Welcome to your examination on the fascinating and complex era of American Colonialism. This exam is designed to challenge and assess your understanding of the early period of American history, covering the 16th through the early 18th centuries. You will encounter questions that explore the initial European colonization of the Americas, the interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes, the development of colonial economies and societies, and the early seeds of conflict that would eventually lead to American independence. As you work through the questions, consider not only the historical facts but also the broader themes of power, culture, and resistance that shaped the American colonial experience. Answer key at bottom of Colonialism Practice Exam.

1. Which of the following European powers was the first to establish colonies in the Americas?

A) Spain
B) France
C) England
D) Portugal

2. The Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620, was significant because it:

A) Marked the first instance of African slavery in the colonies.
B) Established the first democratic government in the colonies.
C) Signified the end of Native American sovereignty.
D) Granted women the right to vote.

3. Which cash crop was most important to the survival and prosperity of the Virginia colony?

A) Corn
B) Tobacco
C) Cotton
D) Sugar

4. The “Middle Passage” refers to:

A) The journey of Puritans from England to Massachusetts.
B) The section of the Triangular Trade in which enslaved Africans were shipped to the New World.
C) The trade route between the New England colonies and the West Indies.
D) The migration of Europeans through the central part of North America.

5. Which Native American helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them agricultural techniques?

A) Pocahontas
B) Sacagawea
C) Squanto
D) Sitting Bull

6. The primary purpose of the Navigation Acts passed by the English government was to:

A) Encourage colonial manufacturing.
B) Regulate colonial trade and collect taxes.
C) Promote religious freedom in the colonies.
D) Protect colonial settlers from Native American attacks.

7. Which colony was established as a haven for English Catholics?

A) Virginia
B) Massachusetts
C) Pennsylvania
D) Maryland

8. The Salem Witch Trials are an example of:

A) The struggle for women’s rights.
B) The influence of Enlightenment thinking.
C) Religious extremism and mass hysteria.
D) Early colonial governance.

9. The “House of Burgesses” was significant because it was:

A) The first example of African slavery in the colonies.
B) The first legislative assembly in the American colonies.
C) The site of the first battle of the American Revolution.
D) A famous theater in colonial Virginia.

10. Which of the following was NOT a reason for European colonization of the Americas?

A) To spread Christianity.
B) To expand territorial claims.
C) To escape religious persecution in Europe.
D) To establish a direct trade route with Asia.

11. What was the primary economic activity in the New England colonies?

A) Tobacco farming
B) Textile manufacturing
C) Shipbuilding and fishing
D) Rice cultivation

12. Which religious group founded the Pennsylvania colony?

A) Puritans
B) Quakers
C) Catholics
D) Anglicans

13. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was fought between:

A) France and Native American tribes against England
B) France against Indian tribes
C) England against Indian tribes
D) England and France over colonial territories

14. The Proclamation of 1763, issued by the British, was intended to:

A) Encourage settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains
B) Prohibit colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains
C) Declare independence from France
D) Start the American Revolution

15. Which colony was founded by Roger Williams for religious freedom and separation of church and state?

A) Connecticut
B) Rhode Island
C) New York
D) New Jersey

16. The Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s was:

A) A political revolution
B) A series of economic reforms
C) A religious revival movement
D) An uprising of indentured servants

17. Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 was significant because it:

A) Was the first successful slave uprising
B) Demonstrated the potential for class conflict in the colonies
C) Led to the independence of the colonies from Britain
D) Established tobacco as a cash crop

18. The primary purpose of the “Triangle Trade” was to:

A) Facilitate the exchange of slaves, crops, and manufactured goods between Africa, the Americas, and Europe
B) Establish a trading relationship between the American colonies, England, and India
C) Promote peace among European powers
D) Establish colonial universities

19. Which of the following best describes the term ‘Mercantilism’?

A) The belief in free trade and minimal government intervention in the economy
B) An economic policy where colonies exist to benefit the mother country
C) A system where colonies are granted complete economic independence
D) The practice of establishing colonies for religious freedom

20. What was the primary reason for the establishment of the colony of Georgia?

A) To serve as a buffer against Spanish Florida
B) To provide religious freedom for Quakers
C) To grow tobacco as a cash crop
D) To establish a penal colony

ANSWER KEY:

A) Spain; 2. B) Established the first democratic government in the colonies.; 3. B) Tobacco; 4. B) The section of the Triangular Trade in which enslaved Africans were shipped to the New World.; 5. C) Squanto; 6. B) Regulate colonial trade and collect taxes.; 7. D) Maryland; 8. C) Religious extremism and mass hysteria.; 9. B) The first legislative assembly in the American colonies.; 10. D) To establish a direct trade route with Asia.; 11. C) Shipbuilding and fishing; 12. B) Quakers; 13. D) England and France over colonial territories; 14. B) Prohibit colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains; 15. B) Rhode Island; 16. C) A religious revival movement; 17. B) Demonstrated the potential for class conflict in the colonies.; 18. A) Facilitate the exchange of slaves, crops, and manufactured goods between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.’ 19. B) An economic policy where colonies exist to benefit the mother country.; 20. A) To serve as a buffer against Spanish Florida

For more in-depth resources on Colonialism check out our Lesson on Colonialism.