Basic Training - U.S. History 1 - 3 - PreTest

Although he and his ships never landed in the area later called America, which explorer is traditionally credited with the first discovery?

Researchers have determined that ______________ discovered lands later called America in 1021.

Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas, which he mistakenly believed to be the East Indies, took place in ______.

The first voyage by Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic Ocean did not end in the area later called America. Researchers believe that the voyage landed on San Salvador Island, an area the is now called _____________.

Christopher Columbus visited the Monarchs of France, Spain, and Portugal many times. His mission was designed to get __________________________.

_________________ is the European explorer credited with realizing that the land now know as America was a new continent, separate from Asia.

The establishment of ________________ was the first permanent European community in the land that was later called America.

John Cabot was an Italian explorer who sailed under the English flag. In _________ he led the first European expedition to reach North America since the Vikings.

The first permanent European settlement in America was named for Catholic priest, Saint _____________.

New World explorers were sponsored by Monarchs who  _________________. Their voyages led to the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas, profoundly impacting both continents.

The first known European explorer to have landed on the North American continent, about 500 years before Christopher Columbus, was _______________.

Sir Walter Raleigh failed twice in his attempt to  ___________________ on Roanoke Island (present-day North Carolina). The group of settlers involved in his efforts became known as The Lost Colony.

Juan Ponce de León’s first exploration of Florida took place in _____. He was seeking new lands, possibly rumored to be the island of Bimini, and named the region La Florida.

On December 6, 1606, a journey to Virginia began on three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery. In 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start the first permanent settlement that they named _____________, after their King.

Europeans primarily left to explore and colonize the Americas mainly to discover new trade routes to Asia, spread Christianity, and pursue wealth and power. Advancements in navigation technology and the belief in ______________ also spurred nautical exploration.

___________ was an Italian explorer and navigator who sailed for England. In 1497, he landed in North America, mistaking it for Asia. His voyage helped establish British claims to Canada and is considered the first known European exploration of coastal North America since the Norse in the 11th century.

The _____________________ in 1607 was significant because it resulted in establishing the first permanent English settlement that survived in the New World. 

Founded by Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in ________, St. Augustine predates Jamestown by several decades and is the earliest continuously inhabited European settlement in what is now the United States.

Plymouth Colony was a 17th-century English settlement in present-day _______________. Established in 1620, it was the second successful English colony in North America and is famous for its early settlement by the Pilgrims who left Holland, worried that their children were becoming too Dutch and losing their English identity.

Beginning in the late 15th century, European powers, primarily Spain, Portugal, England, and France, began exploring and claiming lands in the Americas. The claims were designed to disregard the existing indigenous populations and their long-standing presence on the land because ________________________.

_______________ is primarily known for leading the first official European expedition to Florida and for serving as the first governor of Puerto Rico. He is also associated with the myth of the Fountain of Youth, a legendary spring believed to restore youth.

In August 1619, _________________________, carrying  enslaved Africans, arrived in Jamestown. This event marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade in British North America and laid the foundation for the institution of slavery in the colonies.

When Pilgrims and other settlers set out on the ship for America in ______, they intended to lay anchor in northern Virginia. But after treacherous shoals and storms drove their ship off course, the settlers landed in Massachusetts instead, outside of Virginia’s jurisdiction. Knowing life without laws could prove catastrophic, colonist leaders created the Mayflower Compact to ensure a functioning social structure would prevail.

In 1587, a group of 117 English colonists led by John White arrive at ______________ to establish a permanent settlement. This was the second attempt to colonize the area, and the colonists included White’s daughter, Eleanor, and his granddaughter, Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas.

Word of Columbus’s exploits spread quickly, sparking the Western European exploration, conquest, and colonization of the Americas. Spanish explorers, conquerors, and settlers sought material wealth, prestige, and the spread of Christianity, often summed up in the phrase ______________________.

_______________ was a determined captain, explorer, and navigator who sailed through the uncharted, dangerous icy waters of the Arctic. Although he never achieved in finding a passage to Asia, Hudson discovered various North American water routes and his discoveries led other Europeans to journey to North America where colonization and trading would take place.

Establishing the _________ Colony in 1620 was significant as the first permanent English settlement in New England and the second in North America. It’s also notable for introducing the concept of self-governance through the Mayflower Compact and for its role in the development of Thanksgiving traditions.

The primary goal of the _______________ was to resolve territorial disputes arising from Christopher Columbus’s voyages and subsequent discoveries. This line essentially divided the world into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence.

Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, ____________ was the center of New France, playing a crucial role in the fur trade and exploration of North America.

Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century. The main purpose of his exploration was _______________________.

_______________ is primarily known for founding the British North American colony that became a haven for religious freedom and a model for self-government. He is also recognized for his advocacy for religious tolerance and civil rights, particularly his contributions to the development of the right to a trial by jury.

The thirteen British colonies founded in North America during the 17th century are perhaps the most well-known colonies in the history of the United States. Each colony was granted a type of ___________, or contract, from the King of England, which allowed its people to remain in the area.

The arrival of English colonists, particularly their focus on tobacco cultivation and expansion onto Powhatan lands, led to increasing tensions and conflict. The English, with their superior weaponry and organizational capabilities, gradually gained the upper hand in the wars, which ended in ________.

Colonists in _____________, disguised as Native Americans, boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped chests of tea into the sea to protest the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies. This act of defiance further solidified the divide between the colonists and Britain.

The American Revolution, while culminating in a declaration of independence in 1776, had roots stretching back to the 1760s and earlier. Colonists protested British taxes, such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, arguing that ________________________________________.

________________ was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the chief supporter among the Puritan founders of New England.

The _________________ were a series of English laws enacted between 1651 and 1696 that regulated trade and shipping between Great Britain and its colonies. These acts, rooted in mercantilist principles, aimed to bolster English economic power by restricting colonial trade to English or colonial ships and ensuring that certain goods were shipped only to England or other English colonies.

In ________, the Mayflower voyage brought the Pilgrims to what is now Massachusetts, establishing Plymouth Colony, the second permanent English settlement in North America. These settlers sought religious freedom and were fleeing persecution in England.

The importance of ____________ during colonial America stemmed from its strategic location as a major port and its diverse population, making it a crucial center for trade, politics, and culture. Initially part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, the English takeover in 1664 transformed it into a vital British possession, especially during the French and Indian War.

King Philip’s War was significant as it was one of the deadliest conflicts in American history relative to the population at the time, and it dramatically reshaped the power dynamics between Native Americans and European colonists in New England. The war ___________________________________________, which paved the way for further colonization.

_________________ is best known for founding the colony of Georgia in 1733. He envisioned it as a place for the “worthy poor” to have a fresh start and also as a military buffer between the British colonies and Spanish Florida.

While printed images stirred passions, colonists also had access to more intellectual appeals for independence. _____________, cheap and easy to print, brought political theory into the hands of everyday people. They discussed these ideas in taverns, important gathering places for exchanging information..

Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, was founded on__________, by the Virginia Company of London. The settlers, primarily men, arrived aboard three ships – Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. Captain John Smith played a crucial role in Jamestown’s survival, implementing a policy of “no work, no food”.

___________________ was a crucial city in colonial America due to its central location, thriving economy, and pivotal role in the American Revolution. It served as a major trading hub, a meeting place for revolutionary leaders, and the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted and signed.

The Powhatan Wars were significant because they fundamentally reshaped the relationship between English colonists and Native Americans. The conflicts led to a hardening of English attitudes towards Native Americans, ____________________________________.

__________________ argued that the government should not have the authority to dictate religious matters or to punish individuals for their religious beliefs. This principle, now enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, was a cornerstone of his vision for Rhode Island.

Though not implemented, the ______________ served as a valuable precedent for later attempts at colonial cooperation. It demonstrated the potential for colonial unity and influenced the structure of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

Queen Anne’s War, which began in ________, was the second major conflict in North America between England and France. While the war did not eliminate French influence entirely, it did weaken their position in North America, setting the stage for the French and Indian War.

__________________ emerged as the primary entry point for enslaved Africans in mainland North America, handling approximately 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to the continent between 1700 and 1775. The city was also a center for the American Indian slave trade, with thousands of Native Americans forcibly exported to the West Indies and other colonies.

Pocahontas was the daughter of the powerful Powhatan chief who acted as a mediator between the English and her people. Her interactions with the English, including her marriage to John Rolfe, were important because they ________________________________.

Royal ______________ were the direct link between the British monarchy and the American colonies. Their actions and policies, often perceived as favoring British interests over colonial interests, contributed to growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.

The _________________ was a period of intense religious fervor in the American colonies. The emphasis on individual worth and the egalitarian message of some preachers contributed to social reforms, including increased independence for women and the beginnings of the abolitionist movement.

The _______ Virginia Slave Codes were a series of laws that defined and solidified slavery in the colony, establishing a system that was hereditary and based on race. Slaves were defined as real estate, meaning they were treated as property that could be bought, sold, and inherited.

