Unit 1: Creating America - Test

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  • 1/30 Questions
    What year was the greatest decline of imports from Great Britain to the colonies?  - ProProfs

    What year was the greatest decline of imports from Great Britain to the colonies? 

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About This Quiz

This quiz titled 'Unit 1: Creating America - Test' assesses knowledge on early American history, focusing on indentured servitude, key cash crops, chronological events, weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and elements of self-government in colonial America.

Unit 1: Creating America - Test - Quiz

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  • 2. 
    This image depicts which major cause of the American Revolution? - ProProfs

    This image depicts which major cause of the American Revolution?

    Explanation
    The image depicts the Boston Tea Party, which was a major cause of the American Revolution. In 1773, American colonists protested against the British government's imposition of taxes on tea by throwing chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. This act of rebellion demonstrated the colonists' resistance to British control and their desire for greater independence. The Boston Tea Party ultimately led to increased tensions between the American colonists and the British government, fueling the revolutionary movement.

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  • 3. 

    The first important cash crop in the American colonies was...

    • Tobacco

    • Cotton

    • Corn

    • Tea

    • Pineapples

    Correct Answer
    A. Tobacco
    Explanation
    Tobacco was the first important cash crop in the American colonies because it was in high demand in Europe and provided a profitable source of income for the colonists. The cultivation of tobacco became a major economic activity, especially in Virginia and Maryland, where large plantations were established. The success of tobacco as a cash crop led to the expansion of the tobacco industry and played a significant role in the development of the American colonies' economy.

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  • 4. 

    The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by Great Britain after the French and Indian War primarily to...

    • Promote colonial settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains

    • Limit conflict between Native American Indians and colonial settlers

    • Encourage colonial economic ties with France

    • Force French settlers to leave British territory

    Correct Answer
    A. Limit conflict between Native American Indians and colonial settlers
    Explanation
    The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by Great Britain after the French and Indian War primarily to limit conflict between Native American Indians and colonial settlers. By prohibiting colonial settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains, the British government aimed to create a buffer zone between the Native American tribes and the colonists, reducing the likelihood of violent clashes and promoting peaceful coexistence. This measure was intended to maintain stability in the newly acquired territories and prevent further conflicts with the Native American population.

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  • 5. 

    " …Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island. In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet, and as England and America, with respect to each other, reverses the common order of nature, it is evident that they belong to different systems: England to Europe, America to itself.…"                                                                                     — Thomas Paine, Common SenseThe argument presented in this passage was intended to...

    • Urge colonists to accept the Albany Plan of Union

    • Provide a reason for ratification of the Constitution of the United States

    • Convince American colonists to declare their independence

    • Persuade France to aid the United States in the Revolutionary War

    Correct Answer
    A. Convince American colonists to declare their independence
    Explanation
    The passage argues that it is absurd to think that a continent like America should be governed by an island like England. It suggests that small islands are suitable for kingdoms to protect, but continents should govern themselves. By stating that England and America belong to different systems, the passage implies that America should be independent from England. Therefore, the passage was intended to convince American colonists to declare their independence.

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  • 6. 

    Which set of events relate to early America is in the correct chronological order?

    • French and Indian War, Passage of Stamp Act, Battle of Saratoga, Inauguration of George Washington

    • Inauguration of George Washington, Passage of Stamp Act, Battle of Saratoga, French and Indian War

    • Battle of Saratoga, French and Indian War, Passage of Stamp Act, Inauguration of George Washington

    • Passage of Stamp Act, French and Indian War, Inauguration of George Washington, Battle of Saratoga

    Correct Answer
    A. French and Indian War, Passage of Stamp Act, Battle of Saratoga, Inauguration of George Washington
    Explanation
    The correct chronological order of the events relating to early America is as follows: French and Indian War, Passage of Stamp Act, Battle of Saratoga, Inauguration of George Washington. The French and Indian War occurred first, followed by the Passage of Stamp Act, then the Battle of Saratoga, and finally the Inauguration of George Washington. This order reflects the historical sequence of these events in early American history.

