Font size
Worksheetshfaustini 8th Grade Social Studies Midterm Review 1
Total questions: 81
Worksheet time: 41mins
In what way might Spain's decision to claim land in North America be considered controversial?
Spanish explorers seized territory already inhabited by American Indians.
Spain was the first European country to explore North America.
Spanish explorers only traded with American Indians.
Spain claimed land that was uninhabited.
The rebirth of artistic and technological innovation in Europe, known as the Renaissance, was prompted by
the increase in travel by Europeans and their trade expansion.
the decline of religious influence in daily life.
the discovery of the New World by Columbus.
the invention of the printing press in China.
Which of the following statements BEST describes the importance of the voyage around the world led by Magellan?
The voyage proved that there was a westward all-water route to Asia.
The voyage established the first permanent European settlement in Asia.
The voyage resulted in the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Europeans.
The voyage led to the immediate colonization of the Americas.
How do scholars know that the Vikings had traveled to North America prior to Columbus's voyage?
The Vikings left written records and archaeological evidence.
There are ancient Viking ships found in the Pacific Ocean.
Viking legends mention a land called Atlantis in America.
Columbus wrote about meeting Vikings in his journals.
Which of the following later inspired Benjamin Franklin to unite the colonists in the 1700s?
the structure of the Iroquois League.
the British monarchy.
the Magna Carta.
the French Revolution.
In what way did Chinese civilization differ from other ancient world civilizations?
It was geographically and politically isolated from outsiders.
It was the first to develop a written language.
It was the only civilization to practice democracy.
It was the only civilization located in the Southern Hemisphere.
What effect did Zheng He have on China's position in the ancient world?
His extensive voyages expanded China's trade and increased its influence on other civilizations.
He isolated China from foreign contact and limited its trade.
He led military invasions that weakened China's neighbors.
He focused solely on internal reforms and ignored foreign relations.
Which of the following is an example of an effect of cultural diffusion in early North America?
Many American Indian groups learned how to farm.
American Indian groups stopped using natural resources.
European settlers adopted American Indian languages as their own.
American Indian groups refused to trade with other cultures.
One common theme of many American Indian religious beliefs was
the importance of one's connection with the physical environment
the history of architecture in a region
the popularity of local tourist attractions
the economic value of real estate
What conclusion can be drawn about why the lifestyle of the Inuit in the Arctic differed from that of the Natchez in the Southeast?
The contrasting environments in which they lived greatly influenced their ways of life.
The Inuit and Natchez shared the same customs and traditions.
Both groups relied solely on agriculture for survival.
The Natchez migrated to the Arctic to adopt Inuit practices.
In what way did the use of the astrolabe revolutionize sea travel? _________
It helped ships maintain course by determining latitude.
It allowed ships to travel faster by increasing wind speed.
It enabled ships to communicate with each other over long distances.
It provided a way to store fresh water for long journeys.
What effect did the glaciers have on ancient humans during the last ice age?
They created a land bridge that allowed humans to travel from Asia to the Americas.
They caused humans to develop agriculture earlier.
They led to the extinction of all large mammals.
They forced humans to settle permanently in one place.
What set Pennsylvania apart from other colonies?
its effort to attract people of different ethnicities
its strict religious uniformity
its reliance on slave labor
its prohibition of trade with Native Americans
its exclusive use of English settlers
Why was the Maryland Act of Toleration enacted?
to protect freedom of worship for Catholics
to increase trade with Native Americans
to establish a new colonial government
to promote agricultural development
In colonial society, a person's social status depended upon his or her _________
family background and wealth.
education and hobbies.
political opinions.
place of residence.
American Indians were replaced as slaves by Africans largely due to the fact that it was believed that Africans were _________.
less likely to die from European diseases
more familiar with the land
easier to convert to Christianity
willing to work for free
Because he believed there should be strict limits on government, Thomas Hooker _________
settled the town of Hartford and established a representative government.
supported the idea of an absolute monarchy.
moved back to England to avoid political conflict.
refused to participate in any form of government.
