On this page you will find example answers to the end-of-chapter questions in Journey Into the Foundations of America. These questions are usually somewhat free-form in nature, and often don’t have a single valid answer. Use the answers provided here as a guide, but don’t worry if your student provides a somewhat different response – as long as it is historically accurate, of course!
Chapter 1
- Q: What is “Vinland”?
A: The name given by the Norse to the region of North America that they explored. - Q: Who was Lief Erickson?
A: A Norseman who was the first European to land on the continent of North America.
Chapter 2
- Q: Who was Bjarni Herjolfsson?
A: A Norseman who was the first European to see the North American continent. - Q: In two or three sentences, explain why Europeans were motivated to explore new routes to eastern Asia.
A: Trade with eastern nations (such as India, China, and Japan) was slow and expensive. The capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453 caused one of the most important trade routes with Asia to become less viable. Discovery of a sea route to Asia would likely prove extremely profitable to any European nations that could control it. - Q: In what year did Columbus make his first transatlantic voyage?
A: 1492
Chapter 3
- Q: What was the primary goal of Christopher Columbus when he sailed on his first transatlantic voyage?
A: To discover a viable trade route with eastern Asia. - Q: Why did many scholars oppose Columbus’ idea that it would be possible to reach Asia by sailing west from Europe?
A: Columbus greatly underestimated the size of the earth, and believed that the westward voyage from Europe to Asia would be relatively short. The scholars of Columbus’ day were aware of the shape and size of the earth, and correctly concluded that the sailing technology of the time was inadequate to cross the true distance.
Chapter 4
- Q: Who was the first European to discover Florida?
A: Juan Ponce de Leon - Q: What region did Hernando de Soto explore?
A: Hernando de Soto explored a very large amount of territory, including much of the region that would later form the southeastern United States. This includes portions of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. He also crossed to the west side of the Mississippi river, exploring Arkansas and perhaps a portion of Missouri.
Chapter 5
- Q: Who was the first European to reach Asia by traveling west across the Atlantic?
A: Ferdinand Magellan - Q: What is the Northwest Passage?
A: The Northwest Passage was a sea route that was believed to exist around the north of the North American continent. Although many explorers sought this passage, the waters in this region were too icy to permit travel.
Chapter 6
- Q: Who was the continent of North America named after?
A: Amerigo Vespucci - Q: In a few sentences, describe how the Huguenots were involved in the early settlement of Florida.
A: The Huguenots were French Protestants who sought to flee persecution and form a new home in North America. They founded a settlement on the banks of the St. Johns river, but were massacred by Spanish forces under Pedro Menendez. The Frenchman Dominic de Gourges later carried out vengeance upon the Spanish settlements in Florida for this crime.
Chapter 7
- Q: Who was John Cabot?
A: John Cabot was a sailor from Venice who led the first English-sponsored expedition to North America. - Q: In a few sentences, describe how Hernan Cortes was able to conquer Mexico.
A: The Aztec Empire ruled over the region of Mexico, and oppressed its subjects violently. When Cortes arrived, many native tribes were willing to join him. Cortes benefited greatly from the technological superiority of Spanish armor and weapons, and was willing to resort to severe tactics, such as holding the Aztec emperor Montezuma hostage.
Chapter 8
- Q: Who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe?
A: Francis Drake - Q: List two failed or short-lived attempts to form a colony in North America.
A: Acceptable answers include Vinland, the Huguenot settlement in Florida (Fort Caroline), and Roanoke.
Chapter 9
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the causes of the Starving Time in Jamestown.
A: The Jamestown colony was originally established under a communist economic system, in which the product of each man’s labor was shared with the entire community. This demotivated the colonists from engaging in hard work, and the productivity of the colony greatly suffered. The loss of John Smith’s leadership and an increasingly hostile relationship with the natives further contributed to the problems. - Q: Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
A: Raleigh was a wealthy Englishman who enthusiastically supported English colonization efforts in North America. Of particular note, he funded the failed colony of Roanoke.
Chapter 10
- Q: What is a “proprietary colony”?
A: A colony in which one or more proprietors hold nearly absolute power. These proprietors typically hold certain rights that the monarch cannot violate under normal circumstances. - Q: In what way did Pocahontas influence the history of the American colonies?
A: John Smith credited Pocahontas with saving his life. Her later marriage to John Rolfe significantly calmed tensions between the Virginia colonists and the Powhatan tribe.
Chapter 11
- Q: What is a “colonial charter”?
A: A colonial charter is a document that describes the terms under which certain colonies (in particular, charter colonies) can operate. It functions somewhat like a state constitution, and defines the rights held by the citizens. - Q: Who was Powhatan?
A: Powhatan was the leader of the Powhatan tribe and the father of Pocahontas. Although relations between the Virginia colonists and the Powhatans was often tense, he generally maintained peace with the colonists.
Chapter 12
- Q: What was the Virginia House of Burgesses?
A: The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislature held in the New World. It began in Jamestown in 1619. - Q: What was the Mayflower Compact?
A: The Mayflower Compact was an agreement made between the colonists on the Mayflower, in which all agreed to live with one another respectfully and in peace.
Chapter 13
- Q: List three major challenges the colonists of Jamestown faced.
A: Valid answers include: unstable / corrupt leaders, the loss of John Smith’s leadership, hostile interactions with the natives, a communal economic system, an early population of gentlemen with limiting pioneering skills, and an early obsession with finding quick wealth. - Q: What is a “royal colony”?
A: A royal colony is one in which the monarch holds largely absolute power over the colony, and can freely appoint a new governor or other officials at will.
Chapter 14
- Q: List three accomplishments of John Smith.
A: Valid answers include: He served as a soldier in Hungary. He escaped captivity under the Turks. He helped calm relations between the Virginia colonists and the Powhatan tribe. He mapped the Chesapeake Bay. He assisted in the settlement and exploration of New England. - Q: Why did the Pilgrims travel to America?
