Early U.S. History + Explanations

Which of the following is the most widely accepted theory to explain how Native Americans immigrated to the Western Hemisphere?

• Native Americans traveled by boat across the Atlantic Ocean.

• Native Americas have always inhabited the Americas

• Native Americans traveled over a land from Asia to the Americas

• European explorers brought Native Americans to North America.

Answer explanation

Most historians and scientists agree that Native Americans are descendants from prehistoric peoples who crossed a land bridge in the Bering Strait that, during the last Ice Age, connected the lands now referred to as Siberia and Alaska.

Which of the following had the greatest impact on influencing Native American culture?

• Tribal Warfare

• Nature & the environment

• Depending on other tribes & tribal alliances

Answer explanation

Nearly every aspect of Native American life centered on the dependence upon the environment. Native Americans depended upon the world around them for the food and resources necessary to survive. As a result, most Native American customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs focused on the respect and reverence the cultures had for the earth that helped them thrive.

During European Exploration, which of the following nation claimed land in North America first?

• Spain

• Great Britain

• France

• Portugal

Answer explanation

Columbus’s arrival in the New World, marks the first time a European nation claimed land in the Americas. He never came to North America but he started European Exploration and allowed Spain to dominate Europe for 200 years.

Which of the following DID NOT play a key role in the European Age of Exploration that emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries?

• Advancements in sea-faring technology

• A goal of enslaving Native Americans

• An interest in developing a sea route to Asia for trade

• A desire to claim land, find gold and gain riches

Answer explanation

The combination of better ships, better navigation techniques, and the possibilities for economic gain drew European rulers to the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries. The potential rewards of successful expeditions had, for the first time, proved to outweigh the risks.

What do we call land that is owned & controlled by another country?

• Native people

• settlement

• Colony

• nation

Answer explanation

There really aren't any colonies any more but back in the day, all of the Americas were claimed by a European nation.

What was the name of the first successful British colony in North America (that helped create the British claim)?

• Roanoke, Virginia

• Jamestown, Virginia

• Plymouth Rock, Mass

• New York, New York

Answer explanation

Jamestown was established in 1703 and if Great Britain had not succeeded at Jamestown, it might be the Spanish who controlled North America since they already established the first city in St. Augustine, Florida

For about 150 years, the USA was once a colony of...

• Spain

• Mexico

• France

• Great Britain

Answer explanation

The British or English established 13 colonies and in general the colonists were happy with this system until the French & Indian War in 1760's.

British taxes on the American colonists, such as the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act, were pass with what intention?

• To hurt the American colonies economically

• To help repay the British debts accrued during the French and Indian War

• To fund improvements in the American colonies like roads & bridges

• To raise money to fight against the American Revolution

Answer explanation

While victorious, the British had to spend a lot of money to defeat the French in the French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years War). To pay back the debts they accumulated, the British were forced to raise taxes on all British citizens, including those in the colonies.

What WAS NOT a reason the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson?

• It created the USA's independence from Great Britain

• To convince neutral colonists to become Patriots

• To explain to Great Britain why colonists wanted independence

• To tell King George the USA considered itself an independent nation

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence did not create the USA, we had to win the war first! It was written to say “all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” It gave justifications for the decision and also laid the groundwork for the ideals of American democracy.

Western Expansion took place in what years?

• 1603-1653

• 1703-1753

• 1803-1853

• 1903-1953