_______________, established in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America. After facing issues with the Virginia Company and conflicts with the Powhatan, the settlement transitioned to a royal colony under the direct control of the English crown in 1624.

George Calvert, later known as Lord Baltimore, converted to Catholicism and sought to establish a colony where Catholics could practice their faith freely. This was a progressive idea for the time because ________________________.

_________________ challenged the Puritan authorities in Massachusetts Bay, particularly regarding the interpretation of religious doctrine and the role of women in religious leadership. Her actions contributed to the later development of the idea of separation of church and state in the U.S.

The ____________________ solidified Great Britain’s position as the dominant colonial power in North America, pushing out France. The war led to increased taxation on the American colonies to pay for its enormous cost.

The founding of Georgia in __________ was significant because it was the last of the thirteen English colonies to be established. Unlike other colonies, Georgia was founded as a social experiment, with the aim of resettling debtors and providing a refuge for those who had fallen on hard times in England.

________________, holds a unique place in US history as the oldest state capital and the oldest European settlement west of the Mississippi River. Founded thirteen years before Plymouth Colony, Santa Fe’s establishment signifies the early and lasting presence of Spanish influence in the region. .

The Santa Fe colony was important because it was _________________________________________. By the 1800s, the colony had become a crucial trading center, particularly for commerce between Mexico and the United States, with the Santa Fe Trail facilitating the movement of goods.

______________________ was crucial to the American Revolution because he commanded the Continental Army to victory against the British. His personal qualities, including his integrity, courage, and dedication, inspired not only his troops but also the broader American population.

The document called The _________________________, issued by King George III, was designed prevent further conflicts with Native Americans following the French and Indian War. While intended to maintain peace, it angered many colonists who had already begun settling in the western territories or had plans to do so, and it fueled resentment towards British rule.

Patriots like Samuel Adams used the __________________ to rally support for independence, framing the colonists as victims of British aggression. The event is considered a turning point, pushing many colonists closer to the idea of separating from British rule.

________________ was at the center of colonial resistance, which made it a key location during the Revolutionary War. The city became known as the Birthplace of the American Revolution, and its liberation from British control was a major morale boost for the colonists.

Abigail Adams was a key figure during the American Revolution, not as a soldier, but as a ______________________________. She was not afraid to express her political opinions, even when they went against traditional gender roles.

________________ was determined to maintain British control over the American colonies. He refused to accept the idea of American independence and actively worked to suppress the rebellion, even after it became clear the war was costly and difficult.

The primary goal of the ____________________ was to generate revenue for the British government to help pay off the large debt incurred during the French and Indian War. The act fueled colonial resentment due to taxation without representation and the perceived infringement on colonial liberties, contributing to the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation”.

Colonists were enraged by British Parliament’s imposition of taxes, particularly the Tea Act, without their consent or representation in Parliament. The act of dumping the tea into Boston Harbor on December 16, _______, was a powerful symbolic statement that the colonists would not tolerate perceived British tyranny and their right to govern themselves.

The revolutionary victory at ______________ in 1777 convinced France to recognize American independence and enter into a formal alliance. This was a monumental development, as France provided crucial naval power, troops, and financial assistance, significantly altering the balance of power in the war.

Thomas Paine was crucial to the American Revolution due to his powerful _________________________________. He directly attacked the legitimacy of the British monarchy, arguing for a democratic republic, a radical idea at the time.

__________________ played a key role in shaping the direction of the revolution through his participation in Continental Congress. Although not directly related to military actions, his diplomatic efforts, such as negotiating commercial treaties with Prussia and France, were crucial in securing support and resources for the new nation.

Issuance of the _____________ was the first time the British government directly taxed the colonies to raise revenue, rather than regulating trade. It demonstrated the power of colonial unity and resistance, setting the stage for future confrontations with Britain.

The battles at Lexington and Concord in _______ initiated the armed conflict that ultimately led to the American colonies declaring independence from Great Britain. The first shot fired at Lexington, called The Shot Heard ‘Round the World, became a powerful symbol of the colonists’ fight for liberty and self-determination.

The Battle of _____________ was the final major land battle of the war, effectively ending large-scale fighting in the American colonies.

Mercy Otis Warren was a significant figure in the American Revolution due to her literary contributions and political activism, ________________________________________. Her most notable work, a comprehensive history written from a Patriot perspective, is considered one of the first and most important accounts of the American Revolution.

The most significant contribution of _________________ was his role in securing French support for the American Revolution. He played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the Revolutionary War.