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  • 7. 
    Which conclusion is best supported by the information on the time line? - ProProfs

    Which conclusion is best supported by the information on the time line?

    • Britain eventually granted the colonies representation in Parliament

    • Only elected British officials had the right to levy taxes

    • Creation of the First Continental Congress was an immediate reaction to the passage of the Stamp Act

    • Britain’s efforts to increase control over the colonies were not successful

    Correct Answer
    A. Britain’s efforts to increase control over the colonies were not successful
    Explanation
    The correct answer is supported by the information on the time line because it shows that Britain eventually granted the colonies representation in Parliament. This suggests that Britain's efforts to increase control over the colonies were not successful, as they had to give in to the colonies' demands for representation.

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  • 8. 
    Which of these events would be placed on the time line before 1763? - ProProfs

    Which of these events would be placed on the time line before 1763?

    • Boston Massacre

    • French and Indian War

    • Battle of Saratoga

    • Passage of the Northwest Ordinance

    Correct Answer
    A. French and Indian War
    Explanation
    The French and Indian War occurred between 1754 and 1763, making it the event that would be placed on the timeline before 1763. This war was fought between the British and French, along with their respective Native American allies, over territorial claims in North America. It resulted in the British victory and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which marked the end of French power in North America.

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  • 9. 

    During the 1600s and 1700s, the fundamental goal of British mercantilism was to...

    • Prohibit all exports of raw materials from the colonies

    • Encourage economic competition with the American colonies

    • Develop manufacturing within the colonies

    • Maintain a favorable balance of trade for Great Britain with its colonies

    Correct Answer
    A. Maintain a favorable balance of trade for Great Britain with its colonies
    Explanation
    During the 1600s and 1700s, British mercantilism aimed to maintain a favorable balance of trade for Great Britain with its colonies. This means that Britain wanted to ensure that it exported more goods to its colonies than it imported from them. By doing so, Britain could accumulate wealth and resources, while also exerting economic control over its colonies. This policy allowed Britain to exploit the colonies economically and maintain its dominance as a colonial power.

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  • 10. 

    "…that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, …"                                                                                 — Declaration of Independence, 1776This passage demonstrates that Thomas Jefferson was directly influenced by the...

    • Ideas of John Locke

    • Goals of the Albany Plan of Union

    • Belief in the divine right of kings

    • Traditional separation of church and state

    Correct Answer
    A. Ideas of John Locke
    Explanation
    This passage from the Declaration of Independence reflects the ideas of John Locke. John Locke was an influential Enlightenment philosopher who argued that governments are created to protect the natural rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and property. He believed that if a government fails to fulfill its purpose and becomes destructive of these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government. The passage's mention of governments deriving their powers from the consent of the governed aligns with Locke's belief in the social contract between the people and their government.

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  • 11. 

    The Battle of Saratoga proved to be a significant turning points in the Revolutionary War because it…

    • Exposed the weakness of American military leadership and paved the way for General George Washington to assume command of the Continental Army

    • Meant that England would renounce all future claims to French territory in North America

    • Was a major defeat for the rebel forces and motivated Benjamin Franklin to go to England to negotiate with the British

    • Demonstrated to France that the Americans might win the war and subsequently led to the Franco-American Alliance of 1778

    • Demonstrated the superiority of the British naval power, thus convincing the Americans to alter their strategy

    Correct Answer
    A. Demonstrated to France that the Americans might win the war and subsequently led to the Franco-American Alliance of 1778
    Explanation
    The Battle of Saratoga demonstrated to France that the Americans had a chance of winning the war against the British. This led to the Franco-American Alliance of 1778, where France officially allied with the American rebels and provided them with military support, including troops, supplies, and naval assistance. This alliance significantly strengthened the American cause and helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War in their favor.

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  • 12. 

    The creation of the Virginia House of Burgesses and the signing of the Mayflower Compact showed that American colonist...

