Question 1

Which radical organization was most visible and vocal in its dissent against British tax policies of the 1760s?

Accepted Answer

The Sons of Liberty were a radical organization that organized protests and demonstrations against British tax policies in the 1760s. They were prominent in Boston and other colonial cities and used tactics such as boycotts and intimidation to resist British authority. The other options listed either did not exist at the time or were not associated with dissent against British tax policies.

Question 2

Which of the following had the greatest impact on popularizing and spreading the message of American independence?

Accepted Answer

The printing press allowed for the widespread dissemination of ideas and information, including news about the American Revolution and arguments for independence. Pamphlets such as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" were able to reach a vast audience thanks to the printing press, and helped to galvanize public support for the cause of independence. While the other options (the Sons of Liberty, improved roads and bridges, and northern industrial expansion) may have contributed in some way to the spread of the message of independence, none had as significant an impact as the printing press.

Question 3

One of the most controversial of British revenue laws of the 1760s was the ______, which attempted to raise money through direct taxes on printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, cards, and dice.

Accepted Answer

The Stamp Act of 1765 was the British revenue law that attempted to raise money through direct taxes on printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, cards, and dice. The act required that the printed materials be produced on stamped paper that had to be purchased from agents of the British government. The Stamp Act was widely opposed by the American colonists and led to protests and boycotts, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

Question 4

The proposal for a union of British colonies in North America in which colonial legislatures would appoint delegates to form a law-making body under the direct leadership of Great Britain was referred-to as the ______.

Accepted Answer

The proposal described in the question refers to the Albany Plan, which was put forth by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. The plan called for a Grand Council made up of delegates from each colony, appointed by their colonial legislature, to oversee common defense and Native American relations. The Grand Council would be led by a President-General appointed by the British government. Although the plan was not implemented, it paved the way for future discussions about colonial unity and government. The other choices listed, such as the Virginia Plan and Philadelphia Plan, relate to later proposals for American government and do not fit the description given.

Question 5

The primary means of political propaganda during the 1760s was most probably the

Accepted Answer

During the 1760s, pamphlets were the primary means of political propaganda. They were printed in large numbers and distributed widely. Political leaders and activists used pamphlets to disseminate their ideas and persuade the public to support their cause. Pamphlets were often highly inflammatory and exaggerated, and they played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for various political movements. The other options (newspapers, political speeches, and campaign slogans) were also important forms of political propaganda, but they were not as prominent as pamphlets during this time period.

Question 6

Also called the Revenue Act of 1764, which of the following was designed to assert tighter control over trade and to reduce smuggling and bribes, which were costing Great Britain money?

Accepted Answer

The Sugar Act of 1764 (also known as the Revenue Act of 1764) was designed to tighten control over trade and reduce smuggling and bribes. It imposed new taxes on imports of sugar, molasses, and other goods from non-British colonies, and increased penalties for smuggling. The act was part of Great Britain's efforts to raise revenue and reduce their debt from the French and Indian War.

Question 7

Beginning in the 1770s, what happened to political power in the colonies?

Accepted Answer

In the 1770s, political power in the colonies began to shift away from moderates towards radical groups who called for independence. This was reflected in events such as the Boston Tea Party, the Continental Congress, and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. British loyalists were not dominant in the political scene in the colonies during this time.

Question 8

What impact did the Declaration of Rights and Statements of Grievances have in lessening pressures between Great Britain and the colonies?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration of Rights and Statements of Grievances, particularly through its role in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765, was instrumental in the repeal of the Stamp Act. However, it did not significantly dampen the colonies' growing desire for independence, marking a step in the escalation towards the American Revolution.

Question 9

A common phrase associated with the planned strategy of colonial resistance was

Accepted Answer

"No taxation without representation" was a common phrase associated with the planned strategy of colonial resistance because the colonists believed they shouldn't be taxed by the British government if they weren't represented in British Parliament. This phrase became a rallying cry for American colonists in their fight against British rule.

Question 10

During the uncertain political environment of the 1760s, support for American independence was ______.

Accepted Answer

During the 1760s, support for American independence was weak and openly split. While some colonists were calling for independence, many others remained loyal to the British Crown. It wasn't until after the American Revolution began in 1775 that support for independence grew stronger and more widespread.

Question 11

In many ways, colonial opposition to British policies was best described as

Accepted Answer

Colonial opposition to British policies was largely conservative because the colonists sought to preserve their traditional rights and autonomy that they felt were being eroded by new British laws and taxes. They were not initially seeking radical change or revolution, but rather the restoration of their perceived rights as English subjects.

Question 12

The proposer and greatest supporter of the Albany plan was ______.

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Franklin was both the proposer and greatest supporter of the Albany plan.

Question 13

The Treaty of Paris, 1763, left Great Britain

Accepted Answer

The Treaty of Paris, 1763, marked the end of the Seven Years' War and left Great Britain as the unquestioned European power in North America and Canada. This was due to the territorial gains made by Britain in the treaty, which included French territory in Canada and Spanish territory east of the Mississippi River. These gains solidified Britain's control over the eastern coast of North America and gave it significant power and influence in the region.

Question 14

Benjamin Franklin's proposal for a unified political body was not adopted by colonial governments for which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

The proposal was not adopted because the colonies did not wish to give up their own sovereignty. They saw themselves as individual entities and were not willing to form a unified political body.

Question 15

On August 26, 1765, a "scene of riot, drunkenness, profaneness and robbery" ransacked the house of ______, then lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.

Accepted Answer

The given date and description match the historical event known as the "Stamp Act Riot" where a mob attacked and ransacked the home of Thomas Hutchinson, the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, due to his support for the Stamp Act, which was a tax on printed materials. The other choices do not have historical events matching the given date and description. William Franklin was the last colonial governor of New Jersey, Sir John Johnson was a loyalist during the American Revolution, and George Hewes was a participant in the Boston Tea Party.

Question 16

Thomas Paine unified the colonists into action at a time when many were ready to receive the message by drawing on which of the following ideas ?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Paine drew on the idea that Americans had a unique destiny and history to unify the colonists into action. He argued that America had the potential to become a great nation and that it was the duty of the colonists to fight for their independence and self-governance. He also emphasized the importance of common sense and reason in decision-making, which helped to galvanize support for the cause of independence.

Question 17

The war principally between France and Great Britain and other European nations across the globe was known as the ______ in North America.

Accepted Answer

The war between France and Great Britain and their allies across the globe that took place from 1756 to 1763 is known as the Seven Years War internationally, but in North America, it is often referred to as the French and Indian War. The War of the Roses was a series of English civil wars in the 15th century, and the Napoleonic Wars took place later in the 19th century.

Question 18

Prior to the Seven Years War, British policy toward the colonies could best be described as ______.

Accepted Answer

Prior to the Seven Years War, British policy toward the colonies was generally hands-off, allowing them a significant degree of autonomy in internal affairs as long as they remained loyal to the Crown and paid their fair share of taxes.

Question 19

A complicating factor for the British revenue policies of the 1760s was that they were instituted during a period of economic ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A complicating factor for the British revenue...

Question 20

Thomas Paine challenged the legitimacy of the British monarchy and refuted arguments in favor of reconciling England and the Colonies by calling King George a ______.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "royal brute" was famously used by Thomas Paine in his pamphlet "Common Sense" to describe King George III, whom he viewed as a tyrant and an oppressor of the American colonies. This term reflects Paine's strong belief in the need for separation from British rule and his rejection of any attempts at reconciliation.

Quiz 1: American Political Stories