The Puritan belief that all Christians have a duty to study the Bible directly led to _______.
many New Englanders' desire to teach their children to read.
the founding of new colonies in the South.
the development of new farming techniques.
the rise of large cities in New England.
What was significant about the House of Burgesses?
It was the first instance of limited self-government in the English colonies.
It was the first church built in the New World.
It was the first trading company established in Virginia.
It was the first fort constructed by the settlers.
What effect did the headright system have on slavery?
It expanded slavery by encouraging planters to purchase more enslaved people in order to gain more land.
It abolished slavery by granting freedom to indentured servants.
It limited slavery by restricting the number of enslaved people per plantation.
It had no impact on slavery and only affected land ownership.
How did southern agriculture cause an increase in the number of enslaved Africans brought to North America?
Large plantations in the Southern Colonies needed more enslaved people for field labor.
Southern agriculture required fewer workers, so more enslaved people were freed.
Southern colonies banned the use of enslaved labor on farms.
Southern agriculture relied only on paid European workers.
Why did the British want to expand their control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s?
to gain access to the region's natural resources
to establish peace with Native Americans
to escape religious persecution
to avoid conflict with the French
What environmental change allowed people to travel by land between Asia and North America?
falling sea levels uncovered land
rising temperatures created ice bridges
increased rainfall formed new rivers
volcanic eruptions created new land
Which of the following promoted the spread of permanent settlements in the Americas?
the development of farming
the decline of trade routes
the rise of nomadic lifestyles
the spread of hunting-gathering
Which was the main way the Incas modified their environment to grow more food?
by building terraces
by digging canals for boats
by domesticating llamas
by building large cities
Which of following represents an Aztec adaptation to their environment?
a system of causeways
a type of pyramid
an ancient script
a ceremonial mask
Which represents an Aztec adaptation to their environment?
Building chinampas (floating gardens) for agriculture
Constructing pyramids for religious ceremonies
Developing a written alphabet
Using horses for transportation
How did the Hohokam and Anasazi people adapt to their physical environment?
They built networks of ditches to irrigate the desert.
They relied solely on hunting and gathering for food.
They lived in large cities with paved roads.
They imported water from distant rivers.
Which of the following is an example of an effect of cultural diffusion in early North America?
Many American Indian groups learned how to farm.
American Indian groups stopped using natural resources.
European settlers adopted American Indian languages as their own.
American Indian groups moved to Europe.
What was the purpose of the Iroquois League?
to end the fighting among Iroquois groups.
to expand territory into neighboring regions.
to establish trade routes with European settlers.
to create a unified military to conquer other tribes.
Which of the following is the BEST example of how early Pueblo Indians modified the environment in which they lived?
They built dams and water tanks for farming.
They hunted large herds of buffalo on the plains.
They relied solely on fishing for food.
They lived in temporary shelters made of animal skins.
China was the most isolated civilization, and yet its technologies were able to change the world
they spread through trade.
they were kept secret forever.
they were only used in China.
they were discovered by accident.
The Renaissance occurred as a direct result of
trade with the Middle East.
the fall of the Roman Empire.
the discovery of America.
the invention of the printing press.
What was the most important historical effect of the astrolabe?
It made possible long voyages beyond sight of land.
It was used to measure temperature at sea.
It helped sailors communicate with each other.
It was used to store food during long journeys.
How were the Crusades connected to European voyages of exploration?
They spurred a European desire for Asian goods.
They led to the discovery of the Americas.
They resulted in the fall of the Roman Empire.
They caused the spread of the Black Death.
Which of the following was a result of the Crusades?
Europeans adopted Middle Eastern technologies.
The Mongol Empire conquered Europe.
The Renaissance began immediately after.
Europeans stopped trading with Asia.
From a historical point of view, what was Columbus's most important achievement?
He established contact between the Americas and the rest of the world.
He discovered the Pacific Ocean.
He invented the printing press.
He founded the city of Jamestown.
