Trivia: The Colonial Period Quiz!
How much do you understand about the colonial period? Colonial American history began with the first permanent colony in Jamestown, and it eventually spread to the east coast of America. By the point in time of the Revolutionary War, the eastern coast of North America had thirteen colonies settled. These colonies would become the first United States of America. Take the progressive quiz and learn interesting trivia about the colonial period.
- 1.
During most of the colonial period, which European nation controlled parts of Mexico, Central America, and even Florida?
- A.
France
- B.
Netherlands
- C.
England
- D.
Spain
Correct Answer
D. SpainExplanation
Spain controlled New Mexico, Mexico, Central America, and Spanish Florida. It is easy to remember this answer because you can think, "what language do they speak in these areas?" - Spanish!Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the main purpose of the Mayflower Compact?
- A.
To establish Catholicism as a national religion
- B.
To create self-governing rules and laws for Pilgrims
- C.
To ensure obedience to the King of England
- D.
To provide a new chance for debtors and creditors in Georgia
Correct Answer
B. To create self-governing rules and laws for PilgrimsExplanation
The main purpose of the Mayflower Compact was to create self-governing rules and laws for the Pilgrims. This document was signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and established a democratic form of government for the new colony. It laid the foundation for self-governance and the establishment of laws that would guide the Pilgrims' community. This was necessary as they were in a new land and needed a system to govern themselves and ensure order and cooperation among the settlers.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The main purpose of the Navigation Acts passed by England was to:
- A.
Ensure that England benefited from colonial trade
- B.
Train sailors for the British army
- C.
Limit the size of ships in English waters
- D.
Limit manufacturing in European countries
Correct Answer
A. Ensure that England benefited from colonial tradeExplanation
The Navigation Acts passed by England were implemented with the main purpose of ensuring that England benefited from colonial trade. These acts were a series of laws that regulated colonial trade and restricted it to only be conducted with English ships and crews. This was done to increase England's control over colonial trade and to ensure that the majority of profits from colonial commerce flowed back to England. By limiting trade to English ships, England aimed to strengthen its economy and maintain its dominance in the global trade market.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The colony of Jamestown was formed by a joint-stock company. What is a joint-stock company?
- A.
A group of people who work together in hopes of making more money
- B.
People who invest money into a colony in hopes of making more money
- C.
A group of colonists who try to make money for the King
- D.
A comapny that makes stocks for the colonies
Correct Answer
B. People who invest money into a colony in hopes of making more moneyExplanation
A joint-stock company is a business organization in which individuals pool their money by buying shares of stock. These shareholders then share in the company's profits and losses. In the context of the formation of the colony of Jamestown, a joint-stock company refers to a group of individuals who invested their money into the colony with the expectation of making a profit. They hoped that the colony would yield valuable resources or establish profitable trade routes, allowing them to earn a return on their investment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What helped the town of Jamestown to boom?
- A.
Introduction of the cotton gin in farming
- B.
The use of slaves to harvest indigo
- C.
The growing of tobacco
- D.
Trading with the northern colonies
Correct Answer
C. The growing of tobaccoExplanation
The growing of tobacco helped the town of Jamestown to boom because tobacco became a profitable cash crop for the settlers. The demand for tobacco in Europe was high, and Jamestown had the ideal climate and soil for its cultivation. As a result, tobacco became the main source of income for the town, attracting more settlers and leading to economic growth and prosperity.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Pennsylvania, a middle colony, was created for what purpose?
- A.
To harvest cotton and indigo
- B.
To be a trade center for the middle and New England colonies
- C.
To be a safe haven for Quakers to practice their religion
- D.
To hold prisoners and debtors from England
Correct Answer
C. To be a safe haven for Quakers to practice their religionExplanation
Pennsylvania was created as a safe haven for Quakers to practice their religion. Quakers faced persecution in England and sought a place where they could freely worship. William Penn, a Quaker himself, was granted a charter by King Charles II to establish a colony in America. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a place where religious tolerance and freedom would be upheld. The colony attracted many Quakers and other religious groups seeking refuge, making it a diverse and inclusive society. This emphasis on religious freedom and tolerance became a defining characteristic of Pennsylvania throughout its history.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The creation of the Virginia House of Burgesses was an important step in the development of democracy in colonial America because it:
- A.