A: As religious dissenters (specifically, Puritans), the Pilgrims sought a place where they could practice their religion, while also maintaining their English culture.
Chapter 15
- Q: In a few sentences, describe the Pequot War.
A: The Pequot War was a conflict between the Pequot natives and the New England colonists. It was especially severe in Connecticut, where they slaughtered many men, women, and children, and caused great damage to the newly formed settlements. The colonists led a retaliatory expedition that effectively killed or dispersed the entire Pequot tribe, many of whom died when the colonists set fire to one of their fortifications. - Q: What was the London Company?
A: The London Company was a company that was created for the purpose of founding a colony in North America, in an area that today includes part of the southern United States. It was responsible for founding the settlement of Jamestown.
Chapter 16
- Q: Who was Opechancanough?
A: Opechancanough was the brother of Powhatan, who received the position of chief upon his brother’s death. He led a bloody and brutal, but ultimately unsuccessful war against the Virginia colonists. - Q: List one individual who explored on behalf of each of the following nations: Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands.
A: Valid answers include: Columbus, de Leon, and de Soto for the Spanish; John Cabot, Sebastian Cabot, Francis Drake, and John Smith for the English; John Verrazzani, John Cartier, and Samuel Champlain for France; Henry Hudson for the Netherlands. - Q: In what colony were the towns of New Haven, Saybrook, and Hartford located?
A: Connecticut.
Chapter 17
- Q: Why was Roger Williams banished from Massachusetts?
A: Roger Williams was banished due to his religious and political views. In particular, he supported freedom of conscience and separation of church and state. Additionally, he argued in favor of the fair treatment of the native population, and criticized land grants that did not respect native rights. - Q: Who were the Walloons?
A: The Walloons were Dutch Protestants.
Chapter 18
- Q: Which region of America did the Dutch initially colonize?
A: The Dutch settled the Hudson River and nearby regions (including parts of present-day New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware). This was the middle region of the North American coast, between the English colonies of New England and Virginia. - Q: What is freedom of conscience?
A: Freedom of conscience is the principle that each individual has the right to make his or her own choice regarding the practice of relgion.
Chapter 19
- Q: What was the primary motivation for the founding of Maryland?
A: Maryland was founding in order to provide a refuge for persecuted English Catholics. - Q: Who was Lord Delaware?
A: Lord Delaware was an early governor of the colony of Virginia, whose arrival in the aftermath of the Starving Time was responsible for saving the colony.
Chapter 20
- Q: What was the purpose of the colony of New Sweden?
A: New Sweden was established in order to extend the power of Sweden, and to provide a refuge for persecuted Protestants. - Q: What was the United Colonies of New England?
A: The United Colonies of New England was an alliance between several New England colonies (Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven). It represented one of the earliest effective efforts to create a union between the colonies.
Chapter 21
- Q: Who was Nathaniel Bacon?
A: Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion against Governor Berkeley of Virginia. The rebellion ended when Bacon became ill and died. - Q: Who was William Clayborne?
A: William Clayborne was an explorer and member of the council of Virginia. He led an insurrection against the government of Maryland, which was briefly successful in overthrowing the authority of the Calverts, but was ultimately quashed. - Q: List five European nations that colonized the east coast of North America.
A: Spain, France, England, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Chapter 22
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the relationship between the Puritans of New England and the Dutch of New Amsterdam.
A: The Puritans and the Dutch Walloons were both Protestant groups, and generally viewed one another favorably. Even when the two nations were in conflict, their North American colonists preferred to avoid conflict. - Q: List three ways in which the English Civil War and/or the Long Parliament affected the American colonies.
A: Valid answers include: the natives of Virginia became emboldened to attack the English colonists, Massachusetts was treated favorably by Cromwell, William Clayborne started an insurrection in Maryland, and the colonies began to experience the first of the Navigation Acts.
Chapter 23
- Q: List three accomplishments of Roger Williams.
A: Valid answers include: he founded Providence Plantation, helped New England negotiate with the natives, translated the Narragansett language, encouraged the principle of freedom of conscience, and founded the first Baptist Church in America. - Q: Why was John Locke’s constitution (the “Grand Model”) rejected by the Carolina colonists?
A: John Lock’s constitution created a complex aristocratic hierarchy that was deeply unappealing to the rugged and independent colonists of the Carolinas. It was also poorly suited to the practical realities of frontier life. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe Quaker attitudes regarding the proper role of government.
A: Quakers strongly believed in freedom of religion and the equal value of all humans, and they disapproved of government practices that encroached on these principles. As pacifists, they opposed war and other forceful applications of government power.
Chapter 24
- Q: What was the importance of the Calvert family in colonial history?
A: Sir George Calvert (better known as Lord Baltimore) was responsible for the formation of the colony of Maryland, as a haven for oppressed Catholics. The Calvert family continued to act as proprietors of Maryland throughout most of its colonial history. - Q: List three ways in which the Restoration of the English monarchy affected the American colonies.
A: Valid answers include: two of the judges who had ordered the death of Charles I (Edward Whalley and William Goffe) sought refuge in New England, increasing tensions with England and Charles II; Massachusetts no longer enjoyed special treatment from England, and began to strain against British regulations; Charles II began the process of revoking colonial charters; New Amsterdam was conquered by the English; a harsher version of the Navigation Acts were enacted; Nathaniel Bacon rebelled against Governor Berkeley of Virginia; serious colonization efforts began in the region of the Carolinas. - Q: Why did King Charles II wish to revoke many of the old colonial charters?
A: The charters granted the colonies certain rights that even he could not legally violate, and thus prohibited him from exercising absolute control over the colonies.
Chapter 25
- Q: List three government abuses that led to Bacon’s Rebellion.
A: Valid answers include: a harsher form of the Navigation Acts was imposed on the colony; Charles II began distributed land, which was already owned by the colonists, to his political allies; Charles II appointed Lord Culpepper and the earl of Arlington dominion over the colony; the Church of England was established as the state religion and practitioners of other religions were persecuted; additional taxes were imposed; regular elections were abolished. - Q: Who was King Philip?