Why did the Spanish continue to explore and settle other Caribbean islands?
to bring gold, crops, and slaves to the Spanish crown
to escape from pirates
to find new spices for trade
to avoid conflict with other European nations
Which of the following was the greatest short-term effect of the Columbian Exchange on American Indians?
It sharply decreased their population.
It led to rapid urbanization among American Indians.
It resulted in immediate technological advancement for American Indians.
It caused a sudden increase in American Indian political power.
Identify a positive consequence of the Columbian Exchange for American Indians in what would become the United States.
American Indians learned to ride horses and used them to carry heavy loads.
American Indians gained immunity to all European diseases.
American Indians immediately adopted European forms of government.
American Indians were given large amounts of gold by European settlers.
Cortés set sail for Mexico in 1519 because he believed he could find an empire that was ________
extremely wealthy.
completely deserted.
technologically advanced.
friendly to Europeans.
already conquered by Spain.
Why did the Pueblo revolt against the Spanish missionaries in New Mexico?
The Spanish did not tolerate the Pueblo Indians' traditional religious practices.
The Spanish provided too much autonomy to the Pueblo leaders.
The Spanish encouraged the Pueblo to keep their traditional customs.
The Spanish refused to build missions in Pueblo villages.
What were the three main reasons why Spanish explorers established colonies in the Americas?
wealth, to spread Christianity, and adventure
to escape from Europe, to learn new languages, and to avoid taxes
to find new spices, to build castles, and to trade with Asia
to create art, to study animals, and to become famous
Bartolomé de las Casas's efforts to protect Indians had little impact because ________
local officials ignored laws protecting Indians
the Spanish monarchy supported Indian rights
Indians refused his help
he was not allowed to travel to the Americas
Which of the following reasons best explains why the Spanish defeated the Inca?
The Spanish had horses and better equipment.
The Inca had more advanced technology.
The Spanish were outnumbered by the Inca.
The Inca had alliances with other European powers.
The first French colonists in North America were mostly interested in _________
fishing, trapping, and trading
building large cities
growing cotton plantations
searching for gold
Early European explorers searched North America's coast for _________
a shorter route for ships to reach Asia.
gold mines to fund their expeditions.
new lands to settle permanently.
local wildlife for scientific study.
The most likely reason that the Virginia Company settlers chose the location for Jamestown in 1607 was that _________
its location was safe from Spanish ships.
the land was rich in gold and silver.
it was close to friendly Native American tribes.
the climate was ideal for growing tobacco.
The Virginia Company established the House of Burgesses to _________
allow voters to elect representatives to make laws.
increase trade with Native Americans.
expand tobacco plantations.
establish religious freedom.
Which of the following reasons for bringing women to Jamestown was likely the most important for the Virginia Company?
They could marry the men and raise children
They could help with building forts and defenses
They could serve as political advisors to the colony
They could manage trade negotiations with Native Americans
The Separatists established a colony because they wanted to _________
worship freely
find gold
escape taxes
become famous
The Mayflower Compact showed that the Pilgrims were _________
aware of the need to make their own government
uninterested in laws and order
planning to return to England soon
already governed by Native Americans
not willing to cooperate with each other
The Plymouth Colony set an important precedent in that it _________.
was founded so that settlers could worship freely.
was the first colony to abolish slavery.
was established as a military outpost.
was the first to grow tobacco as a cash crop.
How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut influence the development of representative government in America?
It expanded the right to vote to all men who owned property.
It established a monarchy in the colonies.
It limited voting rights to only church members.
It abolished the idea of elected officials.
What was the main reason that several New England cities became major ship-building centers?
the cities were located on the coast and had plenty of wood
sand
mountains
desert
Which reason best explains why the British took control of New Amsterdam?
They wanted the wealth that came from trade.
They had a shortage of skilled labor.
They lacked access to timber resources.
They were located far from the coast.
What was the main reason the colony of New Jersey was originally formed?
To govern more easily than one large New York colony.
To create a haven for religious freedom.
To establish a major trading port.
To find gold and other valuable resources.
Which reason best explains how a free-market economy developed in New Jersey?
The proprietors allowed settlers to farm or run businesses as they pleased.
