United States History Midterm Exam

Who is Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur and what is he best known for?

He is a French-American writer best known for his work 'Letters from an American Farmer' (1782), which introduced the idea of the 'American Dream.'

What significant event occurred on March 5, 1770?

The Boston Massacre, where British soldiers killed five colonial men during a confrontation.

What was the Boston Tea Party and when did it occur?

A political protest on December 16, 1773, where American colonists dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown?

It marked the culmination of the American Revolutionary War, leading to British General Cornwallis's surrender and effectively ending major fighting.

What does the Peace of Paris (1783) signify?

It formally ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

What was the Treaty of Paris (1763) and what did it achieve?

It marked the end of the French and Indian War, with France ceding its territories in North America to Great Britain.

What were writs of assistance and why were they opposed?

General search warrants allowing British officials to search for smuggled goods, viewed as a violation of colonial rights.

What was the Declaratory Act and its significance?

Passed in 1766, it asserted British Parliament's right to legislate for the colonies, sparking further colonial resistance.

What was New Amsterdam and its historical importance?

A Dutch settlement founded in 1625 that became New York City, representing a melting pot of cultures.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

Fought on June 17, 1775, it showcased the determination of colonials despite losing, serving as a morale booster.

What did the Townsend Act of 1767 enforce?

It imposed duties on imports like tea and glass, leading to boycotts and heightened tensions with colonists.

What was the Stamp Act and its impact on colonial sentiment?

Passed in 1765, it required special stamped paper for documents, symbolizing taxation without representation and prompting protests.

What was South Carolina's role during the American Revolution?

As one of the original thirteen colonies, it produced notable leaders and was a hub for revolutionary activity.

Who was Samuel Champlain and what is he known for?

A French explorer known as the 'Father of New France' for founding Quebec in 1608.

What was John Winthrop's vision for the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

He envisioned it as a 'city upon a hill,' representing a model of Christian virtue for others.

What is salutary neglect?

A British policy of relaxed enforcement of regulations on colonies, allowing greater autonomy and fostering American identity.

Who was George Washington and what were his contributions?

He was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and later became the first President of the United States.

What was the House of Burgesses?

Established in Virginia in 1619, it was the first elected representative government in the American colonies.

What role did the Hudson River play in colonial New York?

It was a vital waterway for trade and transportation, contributing to economic development.

What is Eurocentrism?

A worldview centered on Western civilization that often marginalizes non-Western perspectives.

What is Maryland known for in terms of religious freedom?

Maryland was established as a haven for English Catholics and is known for the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649.

What is virtual representation in the context of colonial America?

The British argument that colonists were represented through their colonial officials despite no direct representation.

Who was Hernan Cortes and why is he significant?

A Spanish Conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

What is actual representation?

The concept that citizens should directly elect their representatives, opposed to British taxation without representation.

What role did Portugal play during the Age of Discovery?

Portugal was known for its early exploration and colonial ventures, significantly impacting global trade.

What was Tenochtitlan and its historical significance?

The capital of the Aztec Empire, known for its vibrant society and architecture, and focal point of Hernan Cortes's conquest.

What was the non-importation movement?

A boycott by American colonists against British taxes, pledging not to import British goods as a form of protest.

Who was Benjamin Franklin and what were his contributions?

A Founding Father, polymath, and diplomat, instrumental in securing French support during the Revolutionary War.

What is Thomas Jefferson known for?

He was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States.

What historic event took place in 1492?

Christopher Columbus embarked on his first voyage across the Atlantic, leading to European awareness of the Americas.

What significance does September 3, 1783, hold?

It marks the formalization of the Treaty of Paris, concluding the American Revolutionary War.

What happened on April 19, 1775?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of armed conflict in the American Revolutionary War.

What major event occurred on March 5, 1770?

The Boston Massacre, a significant event that increased tensions between Britain and the American colonies.