Colonial Foundations (SSUSH1)
What was the first permanent English settlement in North America?
Jamestown
What document established a precedent for self-government in the Plymouth Colony?
Mayflower Compact
What was the main purpose of the Proclamation of 1763?
to prevent colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What was the first constitution of the United States?
Articles of Confederation
What was a key difference between the Southern and New England colonies' economies?
New England focused on shipbuilding and trade, while the South relied on agriculture
What was the purpose of the Navigation Acts?
Laws designed to enforce mercantilism by controlling colonial trade to benefit England.
Name two taxes or acts imposed on the colonies that contributed to the revolution.
Name two advantages the Americans had during the Revolutionary War.
familiarity with the land and strong motivation for independence
Why was Shay's Rebellion significant?
it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government
What is mercantilism, and how did it impact English colonization?
The economic theory that colonies exist to provide raw materials to the mother country, fueling England's desire for the colonies
How did the Middle Passage contribute to the growth of the Southern economy?
the transportation of enslaved Africans, who became essential labor for plantation agriculture
What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party?
a colonial protest against British taxation, leading to the Intolerable Acts
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
a turning point that secured French military support for the Americans
What was the Great Compromise?
the agreement to create a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate
Name one colony founded for religious freedom and one founded for profit.
Massachusetts (religious freedom) & Virginia (profit)
Compare indentured servitude and African slavery in early colonial society.
Indentured servitude involved temporary labor contracts, while African slavery provided permanent, hereditary labor.
Explain the slogan "No taxation without representation."
the colonists' belief that they should not be taxed by Parliament without having elected representatives
Describe George Washington's leadership during the American Revolution
he united the Continental Army, maintained morale, and led key victories such as at Yorktown
Name two key principles of the US Constitution
separation of powers / checks and balances
Explain the significance of Bacon's Rebellion in colonial development.
It highlighted tensions between frontier settlers and colonial government, leading to a greater reliance on African slavery.
Describe how the Great Awakening influenced colonial society.
It encouraged religious revival, greater individualism, and questioning of authority
How did the Enlightenment influence revolutionary ideas?
it emphasized natural rights, liberty, and the social contract, inspiring colonists to seek independence
What treaty officially ended the American Revolution?
Treaty of Paris (1783)
What were the Federalist Papers, and why were they written?
a series of essays written to support the ratification of the US Constitution