U.S. Virgin Islands History Quiz
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The United States Virgin Islands are made of how many islands and cays?
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4 larger islands and 40 cays
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4 larger islands and 50 cays
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3 larger islands and 50 cays
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2 larger islands and 40 cays
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Explore the rich history of the U. S. Virgin Islands with this engaging quiz. Learn about their colonial past, indigenous tribes, and acquisition by the United States. Perfect for students of history and those curious about Caribbean territories.
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- 2.
Who gave the islands the name, The Virgin Islands?
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Christopher Columbus in 1493
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The Indians in 1493
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The Awaraks in 1776
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Christopher Columbus in 1492
Correct Answer
A. Christopher Columbus in 1493Explanation
Christopher Columbus gave the islands the name, The Virgin Islands, in 1493.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In 1754, the Virgin Islands became royal Danish colonies.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because in 1754, the Virgin Islands did indeed become royal Danish colonies. This means that the islands were under the control and governance of the Danish monarchy during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How much did the United States pay Denmark for the Virgin Islands?
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$5 million
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Nothing
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$25 million
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. $25 millionExplanation
The United States paid Denmark $25 million for the Virgin Islands.Rate this question:
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- 5.
On March 31, 1917, the United States took possession of the islands.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
On March 31, 1917, the United States took possession of the islands. This statement is true. It is referring to the transfer of the Danish West Indies (now known as the United States Virgin Islands) from Denmark to the United States. The transfer was completed on March 31, 1917, when the United States officially took possession of the islands.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What were the names of the three Indian tribes that lived in the islands?
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Ciboneys, Arawak, Caribs
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Caribs, Arawak, Americans
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Arawak, Native, Caribs
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Ciboneys, Arawak, Slaves
Correct Answer
A. Ciboneys, Arawak, CaribsExplanation
The correct answer is Ciboneys, Arawak, Caribs. These were the names of the three Indian tribes that lived in the islands.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Caribs killed off the Arawak people.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because historical evidence suggests that the Caribs, who were a group of indigenous people in the Caribbean, were known to be aggressive and warlike. They often engaged in conflicts with other indigenous groups, including the Arawak people. The Caribs' aggression and warfare eventually led to the decline and extinction of the Arawak people in many areas of the Caribbean.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did Columbus name each of the three major islands?
Correct Answer
Saint Cruz, Saint Tomas, Saint JuanExplanation
Columbus named each of the three major islands Saint Cruz, Saint Tomas, and Saint Juan.Rate this question:
- 9.
Who did Columbus kidnap and use to help him explore the islands?
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Six Arawaks
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Six Caribs
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Five Americans
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Five Spanish
Correct Answer
A. Six ArawaksExplanation
Columbus kidnapped and used six Arawaks to help him explore the islands. The Arawaks were indigenous people who inhabited the Caribbean islands before the arrival of Columbus. They were forced into servitude and used by Columbus to assist in his exploration and colonization efforts.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The European explorers tried to get the Arawak and Caribs to convert to the Catholic religion.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because European explorers, particularly the Spanish and Portuguese, were motivated by religious zeal and sought to spread Catholicism to the indigenous peoples they encountered during their voyages. They believed that converting the Arawak and Caribs to Catholicism was a way to "save" their souls and bring them into the fold of the Church. This religious conversion was often enforced through various means, including coercion, violence, and the destruction of indigenous religious practices and sacred sites.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In 1673, the African slave trade began because there were no native slaves left.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given answer, True, is that the African slave trade did indeed begin in 1673. This was because by that time, there were very few native slaves left, as many had died due to diseases brought by European colonizers or had escaped and formed their own communities. As a result, European colonizers turned to Africa as a new source of slaves to meet the labor demands in the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What group of African people started a rebellion in 1733 on the island of St. John?
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Akwamu
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Arawak
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Caribs
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Americans
Correct Answer
A. AkwamuExplanation
The Akwamu people started a rebellion in 1733 on the island of St. John.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In 1848, African slaves threatened to burn down the city of Frederiksted. What was the name of the Danish governor who surrendered to the states?
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Barack Obama
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John deJoung
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Christopher Columbus
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Peter von Scholten
Correct Answer
A. Peter von ScholtenExplanation
Peter von Scholten was the Danish governor who surrendered to the states in 1848 when African slaves threatened to burn down the city of Frederiksted.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What was passed in 1932 that gave the people of the Virgin Islands United States citizenship?
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The Organic Act
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The Article of Independence
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The Separation Agreement
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. The Organic ActExplanation
The Organic Act, passed in 1932, granted United States citizenship to the people of the Virgin Islands. This act was significant as it provided legal recognition and rights to the residents of the Virgin Islands, establishing their status as American citizens. The act also outlined the framework for the local government and administration of the Virgin Islands, ensuring their integration into the United States.Rate this question:
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- 15.