A: King Philip was the younger brother of Massasoit, and became chief upon his passing. In 1675 he led his people in a bloody but unsuccessful war in New England. - Q: What was the motivation for the founding of Pennsylvania?
A: Pennsylvania was founded in order to provide a safe haven for Quakers and other persecuted individuals, and to carry out Quaker ideals in the New World.
Chapter 26
- Q: What was Samuel Parris’ role in the Salem Witch Trials?
A: Samuel Parris was a minister in Salem, Massachusetts who was largely responsible for inciting the chaos of the Salem Witch Trials, possibly in order to punish a rival minister. - Q: List five reasons Edmund Andros was disliked in the colonies.
A: Valid answers include: as governor of New York, Andros governed harshly and levied taxes without authority of law; as governor of New York, he attempted to assert control over the neighboring colony of Connecticut; as governor of New York, he attempted to assert control over New Jersey, and forced ships trading with New Jersey to first pay tribute in New York; as governor of New England, he abolished popular representation, voting by ballot, and freedom of the press; as governor of New England, he corrupted the courts; he was instrumental in revoking several of the colonial charters.
Chapter 27
- Q: List three Indians who maintained friendly relations with the English colonists.
A: Valid answers include: Manteo; Samoset; Squanto; Pocahontas; Massasoi; Uncas. - Q: Who was Seth Sothel?
A: Seth Sothel was assigned to be governor of Carolina, but he was deeply corrupt and was eventually overthrown.
Chapter 28
- Q: List three colonies over which William Penn at some point exercised significant influence.
A: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the consequences of King Philip’s War.
A: King Philip’s war heavily damaged the colonies of New England, while resulting in the collapse of native power in that region, including the destruction of the Narragansetts as a people. It also demonstrated to the colonists that England could not be relied upon for assistance in carrying out or recovering from conflicts with the natives. - Q: Who was Jacob Leisler?
A: Jacob Leisler led a rebellion against the governor of New York, Francis Nicholson, and temporarily became the acting governor. He was later executed when a new royal governor arrived.
Chapter 29
- Q: What was the Negro Plot?
A: In the wake of several fires in New York, the colonists began to fear that the slaves population was responsible; this imagined uprising was called the Negro Plot. Many innocent black people were executed as a result. - Q: In which regions of North America was Queen Anne’s War fought?
A: New England and the Carolinas.
Chapter 30
- Q: In which regions of North America was King George’s War fought?
A: New England and Georgia. - Q: Who founded Providence Plantation (later known as Rhode Island)?
A: Roger Williams.
Chapter 31
- Q: What was the primary motivation for the founding of Georgia?
A: Georgia was founded as a refuge for people who would otherwise go to debtor’s prison. - Q: List three ways the Quakers made important contributions to American history.
A: Valid answers include: they promoted the idea of freedom of conscience; they established the colony of Pennsylvania; they greatly contributed to the history of New Jersey and Delaware; they established peaceful relations with the natives.
Chapter 32
- Q: Why was New England disappointed by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which ended King George’s War?
A: Louisburg and Cape Breton, which had been captured by the valor of the colonists were returned to France. Meanwhile, none of the disputes over territory in the New World were resolved. - Q: List three English colonies that were at some point permissive of religious liberty during the period 1607-1763.
A: Valid answers include: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia.
Chapter 33
- Q: List three important differences between the Southern Colonies and the Northern Colonies in the area of culture and/or economy.
A: Valid answers include: the North was much more populous; the North was more reliant on trade with Britain; the Southern colonies had more slaves; the North was better educated; the North produced more ships. - Q: List three wars in which English colonies fought against Native Americans during the period 1607-1763.
A: Valid answers include: the Pequot War; King Philip’s War; Queen Anne’s War; the Tuscarora War; the French and Indian War; Pontiac’s War. - Q: In a few sentences, describe George Washington’s involvement in the French and Indian War.
A: George Washington was sent as an ambassador to the French forces in the Ohio Valley. He was commissioned as an officer, and led a regiment of Virginians in battle. He was a part of Braddock’s expedition, and was one of the officers who was primarily responsible for restoring order within Braddock’s shattered army. He continued to lead colonial forces during the conflict.
Chapter 34
- Q: During the colonial period, England passed several “Navigation Acts”. In two or three sentences, describe some of the restrictions imposed by these acts.
A: The Navigation Acts generally restricted the colonies from freely engaging in foreign trade with other nations, and in some cases limited or restricted trade between the colonies. Restrictions were also imposed on the ships that were permitted to carry out trade, with only English ships being permitted to conduct trade under certain circumstances. Moreover, they were associated with various duties on imports and exports. - Q: List three sources of immigration to the Carolina colonies.
A: Valid answers include: immigrants from England; Puritans from New England; planters from Barbados; Virginian refugees from Bacon’s rebellion; Quakers from New England and Delaware; French Huguenots; German refugees; peasants from Switzerland; Irish settlers under Ferguson; Scotch Presbyterians. - Q: Which foreign colonial power represented the greatest threat to the colony of Georgia?
A: Spain
Chapter 35
- Q: Upon being conquered by the British, what political changes had the Dutch in New Holland hoped the English would institute, and why were they disappointed?
A: The Dutch of New Amsterdam had seen the representative form of government that had been adopted in the English colonies of New England, and had hoped that the English conquest of New Amsterdam would bring about a similar result. Nonetheless, their repeated pleas for representation were ignored. - Q: Why did the Braddock Expedition fail?
A: Braddock was unfamiliar with the form of warfare practiced by the Indians and the French, and did not properly protect his army from ambush. - Q: In what ways did Great Britain restrict colonial trade during the period 1607-1773?
A: Through the Navigation Acts, Great Britain limited the ability of colonies to trade with other nations and with each other. It also imposed requirements that only English ships could carry out trade, and levied duties on various goods.