Adopted a bill of rights for women
- B.
Allowed citizens to vote directly on proposed laws
- C.
Established a representative form of government
- D.
Provided the first written U.S. Constitution
Correct Answer
C. Established a representative form of governmentExplanation
The creation of the Virginia House of Burgesses was an important step in the development of democracy in colonial America because it established a representative form of government. This meant that citizens were able to elect representatives who would make decisions on their behalf, rather than having all power concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or governing body. This allowed for a more inclusive and participatory system of governance, laying the foundation for democratic principles and practices that would later be adopted by the United States.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The main reason that settlers from Europe came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Plymouth Colony was to...
- A.
Set up a booming plantation
- B.
Seek religious freedom
- C.
Explore the new frontier
- D.
Profit from the fur tade
Correct Answer
B. Seek religious freedomExplanation
The settlers from Europe came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Plymouth Colony to seek religious freedom. Many of them were Puritans who were dissatisfied with the Church of England and wanted to establish their own communities where they could practice their religion freely. They sought a place where they could worship without persecution or interference from the government or other religious groups. The colonies provided them with the opportunity to establish their own churches, govern themselves according to their religious beliefs, and create a society based on their religious values.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Middle colonies were known for being tolerant of other religions. This meant that they...
- A.
Supported government control of religion
- B.
Required children to attend religious schools
- C.
Refused to join either side in a war
- D.
Allowed others to practice their own religion
Correct Answer
D. Allowed others to practice their own religionExplanation
The Middle colonies were known for their tolerance towards other religions, which means that they allowed individuals to practice their own religion freely. This indicates that they did not impose government control over religion, did not require children to attend religious schools, and did not refuse to take sides in a war based on religious differences.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the frontier region during colonization of America?
- A.
Had large cities that were centers for trade
- B.
Made up of mixed backgrounds - Scottish, Irish, and German
- C.
Had a long growing season and hot weather
- D.
Exported cotton, its main crop, to England and Europe
Correct Answer
B. Made up of mixed backgrounds - Scottish, Irish, and GermanExplanation
During the colonization of America, the frontier region was characterized by a diverse population with mixed backgrounds including Scottish, Irish, and German. This indicates that people from different European countries settled in the frontier region, contributing to its cultural and ethnic diversity. This diversity played a significant role in shaping the social fabric and cultural landscape of the frontier region during that time.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Colonists had a variety of motives for coming over to the New World. What is a motive?
- A.
A good reason for doing something
- B.
A type of currency used in colonial England
- C.
A document forcing you out of your home country
- D.
A type of boat that colonists sailed on
Correct Answer
A. A good reason for doing somethingExplanation
A motive refers to a good reason or purpose behind someone's actions or decisions. In the context of the question, colonists had various motives for coming to the New World, such as seeking religious freedom, economic opportunities, or a chance for a fresh start.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What did the Proclamation of 1763 say?
- A.
Colonists were allowed to be free from English control
- B.
Colonists were not allowed to settle in lands west of the Appalachians
- C.
Colonists were not allowed to use slaves on their plantations
- D.
The French were not allowed to settle in the New World
Correct Answer
B. Colonists were not allowed to settle in lands west of the AppalachiansExplanation
The Proclamation of 1763 stated that colonists were not allowed to settle in lands west of the Appalachians. This proclamation was issued by the British government in an attempt to prevent conflicts with Native American tribes and to maintain control over the western territories. It aimed to establish a boundary line beyond which colonists were prohibited from expanding, in order to avoid further conflicts and preserve British authority in the region. This restriction on westward expansion was one of the factors that contributed to growing tensions between the colonists and the British government, ultimately leading to the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What was the original name for New York City, given by the Dutch?
- A.
Netherlands
- B.
Hudson Valley
- C.
New Amsterdam
- D.
Dutch-land
Correct Answer
C. New AmsterdamExplanation
New Amsterdam was the original name for New York City, given by the Dutch. The city was founded by the Dutch in 1624 and was originally a trading post called New Amsterdam. It was later renamed New York when the British took control of the city in 1664. The name New Amsterdam reflects the Dutch colonial history of the city and its origins as a Dutch settlement.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 13, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 10, 2010Quiz Created by
Dbucella
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