    • Supported the abolition of slavery

    • Promoted public education

    • Practiced elements of self-government

    • Demanded immediate independence

    Correct Answer
    A. Practiced elements of self-government
    Explanation
    The creation of the Virginia House of Burgesses and the signing of the Mayflower Compact demonstrated that American colonists practiced elements of self-government. The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative assembly in the English colonies, allowing colonists to have a voice in their own governance. The Mayflower Compact, signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, established a framework for self-government and majority rule. These actions showed that the colonists were taking steps towards governing themselves and making decisions collectively, rather than relying solely on the authority of the British monarchy.

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  • 13. 

    The original settlement in the thirteen British colonies were all located…

    • On the Great Plains

    • East of the Appalachian Mountains

    • West of the Mississippi River

    • Along the Gulf Coast

    Correct Answer
    A. East of the Appalachian Mountains
    Explanation
    The original settlement in the thirteen British colonies were located east of the Appalachian Mountains. This is because the British colonies were established along the eastern coast of North America, starting with the settlement of Jamestown in Virginia in 1607. The colonies gradually expanded northwards and southwards along the Atlantic coastline, with major settlements such as Boston, New York, and Charleston. The Appalachian Mountains served as a natural barrier, limiting westward expansion during the early colonial period.

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  • 14. 

    Check the advantages the colonist had in fighting the Revolutionary War. (Hint there are FOUR)

    • Knowing the land

    • Newer Weapons (not all but some)

    • Drive/Fighting a defense war

    • Numbers

    • Tactics

    • Economics

    • Supplies

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Knowing the land
    A. Newer Weapons (not all but some)
    A. Drive/Fighting a defense war
    A. Tactics
    Explanation
    The colonists had several advantages in fighting the Revolutionary War. Firstly, they had a deep knowledge of the land, which allowed them to utilize guerrilla warfare tactics and ambush the British forces. Secondly, although not all colonists had access to newer weapons, some did, which gave them an advantage in terms of firepower. Thirdly, the colonists were fighting a defensive war, which meant they were able to choose their battles and defend strategic positions. Lastly, the colonists had effective tactics and strategies, such as using their knowledge of the land and employing hit-and-run tactics, which helped them to outmaneuver the British.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following statements about indentured servitude is true?

    • Approximately half of all indentured servants died before earning their freedom

    • Indentured servants were prohibited from practicing religion in any form

    • Indentured servitude never attracted many people because its terms were too harsh

    • Indenture servitude was one of several systems used to distinguish house slaves from field slaves

    • Indentured servitude was the means by which most Africans came to the New World

    Correct Answer
    A. Approximately half of all indentured servants died before earning their freedom
  • 16. 

    Which of the following is the best explanation for why the British did not establish a powerful central government in the American colonies?

    • The British cared little how the colonist lived so long as the colonies remained a productive economic asset.

    • Britain feared that the colonist would rebel against any substantial government force that it established.

    • Few members of the British elite were willing to travel to the colonies, even for the opportunity to govern.

    • Britain .gave the colonies a large measure of autonomy as a first step in transitioning the region to independence

    • The British were philosophically opposed to the concept of a powerful central government, either at home or abroad.

    Correct Answer
    A. The British cared little how the colonist lived so long as the colonies remained a productive economic asset.
    Explanation
    The answer suggests that the British did not establish a powerful central government in the American colonies because they were primarily concerned with maintaining the colonies as a productive economic asset. This implies that as long as the colonies were generating wealth for Britain, the British were not particularly interested in imposing a strong central government that could potentially disrupt the economic productivity of the colonies.

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  • 17. 

    Historians often cite Shay’s Rebellion (1786-1787) as a significant event in US History because it…

    • Made Americans realize that excessive taxation often leads to violence

    • Demonstrated the strength, yet fairness, of the newly-created federal government

    • Demonstrated the weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation

    • Made many Americans realize that slavery could not last

    • Demonstrated class antagonism, despite the absence of a landed aristocracy

    Correct Answer
    A. Demonstrated the weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation
    Explanation
    Shay's Rebellion was a significant event in US History because it demonstrated the weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion, led by Daniel Shays, was a protest against high taxes and debt that many farmers were facing. The federal government, lacking the power to raise an army or enforce laws, was unable to effectively respond to the rebellion. This highlighted the need for a stronger central government and ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the United States Constitution.

