U.S. History: Key Events and Policies

When did the United States gain its independence from Great Britain?

• July 4, 1776

• September 3, 1783

• December 24, 1814

• June 18, 1812

Why did Native Americans generally support the British during the American Revolutionary War?

• They sought to expand their own territories into British Canada.

• They hoped the British would help them gain independence from all European powers.

• They believed the British would restrict American settlers from expanding into their lands.

• They were promised full citizenship and representation in the British Parliament.

What was the purpose of the British "Order in Council" issued in 1807?

• To declare war on France and its allies.

• To establish new trade routes with American colonies.

• To restrict trade between ports controlled by France or its allies and other European ports.

• To formally recognize the independence of the United States.

What was the primary goal of the Embargo Act signed by President Thomas Jefferson?

• To encourage trade with both Britain and France.

• To block all international trade from American ports, primarily targeting Britain.

• To form a military alliance with France against Britain.

• To establish new American colonies in the Caribbean.

What was a major reason the United States declared war on Great Britain in 1812?

• Great Britain was trying to colonize parts of the United States.

• Great Britain was interfering with American trade and supporting Native American resistance.

• The United States wanted to help France defeat Napoleon.

• Great Britain refused to recognize the United States as an independent nation.

Which of the following was an early setback for the United States during the War of 1812?

• The Battle of Lake Erie.

• The Battle of the Thames.

• The surrender of Fort Detroit.

• The Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

Which American commander achieved a significant naval victory on Lake Erie in 1813?

• General William Hull

• Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

• General Henry Dearborn

• Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer

What was the main outcome of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812?

• The United States gained significant new territories from Great Britain.

• Great Britain was forced to pay reparations to the United States.

• The war ended in a "status quo antebellum," meaning things returned mostly to how they were before the war.

• France became a major power in North America.