The primary aim of the document called The ________________ was to shift the cost of maintaining British troops in America from British taxpayers to the colonists. Also known as the Quartering Act, it mandated that colonial legislatures provide barracks, fuel, and other necessities for British soldiers.

The primary purpose of the ___________________ was to formally declare the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. While initially focused on the American colonies, document’s language about natural rights and self-governance has been interpreted as having universal application, influencing discussions about human rights and political freedom around the world.

Following the British victory in the French and Indian War, Britain gained vast territories in western North America, including land previously controlled by France. The __________________ essentially drew a line along the Appalachian Mountains, forbidding colonists from settling west of it.

One of the most prominent black Virginians to serve the newly independent United States during the American Revolution was a man history would know as “James Armistead Lafayette.” He was able to act as a spy for the Continental Army because the British _________________________.

_______________ helped organize the Sons of Liberty, a secret society that used protests and acts of defiance to challenge British authority. He played a key role in publicizing the Boston Massacre and organizing the Boston Tea Party.

The core resistance to ___________________ was the colonists’ belief that they should not be taxed by a Parliament in which they had no elected representatives. This concept, “no taxation without representation,” became a rallying cry for the colonists.

George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River was crucial because it led to a surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey. This victory, achieved on Christmas night ______, was crucial for restoring faith in the Continental Army and inspiring continued support for the revolution.

The successful crossing of the Delaware and the subsequent victory at _____________ highlighted Washington’s strategic brilliance and his ability to inspire his troops even in the face of adversity. After the war, this city briefly served as the national capital of the United States.

Jorge Farragut was important to the American Revolution _______________________________________. He delivered vital war supplies to the colonies, fought in key battles like Savannah and Charleston, and commanded a battery during the Siege of Charleston

_______________ was elected as the first governor of the newly independent state of Virginia in 1776, and his leadership helped establish the state’s government. His speeches, especially the “Give me liberty, or give me death!” address, were instrumental in rallying support for the revolution and pushing the colonies towards independence.

The ___________________ officially recognized the United States as a sovereign and independent nation, a major victory for the newly formed country. It established the boundaries of the United States, including the vast Northwest Territory (present-day Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota), which significantly increased the nation’s size.

The British surrender, led by Lord Cornwallis after the Battle of ____________, effectively ended major land battles in North America and paved the way for peace negotiations. The crucial role of the French army and navy, under Rochambeau and de Grasse, was instrumental in surrounding and defeating the British.

Paul Revere was an active member of the Sons of Liberty, a group that organized protests and resistance against British policies. His ride on April 18, 1775, which ended in ______________, alerted colonial militia to the approaching British troops, enabling them to prepare for battle and ultimately leading to the first shots of the Revolutionary War.

The most immediate and crucial outcome of the American Revolution was ______________________________. It served as an inspiration for other revolutionary movements around the world, most notably in France just a few years later.

_____________________ fought in the Revolutionary War and later played a crucial role in drafting and advocating for the Constitution. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton established the national bank, the country’s monetary system, and the tax system.

The first inauguration of __________________ took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then the nation’s capital. His first address emphasized unity, his modesty in assuming the presidency, and his commitment to a government that serves the people.

The _________________, comprising the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, is significant because it guarantees fundamental rights and civil liberties to all Americans. It establishes clear boundaries on what the government can and cannot do, preventing it from infringing upon individual liberties.

Following the American Revolution,________________ initially served as the temporary capital of the United States (1790-1800). The city hosted the First and Second Continental Congresses, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the U.S. Constitution was drafted and signed.

The Whiskey Rebellion, a 1794 uprising in western Pennsylvania, holds significant historical weight as _____________________________. The rebellion was sparked by an excise tax on whiskey, which was a vital part of the frontier economy and a form of currency for many farmers.

Following the American Revolution, _______________ continued to serve the newly formed nation in significant roles. He was the first Vice President under George Washington and later became the second President of the United States. Beyond these high-profile positions, he also played a crucial role in diplomacy, helping to negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783) that officially ended the war.

The __________________ intentionally created a weak central government to prevent the tyranny experienced under British rule. States retained significant autonomy and power, with the central government primarily responsible for foreign affairs, war, and currency.

The Constitution outlines the structure of the U.S. government, including the roles and responsibilities of the legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (courts) branches. Signed in Philadelphia in ______, it was designed to limit the powers of the government, prevent tyranny, and protect individual liberties.