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  • 18. 

    The philosophy of mercantilism holds the economic power resides primarily in…

    • The ability to compete successfully in free markets

    • The ability to extend and receive credit at favorable interest rates

    • Surplus manpower and control over raw materials

    • Domination of slave trade and control of shipping lanes

    • Control of hard currency and positive trade balance

    Correct Answer
    A. Control of hard currency and positive trade balance
    Explanation
    The philosophy of mercantilism believes that the economic power of a nation lies in its control over hard currency and maintaining a positive trade balance. This means that a country should focus on exporting more goods and services than it imports, thereby accumulating wealth in the form of gold and silver. By controlling hard currency and having a positive trade balance, a nation can strengthen its economy and increase its power in the global market. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of trade and financial dominance for economic prosperity.

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  • 19. 
    What is the name of the dark line shown on this map? Who created the line? - ProProfs

    What is the name of the dark line shown on this map? Who created the line?

    • Proclamation of 1763

    • Britain

    • Colonist

    • France

    • American Border

    • Spain

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Proclamation of 1763
    A. Britain
    Explanation
    The dark line shown on the map is called the Proclamation of 1763. It was created by Britain.

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  • 20. 

    A major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that they...

    • Created a too powerful chief executive

    • Denied the federal government the power to mediate disputes between states

    • Made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties

    • Did not include a mechanism for their own amendment

    Correct Answer
    A. Made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties." The Articles of Confederation did not grant the federal government the power to levy taxes or collect duties, which severely limited its ability to generate revenue. This lack of financial resources hindered the government's ability to fund its operations, maintain a military, and address the nation's economic needs. As a result, the government struggled to effectively govern and fulfill its responsibilities, highlighting a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

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  • 21. 
    This image shows General Washington's heroic journey of crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night and the beginning of which major American Revolutionary War battle? - ProProfs

    This image shows General Washington's heroic journey of crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night and the beginning of which major American Revolutionary War battle?

    • Battle of Trenton

    • Battle of Saratoga

    • Battle of Yorktown

    • Battle of Bunker Hill

    Correct Answer
    A. Battle of Trenton
    Explanation
    This image depicts General Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night. This event marked the beginning of the Battle of Trenton, a major battle during the American Revolutionary War. Washington and his troops surprised the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey, and achieved a decisive victory. This victory provided a much-needed boost to American morale and demonstrated Washington's strategic prowess.

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  • 22. 

    The Albany Pan of Union failed because…

    • No political leader with national stature was willing to support the plan

    • There was no legitimate executive power to enforce it

    • The plan required the Northeastern colonies to contribute a disproportionate share of the necessary troops and money

    • None of the colonies were willing to share tax-collecting powers with a national entity nor agree to unite together in anyway under the plan

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the colonies were willing to share tax-collecting powers with a national entity nor agree to unite together in anyway under the plan
    Explanation
    The Albany Plan of Union failed because none of the colonies were willing to share tax-collecting powers with a national entity nor agree to unite together in any way under the plan. This lack of cooperation and willingness to give up their own powers and autonomy prevented the plan from being implemented successfully.

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  • 23. 

    The colony of Georgia was founding for difference reasons than most British colonies.  What were the TWO major differences for the founding of Georgia than the other typical British colonies?

    • For debtors

    • To create a buffer zone between the English and Spanish

    • To create a tobacco soceity

    • For religous freeom

    • Was an accident

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. For debtors
    A. To create a buffer zone between the English and Spanish
    Explanation
    The colony of Georgia was founded for two major reasons that differed from most British colonies. Firstly, it was established as a refuge for debtors who were seeking a fresh start and a chance to repay their debts. Secondly, Georgia was created as a buffer zone between the English colonies and Spanish-controlled Florida, aiming to protect the English colonies from potential Spanish invasions. These two reasons set Georgia apart from other British colonies, which were primarily founded for economic reasons or religious freedom.

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  • 24. 