The government strictly controlled all trade and commerce.
Only one crop was allowed to be grown by settlers.
Settlers were required to pay high taxes on all goods produced.
How did William Penn influence self-government in America?
He strengthened it by having a constitution and general assembly.
He abolished all forms of government.
He discouraged democratic practices.
He promoted monarchy in the colonies.
How did William Penn attract so many people to his colony?
He advertised the religious freedom offered in the colony.
He promised free land to everyone who arrived.
He offered gold and riches to settlers.
He forced people to move there.
The colony Lord Baltimore established in Maryland encouraged ______.
Religious freedom for Roman Catholics.
Slavery as the main labor system.
Total separation from England.
Economic dominance by tobacco planters.
The most significant difference between the northern and southern Carolina settlements was that ______.
The southern settlement grew rich on rice while poorer farmers in the north grew tobacco.
the northern settlement was founded by the Spanish while the southern was founded by the French.
the southern settlement was located in the mountains while the northern was on the coast.
the northern settlement relied on cotton while the southern relied on indigo.
The reason that James Oglethorpe and other trustees founded a colony in Georgia was to solve a ______.
Social problem.
Economic problem.
Political problem.
Religious problem.
What factor best explains the difference in settlement patterns between the Tidewater and the backcountry?
Differences in the characteristics of the environment.
Differences in religious beliefs.
Differences in language spoken.
Differences in political systems.
The increase in the number of enslaved Africans arriving in America was largely due to _________
the development of the plantation system
the abolition of slavery
the discovery of gold in California
the end of the Civil War
What kinds of paintings were most popular among important people of the colonial era?
family paintings
landscape paintings
abstract paintings
still life paintings
What kind of story was particularly popular in the colonial era?
captivity stories
romantic comedies
science fiction tales
detective mysteries
The Great Awakening encouraged _________
the development of self-rule
the abolition of slavery
the rise of industrialization
the spread of monarchy
the decline of religion
Benjamin Franklin influenced daily life in the colonies by _________.
using reason to improve the world around him
inventing the steam engine
leading the Continental Army
signing the Declaration of Independence
The original purpose of colleges in colonial America was to educate _________.
ministers
merchants
farmers
soldiers
According to the theory of mercantilism, a country is strengthened by _________
exporting more than it imports
importing more than it exports
maintaining equal imports and exports
increasing domestic consumption
What important product from the West Indies was at the center of the triangular trade route?
molasses
cotton
tobacco
indigo
The power of each colony's legislature to check the governor's power was reinforced by its ability to _________.
approve raising or spending money
appoint the governor directly
declare independence unilaterally
enforce royal decrees without oversight
William Blackstone's ideas promoted _________
an independent legal system in the colonies
absolute monarchy in the colonies
complete religious control over laws
economic dependence on Britain
The English Bill of Rights increased protections for
individuals
governments
corporations
monarchs
Why was the Ohio River important to the French?
It linked their Great Lakes claims with their settlements along the Mississippi River.
It provided a direct route to the Atlantic Ocean.
It was a source of gold and other valuable minerals.
It separated French territory from British colonies.
What most upset American Indians about British settlers in the Ohio River Valley?
The British cleared the land to establish farms.
The British traded peacefully with all tribes.
The British built schools for Native children.
The British respected Native hunting grounds.
What was the significance of the place where the French built Fort Duquesne and where George Washington was ordered to build a fort?
It was near rivers important for controlling the Ohio Valley.
It was a site chosen for its rich gold mines.
It was located in a desert region ideal for farming.
It was a popular trading post for spices.
American Indians chose to participate in the French and Indian War in order to
protect their lands from further settlement.
support European trade interests.
expand their territory into Canada.
ally with the British against the French.
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 was significant for the British because they
gained control of most of the French land east of the Mississippi.
lost all their colonies in North America.
gave up Florida to Spain.
were forced to pay reparations to France.
Which of the following was a Quaker belief that set Quakers apart from other religious groups that settled in the American colonies?
The belief that all people are equal in God's eyes.
