American History Chapter 1 Quiz #2
In this American History Chapter 1 Quiz #2, we’ll be putting your knowledge to the test on some more topics from days gone by in the United States of America, including topics like the English Reformation, the arrival of Columbus, colonial enterprises from Spain and much more!
- 1.
Henry VIII started the English Reformation because he
- A.
Converted to Protestant ideals
- B.
Needed absolute control of the Church
- C.
Wanted to change English Christianity
- D.
Required a divorce in order to remarry
- E.
Believed Catholicism was a pagan faith
Correct Answer
D. Required a divorce in order to remarryExplanation
Henry VIII started the English Reformation because he required a divorce in order to remarry. Henry's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, who had not produced a male heir, led him to break away from the Catholic Church and establish the Church of England. By divorcing Catherine and marrying Anne Boleyn, Henry hoped to secure a male heir to the throne. This personal motive ultimately sparked a larger religious and political movement that transformed English Christianity.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Prior to the arrival of Columbus, the peoples of the present United States had
- A.
All of the answers below
- B.
Less elaborate political systems than the peoples in Central and South America had
- C.
Larger empires than the peoples in Central and South America had
- D.
A larger population than the peoples of Central and South America had
- E.
A larger reliance on written language than the peoples of Central America and South America had
Correct Answer
B. Less elaborate political systems than the peoples in Central and South America hadExplanation
The peoples of the present United States had less elaborate political systems than the peoples in Central and South America had. This means that the political structures and systems in place in the United States were not as complex or advanced as those in Central and South America.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Spanish colonial enterprises exhibited all of the following characteristics except
- A.
By the end of the 1500s, Spanish colonies were tightly controlled by the Spanish monarchy
- B.
The wide use of native labor
- C.
Relatively few immigrants left Spain for the New World
- D.
The successful search for gold and silver ultimately retarded Spain’s economic development
- E.
Missionaries were among the least successful Spanish colonial adventurers
Correct Answer
E. Missionaries were among the least successful Spanish colonial adventurersExplanation
During the Spanish colonial period, missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity to the indigenous populations of the New World. They established missions, converted natives, and built churches. While there were challenges and setbacks, overall, missionaries were considered successful in their efforts to convert the indigenous people to Christianity. Therefore, the statement that "missionaries were among the least successful Spanish colonial adventurers" is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs was, in part, due to
- A.
All of the answers below
- B.
An overwhelming superiority in numbers
- C.
The diseases the Spaniards had given the Indians
- D.
Destroying large English colonies in South America
- E.
Creating a profitable agricultural economy
Correct Answer
C. The diseases the Spaniards had given the IndiansExplanation
The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs was, in part, due to the diseases the Spaniards had given the Indians. This is because the indigenous population had no immunity to the diseases brought by the Europeans, such as smallpox, measles, and influenza. These diseases spread rapidly among the Aztecs, causing a devastating loss of life and weakening their resistance against the Spanish invaders. This allowed the Spaniards to gain a significant advantage and ultimately conquer the Aztec empire.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Before Europeans settled in the New World, western and southern Africans
- A.
Did not tolerate the institution of slavery in their society
- B.
Were unable to use natural resources wisely
- C.
Had no widespread religions, just local ones based on nature worship or ancestor worship
- D.
Did not have the extreme degree of sexual inequality found in most European countries
- E.
Had no trade with the outside world and relied on hunting and fishing for their livelihood
Correct Answer
D. Did not have the extreme degree of sexual inequality found in most European countriesExplanation
The given answer states that before Europeans settled in the New World, western and southern Africans did not have the extreme degree of sexual inequality found in most European countries. This suggests that African societies had a more balanced or equal treatment of genders compared to European societies, where there was a significant degree of inequality between men and women.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The first few British expeditions to North America resulted in
- A.
Finding rich stores of gold and silver
- B.
An end of Spanish explorations in the Western Hemisphere
- C.
The overthrow of James I
- D.
The failure to establish successful permanent settlements
- E.
Britain’s decision to stop exploring the coastal region of Virginia
Correct Answer
D. The failure to establish successful permanent settlementsExplanation
The correct answer is the failure to establish successful permanent settlements. The statement mentions "the first few British expeditions to North America," implying that these expeditions were not successful in establishing permanent settlements. The other options are not supported by the given information and are therefore incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The anthropologist Henry Dobyns believed that
- A.
There were just over 1 million Indians in America before the arrival of Columbus
- B.
The Aztecs were defeated by the Spaniards because they lacked skills as warriors
- C.
British ethnocentrism resulted in the downfall of the Mayan culture
- D.
There were 10 to 12 million natives living in North America before the arrival of Columbus
- E.
It is impossible to use quantitative methods to estimate native populations before 1492
Correct Answer
D. There were 10 to 12 million natives living in North America before the arrival of ColumbusExplanation
Henry Dobyns believed that there were 10 to 12 million natives living in North America before the arrival of Columbus.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The religious dissatisfactions that ultimately propelled English “Separatists” into the New World can be traced to the 1517 protests of the German priest
- A.