How far away are the United States Virgin Islands from Puerto Rico?
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50 miles
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90 miles
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10 miles
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20 miles
Correct Answer
A. 90 milesExplanation
The United States Virgin Islands are located approximately 90 miles away from Puerto Rico.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Crown Mountain in St. Thomas is the highest point in the Virgin Islands.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Crown Mountain in St. Thomas being the highest point in the Virgin Islands is a fact that can be verified. The statement does not provide any contradictory information or context that would suggest it is false. Therefore, it can be concluded that the answer is true.Rate this question:
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- 17.
When is hurricane season?
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February to March
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June to November
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June to August
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January to June
Correct Answer
A. June to NovemberExplanation
Hurricane season typically occurs from June to November. During this period, the ocean waters are warm, creating favorable conditions for the formation and intensification of hurricanes. The peak of hurricane activity usually happens between August and October. This timeframe is when meteorologists and government agencies closely monitor and issue warnings for potential tropical storms and hurricanes. Therefore, the correct answer is June to November.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Raining season is May to November.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement states that the rainy season occurs from May to November. The answer "True" indicates that this statement is correct.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What is the capital city of the US Virgin Islands?
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Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
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Christiansted, St. Croix
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Charlotte Amalie, St. Croix
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Frederiksted, St. Croix
Correct Answer
A. Charlotte Amalie, St. ThomasExplanation
The capital city of the US Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie, which is located on the island of St. Thomas.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What is the territory's bird?
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The Blue Breast Bird
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The Green Breast Bird
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The Yellow Breast Bird
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The Orange Breast Bird
Correct Answer
A. The Yellow Breast BirdExplanation
The given correct answer is "The Yellow Breast Bird." This suggests that the territory in question has a bird species with a yellow breast. The other options, such as the Blue Breast Bird, Green Breast Bird, and Orange Breast Bird, are not the correct answer, indicating that the territory does not have birds with those specific breast colors.Rate this question:
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- 21.
United States Virgin Island citizens can vote in presidential elections?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
United States Virgin Island citizens are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections. Although they are U.S. citizens, they do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress, and therefore, they cannot participate in federal elections such as the presidential election.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of St. __________.
Correct Answer
Thomas, thomasExplanation
Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Situated on the island of St. Thomas, it boasts a vibrant harbor, historic architecture, and duty-free shopping, making it a popular tourist destination. The city's rich history, dating back to the 17th century, is reflected in its colonial buildings and landmarks, such as Fort Christian and Blackbeard's Castle.Rate this question:
- 23.
What year did islanders begin electing their own governor?
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1970
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1776
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1493
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2000
Correct Answer
A. 1970Explanation
In 1970, the islanders began electing their own governor. This suggests that prior to 1970, the governor of the island was not elected by the people. The other options, 1776, 1493, and 2000, do not align with the given information and are therefore incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What is the official language of the Virgin Islands?
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Spanish
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Dutch
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French
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English
Correct Answer
A. EnglishExplanation
The official language of the Virgin Islands is English. This is because the Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United States, and English is the primary language spoken in the United States. English is used for official government purposes, education, and everyday communication in the Virgin Islands.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What are the two cities of St. Croix?
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Charlotte Amalie & St. Thomas
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Christiansted & Frederiksted
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Frederiksted & Charlotte Amalie
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St. Thomas & St. Croix
Correct Answer
A. Christiansted & FrederikstedExplanation
Christiansted and Frederiksted are the two cities of St. Croix. These cities are located on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christiansted is the largest city on the island and is known for its historic architecture and cultural landmarks. Frederiksted is the second largest city and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture. Both cities offer unique experiences and attractions for visitors to explore.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The Virgin Islands Athem is the Virgin Islands Song.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement "The Virgin Islands Anthem is the Virgin Islands Song" is false. The Virgin Islands Anthem refers to the official national anthem of the Virgin Islands, which is a specific musical composition representing the country. On the other hand, the term "Virgin Islands Song" is more general and could refer to any song associated with or inspired by the Virgin Islands. Therefore, the two terms are not interchangeable, making the statement false.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Was Christiansted ever the capital of the Virgin Islands?
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Yes
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No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Christiansted was indeed the capital of the Virgin Islands. It served as the capital of the Danish West Indies, which included the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, from 1755 until 1871. The town was an important center of trade and commerce during this time, and many historical buildings and landmarks still exist in Christiansted today. In 1871, the capital was moved to Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Charlotte Amalie is completely surrounded by the Caribbean sea.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
St. CroixRate this question:
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Sep 25, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Feb 11, 2013Quiz Created by
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