Revolutionary Era Quiz

How did the aftermath of the Proclamation of 1763 show the growing tension between Parliament and the colonies?

• Many angry settlers ignored the proclamation and moved westward.

• The settlers refused to expand trade networks in western lands.

• The settlers welcomed additional British troops to provide security.

• Most settlers disliked the proclamation but agreed to move eastward.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that many angry settlers ignored the Proclamation of 1763 and moved westward, demonstrating their defiance against Parliament's authority and escalating tensions between the colonies and British rule.

The essential idea behind the British mercantilist system was that

• the colonies should expand trade with other nations.

• taxes should be lower to encourage small business growth.

• economic growth in the colonies should benefit Britain.

• any tax increases should be used to support colonial growth.

Answer explanation

The British mercantilist system aimed to ensure that economic growth in the colonies directly benefited Britain, reinforcing the idea that colonial resources and trade should serve the interests of the mother country.

What was the colonists' main argument against the Stamp Act?

• It was not consistent with a free-enterprise system.

• The colonists had no representatives in Parliament.

• Colonists were already being hurt by the Navigation Acts.

• The colonists were already being taxed by their colonial assemblies.

Answer explanation

The colonists argued against the Stamp Act primarily because they had no representatives in Parliament, which they believed violated their rights as Englishmen. They felt it was unjust to be taxed without representation.

Why did the colonists object so strongly to writs of assistance?

• They violated property rights under British law.

• They restricted the right to public protests.

• They prosecuted smugglers from other countries.

• They encouraged expansion of trade with England.

Answer explanation

The colonists objected to writs of assistance because they violated property rights under British law, allowing officials to search homes and businesses without specific warrants, infringing on individual liberties.

Why did John Adams defend British soldiers accused of participation in the Boston Massacre?

• He wanted to improve his knowledge of British trial law.

• He wanted the experience in court to further his career.

• He wanted a quick conviction of guilt for all the soldiers.

• He wanted to show that colonists believed in justice.

Answer explanation

John Adams defended the British soldiers to demonstrate that the colonists valued justice and due process, even for those accused of crimes against them, highlighting the importance of fair trials in a just society.

The colonists reacted angrily to the Tea Act because they thought it

• went against the principles of mercantilism.

• forced them not to buy tea.

• kept them from buying tea at a low price.

• was a way to make them accept British taxes.

Answer explanation

The colonists viewed the Tea Act as a means for Britain to enforce acceptance of taxes without representation, which fueled their anger and resistance against British control.

How did the other colonies react to the Intolerable Acts?

• Most of the colonies thought Massachusetts should deal with Britain alone.

• Most of the colonies united with Massachusetts against the acts.

• Most of the colonies approved of the acts' economic benefits for Boston.

• Most of the colonies thought they were an appropriate response to events in Boston.

Answer explanation

Most colonies united with Massachusetts against the Intolerable Acts, viewing them as a threat to colonial rights. This solidarity led to the formation of the First Continental Congress, demonstrating a collective resistance to British policies.

What was significant about the Battle of Lexington?

• Minutemen faced British troops and forced them back at a bridge.

• Minutemen opposed British troops for the first time.

• Minutemen used the region's geography to defeat the British from cover of woods and fields.

• The British were not willing to use deadly force in the battle.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Lexington was significant because it marked the first armed conflict between Minutemen and British troops, where the Minutemen successfully faced the British and forced them back at a bridge.

Which action taken by the Second Continental Congress shows they were hoping to avoid war?

• The Congress brought colonial leaders together to discuss the situation.

• The Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George and Parliament.

• The Congress formally accepted the Intolerable Acts and British trade policies.

• The Congress created the Continental Army with George Washington as commander.

Answer explanation

The Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George and Parliament, demonstrating their desire for peace and reconciliation rather than conflict, as they sought to avoid war.

Which groups tended to be Loyalists?

• small farmers in rural areas

• workers and apprentices in cities

• college students and teachers, newspaper writers

• wealthy merchants and farmers, former royal officials

Answer explanation

Loyalists were primarily wealthy merchants, farmers, and former royal officials who had economic ties to Britain and preferred to maintain the status quo, unlike small farmers or urban workers who often supported independence.