Question 1

Which of the following was characteristic of most slaves' daily lives on plantations from 1700-1750?

Accepted Answer

Most slaves during this period lived on smaller farms rather than the large plantations that became more common in the later antebellum period. They often worked alongside their masters, reflecting the agricultural practices and social organization of the time.

Question 2

Examine the photograph of a slave code book.What detail makes it appear to be an official government document from the 1600s?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the slave code book has a printed cover and title suggests that it was an official government document from the 1600s, as printing technology was not widely available at the time and government documents would have been printed by authorized printers. The other details mentioned (light color, open for viewing, encyclopedic length and detail) do not necessarily indicate that the book is an official government document.

Question 3

What was the status of the first Africans in the British colony of Virginia?

Accepted Answer

The first Africans in the British colony of Virginia, who arrived in 1619, were initially treated as indentured servants. This meant they were bound to work for a certain period of time in exchange for passage, room, board, lodging, and freedom dues. Over time, the legal status of Africans in America evolved, leading to the institutionalization of racial slavery.

Question 4

Why were the British unable to establish colonies as rapidly as the Spanish did?

Accepted Answer

The English were experiencing social turmoil during the time of colonization, including religious conflicts and economic instability. This slowed down their ability to establish colonies as rapidly as the Spanish, who had a strong centralized monarchy and fewer internal conflicts.

Question 5

How did slaves influence the choice of cash crop in Carolina?

Accepted Answer

West African slaves had experience with rice cultivation, which heavily influenced the choice of rice as a cash crop in Carolina. Their expertise and knowledge helped make the rice industry successful in the region.

Question 6

What does the story of Anthony Johnson reveal about blacks in the colonies before the 1670s?

Accepted Answer

The story of Anthony Johnson reveals that blacks in the colonies before the 1670s could own substantial amounts of property and participate in colony politics. Johnson was a wealthy landowner and farmer in Virginia who had his own farm and servants. He was also involved in the legal system and won a lawsuit against a white man. This indicates that Johnson had some legal rights in court and was not considered "chattel." This does not mean that all blacks in the colonies had the same rights and opportunities as Johnson, but it does show that some were able to become successful landowners and engage in politics.

Question 7

Where was the first permanent British settlement in North America?

Accepted Answer

Jamestown, Virginia was the first permanent British settlement in North America. It was established by the Virginia Company in 1607. Newfoundland was briefly settled by the British in the 16th century but did not become a permanent settlement. Roanoke was established in 1585 but disappeared without a trace, earning it the nickname "The Lost Colony." The Massachusetts Bay Colony was established in 1628, several years after Jamestown.

Question 8

What types of achievements did American Indians in North and South America make before the arrival of Columbus?

Accepted Answer

American Indian civilizations had established political systems, large cities, and made many discoveries in science. They had developed agriculture, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics, among other fields. They also created impressive works of art and architecture, including the cities of Tenochtitlan and Cahokia.

Question 9

How did slaves demonstrate their African culture in their everyday lives?

Accepted Answer

Female slaves often created African-style head wraps and clothing as a way to maintain and express their cultural heritage despite the oppressive conditions of slavery. This practice allowed them to retain a connection to their African roots and identity.

Question 10

What happened to the Mississippian culture during the fourteenth century?

Accepted Answer

The Mississippian culture declined and disappeared during the fourteenth century due to a combination of climate change and warfare. The region experienced a period of drought, which made it difficult for the people to sustain their crops and led to increased conflict among tribes. Additionally, there is evidence of widespread violence and warfare during this time, which likely contributed to the downfall of the Mississippian culture. European diseases did not arrive in the region until centuries later. The Mississippian culture was also not known for using domesticated animals in agriculture.

Question 11

Which of the following is true of the Spanish empire in America?

Accepted Answer

The Spanish, Indian, and African cultures intermingled in what became a multicultural colonial society. The Spanish did enslave some Native Americans, but they also intermarried and formed a syncretic culture. Africans were brought to the Spanish colonies as slaves from the beginning of colonization in the late 15th century.

Question 12

France did not establish a settlement in the Americas until 1604; that settlement centered on the St.Lawrence River and grew into what was known as either New France or Canada.It became a trading empire,based on __________.

Accepted Answer

The French trading empire in New France/Canada was based on acquiring beaver pelts and other furs from American Indians, which were highly valued in European markets.

Question 13

Examine the 1876 drawing depicting "Slaves Quarters' in the Cellar of the Old Knickerbocker Mansion" circa 1770.What does the image reveal about slave life in early America?

Accepted Answer

The image shows slaves quarters in the cellar of a mansion, indicating that the slaves were not given proper living areas and had to inhabit cramped spaces. This suggests that slaves did not have access to their own homes or cabins but were forced to live in inadequate conditions.

Question 14

How did the work of black women vary from that of black men?

Accepted Answer

Black women frequently worked as domestic servants, taking care of the households of white families.

Answer: C
 Black women had access to some skilled occupations, like carpentry and shoemakers, although these were still limited compared to the opportunities available to black men.

Therefore, the best choices are B and C.

Question 15

Who was the first English explorer to reach North America in 1497?

Accepted Answer

John Cabot, an Italian navigator sailing under the English flag, was the first English explorer to reach North America in 1497. Sir Francis Drake was a later English navigator and privateer who explored the Pacific Ocean; John Smith was an English explorer who helped establish the Jamestown colony in Virginia in the early 1600s; and Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag who reached the Caribbean in 1492, several years before Cabot's voyage.

Question 16

Who comprised the largest class of laborers in British North America before 1670?

Accepted Answer

Before 1670, the largest class of laborers in British North America were indentured servants. These were typically poor Europeans who exchanged several years of labor in exchange for passage to America. They were not considered slaves and had the potential to earn their freedom after their term was up. The use of black slaves became more widespread after 1670.

Question 17

Examine the painting of a Dutch ship arriving at Jamestown in 1619.What does the painting reveal about the initial African arrival in Jamestown?

Accepted Answer

The painting shows African men in chains being brought to the shore by the Dutch sailors. This suggests that the Africans arrived in Jamestown by force, likely as slaves. The painting does not provide any evidence to support choices A, B, or D.

Question 18

What colonies made up the "low country"?

Accepted Answer

The "low country" refers to the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, so the correct answer would be B - South Carolina and Georgia.

Question 19

Examine the 1876 drawing depicting "Slaves Quarters' in the Cellar of the Old Knickerbocker Mansion" circa 1770.How does the image romanticize slave life in early America?

Accepted Answer

The depiction of slaves dancing and appearing content romanticizes slave life by suggesting a level of joy and normalcy that overlooks the harsh realities and brutal conditions of slavery.

Question 20

According to Map 3-1,why did African-American slaves in the American colonies benefit from French and Spanish colonies in North America?

Accepted Answer

Map 3-1 shows that French and Spanish colonies were located near British colonies in North America. The proximity of these colonies made it easier for enslaved African Americans to escape to these colonies and gain their freedom.

Quiz 3: Black People in Colonial North America