#1
Which European country established the first permanent European settlement in North America?
Spain
ExplanationSpain established St. Augustine in 1565, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States.
#2
Who was the first European explorer to reach the mainland of North America?
John Cabot
ExplanationJohn Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing under the English flag, reached the mainland of North America in 1497.
#3
Which European country established the colony of Jamestown in 1607?
England
ExplanationEngland established the colony of Jamestown in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
#4
Who was the leader of the Jamestown colony who famously said, 'He who does not work, does not eat'?
John Smith
ExplanationJohn Smith was a leader of the Jamestown colony, enforcing discipline and emphasizing the importance of labor for survival.
#5
Which European country established the colony of Quebec in 1608?
France
ExplanationFrance established the colony of Quebec in 1608, contributing to the early French presence in North America.
#6
What was the primary economic activity in New France?
Fur trade
ExplanationThe fur trade was the primary economic activity in New France, driving exploration and settlement.
#7
Which Native American tribe significantly aided the early English settlers at Plymouth Colony?
Wampanoag
ExplanationThe Wampanoag tribe significantly aided the early English settlers at Plymouth Colony, helping them survive and establish relations.
#8
Which European nation controlled the area known as New Netherland?
Netherlands
ExplanationThe Netherlands controlled New Netherland, a colony encompassing parts of present-day New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
#9
What was the purpose of the fur trade in early colonial North America?
To acquire furs for European fashion
ExplanationThe fur trade in early colonial North America was driven by European demand for furs, primarily for fashion.
#10
Which European nation controlled the area known as Acadia?
France
ExplanationFrance controlled Acadia, a region encompassing parts of present-day Canada's Maritime provinces and parts of Maine, in the early colonial period.
#11
What was the purpose of the Mayflower Compact?
To create a system of government and laws
ExplanationThe Mayflower Compact established a system of government for the Plymouth Colony, outlining laws and governance.
#12
Who was the Spanish explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, although he died during the journey?
Ferdinand Magellan
ExplanationFerdinand Magellan led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, though he died during the journey. His crew completed the voyage.
#13
What was the main reason behind the establishment of the colony of Georgia in 1732?
Prison reform
ExplanationThe main reason behind the establishment of the colony of Georgia in 1732 was to provide a fresh start for debtors and to serve as a buffer against Spanish Florida.
#14
What was the primary motivation behind the establishment of the colony of Pennsylvania by William Penn in 1681?
Escape from religious persecution
ExplanationThe primary motivation behind the establishment of Pennsylvania by William Penn in 1681 was to create a refuge for Quakers and others seeking religious freedom, escaping persecution.
#15
What was the primary economic activity in the colony of Virginia during its early years?
Tobacco cultivation
ExplanationTobacco cultivation was the primary economic activity in the colony of Virginia during its early years, driving its economy and shaping its society.