Following the American Revolution, Philadelphia served as the temporary capital until 1800, when the government officially moved to _____________________. The decision to locate the capital on the Potomac River was a compromise between the Northern and Southern states, aiming to balance their interests and foster national unity.

The Jay Treaty, signed in 1794, was significant because it _______________________. However, the treaty further divided the nation, contributing to the formation of the Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who favored a closer relationship with France.

_________________, along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, co-authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays explaining and defending the Constitution. He also led the nation through the War of 1812, a conflict that, despite its challenges, solidified American nationalism.

The ____________ Convention was a pivotal moment in American history, establishing the foundation for the United States’ modern federal government. Delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution, which is still the governing document of the United States today.

The Three-Fifths Compromise, reached during the ______ Constitutional Convention, stipulated that three out of every five enslaved people would be counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation. It remained in effect until the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

____________________ played a crucial role in Kentucky’s early history and the broader American westward expansion. The settlement, though relatively short-lived, symbolized the spirit of adventure and the challenges faced by pioneers in opening the frontier.

The Three-Fifths Compromise was controversial because it allowed Southern states to count enslaved people as part of their population for representation in Congress, __________________________________.

___________________ is credited for transforming the U.S. Supreme Court into a powerful and respected branch of the federal government, shaping the interpretation of the Constitution, and establishing key legal precedents. Through various cases, he consistently interpreted the Constitution broadly to support the federal government’s power in relation to the states.

Leaders like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton used ___________________ as evidence of the need for a more robust federal structure with greater authority. The event played a crucial role in convincing key figures to attend the Constitutional Convention and ultimately contributed to the decision to draft an entirely new framework of government, the U.S. Constitution.

The Northwest Ordinance is considered one of the most important pieces of legislation passed by the Continental Congress. Enacted in _________, it established a government for the Northwest Territory, a vast area of land northwest of the Ohio River, and set a precedent for the admission of new states into the Union.

Following the Revolutionary War, ________________ gained significance as a crucial point of contention between the newly formed United States and Spain, which controlled the Mississippi River. The city’s location at the mouth of the Mississippi made it a crucial gateway for trade and transportation for the expanding American frontier.

The Federalist Papers ___________________________________ to focus attention on the arguments for the proposed Constitution rather than on the identities of the authors.

Following the American Revolution, ____________________ became a prominent figure, known for her advocacy of women’s rights. She famously urged her husband, the second president, to “Remember the ladies” when crafting the new laws, highlighting her belief in women’s rights and equality.

The __________________, finalized in 1803, was a pivotal event in American history, significantly impacting the nation’s size, power, and future. While a significant gain for the United States, it also had a negative impact on indigenous populations, displacing them from their ancestral lands and leading to conflicts.

The election of Abraham Lincoln in _______ is widely considered one of the most significant presidential elections in U.S. history because it directly triggered the secession of Southern states and the beginning of the Civil War. Lincoln’s victory, as the first Republican president and a member of an antislavery party, was viewed by many Southern states as a direct threat to the institution of slavery.

_______________________, and its surrounding plantation regions are historically significant due to their deep connection to the antebellum South’s economy and social structure, which were heavily reliant on slavery. Charleston served as a major port for the transatlantic slave trade and the distribution of enslaved people to various plantations.

The Barbary Pirate Wars were significant for the early United States because they __________________________ and helped establish its naval power. The decision to confront the Barbary pirates, rather than continue paying tribute, also demonstrated a commitment to American sovereignty and independence from foreign powers.

After the American Revolution, ____________________ returned to France as a celebrated hero and played a significant role in both the French Revolution and in promoting democratic ideals globally. His close friendship with George Washington and his experiences in the American Revolution significantly shaped his views on governance and individual rights.

The _______________________ was significant for temporarily easing sectional tensions over slavery and setting a precedent for congressional regulation of slavery in the territories. While it provided a period of relative calm, it did not address the fundamental issue of slavery, which would continue to divide the nation and eventually lead to the Civil War.

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by a Federalist-controlled Congress in ________, were a series of laws that significantly impacted the early United States, primarily by restricting the rights of immigrants and limiting freedom of speech and the press. The acts set a precedent for future debates about immigration policy, freedom of speech, and the balance of power between the federal government and individual states.

Following the American Revolution, _________________ played a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape and developing the identity of the fledgling United States. They served as points of entry for immigrants, ideas, and cultural influences, contributing to the rich and diverse character of American society.

Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who gained recognition for his almanacs, his prediction of a solar eclipse, and his work on the survey of Washington, D.C. His correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, where he _________________________________________, was a powerful act of civil rights activism.