuses on understanding historical contexts and the impact of these events on the shaping of the nation.

10th Grade Semester Test - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    2. The first written constitution of the American colonies was known as the

    • Massachusetts Bay Company

    • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

    • General Court

    • Mayflower Agreemnet

    Correct Answer
    A. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. This was the first written constitution in the American colonies, established in 1639. It outlined the structure of government in Connecticut and granted certain rights and powers to the people. It served as a model for future constitutions in the United States and is considered a significant step towards the development of democratic principles in the country.

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  • 3. 

    3. In 1675 Wampanoag warriors attacked the town of Swansea in what became known as the

    • The Pequot War

    • Providence

    • King Phillip's War

    • The Great Migration

    Correct Answer
    A. King Phillip's War
    Explanation
    In 1675, Wampanoag warriors attacked the town of Swansea, which marked the beginning of King Phillip's War. This war was a conflict between Native American tribes, led by Metacomet (also known as King Phillip), and English colonists in New England. The war resulted from tensions over land and resources, as well as cultural and political differences. The Wampanoag warriors' attack on Swansea was one of the first major acts of aggression in the war, making King Phillip's War the correct answer.

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  • 4. 

    4. Back country farmers grew only enough to feed their families, which is called

    • Rotation farming

    • Subsistence farming

    • Plantation farming

    • Commercialism

    Correct Answer
    A. Subsistence farming
    Explanation
    Back country farmers practiced subsistence farming, which involves growing only enough crops to sustain their own families. This type of farming is characterized by small-scale agriculture and a focus on self-sufficiency rather than producing crops for sale or profit. Rotation farming refers to the practice of rotating crops to maintain soil fertility, while plantation farming involves large-scale agricultural operations for cash crops. Commercialism refers to the pursuit of profit through the sale of goods or services.

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  • 5. 

    5. The St. Lawrence River was discovered and mapped by the French explorer

    • Jacques Cartier

    • Louis Joliet

    • Jacques Marquette

    • Count Frontenac

    Correct Answer
    A. Jacques Cartier
    Explanation
    Jacques Cartier is the correct answer because he was a French explorer who is credited with discovering and mapping the St. Lawrence River. He made three voyages to North America between 1534 and 1542, during which he explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and sailed up the St. Lawrence River, reaching as far as present-day Montreal. Cartier's exploration and mapping of the St. Lawrence River were significant contributions to the French colonization of Canada.

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  • 6. 

    6. The men who led expeditions to conquer the rest of what is today the country of Mexico and Central America became known as  

    • Vaqueros

    • Presidios

    • Dictators

    • Conquistadors

    Correct Answer
    A. Conquistadors
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "conquistadors." Conquistadors were the men who led expeditions to conquer Mexico and Central America. They were Spanish conquerors who sought to expand Spanish territories and gain wealth and power through exploration and conquest. These individuals played a significant role in the colonization and European domination of the Americas during the Age of Discovery. They were known for their military prowess, brutality, and exploitation of indigenous peoples and resources.

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  • 7. 

    7. What granted religious toleration to all Christians in Maryland?

    • The Maryland Toleration Act

    • The Charter of Privileges

    • The Restoration

    • The Holy Experiment

    Correct Answer
    A. The Maryland Toleration Act
    Explanation
    The Maryland Toleration Act granted religious toleration to all Christians in Maryland. This act, passed in 1649, was the first law in colonial America that protected religious freedom. It was enacted to ensure that all Christians, regardless of their denomination, could practice their faith without fear of persecution. The act was a significant step towards religious freedom and tolerance in the early American colonies.

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  • 8. 

    8. What did the Dutch name their major settlement located on Manhattan Island?  

    • New York

    • Pennsylvania

    • New Amsterdam

    • North Carolina

    Correct Answer
    A. New Amsterdam
    Explanation
    The Dutch named their major settlement located on Manhattan Island "New Amsterdam." This name was given by the Dutch when they colonized the area in the 17th century. It was later renamed "New York" when the British took control of the colony in 1664.

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  • 9. 

    9. William Penn built Philadelphia, the capital of Pennsylvania, on land ceded by the

    • Powhatan Confederacy

    • Wampanoag.