Chapter 36
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the manner in which the English treated the French people of Arcadia during the French and Indian War.
A: The French inhabitants of Arcadia were forced out of their homes, often with few or no belongings, while their homes were burnt to the ground. - Q: In what region was Pontiac’s War fought?
A: Pontiac’s War took place in the Great Lakes region, which the English had recently captured from the French. - Q: What effect did the English government have on colonial manufacturing efforts?
A: The British Board of Trade frequently halted or otherwise restricted attempts to establish and run manufacturing facilities in the colonies.
Chapter 37
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the causes of Pontiac’s War.
A: After the French and Indian War, many of the native tribes that were previously under French influence were displeased that their lands were now claimed by the English. Pontiac was chief of the Ottawas, and rallied many tribes to capture English forts around the Great Lakes region. Although the natives had numerous initial successes, they were ultimately defeated, and British rule was solidified throughout the area. - Q: During the colonial period, which region had achieved the highest levels of education?
A: New England - Q: What was the Stamp Act of 1765?
A: The Stamp Act required that numerous types of documents, including legal documents, newspapers, and trading cards, must be printed on specially stamped paper (which was subject to a special tax).
Chapter 38
- Q: List three ways in which the French and Indian War had an impact on the history of North America.
A: Valid answers include: it placed Canada in the hands of the British; it created a stronger sense of brotherly bonds among the colonies; it provided early military experience for George Washington and other colonial military leaders; it lead to Pontiac’s War; it created debts that England attempted to pay by increasing taxes on the colonies; it led to Spanish cession of Florida. - Q: What was the Declaratory Act of 1766?
A: The Declaratory Act affirmed that England had the right to create and enforce laws and taxes on the colonies. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the reasons for the outbreak of the French and Indian War.
A: The immediate cause of the French and Indian War was a conflict over land claims in the Ohio River Valley. Long-standing tensions between the French and English nations also played a significant role, especially as they vied for supremacy in the North American continent.
Chapter 39
- Q: List five causes of division between the American colonists and the English government.
A: Valid answers include: the Navigation Acts; the revocation of numerous colonial charters under Charles II; the Stamp Act; the Townshend Acts; the Declaratory Act; the general tendency of European wars to spill over into North America; the Tea Act; the Boston Tea Party; the burning of the Gaspee; the Boston Massacre. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the significance of the Battle of Long Island in the Revolution War.
A: The Battle of Long Island was a terrible loss for the American army under George Washington, which easily could have ended in the complete destruction of the army. Washington led his forces in a brilliant evacuation by boat to Manhattan. Nonetheless, he had committed key errors leading to the defeat, and the battle greatly damaged the moral of the Patriot forces. - Q: During the French and Indian War, why did Benjamin Franklin propose a federal constitution?
A: Franklin believed that it was essential for the colonies to be better united against common threats, with the French and their Indian allies being at that time the most immediate concern.
Chapter 40
- Q: In what way did the colonist’s understanding of the phrase “no taxation without representation” differ from the English government’s understanding of the phrase?
A: Whereas the English government believed that “no taxation without representation” simply meant that taxes must be voted into law by Parliament, the colonists believed it meant that taxes could only be rightfully enacted by an assembly in which every citizen was represented by an elected representative, and every representative represented a roughly equal number of people. In England, it was common for regions with few citizens (if any) to send as many representatives as regions with many citizens. The American colonists considered this unacceptable, and viewed it as an unacceptable flaw in the British Parliament. - Q: Why were the Patriots encouraged by the Battle of Bunker Hill, despite losing that battle?
A: Although the Patriots were pushed from the field, they inflicted heavy casualties on the British, and demonstrated themselves to be an effective fighting force. It was clear that the British could not afford to continue winning victories with such high losses. - Q: List ten Patriots who were active during the period 1763-1783.
A: Valid answers include: Samuel Adams, John Adams, Ethan Allen, Nathaniel Greene, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Robert Morris, Lafayette, Charles Lee, Thomas Paine, George Washington.
Chapter 41
- Q: In what way was the British tax on tea symbolically important, during the period 1763-1773?
A: On multiple occasions, when the English government was forced to relax taxes on the colonies, it continued the tea tax as a symbol of its belief that it had the right to tax the colonies at will. As a result, the colonists became especially invested in opposing this particular offense. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the significance of the Battle of Trenton in the Revolutionary War.
A: Prior to the Battle of Trenton, Washington’s army had suffered great loss at the Battle of Long Island, and the moral of the patriots was extremely low. Washington’s masterful crossing of the Delaware and assault on Trenton demonstrated that his forces were still capable of victories, and did much to prevent a collapse of the Patriot cause.
Chapter 42
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the significance of the Siege of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War.
A: In the Siege of Yorktown, Washington and the French fleet of de Grasse were able to capture Cornwallis and his entire army. This ended any realistic possibility for the British to win the war. - Q: Why was it difficult for the Continental Congress to pay the patriot soldiers during the Revolutionary War?
A: Although the Continental Congress could, in principle, demand funds from the colonies, it had no real way of enforcing these demands. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the degree to which French intervention was important to the American cause in the Revolutionary War.
A: The French supplied the Americans with military supplies, enthusiastic recruits (such as Lafayette), and eventually, direct support from their naval forces. These contributions were essential to the Patriot effort. Of particular note, the decisive victory at the Siege of Yorktown was only possible due to the contribution of the French Fleet of de Grasse.
Chapter 43
- Q: List three major failings of the Articles of Confederation.
A: Valid answers include: they did not provide a way for the Congress to enforce the collection of funds from the states; each state had one vote, independent of population; Congress had no real way to mediate conflicts between the states; Congress could not manage foreign trade for the colonies as a whole, and by themselves each of the states had little leverage to negotiate with foreign powers; Congress could not effectively manage a national currency; the inability of Congress to pay its debts to the Revolutionary War soldiers was a contributor to Shays’ Rebellion. - Q: Name four delegates at the Constitutional Convention.
