5th Grade Social Studies Benchmark Assessment

According to the land bridge theory, from which continent did early people cross into North America?

• Africa

• Asia

• Europe

• South America

What is the main reason that early peoples in the Americas began to live in larger, more settled villages?

• They developed agriculture

• They found dependable water sources

• They learned how to hunt with bows and arrows

• They needed protection from warring peoples

Which European nation sponsored Columbus's expedition across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492?

• England

• France

• Portugal

• Spain

What was a major purpose of the Iroquois League?

• to trade goods

• to lead religious ceremonies

• to resolve conflicts among people and groups

• to establish a common language for communication

What did Verrazano, Cartier, and Hudson search for in North America?

• the Fountain of Youth

• the Indies

• the Northwest Passage

• the Seven Cities of Gold

Why was the Treaty of Paris important?

• It restored trade with Britain

• It divided the Northwest Territory

• It officially ended the Revolutionary War

• It stated slavery would not be allowed in the Northwest Territory

What caused the colonists to call themselves Patriots or Loyalists?

• the colonial region in which they lived

• whether they supported independence from Britain

• the country from which they or their ancestors came

• whether they paid British taxes

Which of the following was the main reason that Columbus sailed west from Europe?

• to find a more direct water route to Asia

• to set up colonies

• to spread the Catholic religion

• to discover new continents

Which of these countries supported the Americans during the Revolutionary War?

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• Mexico

What was the main reason that enslaved African Americans fought in the Revolutionary War?

• They had signed treaties with the British

• They were promised their freedom in return

• They preferred being British citizens

• They were promised western lands in return