Semester 1 U.S History Exam Review

Module 1

100

What were the three major colonial regions in early America?

New England, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies.

200

Why did Pilgrims and Puritans come to America?

They came for religious freedom, to escape persecution, and to practice their faith without interference.

300

Explain the differences between primary and secondary sources. Give an example of each.

• Primary sources are original materials from the time being studied (e.g., letters, diaries, maps).
• Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources (e.g., textbooks, biographies).

400

How did geography impact the economies of the three colonial regions?

• New England: Rocky soil and cold climate → small farms, fishing, and shipbuilding.
• Middle Colonies: Fertile soil → grew grains (wheat, barley).
• Southern Colonies: Warm climate and rich soil → plantation farming with cash crops like tobacco.

500

Compare the motivations of settlers in New England and the Southern Colonies.

• New England settlers sought religious freedom (e.g., Pilgrims and Puritans).
• Southern settlers were primarily motivated by economic opportunities, such as growing cash crops for profit.

Module 2

100

• What event caused Britain to begin taxing the colonies?

The French and Indian War, which left Britain in debt.

200

Name two taxes that angered the colonists.

• Answer: The Stamp Act (tax on paper goods) and the Tea Act (tax on tea).

300

What was the role of women in the American Revolution?

Women supported the war by managing homes and businesses, boycotting British goods, writing about independence (e.g., Abigail Adams), and some even served as spies or disguised themselves as soldiers.

400

How did the French and Indian War contribute to the American Revolution?

• The war left Britain in debt, leading to new taxes on the colonies.
• Colonists resented these taxes and their lack of representation in Parliament, which sparked protests and demands for independence.

500

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." – Declaration of Independence

What is the main idea of this excerpt?

The main idea of this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence is that all people are inherently equal and possess certain rights that cannot be taken away. These "unalienable rights," given by a higher power, include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The statement serves as a foundational principle for the colonies' justification for independence from Britain, arguing that a government that violates these rights is illegitimate.

Module 3

100

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States, which gave more power to the states than the federal government.

200

What document guarantees the rights of U.S. citizens?

The Bill of Rights.

300

Was the Articles of Confederation a unifying federal constitution? 

No, every state possessed it's own constitution 

400

What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• Strengths: Successfully managed the Northwest Territory and negotiated the Treaty of Paris.
• Weaknesses: Weak federal government, no power to tax, no national army, and difficulty passing laws (required unanimous approval).

500

How did the Constitution improve upon the Articles of Confederation?

• The Constitution created a stronger federal government with the power to tax, regulate trade, and maintain a military.
• It also established a system of checks and balances among three branches of government.