A: Valid answers include: Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Robert Morris, Edmund Randolph, George Washington.
Chapter 44
- Q: What was Shay’s Rebellion?
A: Shortly after the Revolutionary War, the farmers of Massachusetts (including many Revolutionary War veterans) were unable to pay their debts, in large part due to the monetary policies of the state. Daniel Shays led a group of debtors against the Massachusetts government in a failed rebellion. - Q: What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
A: The Three-Fifths Compromise was a compromise between the states of the South (in which slavery was widespread) and the states of the North (in which slavery was less common). It stated that for the purpose of determining the number of representatives each state would have in the House of Representatives, and the taxes it would bay to the federal government, three-fifths of the slave population would be counted. - Q: What were the Federalist Papers?
A: The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. They were written with the intention of convincing the states to vote in favor of ratification of the Constitution, and describe the reasoning that had led to the creation of that document.
Chapter 45
- Q: What is the Bill of Rights?
A: The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments prohibit the federal government from interfering with certain rights held by the people and the states, and were intended to serve as an extra layer of protection against federal overreach. - Q: List three major compromises made during the Constitutional Convention.
A: The decision to divide the legislature into one house in which representation is based on the population of each state, and one in which each state has the same number of representatives; the Three-Fifths Compromise; the decision to keep the slave trade open until 1808. - Q: Explain the primary difference between the opinions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
A: Anti-Federalists feared that the federal government would prove to be far to powerful, and would trample on the rights of the people and the states. They wanted a Bill of Rights to guarantee these protections. The Federalists argued that these fears were unfounded, and believed that because the Constitution enumerated the specific powers of the federal government, a Bill of Rights was unnecessary—the federal government was only permitted to perform the small number of functions that were authorized in the Constitution.
Chapter 46
- Q: What was the primary contribution of the Anti-Federalists to the United States Constitution?
A: The Anti-Federalists successfully pushed for ratification of the Bill of Rights. - Q: What does the term “federal government” mean?
A: A federal government is a national government that is formed by the union of multiple states. In a federal system, both the federal government and the state governments have certain powers. - Q: In what city did the Constitutional Convention meet?
A: Philadelphia
Chapter 47
- Q: Why did the Federalists initially oppose a Bill of Rights?
A: The Federalist believed that, because the powers of the federal government were specifically listed (enumerated), it was obvious that it possessed no powers other than those listed. As a result, they saw no reason to list powers that were not possessed by the federal government, and felt that doing so would cause confusion. - Q: What freedoms does the 1st Amendment prohibit the federal government from violating?
A: The 1st Amendment prohibits the government from interfering with freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government. - Q: What is the meaning of the word “republic”?
A: A republic is a system of government in which the people rule through elected representatives.
Chapter 48
- Q: In two or more sentences, explain the concept of the Electoral College.
A: In its original form, the Electoral College was a system in which state legislatures elected “electors”, who in turn voted on a president. This Eventually, this system was changed to one in which the people elect the electors directly, with the electors being pledged to support a particular candidate; this change effectively allowed the people of each state to directly vote on whichever candidate their state would support. For the most part, whichever presidential candidate wins the most votes in a particular states receives all the electoral votes of that state. - Q: What is the veto power of the presidency?
A: The President can veto (“forbid”) bills passed by the legislature. It is possible for Congress to override this veto through the vote of a two-thirds majority, but this is very difficult to achieve. - Q: What does the 9th Amendment declare?
A: The 9th Amendment states that although the Constitution (especially the first 8 amendments) enumerates certain rights that are held by the people, these are not the only rights retained by the people.
Chapter 49
- Q: How many senators does each state elect?
A: Two, regardless of population. - Q: What is a confederate government?
A: A confederate government is an alliance of smaller states, which has no direct authority over the people of those states. It can only interact with the states which formed it. - Q: What is the Presidential Cabinet?
A: The Presidential Cabinet consists of advisors selected by the President, who manage the various departments of the Executive Branch.
Chapter 50
- Q: List two reasons a legal case might be tried in a United States federal court, rather than a state court.
A: Valid answers include: the case involves the interpretation of the Constitutional; the case involves federal laws; the case involves ambassadors or similar foreign representatives; the case involves maritime justice; the United States is a party to the case; the case involves a dispute between two or more states. - Q: What freedom does the 2nd Amendment prohibit the federal government from violating?
A: The freedom to “keep and bear arms”. - Q: In what way is the House of Representatives a “popular branch” of Congress, whereas the Senate is not?
A: The number of representatives each state sends to the House of Representatives is proportional to the population of that state, whereas the each state sends two individuals to the Senate, regardless of population.
Chapter 51
- Q: List five major accomplishments of George Washington.
A: Valid answers include: he was a surveyor; he carried initial messages associated with the outbreak of the French and Indian War; he helped save the remnants of the Braddock Expedition; he drove the British out of Boston; he led a successful evacuation of Long Island; he won the Battle of Trenton; he won the Siege of Yorktown; he was a member of the Constitutional Convention; he became America’s first President; he put down the Whiskey Rebellion; he established the standard of resigning the Presidency after two terms. - Q: What are the three branches of the federal government?
A: The three branches of government are the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. - Q: List three important differences between the Senate and the House.
A: Valid answers include: the Senate has two representatives per state, while the number of representatives each state sends to the House is based on population; Senators serve terms of six years, while the Representatives in the House serve terms of two years; in matters of impeachment, the House is responsible for voting to bring charges of impeachment, while the Senate must then try the case; the Senate must approve treaties; the Senate must approve Presidential appointments; the House is larger than the Senate, and relies heavily on various smaller “committees” for the creation of legislation; the House must select the President if the Electoral College fails to select a candidate; revenue bills begin in the House.
Chapter 52
- Q: What is the title of leader of the House of Representatives?
A: Speaker of the House - Q: If there is a conflict between the federal constitution and a state constitution, which constitution prevails?