    • Lenni Lenape

    • Puritans.

    Correct Answer
    A. Lenni Lenape
    Explanation
    William Penn built Philadelphia, the capital of Pennsylvania, on land ceded by the Lenni Lenape. The Lenni Lenape, also known as the Delaware Indians, were the original inhabitants of the region. They were a Native American tribe who lived in the Delaware Valley and had a peaceful relationship with William Penn. Penn negotiated with the Lenni Lenape and purchased land from them, establishing the city of Philadelphia in 1682. This agreement and cooperation between Penn and the Lenni Lenape played a significant role in the founding and development of Philadelphia.

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  • 10. 

    10. Roger Williams, a strict Separatist, founded the town of

    • Portsmouth.

    • Wethersfield.

    • Providence.

    • Boston.

    Correct Answer
    A. Providence.
    Explanation
    Roger Williams, a strict Separatist, founded the town of Providence. This is evident from historical records that show Roger Williams establishing Providence in 1636 as a refuge for religious freedom and separation from the Church of England. Williams believed in the complete separation of church and state, which was not accepted in other settlements like Boston. Therefore, Providence was the town founded by Roger Williams in accordance with his beliefs and principles.

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  • 11. 

    11. Privately owned ships licensed by the government to attack ships of other countries were called

    • Sloops.

    • Privateers.

    • Gun boats

    • Yachts.

    Correct Answer
    A. Privateers.
    Explanation
    Privateers were privately owned ships that were authorized by the government to attack ships of other countries. They were essentially legalized pirates, operating under a letter of marque or a similar license. These licenses allowed privateers to engage in acts of piracy against enemy vessels during times of war. Privateers played a significant role in naval warfare, particularly during the Age of Sail, as they provided a way for governments to supplement their naval forces and disrupt enemy trade.

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  • 12. 

    12. At the beginning of the 1500s, much of England’s land was divided into large

    • Provinces

    • Estates

    • Corporations

    • Counties

    Correct Answer
    A. Estates
    Explanation
    In the 1500s, England's land was primarily divided into large estates. These estates were owned by wealthy individuals or families who controlled and managed the land. The term "estates" refers to large tracts of land that were often used for agricultural purposes and were the basis of the feudal system in England. The division of land into estates allowed for a hierarchical structure in society, with the landowners at the top and the peasants or tenants working the land. This system played a significant role in shaping the social and economic landscape of England during this time period.

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  • 13. 

    13. The colony of Maryland resulted from the aspirations of one man, George Calvert, also known as

    • Walter Raleigh

    • John Cabot

    • Lord Baltimore

    • Martin Luther

    Correct Answer
    A. Lord Baltimore
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Lord Baltimore. The question asks about the person responsible for the creation of the colony of Maryland, and the correct answer is Lord Baltimore. George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, was granted a charter by King Charles I in 1632 to establish the colony. He had a vision of creating a haven for English Catholics in the New World, and Maryland became a refuge for religious freedom and tolerance.

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  • 14. 

    14. The person responsible for founding the colony of Georgia is

    • John Mason

    • James Oglethorpe

    • George Calvert

    • John Winthrope

    Correct Answer
    A. James Oglethorpe
    Explanation
    James Oglethorpe is the correct answer for the person responsible for founding the colony of Georgia. Oglethorpe was a British philanthropist and soldier who founded the colony in 1733 as a haven for debtors and a buffer between the British colonies and Spanish Florida. He was instrumental in establishing the colony's government, layout, and policies, including a ban on slavery. Oglethorpe's leadership and vision played a significant role in the early development and success of Georgia as a British colony.

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  • 15. 

    15. How many Southern colonies are there

    • 4

    • 6

    • 5

    • 3

    Correct Answer
    A. 5
    Explanation
    There are five Southern colonies.

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  • 16. 

    16. All of the following are New England colonies except

    • New York

    • Rhode Island

    • Massachusetts

    • Connecticut

    Correct Answer
    A. New York
    Explanation
    The correct answer is New York because New York was not one of the original New England colonies. The New England colonies were Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. New York was actually one of the Middle Colonies.

