history quizzes and tests

Reconquista

A struggle between Christians and Moors in Spain.

Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand V's initial refusal to fund Columbus

They were focused on regaining complete control of Spain.

God, Gold, and Glory

A motto that represents the aims of successful Spanish conquistadors.

Goal of the conquistadors in the Americas

To convert the Natives to the Catholic faith.

Phrase symbolizing the Spanish conquests of the Aztecs and Incas

Destroyed by greed and disease.

Columbus's landing on his first voyage

An island in the Caribbean Sea.

What did the Spanish build on the ruins of Tenochtitlan?

Mexico City.

Conclusion of the Reconquista's effect on Spain

Gave Spain the opportunity to look beyond its borders in pursuit of economic wealth.

Moctezuma's reluctance to attack Cortes

He feared that Cortes was an Aztec god.

Explorer known for defeating the Inca Empire

Francisco Pizarro.

Result of Alvarez de Pineda's voyage

Spain's quest for treasure improved geographical knowledge.

Explorer known for having a disastrous voyage

Narvaez.

Cabeza de Vaca

He turned his misfortune into a life of adventure.

Common theme in Spain's search for gold

Tricked by False Promises.

Significance of Pineda's voyage

He contributed towards a well-drawn map.

Animal discovered by Cabeza de Vaca

Bison.

Explorer known for killing El Turco

Coronado.

Result of the encounters between the Spanish and Caddo Indians

The Caddo resisted multiple Spanish attempts to control their territory.

Rumored shortcut the French hoped to Asia

The Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.

Factor causing Spain's interest in the Texas frontier

Increasing rivalry with France.

French treasure that wasn't gold

Fur.

Law of April 6, 1830 that angered Anglo settlers

Settlers were no longer allowed to bring slaves into Texas.

Reason Texans felt their rights were violated

The Mexican government broke the terms of its own constitution.

Significance of the Turtle Bayou Resolutions

They were the first organized protests against Mexico.

Who was sent to report after the Fredonian Rebellion?

Mier y Teran.

What Mexico placed on goods from the United States

Tariffs.

Settlers' preference for federalist over centralist government

They admired the U.S. form of government.

Significance of the Conventions of 1832 and 1833

Set the groundwork for governance of Texas as a state.

Who presented Texas convention work to the Mexican government

Stephen F. Austin.

Centralist Mexico creator

Santa Anna.

Definition of dictatorship

A person who rules with total authority.

First battle of the Texas Revolution

Battle of Gonzales.

Solution to army organization issues in the Texas Revolution

They agreed to split up their troops.

Who did Sam Houston ask to go to the Alamo?

Jim Bowie.

Reason for defending the Alamo

It was a barrier between the Mexican army and Anglo towns.

Fame from skill of the rifle

David Crockett.

Main leader of the Alamo hoping for reinforcements

William Travis.

Mexican army intimidation tactic at the Alamo

Played music.

Duration of the Battle of the Alamo

12 days.

Date of the Battle of the Alamo

March 6, 1836.

Approximate size of the Mexican army at the Alamo

Leader murdered at Goliad

James Fannin.

City where the Battle of the Alamo was fought

San Antonio.

First official president of the Republic of Texas

Sam Houston.

Group of official advisors overseeing departments

Cabinet.

Why people feared Santa Anna

He ordered soldiers to burn buildings, farms, and towns.

Sam Houston's upbringing

He was born in Virginia on March 2, 1793.

Santa Anna's upbringing

He joined the cadets in a Veracruz troop at age 16.

Who recognized Houston's bravery in the War of 1812?

Andrew Jackson.

Low point for Houston and his army in early 1836

Retreat to avoid Santa Anna’s large force.

What Houston received in San Felipe

Two cannons.

Santa Anna's major mistake

He moved his best troops away from the after Houston’s forces.

Secretary of State who died at age 43

Stephen F. Austin.

Government dealing with external issues

Foreign policy.

Document influencing the first Texas state constitution

The U.S. Constitution.

Major feature in first Texas state constitution

A bicameral legislature.

Branch enforcing laws in Texas

Executive.

First governor of Texas during early statehood

James Pinckney Henderson.

Political issue Texas leaders faced post-U.S.-Mexican War

The status of slavery in Texas.

Challenges faced by Tejanos after U.S.-Mexican War

They faced discrimination and loss of land.

Reason for mid-1800s immigration to Texas

Economic opportunities and land grants.

Contribution of enslaved African Americans to the economy

Labor on cotton and sugar plantations.

Role of empresarios in Texas

Managed land grants and encouraged settlement.

Impact of empresarios on Texas

They created a diverse population through immigration.

Major cause of the Civil War

States’ rights.

Definition of states’ rights

The idea that states can limit federal government power.

Impact of Eli Whitney's invention on slavery

Increased demand for enslaved labor.

Definition of sectionalism

Loyalty to one’s region rather than the nation.

Why Northerners favored tariffs

They protected Northern manufacturing.

Why Germans voted against secession in Texas

Fear of Native American attacks.

Who was Francis Lubbock?

Governor of Texas in 1861 supporting Confederate cause.

Primary economic activity relying on enslaved labor in the South

Cotton farming.

Definition of tariff

A tax on imported goods; opposed by Southerners.

Why Sam Houston was removed from office

Refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy.

Concept of nullification

States could reject federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Mexico's worry about Texas

Thought the U.S. wanted Texas for itself.

Santa Anna’s blood-red flag meaning

No mercy to rebels.

Shared characteristic of U.S. and Texas Constitution

Each included a bill of rights.

Reason for letting women and children go free at the Alamo

All of the above.

What happened to James Fannin and his men at Goliad?

They were brutally murdered.

Mexico won its freedom from Spain in what year?

Santa Anna’s tactical mistake before Houston's attack

Moved troops where a ridge blocked line of sight.