Martin Luther
- B.
John Calvin
- C.
John Wesley
- D.
James Stuart
- E.
Richard Hakluyt
Correct Answer
A. Martin LutherExplanation
The correct answer is Martin Luther. The religious dissatisfactions that led to the English Separatists migrating to the New World can be linked back to the protests initiated by Martin Luther in 1517. Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, which eventually led to the formation of various Protestant denominations. The English Separatists, also known as the Pilgrims, were one such group who sought religious freedom and decided to settle in the New World to escape persecution.Rate this question:
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- 9.
According to the principles of mercantilism,
- A.
The individual is the key to economic progress
- B.
The world’s supply of wealth is almost unlimited
- C.
Free trade is good for a country because it maximizes both imports and exports
- D.
A successful nation should export its own goods in exchange for gold and silver
- E.
Wealth should be shared by all social classes
Correct Answer
D. A successful nation should export its own goods in exchange for gold and silverExplanation
According to the principles of mercantilism, a successful nation should export its own goods in exchange for gold and silver. This is because mercantilism emphasizes the accumulation of wealth, particularly precious metals, as a measure of a nation's economic success. By exporting goods and receiving gold and silver in return, a nation can increase its wealth and power. This approach prioritizes the nation's economic interests and aims to maintain a favorable balance of trade.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The majority of English Puritans were religious dissenters who
- A.
Wanted to leave the Church of England
- B.
Wished to purify Anglican forms of worship
- C.
Desired an end to the English civil war
- D.
Were content with the reformed Church of England
- E.
Hoped to return the English Church to the Roman Catholic Church
Correct Answer
B. Wished to purify Anglican forms of worshipExplanation
The correct answer is "wished to purify Anglican forms of worship." This answer is supported by historical evidence that English Puritans were a group of religious dissenters who sought to reform and purify the Church of England. They believed that the Anglican Church still retained too many Catholic rituals and practices, and they wanted to eliminate these in order to create a more pure and simplified form of worship. Their desire for purification was one of the key motivations behind their dissent from the Church of England.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Before 1492, the many different Native American societies that existed in what is now the United States filled their food needs by
- A.
All of the answers below
- B.
Gathering foods
- C.
Fishing
- D.
Farming
- E.
Hunting
Correct Answer
A. All of the answers belowExplanation
Before 1492, Native American societies in what is now the United States met their food needs through a variety of means. They gathered foods from the land, fished in rivers and lakes, practiced farming to cultivate crops, and hunted animals for meat. Each of these methods played a crucial role in sustaining their communities and providing a diverse range of food sources.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Before the arrival of Columbus, all Native American tribes assigned women the tasks of
- A.
All of the answers below
- B.
Performing farming chores
- C.
Tending to the fields
- D.
Caring for children
- E.
Controlling the social organization of the tribe
Correct Answer
D. Caring for childrenExplanation
Before the arrival of Columbus, Native American tribes assigned women the task of caring for children. This means that women were responsible for taking care of the children in the tribe, ensuring their well-being and upbringing. This task was given to women in these tribes, highlighting their important role in the community and their contribution to the overall functioning of the tribe.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Before the coming of Europeans, the peoples who lived in what is now the United States had not developed
- A.
Large, permanent settlements
- B.
A common language
- C.
Division of labor
- D.
Complex agricultural systems
- E.
Elaborate religious practices
Correct Answer
B. A common languageExplanation
The correct answer is "a common language." Before the arrival of Europeans, the indigenous peoples in what is now the United States did not have a common language. They had diverse languages and dialects, with over 500 different languages spoken across the continent. This linguistic diversity reflected the cultural and tribal diversity of the indigenous peoples, as they had distinct societies and did not have a unified language system.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Dutch established their claims in North America through the efforts of the explorer
- A.
Samuel de Champlain
- B.
Sir Walter Raleigh
- C.
Henry Hudson
- D.
Francis Drake
- E.
Humphrey Gilbert
Correct Answer
C. Henry HudsonExplanation
Henry Hudson is the correct answer because he was an English explorer who made several voyages to North America in the early 17th century. He explored areas such as the Hudson River and Hudson Bay, which were claimed by the Dutch. Hudson's explorations and his establishment of trade relationships with Native American tribes helped the Dutch establish their claims in North America.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Between 1500 and 1600, the reasons that the Spanish traveled to the Americas included all of the following motives except
- A.
Getting rich by finding gold and silver
- B.
Replacing Portugal as the leading seafaring nation
- C.
Spreading the Christian religion
- D.
Destroying large English colonies in South America
- E.
Creating a profitable agricultural economy
Correct Answer
D. Destroying large English colonies in South AmericaExplanation
During the period between 1500 and 1600, the Spanish traveled to the Americas for various reasons. They aimed to get rich by finding gold and silver, replace Portugal as the leading seafaring nation, spread the Christian religion, and create a profitable agricultural economy. However, destroying large English colonies in South America was not one of their motives. They primarily focused on establishing their own colonies and expanding their influence in the region, rather than targeting English settlements.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Because of their experiences in Ireland, most English colonists came to believe that they should
- A.