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  • 17. 

    17. Which colony has an economy based on agriculture

    • Rhode Island

    • Virginia

    • Connecticut

    • Massachusetts

    Correct Answer
    A. Virginia
    Explanation
    Virginia is the correct answer because it was one of the original 13 colonies and had a predominantly agricultural economy. The colony relied heavily on the cultivation of tobacco, which became its main cash crop. The fertile soil and favorable climate in Virginia allowed for successful agricultural production, making it a significant contributor to the colony's economy. Additionally, Virginia's economy was also supported by the labor of enslaved Africans who worked on plantations, further emphasizing the agricultural foundation of the colony.

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  • 18. 

    17. Which colony was supposed to be a "city upon a hill"?

    • Virginia

    • New York

    • Pennsylvania

    • Massachusetts

    Correct Answer
    A. Massachusetts
    Explanation
    The phrase "city upon a hill" was famously used by John Winthrop, the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, in a sermon he delivered in 1630. He described the colony as a model Christian community that would serve as an example to the world. This phrase has since become synonymous with the idea of American exceptionalism and the belief that America has a special role to play in the world. Therefore, Massachusetts is the correct answer as it was the colony that was supposed to be a "city upon a hill."

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  • 19. 

    18. Which colony was called the "Holy Experiment"?

    • New Jersey

    • Georgia

    • Massachusetts

    • Pennsylvania

    Correct Answer
    A. Pennsylvania
    Explanation
    Pennsylvania was called the "Holy Experiment" because it was founded by William Penn as a place where people of different religious backgrounds could live together in harmony and practice their faith freely. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a haven for religious tolerance and equality, attracting settlers from various religious groups such as Quakers, Mennonites, and Baptists. This emphasis on religious freedom and coexistence earned Pennsylvania the nickname "Holy Experiment" as it aimed to create a society based on principles of peace, justice, and religious liberty.

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  • 20. 

    19. What were the cash crops that were grown in Virginia?

    • Rice

    • Tobacco

    • Indigo

    • Cotton

    Correct Answer
    A. Tobacco
    Explanation
    Tobacco was one of the cash crops grown in Virginia. Cash crops are crops that are grown specifically for sale rather than for personal use. Virginia was one of the first English colonies in North America, and tobacco became a major cash crop for the colonists. It was highly profitable and in high demand in Europe. The cultivation of tobacco in Virginia played a significant role in the economic development of the colony and later the state.

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  • 21. 

    20. How many Middle Colonies were there? 

    • 3

    • 4

    • 5

    • 6

    Correct Answer
    A. 4
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 4 because the Middle Colonies refer to a group of four colonies in the American colonial period, namely New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. These colonies were located in the middle region of the 13 British colonies in North America.

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  • 22. 

    21. All of these are Southern colonies except

    • Virginia

    • Delaware

    • Maryland

    • Georgia

    Correct Answer
    A. Delaware
    Explanation
    Delaware is the correct answer because it was not one of the original Southern colonies. Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia were all Southern colonies established during the colonial period. Delaware, on the other hand, was originally settled by the Dutch and later became a part of the Middle Colonies.

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  • 23. 

    22. What was the region where planters lived? 

    • Highlands

    • Inland

    • Tide water

    • Back country

    Correct Answer
    A. Tide water
    Explanation
    Planters were mainly concentrated in the tide water region. This region refers to the low-lying coastal plain along the Atlantic seaboard, characterized by fertile soil and a humid climate. The planters in this region were primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cash crops such as tobacco and rice. The tide water region provided favorable conditions for plantation farming, making it an ideal location for planters to settle and establish their plantations.

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  • 24. 

    23. Complete this pattern New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,

    • Maryland

    • Delaware

    • Connecticut

    • New Hampshire

    Correct Answer
    A. Delaware
    Explanation
    The given pattern is a list of states in alphabetical order. Each state starts with the letter that comes after the last letter of the previous state. Following this pattern, the next state after Pennsylvania (ending with "a") would start with the letter "d", and the only option that matches this is Delaware.

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  • 25. 

