Exploring Early American History

What year did Christopher Columbus first arrive in the Americas?

• 1492

• 1607

• 1620

• 1776

Which colony was the first permanent English settlement in America?

• Plymouth

• Jamestown

• Roanoke

• New Amsterdam

Identify the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence.

• To establish a new government

• To declare war on Britain

• To announce the colonies' separation from Britain

• To create a new constitution

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

Which event marked the beginning of the American Revolution?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Battle of Lexington and Concord

• The French and Indian War

Which industry was most prominent in the Southern Colonies during the colonial era?

• Shipbuilding

• Mining

• Plantation farming

• Ironworks

Describe the impact of slavery on the economy of the Southern Colonies.

• It led to the development of a strong industrial base.

• It was the primary source of labor for plantations.

• It had little effect on the economy.

• It caused the Southern Colonies to become less profitable.

Which document served as the first constitution of the United States?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

What was the primary reason for the British imposing taxes on the American colonies after the French and Indian War?

• To punish the colonies for their disobedience

• To fund the construction of new colonies

• To pay off war debts

• To support the British monarchy

Which battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolution?

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The Battle of Saratoga

• The Battle of Yorktown

• The Battle of Trenton