Colonial America Quiz

What was the primary reason for the establishment of Jamestown in 1607?

• To serve as a military outpost

• To convert the indigenous population

• To act as a trading hub with Asia

• It was a business venture by the Virginia Company of London

Which of the following was a characteristic of New England settlements in the early Virginia and United States history?

• Large land grants from King of England

• Direct democracy through town meetings

• Plantation economy

• Focus on gold mining

What was a consequence of the interactions of Europeans, African and American cultures?

• Large scale immigration from France to Canada

• Europeans lost their traditional territories

• American Indians lost their traditional territories

• Native people in Canada were generally uncooperative

Which colonies incorporated a number of democratic principles that reflected the basic rights of Englishmen?

• Southern Colonies

• New England Colonies

• Middle Colonies

• French Colonies

What was the economic basis of the Southern Colonies?

• Shipbuilding and fishing

• Small-scale subsistence farming, hunting and trading

• Large plantation with "cash crops" (tobacco, rice and indigo) for sale to Europe

• Manufacturing and industrial production

Which of the following statements is true about the political life in the colonies?

• The Middle Colonies had no form of direct democracy

• New England's political life was based on the "Athenian" direct democracy model

• The Southern Colonies maintained stronger ties with Britain

• All colonies had the same form of government

What were the ideas of John Locke regarding the rights of people and their relationship to their rulers?

• People have the right to alter or overthrow a government that does not protect their rights.

• Rulers have absolute power over their subjects and can make any laws they wish.

• Only the nobility have natural rights and can participate in government.

• Governments should have unlimited power to ensure social harmony.

Which social group founded Rhode Island to escape persecution?

• Dissenters fleeing persecution by the Puritan Massachusetts government.

• Huguenots and Jews from New York.

• Entrepreneurs and small farmers from the Southern colonies.

• The Puritans seeking religious freedom.

What was the primary reason for the introduction of slavery into the colonies?

• The need for skilled artisans and entrepreneurs.

• The growth of plantation-based agricultural economy requiring cheap labor.

• The desire to maintain family status and land ownership.

• The establishment of multiple religious groups in the Middle colonies.

What was the significance of the Great Awakening in the American colonies?

• It was a war that led to the independence of the American colonies.

• It was a religious movement that challenged established religious and governmental orders.

• It was a trade agreement that increased economic activity between Europe and the colonies.

• It was a political movement that sought to strengthen the ties with the British crown.