Colonial Era Review Questions

What was the primary reason why settlers in the mid-to-late 1600s founded the Southern Colonies?

• To farm the rich fertile soil found there

• To trade with the Spanish

• To build fisheries near the ocean

• To enjoy the warmer climate

Which of the following BEST describes the organization that founded Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America?

• A public corporation established by merchants

• A public corporation established by landowners

• A joint-stock company established by merchants

• A joint-stock company established by landowners

What geographical characteristic MOST influenced the Southern colonies?

• Long dry seasons that promoted timber production

• Large areas of ocean access that promoted fishing

• Large ports that promoted international trade

• Long growing seasons that promoted farming

Which of the following was a conflict fought between Virginia settlers and American Indians over food and land?

• The Pequot War

• King Philip’s War

• Pontiac’s Rebellion

• The Powhatan War

The MAIN cause of Bacon’s Rebellion was conflict between

• Colonial traders and British soldiers

• Colonial explorers and French traders

• Colonial farmers and American Indians

• Colonial soldiers and British bureaucrats

The colonies of Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island were all formed because of the need to

• Create economic profits

• Establish religious freedom

• House criminals and debtors

• Institutionalize African slavery

What was one way the New England Colonies differed from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Colonies?

• Few factories were found there

• Agriculture was not a dominant part of the economy

• Religion was not especially important in the region

• It was by far the warmest region of Colonial America

What resources did the New England region have to offer colonists?

• Petroleum and precious metals like gold and silver

• Abundant forests, navigable rivers, and natural harbors

• Fertile soil and precious metals like gold and silver

• Natural harbors, navigable rivers, and fertile soil

The outbreak of King Philip’s War was a result of which of the following?

• American Indian seizure of British resources

• French dealings with American Indian traders

• French alliances with rival American Indian groups

• British expansion throughout American Indian lands

The colony of Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn for which purpose?

• To provide a safe haven for Quakers

• To profit from the coal mines there

• To settle conflicts between English settlers and American Indians

• To provide a home where former slaves could find freedom