    24. What was the economy of the New England colonies?

    • Agriculture

    • Whaling

    • Mining

    • Business

    Correct Answer
    A. Whaling
    Explanation
    The economy of the New England colonies was based on whaling. Whaling was a major industry in this region during the colonial period, providing employment and economic opportunities. Whales were hunted for their oil, which was used for lighting and lubrication, as well as their bones and baleen, which were used in various industries. Whaling brought wealth and prosperity to the New England colonies, contributing to their economic growth and development.

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  • 26. 

    25. Who was at the top of the social ladder in the Southern colonies?

    • Gentry

    • Yeomen

    • Tenant farmers

    • Slaves

    Correct Answer
    A. Gentry
    Explanation
    The gentry were at the top of the social ladder in the Southern colonies. They were wealthy landowners who held positions of power and influence in society. They typically owned large plantations and had a high social status. The gentry controlled the economy and politics of the Southern colonies, and their wealth allowed them to live a life of luxury and privilege. They were considered the elite class and were highly respected and admired by others in society.

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  • 27. 

    26. What form of labor did planters use prior to Africans?

    • Horses and mules

    • Oxen

    • Indentured servants

    • Domestic servants

    Correct Answer
    A. Indentured servants
    Explanation
    Prior to Africans, planters used indentured servants as a form of labor. Indentured servants were individuals who agreed to work for a specific period of time, usually around 7 years, in exchange for passage to the New World. They were often poor Europeans seeking a better life and were bound by a contract or indenture. This system allowed planters to have a cheap and temporary labor force to work on their plantations.

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  • 28. 

    27. Who popularized a method of growing indigo?

    • Samuel Walters

    • John Bradford

    • Eliza Lucas

    • Maria Wells

    Correct Answer
    A. Eliza Lucas
    Explanation
    Eliza Lucas is the correct answer because she was the one who popularized a method of growing indigo. She was a colonial-era plantation owner in South Carolina who successfully cultivated indigo as a cash crop in the early 18th century. Her efforts helped establish indigo as a profitable crop in the region and contributed to the economic success of the British colonies.

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  • 29. 

    28. A person whose religion differs from those accepted

    • Outsider

    • Protestant

    • Heretic

    • Pilgrim

    Correct Answer
    A. Heretic
    Explanation
    The term "heretic" refers to a person whose religious beliefs or practices deviate from the accepted teachings of a particular religion or religious institution. In this context, the person's religion differs from those accepted, suggesting that they hold beliefs that are considered unorthodox or contrary to the established doctrines. The term "outsider" generally refers to someone who is not part of a particular group or community, but it does not specifically imply a difference in religious beliefs. "Protestant" refers to a specific branch of Christianity, and "Pilgrim" refers to a person who undertakes a religious journey or pilgrimage.

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  • 30. 

    29. The Indian that taught the Pilgrims how to farm in the New World

    • Chief Powhatan

    • Squanto

    • Jeronimo

    • David Wheatherspoon

    Correct Answer
    A. Squanto
    Explanation
    Squanto is the correct answer because he was a Native American from the Patuxet tribe who played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive in the New World. He taught them various farming techniques, including how to cultivate corn, beans, and pumpkins. Squanto also acted as a translator and mediator between the Pilgrims and other Native American tribes, facilitating peaceful relations and trade. His knowledge and assistance were instrumental in the Pilgrims' successful establishment of Plymouth Colony.

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  • 31. 

      30. A set of laws that regulated slavery and defined the relationship between enslaved Africans and free people

    • Slave codes

    • Black codes

    • Segregation

    • Integration

    Correct Answer
    A. Slave codes
    Explanation
    Slave codes were a set of laws that were specifically designed to regulate and control the institution of slavery. These laws defined the legal status and rights of enslaved Africans, as well as the relationship between enslaved individuals and free people. Slave codes were implemented in various American colonies and states during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and they aimed to maintain the power and control of slave owners while further oppressing and dehumanizing enslaved individuals. These codes restricted the movement, education, and assembly of enslaved people, and they also enforced harsh punishments for any attempts at rebellion or escape.

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  • Mar 10, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Dec 15, 2010
    Quiz Created by
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