A: The federal constitution prevails. - Q: In what way did the invention of the cotton gin influence the history of slavery?
A: The cotton gin made the production of cotton vastly more profitable, which in turn made slavery more profitable for slaveholders in the South. This substantially increased the degree to which slavery became central to the economy and culture of the South.
Chapter 53
- Q: What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
A: In 1794, the people of western Pennsylvania rose in rebellion against a federal tax on alcohol that had been imposed by the United States. George Washington ordered military forces into the region to secure order, and the rioters quickly dispersed. - Q: Describe an important event in the area of foreign affairs that occurred during the years 1789-1809.
A: Valid answers include: the Jay Treaty prevented a near war between the United States and Great Britain; the XYZ Affair nearly led to war between the United States and France; the Louisiana Purchase greatly expanded the land area of the United States. - Q: What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A: The Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional laws, passed under the administration of John Adams, which gave the President power to deport foreigners he considered harmful to the interests of the United States, and to imprison individuals who spoke falsely or hatefully against the government.
Chapter 54
- Q: What was the primary difference of opinion between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton regarding the interpretation of the United States Constitution?
A: Hamilton believed in the “loose construction theory”, which asserts that the federal government has broad authority to provide for the general welfare of the United States. Thomas Jefferson held to a much more narrow interpretation of the Constitution, and did not believe that it authorized certain actions such as the creation of a national bank. - Q: What was the Louisiana Purchase?
A: The Louisiana Purchase was an agreement in which the United States purchased a vast swath of French territory in North America, including New Orleans and much of the land to its north and west. - Q: List three victories won by the Americans during the Revolutionary War.
A: Valid answers include: the capture of Ticonderoga; the forced British evacuation of Boston; the Battle of Trenton; the capture of Major-General Prescott; the defeat of Burgoyne’s army; the recapture of Stony Point; the capture of the Serapis; the Siege of Yorkstown.
Chapter 55
- Q: Who was John Marshall?
A: John Marshall was a Chief-Justice of the Supreme court who played a significant role in shaping the future of the court. In Marbury v. Madison, he established the principle of judicial review. - Q: At the outbreak of the War of 1812, which American political party supported war with Great Britain? Which political party opposed the war?
A: The Democratic-Republican party favored France, and supported war with Great Britain. The Federalist party favored Britain, and desired to maintain peaceful relations.
Chapter 56
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the causes of the War of 1812.
A: The British government sought to interfere with America trade, especially with the French; moreover, it maintained a policy of impressment. In the Orders in Council of 1807, it prohibited all trade with France and her allies. The American people became increasingly outraged by these abuses, until they cried out for war. - Q: List two major American defeats during the War of 1812.
A: Valid answers include: the surrender of Detroit; the surrender of Fort Dearborn; the defeat of Captain James Lawrence and the defeat of the Chesapeake; the defeat of General Winchester; the defeat of General Wilkinson; the burning of Washington. - Q: What is the historical importance of the phrase “Free Trade and Sailors’ Rights”?
A: This phrase was used to signify the abuses that led to the War of 1812: specifically, British restrictions on free trade and the practice of enslaving American sailors.
Chapter 57
- Q: Why were Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe reluctant to support federal infrastructure projects?
A: The did not believe that the Constitution gave the federal government the authority to invest in these projects. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe Andrew Jackson’s role in the War of 1812.
A: Andrew Jackson led a group of Tennesseans against the Creeks of Alabama. He then marched into Pensacola, Florida, and drove the British out of Florida. Finally, he led the defense of New Orleans, which was a major victory for the Americans, and greatly increased his reputation throughout the nation. - Q: What is the Monroe Doctrine?
A: The Monroe doctrine declared that the United States would not permit foreign colonial powers to colonize the continents of North or South America.
Chapter 58
- Q: What impact did the War of 1812 have on American manufacturing?
A: The war forced America to produce more manufactured goods in order to provide for its needs, which resulted in manufacturing growing into an economically import section of the economy. This is sometimes known as the “Market Revolution”. - Q: Who were the Sons of Liberty?
A: The Sons of Liberty were a group of Patriots who opposed British tyranny, beginning in the years prior to the Revolutionary War. - Q: What is “protectionism”?
A: Protectionism is the policy of attempting to protect and encourage domestic manufacturing and production by placing high tariffs on imports.
Chapter 59
- Q: In two or three sentences, explain the effects of President Jackson’s Specie Circular.
A: It required the payment of gold or silver coins for public lands, which caused currency to leave the populous region of the eastern seaboard towards the less populous inland regions. Banks were unable to give out loans, and the value of paper currency dropped rapidly. - Q: List three major contributions Benjamin Franklin made to the history of the United States.
A: Valid answers include: he helped negotiate with the Iroquois during the French and Indian War; he helped in early (unsuccessful) efforts to construct a federal constitution during the French and Indian War; he engaged in a wide range of scholarly activities; he was a member of the Continental Congress; he contributed to the Declaration of Independence; he helped negotiate an alliance with the French during the Revolutionary War; he was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. - Q: List two major American victories during the War of 1812.
A: Valid answers include: the defeat of the Guerriere, the Macedonian, the Java,and numerous other ships; the defense of Fort Stephenson; the Battle of Lake Erie; the capture of Toronto; the defense of Fort McHenry; the Battle of New Orleans.
Chapter 60
- Q: What was the Nullification Crisis?
A: The Nullification Crises was a dispute between the state of South Carolina and the federal government over whether states had the right to nullify-that is, declare void-federal laws. It was ended when Andrew Jackson sent troops to enforce federal control. - Q: What was the Trail of Tears?
A: The Trail of Tears was a series of events in which the native tribes of the American Southeast were forcibly relocated to the West. Many thousands of natives perished in the brutal migration. - Q: What is a “bank run”?
