Key People & Events
What key result came from Columbus’s 1492 voyage?
It began European contact with the New World
Why did the Puritans sail to Massachusetts in 1630?
To practice their religion freely
What effect did the French and Indian War have on Britain’s policies toward the colonies?
Britain taxed the colonies to pay war debt
What did Shays’ Rebellion show about the Articles of Confederation?
The federal government was too weak
What was Washington’s main accomplishment during his presidency?
He stabilized the new nation
How did England’s defeat of the Spanish Armada change England’s future in North America?
It allowed England to rise and begin colonizing
What message did John Winthrop give in his “City Upon a Hill” idea?
The colony must be a moral example
Why did colonists send the Olive Branch Petition in 1775?
To avoid full war and seek peace
What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To fix the Articles and create a stronger government
What was Adams’ main accomplishment during his presidency?
He avoided war with France
What challenge made Jamestown’s early years nearly fail before John Smith stepped in?
Starvation, disease, lack of discipline
What major change in colonial religion happened during the Great Awakening?
Emotional preaching and personal faith increased
What main argument did Thomas Paine make in Common Sense?
Monarchy is corrupt; independence is necessary
How does the Constitution divide power between states and the federal government?
Federal system (shared power)
Why was the election of 1800 considered a “revolution”?
First peaceful transfer of power between parties
How did John Smith’s leadership directly affect Jamestown’s survival?
He enforced work rules and organized survival
Who and how does the two important figures influence colonial religious life?
Jonathan Edwards AND George Whitefield They led revival preaching and spread new religious ideas
What key political idea is used in the Declaration of Independence to justify breaking from Britain?
Government must protect natural rights; people can replace unjust government
what and how do the three branches check and balance each other?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
Each branch limits the others
Why is George Washington described as America’s “indispensable man”?
His leadership unified the nation and set key precedents
How did the Pilgrims’ Mayflower Compact shape later ideas of self‑government in the colonies?
It created a written agreement for self‑rule and cooperation
How did the Great Awakening help create new political thinking that later supported independence?
It encouraged questioning authority and thinking about equality and rights
Name two British policies AND one Boston event from the study guide that pushed colonists toward declaring independence.
Policies: Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Proclamation Line, Currency Act
Event: Boston Massacre OR Boston Tea Party
What was the main disagreement between Federalists and Anti‑Federalists, and how did it change the final Constitution?
Issue: federal power vs. state/people’s rights → led to compromises and the Bill of Rights
Based on the study guide, name two reasons the colonies were able to win the War for Independence.
Washington’s strategy, England’s disadvantages, foreign allies