5th Grade Social Study: Trivia Questions!

Explanation
The English wanted colonies in North America to find gold and other resources. This was a common motivation for European powers during the Age of Exploration, as they sought to expand their wealth and influence through colonization. By establishing colonies, the English hoped to exploit the abundant natural resources that North America had to offer, such as gold, timber, and fur. Additionally, they aimed to establish trade routes and gain control over valuable territories, which would further enhance their economic and political power.

Explanation
Jamestown was the first English colony because it was established in 1607, thirteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Jamestown, located in present-day Virginia, was founded by the Virginia Company of London as a business venture to establish a permanent English settlement in North America. It became the first successful English colony and played a significant role in the early colonization of the Americas.

Explanation
During Francis Drake's raids on Spanish ships, it is logical to assume that the Spanish would be the ones angered. As Drake was an English pirate and privateer, his actions of attacking and plundering Spanish vessels would have been seen as a direct threat to Spanish interests and a violation of their sovereignty. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the Spanish would have been the ones angered by Drake's actions.

Explanation
Jamestown had a self-government system. This means that the people living in Jamestown had the authority to make decisions and govern themselves. They were able to establish their own laws, elect leaders, and create a system of governance that suited their needs. This form of government allowed the settlers in Jamestown to have a level of autonomy and control over their own affairs, contributing to the development and success of the colony.

Explanation
The correct answer is "They farmed land and dug wells for water." This answer suggests that the Jamestown settlers were able to avoid starvation by utilizing the land for farming and digging wells to access water. By farming the land, they were able to grow crops and sustain themselves with a food source. Additionally, by digging wells, they were able to secure a reliable supply of water, which is essential for survival.

Explanation
Quebec and Montreal were founded by the French. This is evident from the historical records and the cultural influence that the French have had on these cities. The French explorer Samuel de Champlain established Quebec City in 1608, making it one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Montreal was founded later in 1642 by a group of French settlers led by Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. Both cities have a strong French heritage, with French being one of the official languages in Quebec and a significant French-speaking population in Montreal.

Explanation
Trading beaver fur helped Quebec grow and succeed because the fur trade was a major economic activity in the region during the 17th and 18th centuries. The demand for beaver fur, which was used in Europe for making hats, created a lucrative market for Quebec. The fur trade attracted French settlers to the region, leading to the establishment and growth of Quebec as a prosperous trading hub. Additionally, the fur trade also played a significant role in the development of diplomatic and economic relationships between the French and indigenous peoples in the area.

Explanation
The Dutch took control of the Hudson River as a result of searching for the Northwest Passage. This is because the Dutch East India Company sponsored Henry Hudson's expedition in 1609 to find a passage to Asia through North America. Although Hudson did not find the Northwest Passage, he did explore and claim the area around the Hudson River for the Dutch, establishing the colony of New Netherland.

Explanation
The Pilgrims left their homeland in order to practice their religious beliefs. They were a group of English separatists who wanted to separate from the Church of England and establish their own religious community. They faced persecution and decided to leave England for the Netherlands in search of religious freedom. Eventually, they embarked on the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they established the Plymouth Colony. Their journey and settlement became an important part of American history and the foundation of religious freedom in the United States.

Explanation
The correct answer is "A storm blew their ship off course." This is because the Pilgrims originally intended to settle in Virginia but due to a storm, their ship was diverted and they ended up landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Explanation
When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, they had to endure a harsh and cold winter. The lack of food and resources led to hunger, while the unsanitary conditions and limited medical knowledge at the time resulted in the spread of diseases. These two challenges, hunger and disease, posed significant threats to the survival of the Pilgrims during their early days in Plymouth.

Explanation
The Wapanoag helped the Pilgrims survive at Plymouth Colony.

Explanation
The Puritans sent a small group of colonists ahead of others to get a colony started for the others. This was a strategic move to establish a settlement and prepare the necessary infrastructure and resources before the arrival of the larger group. By sending a small group in advance, they could scout for suitable land, build houses, plant crops, and establish a foundation for the future settlers. This ensured a smoother transition for the rest of the colonists and increased the chances of a successful and sustainable colony.

Explanation
The Southern Colonies had the longest growing season because they had a warmer climate compared to the other colonies. The longer growing season allowed for more crops to be planted and harvested, leading to a more prosperous agricultural economy in the Southern Colonies. Additionally, the warmer climate allowed for a wider variety of crops to be grown, including cash crops such as tobacco and rice, which further contributed to the economic success of the region.

Explanation
The statement is true because the New England colonies were settled by different religious groups who had different beliefs and practices. For example, the Puritans settled in Massachusetts and had strict religious laws and practices, while Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams who believed in religious freedom and tolerance. These differences in religious beliefs and practices influenced the social, political, and cultural aspects of each colony, making them distinct from one another.

Explanation
The statement is false because dissenters of Puritan rules in Massachusetts were not sent back to England. Instead, they faced various forms of punishment, such as fines, imprisonment, or banishment to other colonies. Some dissenters, like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, were indeed banished and went on to establish their own settlements, but they were not sent back to England.

Explanation
The given statement is true. The Middle and Southern colonies did start when the colonists spread out to claim more land from England. The colonists moved westward from the original settlements along the eastern coast to establish new colonies and expand their territory. This expansion was driven by various factors such as the desire for economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political autonomy. As a result, colonies like Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas were established in the Middle and Southern regions of the American colonies.