A: A bank run happens when large numbers of people become panicked and attempt to remove their money from a bank at the same time. Because banks invest most of their money, they are not able to return every customer’s money at the same time, and a run on a bank can trigger its financial collapse.
Chapter 61
- Q: Who was Henry Hudson?
A: Henry Hudson was an English explorer who was hired by the Dutch to explore North America. - Q: What was the Missouri Compromise?
A: The Missouri Compromise was an effort to preserve the delicate balance of power between the slave states and the free states, so that further conflict could be avoided. It declared that Missouri would be admitted as a slave state, and that any new states located south of Missouri would also be permitted to be admitted as slave states. All other states would be admitted as free states. - Q: Who was James Oglethorpe?
A: James Oglethorpe was a philanthropist who was deeply concerned with the well-being of debtors, and founded Georgia in order to provide a refuge for people who might otherwise go to debtor’s prison.
Chapter 62
- Q: List the first thirteen states.
A: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia - Q: Why did Whigs oppose admitting Texas into the Union?
A: Whigs opposed the extension of slavery, and new that Texas would be admitted as a slave state. - Q: Who was Anne Hutchinson?
A: Anne Hutchinson was a religious dissenter who was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to her religious teachings. She spent a portion of her subsequent life in Rhode Island.
Chapter 63
- Q: After leaving Illinois, what new city did the Mormons found?
A: Salt Lake City, Utah - Q: Who was Alexander Hamilton?
A: Alexander Hamilton was a Patriot and a Federalist, who desired a strong federal government. He had a significant influence over America’s early economic and monetary policies, and was one of the driving forces behind the first national bank. - Q: What caused the Mexican-American War?
A: The Mexican-American War was caused by a border dispute between Mexico and the newly-annexed state of Texas.
Chapter 64
- Q: What was the Seneca Falls Convention?
A: The Seneca Falls Convention was an early effort to discuss the cause of women’s rights, and played a role in defining the women’s suffrage movement. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the consequences of the Mexican-American War.
A: The Mexican-American War ended a complete, humiliating loss for Mexico. The United States acquired a vast territory to the west of Texas. California became an independent republic, and soon thereafter joined the United States. - Q: In the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford, what did the Supreme Court conclude?
A: In a highly criticized decision, he Supreme Court ruled that black people could not be citizens of the United States.
Chapter 65
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe the Compromise of 1850.
A: The Compromise of 1850, much like the Missouri Compromise before it, was designed to cool down the growing tensions between slave states and free states. California was admitted as a free state, while the other southwestern states would be permitted to enter as slave states. It also enacted the Fugitive Slave Act, which forced free states to participate in the capture of escaped slaves; contrary to the compromise’s intentions, this had the effect of greatly increasing the anger which Northerners felt toward the South. - Q: Who led the expedition that opened Japan to American trade?
A: Commodore Matthew Perry - Q: List two events that caused damage to the reputation of Aaron Burr.
A: He killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, and he was declared a traitor by Thomas Jefferson due to his leadership of a militia force of uncertain intentions.
Chapter 66
- Q: What political party was formed for the purpose of electing Andrew Jackson to the presidency?
A: The Democratic Party - Q: How did the North react to the Fugitive Slave Act?
A: The North was enraged by the Fugitive Slave Act, and strongly opposed its enforcement. Northern juries refused to convict men who violated the act, and the State of Vermont attempted to nullify it. - Q: List four generals who fought on the side of Britain during the Revolutionary War.
A: Valid answers include: Thomas Gage; William Howe; Henry Clinton; John Burgoyne; Benedict Arnold; Charles Cornwallis.
Chapter 67
- Q: What was the Underground Railroad?
A: The Underground Railroad was an organization that assisted slaves from the South escape to Canada. - Q: What was the cause of the events known as Bleeding Kansas?
A: Kansas was permitted to vote on whether or not to allow slavery. Both abolitionists and pro-slavery forces rushed to settle the state, in order to influence the vote. Eventually, the strong animosities led to bloodshed. - Q: Who was John Brown?
A: John Brown was a radical abolitionist who attempted to start a widespread slave revolt. His plan was not realistic, and his small band of followers was quickly defeated.
Chapter 68
- Q: Who was Jefferson Davis?
A: The first and only President of the Confederate States. - Q: What were the Orders in Council of 1807?
A: The Orders in Council of 1807 were issued by the British for the purpose of prohibiting trade with France or her allies. This was a severe impediment to American commerce, and was one of the reasons for the War of 1812. - Q: Where was the first battle of the Civil War fought?
A: Fort Sumter, South Carolina.
Chapter 69
- Q: How was Edmund Andros overthrown as governor of New England?
A: When the Glorious Revolution happened in England, Andros was left without a royal ally. An insurrection quickly arose, which he was unable to effectively oppose. - Q: Why did the State of West Virginia separate from the State of Virginia?
A: The counties that formed the new state of West Virginia did not widely practice slavery, and did not wish to leave the Union. - Q: What is an ex post facto law?
A: An ex post facto law is a law that applies a penalty to an action that took place before the law was passed. Laws of this sort are unconstitutional in America.
Chapter 70
- Q: Describe the consequences of the discovery of gold in California in 1848.
A: The discovery of gold triggered a mass immigration to the State of California. San Francisco grew from a small village to a large city within the span of a few years. - Q: What was George B. McClellan’s primary flaw as a general?
A: George B. McClellan was an excessively cautious general who was slow to act, even in situations where he was in the advantage. - Q: Where were the Seminole Wars fought?
A: Florida
Chapter 71
- Q: What ships fought in the first battle between two ironclads?
A: The Merrimack (also known as the Virginia)and the Monitor. - Q: What consequences did the Mexican-American War have on the slavery debate?
A: The Mexican-American War added a large amount of territory to the United States. The decision of how to partition this territory, as well as which portions of that territory would be slave-holding, was a matter of intense debate. The desire of California to join the Union as a free state added to the complexity of discussions. - Q: List three battles or sieges that were won by the Union during the Civil War.