     In the seventeenth century the Chesapeake Bay settlement expanded it territorial holdings more quickly than did the Massachusetts Bay settlement primarily because…

    • A high birthrate and healthy environment resulted in a population boom in the Chesapeake region

    • Massachusetts settlers were entirely uninterested in expansion

    • Farmland in the Chesapeake area was less fertile and so more of it was needed to support sustenance farming

    • No Native Americans lived in the Chesapeake Bay, area and the colonist were free to expand their settlements at will

    • Farming of the chief Chesapeake export, tobacco, required a great deal of land

    Correct Answer
    A. Farming of the chief Chesapeake export, tobacco, required a great deal of land
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that farming of the chief Chesapeake export, tobacco, required a great deal of land. This is because tobacco farming was the main economic activity in the Chesapeake Bay settlement, and it required large amounts of land to cultivate the crop. As a result, the settlers needed to expand their territorial holdings in order to have enough land for tobacco farming. In contrast, the Massachusetts Bay settlement had different economic activities and did not rely as heavily on agriculture, which is why they did not expand their territorial holdings as quickly.

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  • 25. 

    “[G]overnments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”                                                               Thomas Jefferson -- Declaration of IndependenceThe ideas about government expressed by Paine and Jefferson are most consistent with which of the following? 

    • The concept of hereditary rights and privileges

    • The belief in Manifest Destiny

    • The principle of religious freedom

    • The ideas of the Enlightenment

    Correct Answer
    A. The ideas of the Enlightenment
    Explanation
    The ideas expressed by Paine and Jefferson, as stated in the quote, emphasize the importance of government deriving its power from the consent of the governed and the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive. These ideas align with the principles of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, individual rights, and the social contract between the government and the people. The concept of hereditary rights and privileges, belief in Manifest Destiny, and the principle of religious freedom do not directly address the relationship between government and the governed, making them less consistent with the ideas expressed by Paine and Jefferson.

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  • 26. 

    The American colonist objected the policies imposed by Parliament after the French and Indian War for all the following reasons EXCEPT...

    • The new restrictions would hinder New England trade

    • Their rights as Englishmen were being violated

    • They resented quartering British troops now that the French threat was removed

    • They believed that if they were subjected to mercantilist restrictions they should have lower tariffs

    • They believed that only their colonial assemblies had the power to tax them, not the British Parliament

    Correct Answer
    A. They believed that if they were subjected to mercantilist restrictions they should have lower tariffs
    Explanation
    The American colonists objected to the policies imposed by Parliament after the French and Indian War for several reasons. First, they believed that the new restrictions would hinder New England trade. Second, they felt that their rights as Englishmen were being violated. Third, they resented quartering British troops now that the French threat was removed. Lastly, they believed that only their colonial assemblies had the power to tax them, not the British Parliament. However, they did not believe that if they were subjected to mercantilist restrictions, they should have lower tariffs.

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  • 27. 

    Colleges and universities during the colonial period were dedicated primarily to the training of...

    • Medical Doctors

    • Scientists

    • Political Leaders

    • The Clergy

    • Farmers

    Correct Answer
    A. The Clergy
    Explanation
    During the colonial period, colleges and universities were primarily focused on training individuals for religious leadership roles, such as becoming members of the clergy. This was because religion played a central role in the lives of the colonists, and there was a need for well-educated individuals to lead religious communities and provide spiritual guidance. The training provided by these institutions would have included theological studies, biblical interpretation, and other topics related to religious practice and leadership.

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  • 28. 
     The change in settlement patterns from 1700 to 1775 had which of the following effects? - ProProfs

     The change in settlement patterns from 1700 to 1775 had which of the following effects?

    • A decrease in the coastal population

    • An increase in conflicts between British settlers and American Indians

    • A decrease in the economic importance of slavery and other forms of coerced labor

    • An increase in trade with French Canada

    Correct Answer
    A. A decrease in the coastal population
    Explanation
    The change in settlement patterns from 1700 to 1775 resulted in a decrease in the coastal population. This could be attributed to several factors such as the availability of land further inland, the push for westward expansion, and the desire for more economic opportunities in other regions. As settlers moved away from the coast, the population in coastal areas declined.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Apr 28, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 22, 2016
    Quiz Created by
    BethanyWSE
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