apsuh geography quiz

What rivers, coasts, or harbors on the Atlantic Coast encouraged settlement?

Rivers, natural harbors, and coasts for trade, navigation, fishing — e.g. Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River, Massachusetts harbors

New England Colonies: what did they grow / their economy?

Small-scale farming (corn, beans), fishing, shipbuilding, trade

Southern Colonies: what did they grow / economy?

Cash crops: tobacco, rice, indigo; large plantations and enslaved labor

Why did slavery start in the South and not in New England?

The South had large-scale plantation agriculture needing cheap labor; New England had small farms with little need for enslaved labor

Where can tobacco grow early in American history & why?

Warm, humid, fertile regions like Virginia and Maryland — ideal for growing tobacco

Why is the Mississippi River so important?

Major trade and transport route connecting interior lands to the Gulf of Mexico

Major economic activities in New England Colonies?

Fishing, shipbuilding, timber, trade, small farms

Major economic activities in Southern Colonies?

Plantation agriculture: tobacco, cotton, rice, indigo; export of raw goods

Why were harbors & ports important to early colonies?

They facilitated trade, shipping, import/export, and naval access

Why were the oceans important to American development?

They connected the colonies to Europe, supported trade, and enabled fishing/shipbuilding

What geographic feature limited colonial westward movement?

The Appalachian Mountains

Topographical landmark: Rocky Mountains

Mountain range in the western U.S.

Topographical landmark: Appalachian Mountains

Mountain range in the eastern U.S. that limited colonial expansion

Topographical landmark: Mississippi River

Major river running through the central U.S.; key to trade and transportation

Topographical landmark: Great Plains

Broad flat area in central North America, ideal for farming later in history

Topographical landmark: Gulf of Mexico

Body of water south of the U.S.; access for southern ports like New Orleans

Topographical landmark: Atlantic Ocean

Ocean east of the colonies; vital for trade with Europe

Topographical landmark: Pacific Ocean

Ocean we