A: Valid answers include: the Siege of Vicksburg; the Battle of Shiloh; the Battle of Stones River; the Battle of Antietam; the Battle of Gettysburg; the Battle of Nashville; the Siege of Atlanta; the destruction of the Alabama.
Chapter 72
- Q: What was Sherman’s March to the Sea?
A: After capturing Atlanta, General Sherman began a long march, through Georgia, following scorched earth tactics until he reached his destination of Savannah. - Q: What was the Reconstruction?
A: Reconstruction was the process of reintegrating the Southern states into the union, and rebuilding from the devastation of the war. - Q: In what way was England involved in the Civil War?
A: England sympathized with the Confederate cause, and provided the Confederates with ships built in English ports, which caused havoc for Union shipping. It also seemed, for a while, as though England might join the war on the side of the Confederates. This threat loomed over much of the decision-making during the war.
Chapter 73
- Q: What was the purpose of the Freedmen’s Bureau?
A: The Freedmen’s Bureau was established in the aftermath of the Civil War, and was dedicated to helping former slaves start a new life for themselves. It helped them find employment, reconnected families that had become separated, among other functions. - Q: Why did President Johnson and the United States Congress have a hostile relationship?
A: Much like Lincoln, Andrew Johnson desired to take a forgiving approach to handling the former Confederate states. He proceeded with his plan of reconstruction, with little regard for the opinions of Congress. Congress put forward its own reconstruction plan, and began passing legislation over Johnson’s veto. Eventually, this hostility led to Johnson’s impeachment. - Q: What does the 13th Amendment do?
A: The 13th Amendment forbids slavery throughout the United States.
Chapter 74
- Q: Which slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation? Which slaves were not freed by the Emancipation Proclamation?
A: Because the Emancipation Proclamation was a wartime measure from the President, rather than a law passed by Congress, it was subject to certain restrictions. It only freed slaves located in regions that were currently in rebellion against the Union, and did not free any slaves in border states (in particular, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and Delaware) that were not in rebellion. - Q: What was the Spoils System?
A: The Spoils System was a system in which victorious Presidential candidates would give desirable government positions to members of his own party (including positions for which political beliefs were not especially relevant), rather than hiring the individual most qualified for each position. - Q: What does the 15th Amendment do?
A: The 15th Amendment granted black men the right to vote.
Chapter 75
- Q: What was the Women’s Suffrage movement?
A: The Women’s Suffrage movement was a political movement that sought the right to vote for women. - Q: List three battles or sieges that were won by the Confederacy during the Civil War.
A: Valid answers include: the Siege of Fort Sumter; the First Battle of Bull Run; the Second Battle of Bull Run; the Battle of Chancellorsville; the Battle of Chickamauga. - Q: What was the Free Soil Party?
A: The Free Soil Party sought to oppose the expansion of slavery into the territories of the United States.
Chapter 76
- Q: How did the 14th Amendment change the relationship between the federal government and the states?
A: Whereas it had previously been common for the Constitution to define limits to federal power, the 14th Amendment defines key limitations to the power of state governments. Of particular importance, states are prohibited from violating the “privileges or immunities” of citizens, and cannot deny them equal protection under the law. Because the federal government is responsible for enforcing this requirement, the 14th Amendment provides the federal government with a much greater degree of oversight regarding the laws and governance of the states. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe the importance of naval combat during the Civil War.
A: On the ocean, much of the Union navy was devoted to enforcing a blockade of the Confederacy, while the Confederacy used ships built in British harbors to harass Union trade. Ships were also frequently used to support army forces along the coast and throughout the Mississippi river. - Q: Why was the Department of Justice created?
A: The Department of Justice was created to oppose the Ku Klux Klan.
Chapter 77
- Q: List one group of people who were often in favor of the Free Silver movement, and explain why they supported it.
A: Individuals who owed debts, including many of the nation’s laborers, tended to favor the Free Silver movement. This was because the general effect of free silver would be to increase inflation, which would make their debts less difficult to repay. - Q: What were Jim Crow laws?
A: Jim Crow laws were designed to restrict the ability of black citizens to vote, hold office, or otherwise exercise their rights. - Q: What was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?
A: The Interstate Commerce Act authorized the federal government to regulate the railroad industry.
Chapter 78
- Q: In what way did the Spanish-American War change America’s relationship with the rest of the world?
A: The Spanish-American War demonstrated that America was a powerful nation that should be taken seriously. - Q: What were the Alabama Claims?
A: The Alabama Claims were named after the Alabama, a Confederate ship built in a British harbor. They were a series of claims on the part of the United States that the United Kingdom had violated international standards by secretly equipping the Confederates with warships. An international court found the British liable for damages. - Q: During President Garfield’s administration, the Republicans were divided between the “Half-Breeds” and the “Stalwarts”. What was the primary disagreement between these two groups?
A: The Stalwarts favored the spoils system, while the Half-Breeds wanted a merit-based system.
Chapter 79
- Q: In two or three sentences, describe how Theodore Roosevelt’s personality influenced his presidency.
A: President Roosevelt had an exceptionally bombastic personality that was popular among the common people, but was viewed with apprehension by the higher classes. He was quite forward and direct in his dealings, which sometimes brought him into conflict with fellow Republicans. - Q: What were the political consequences of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act?
A: The Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act increased duties on many goods, at a time when a desire for lower tariffs was common. It was wildly unpopular, and was a significant contributor to the Republican party’s devastating loss in the 1910 elections, while also sinking President Taft’s reelection prospects. - Q: In two or three sentences, describe why a rift formed between President Taft and President Roosevelt.
A: Taft replaced Roosevelt’s Secretary of the Interior, who accused Taft’s administration of corruption. This quickly became a large scandal that pitted Roosevelt against Taft. In addition, when attempting an antitrust lawsuit against U.S. Steel, Taft’s administration filed a lawsuit that implied Roosevelt had been incompetent in his handling of U.S. Steel.