American History Unit 1 Test

This image is called Bloody Massacre on King Street, by Paul Revere. Specifically, which event is being depicted in this illustration?

• The Boston Massacre

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Stamp Act

• The Townshend Acts

[We understand] that [we] have, in common with all other men, a natural & unalienable right to that freedom, which [God] has [given] equally [to] all and which [we] have never [given up in] any contract or agreement… Every principle from which America has acted in the course of her unhappy difficulties with Great-Britain, pleads stronger than a thousand arguments in favor of [us].

 

[We] therefore humbly [beg] your honors, to [consider] this petition, & [pass a law] whereby [slaves] may be restored to the enjoyment of that freedom which is the natural right of all men…

By: Lancaster Hill, Peter Bess, Brister Slenten, Prince Hall, Jack Purpont (his mark) , Nero Suneto (his mark), Newport Symner (his mark)

Based on this petition, which statement best describes the authors' point of view?

• Enslaved people have the same right to freedom as the colonists who are declaring their independence.

• The American colonists should ask King George III for their independence.

• By fighting for the Revolutionary army, enslaved people have earned their freedom.

• The authors of the petition wish to remain united with Great Britain.

Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled 

 Source: Article II, Articles of Confederation

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people 

Source: 10th Amendment, US Constitution

The purpose of each of these provisions is to

• determine the division of power between state and central governments.

• create a process for allowing amendments.

• grant the central government power to control the states.

• limit the power of the executive branch.

….Not long before the English came into the Country, happened a great mortality amongst [Native Americans], especially where the English afterwards planted, the East and Northern parts were sore smitten with the Contagion; first by the plague, afterwards when the English came by the small pox, the three Kingdoms or Sagamorships of the Massachusetts were very populous, having under them seven Dukedoms or petti-Sagamorships, but by the plague were brought from 30,000 to 300. There are not many now to the Eastward, the Pequots were destroyed by the English: the Mohawks are about five hundred…. 

-Source: John Josselyn, An Account of two Voyages to New England, made during the years 1638-1663

The events described in this account could be considered a turning point in history because

• The author of this account went on to become a powerful English lord.

• Native American societies grew strong again after contracting European diseases, resulting in an increase in Native populations at this time.

• Native Americans in the British colonies experienced a drastic decline in population due to disease and war brought by Europeans.

• New England colonists repaired relationships with Native Americans soon after the incidents described.

During the colonial period, the British Parliament used the policy of mercantilism to

• control trade in its American colonies

• prevented criticism of royal policies

• deny representation in parliament

• force the colonists to worship the Anglican Church

The distinction between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders, [is] no more.  I am not Virginian, but an American.

Patrick Henry, 1774 speech during the First Continental Congress

What conclusion can be drawn from Patrick Henry's speech regarding the perspective of colonial Americans? 

• By 1774, a growing number of colonists viewed themselves as being a part of a unique social and political entity different from Britain.

• By 1774, the majority of colonists viewed themselves as citizens of the whole British Empire, making differences between the colonies insignificant.

• By 1774, colonists recognized that a powerful centralized national government must be created with three branches in order to gain independence.

• By 1774, the political and social values of colonists became so similar that establishing a set of national values regarding institutions such as slavery became necessary.

The British Empire drove the French out of nearly all of North America with its victory in the Seven Years' War, 1756-1763, also known as the French and Indian War.   Tensions remained between the British and the American Indians on the frontier following the war.   As an attempt at compromise, the British government issued the Proclamation of 1763, forbidding the settlement of British colonists west of the Appalachian Mountains.

How did this proclamation contribute to colonial unrest leading up to the Revolutionary War? 

• Colonists wanted to settle in the Ohio Valley and lands farther west.

• Colonists felt that the British had abandoned them in North America.

• Colonists who had fought with the French were angry with their defeat.

• Colonists were unhappy with British aggressions toward American Indians.

Which statement most accurately expresses the main idea of this illustration?

• Colonies that do not unit are not loyal.

• Colonies that do not unit will be attacked.

• Colonies are stronger as they are independent.

• Colonies cannot survive unless they are united.

These laws upset the colonists when England attempted to ensure mercantilism with its colonies, requiring trade on British ships and sending enumerated goods such as tobacco only to England. (What were the laws?)

• Salutary Neglect

• The Navigation Acts

• The Townshend Acts

• The Albany Plan of Union

This was the policy of the British followed, up until the French and Indian War which allowed the colonies to basically govern themselves.

• Mercantislim

• Salutary Neglect

• Natural Rights

• Manifest Destiny