Try to rule the native population
- B.
Civilize the native population
- C.
Establish an English society separate from the native population
- D.
Brutally conquer the eastern half of North America
- E.
Attempt to convert the native population to Christianity
Correct Answer
C. Establish an English society separate from the native populationExplanation
English colonists in Ireland had a history of conflict with the native population, which influenced their beliefs and actions in other colonies. Based on their experiences, they came to believe that it was necessary to establish an English society separate from the native population. This belief stemmed from a desire to avoid conflicts and maintain control over the colonies. By creating a separate society, the colonists could maintain their own culture, laws, and social structures, while minimizing interactions and potential conflicts with the native population.Rate this question:
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- 17.
All of the following statements are true of the French colonists in North America except
- A.
Their numbers grew rapidly because of their success in building industries
- B.
They included Jesuit missionaries who established contacts far into the wilderness
- C.
They depended on fur traders who dealt with the Indians of the interior
- D.
They developed seignuries along the St. Lawrence River
- E.
They made enemies of one of the most powerful of the Indian tribes
Correct Answer
A. Their numbers grew rapidly because of their success in building industriesExplanation
The French colonists in North America did not experience rapid growth in their numbers due to their success in building industries. The other statements are true: they included Jesuit missionaries who established contacts far into the wilderness, they depended on fur traders who dealt with the Indians of the interior, they developed seignuries along the St. Lawrence River, and they made enemies of one of the most powerful Indian tribes.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The first permanent English settlement in the New World was established at
- A.
New York
- B.
Plymouth
- C.
St. Augustine
- D.
Roanoke
- E.
Jamestown
Correct Answer
E. JamestownExplanation
Jamestown is the correct answer because it was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. It was established in 1607 in present-day Virginia. The settlement was named after King James I of England and was founded by the Virginia Company of London. Jamestown played a significant role in the colonization of North America and the establishment of English presence in the New World.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The first American-born child of an English settler was
- A.
Virginia Dare
- B.
Humphrey Gilbert
- C.
Elizabeth Tudor
- D.
Walter Raleigh
- E.
John White
Correct Answer
A. Virginia DareExplanation
Virginia Dare is the correct answer because she was the first American-born child of English settlers. She was born on August 18, 1587, in what is now known as Roanoke Island, North Carolina. Virginia Dare's birth represents an important historical event as it marked the beginning of English colonization in America.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The first European country to launch long ocean voyages of exploration
- A.
Portugal
- B.
Spain
- C.
Holland
- D.
England
- E.
Italy
Correct Answer
A. PortugalExplanation
Portugal was the first European country to launch long ocean voyages of exploration. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan embarked on groundbreaking expeditions that opened up new trade routes and expanded European influence around the world. This period of exploration, known as the Age of Discovery, was marked by Portugal's advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, which allowed them to venture into uncharted territories. Their discoveries and colonization efforts laid the foundation for the global maritime empires that would follow.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Between 1500 and 1550, exploration of the New World was dominated by the
- A.
Dutch
- B.
English
- C.
French
- D.
Spanish
- E.
Portuguese
Correct Answer
D. SpanishExplanation
During the period between 1500 and 1550, the exploration of the New World was dominated by the Spanish. This can be attributed to several factors, including their early voyages of Christopher Columbus and subsequent expeditions by other Spanish explorers such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro. The Spanish Crown supported these explorations financially and provided resources for colonization, leading to the establishment of Spanish colonies and the exploitation of resources in the Americas. The Spanish also played a significant role in spreading Christianity to the indigenous populations of the New World.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Over the past century, when historians have estimated the population of Indians in North America before Columbus, they
- A.
Often have neglected to study Indian populations in the North
- B.
Have come to realize that Tenochtitlan was not so large
- C.
Regularly have estimated the population at just under 1 million
- D.
Have generally increased the estimates of the native population
- E.
Have relied on written records left by the Aztecs
Correct Answer
D. Have generally increased the estimates of the native populationExplanation
The correct answer is "have generally increased the estimates of the native population." This is because over the past century, historians have revised their estimates of the population of Indians in North America before Columbus and have generally increased the estimates. This suggests that earlier estimates were lower and did not accurately reflect the true population size.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Disagreements between historians have included the topics of
- A.
All of the answers below
- B.
The size of the American population before European settlement
- C.
Whether objectivity can truly be achieved as a method of research
- D.
“sticking to the facts” vs. historical revision
- E.
Whether truth is actually an achievable goal in the study of history
Correct Answer
A. All of the answers belowExplanation
Historians often disagree on various topics, including the size of the American population before European settlement, the possibility of achieving objectivity in research, the debate between "sticking to the facts" and historical revision, and whether truth can be truly achieved in the study of history. These disagreements highlight the complex nature of historical interpretation and the subjective nature of historical analysis.Rate this question:
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 10, 2010Quiz Created by
Sunnybunny_funny
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