Survey of United States History (C121)

Correct Answer

D. The Declaration of Independence signified the colonies' break from British rule and laid the foundation for the establishment of a democratic government.

Explanation

The Declaration of Independence was a transformative document that officially severed ties between the American colonies and Britain. It emphasized principles of self-governance, individual rights, and democracy, declaring that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. While it did not establish a formal government, it inspired the later development of the U.S. Constitution and democratic institutions. It also set a precedent for other nations seeking self-determination.

Why other options are wrong

A. The Declaration of Independence outlined the structure of the U.S. government.

This is incorrect because the Declaration of Independence did not create a system of government. That role was fulfilled later by the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted in 1787 and established the federal government’s framework.

B. The Declaration of Independence was a treaty that ended the Revolutionary War.

This is incorrect because the Declaration of Independence was a statement of intent, not a peace treaty. The war continued for several years after its adoption, and the formal end came with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

C. The Declaration of Independence was a document that promoted economic policies.

This is incorrect because the Declaration focused on political freedom and self-rule rather than economic policy. While economic grievances were among the reasons for seeking independence, the document itself was not centered on economic strategies.

Correct Answer:

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Explanation:

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War. In this treaty, Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States, and terms were established for boundaries, fishing rights, and the return of property to Loyalists. While the Declaration of Independence (1776) marked the colonies’ intent to separate, it did not end the conflict. The United States Constitution and the Articles of Confederation pertain to the organization and governance of the new nation following the war’s conclusion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

United States Constitution

The Constitution, ratified in 1789, created the federal government’s structure but had nothing to do with ending the Revolutionary War. It came after the conflict and focused on how the newly independent nation would be governed.

Declaration of Independence

While the Declaration (1776) declared the American colonies’ separation from Britain, it did not end the war. The fighting continued for several more years until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

Articles of Confederation

Ratified in 1781, the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the U.S., but they did not conclude the Revolutionary War. They established a loose union of states and were replaced by the Constitution in 1789.

Correct Answer

B. Cultural traditions

Explanation

Immigrants have played a major role in shaping American culture by bringing diverse cultural traditions, including food, music, holidays, languages, and customs. These contributions enrich the social fabric of the United States and create a multicultural society where different traditions blend and evolve. From cuisine to festivals, immigrants' cultural influences can be seen in everyday American life.

Why other options are wrong

A. Geographical features

This is incorrect because immigrants do not contribute to the physical landscape of the United States. Geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and forests are naturally occurring and are not influenced by immigration.

C. Political ideologies

This is incorrect because, while immigrants may have personal political beliefs, the fundamental political system of the U.S. was established long before modern immigration patterns. While immigrants can participate in democracy and influence policies, political ideologies are not the primary cultural contribution of immigrants.

D. Economic systems

This is incorrect because the U.S. economic system is primarily shaped by historical and political developments, such as capitalism and free-market principles. While immigrants contribute to the economy through labor, entrepreneurship, and innovation, they do not define the overarching economic structure of the country.

Correct Answer

A. Increased voter participation and changes in political structure

Explanation

The rivalry between the Whigs and Democrats in the 19th century led to a surge in voter participation as both parties worked to mobilize supporters. This period, known as the Second Party System, saw the expansion of political campaigns, greater public engagement in elections, and the emergence of new party structures. Political debates became more intense, leading to policy shifts and ideological divides that shaped American democracy.

Why other options are wrong

B. A decrease in political engagement among citizens

Rather than decreasing political engagement, the Whig-Democrat rivalry actually increased it. Both parties actively sought to involve voters through rallies, speeches, and expanded suffrage laws that allowed more white males to vote. Voter turnout reached record levels during this period, especially in presidential elections, demonstrating a rise rather than a decline in political participation.

C. A shift towards monarchy in governance

The United States remained a democratic republic, and there was no shift toward monarchy. While some Whigs, such as Henry Clay, supported a strong federal government, they did not advocate for a monarchy. Additionally, the core principle of both parties was democratic governance, and no major political movement in the U.S. during this period sought to replace democracy with monarchy.

D. The establishment of a single-party system

Rather than creating a single-party system, the rivalry between the Whigs and Democrats reinforced the two-party system that continues in the U.S. today. The Whigs eventually dissolved, leading to the rise of the Republican Party, but at no point did the competition between these parties result in a single dominant party eliminating all opposition.

Correct Answer

B. The stock market crash on October 24, 1929

Explanation

Black Tuesday refers to the catastrophic stock market crash that occurred on October 29, 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. This event saw a massive sell-off of stocks, leading to widespread financial panic and the collapse of numerous businesses and banks. The crash was fueled by excessive speculation, buying on margin, and economic instability.

Why other options are wrong

A. The signing of the New Deal legislation.

The New Deal was introduced in the 1930s as a response to the Great Depression. It was not an event that marked the beginning of the crisis but rather a series of reforms aimed at economic recovery.

C. The introduction of tariffs on agricultural imports.

While tariffs like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act contributed to the worsening of the Great Depression, they were not directly linked to Black Tuesday. The stock market crash was caused by factors such as over-speculation and economic instability rather than tariff policies.

D. The end of World War I.

World War I ended in 1918, more than a decade before the stock market crash. Although post-war economic issues contributed to financial instability, the war’s conclusion was not directly related to Black Tuesday.

Correct Answer

E. Mexico

Explanation

The largest Hispanic group in the United States is of Mexican origin, making up the majority of the Hispanic population. This is due to historical migration patterns, economic opportunities, and geographical proximity. Mexican culture has had a significant influence on American society, particularly in the Southwest, where Spanish is widely spoken, and Mexican traditions, cuisine, and festivals are prominent.

Why other options are wrong

A. Cuba

While Cuban Americans make up a significant portion of the Hispanic population, particularly in Florida, they are not the largest group. Their migration was influenced by political events, such as the Cuban Revolution.

B. Central America

Although there is a sizable Central American population in the U.S., including people from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, they do not outnumber those of Mexican origin.

C. South America

South Americans, including people from Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, represent a smaller proportion of the U.S. Hispanic population compared to those of Mexican descent.

D. Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and have a significant presence in states like New York and Florida, but their population is smaller than that of Mexican Americans.

Correct Answer

D. The British government had taxed the colonists without their consent.

Explanation

One of the major grievances that fueled the American Revolution was taxation without representation. The British government imposed taxes, such as the Stamp Act (1765) and the Tea Act (1773), without giving the American colonists any say in British Parliament. This led to widespread protests, including the Boston Tea Party, and ultimately contributed to the push for independence. The phrase "No taxation without representation" became a rallying cry for colonists demanding self-governance.

Why other options are wrong

A. British policies had made frontier lands too expensive.

While land policies, such as the Proclamation of 1763, restricted westward expansion, the main colonial grievance was taxation without representation, not land prices. Many colonists were upset about British restrictions on settlement but did not list this as the primary reason for independence.

B. The King had denied the colonists their freedom of religion.

Religious freedom was not a central issue in the grievances against Britain. Many colonies already had religious freedom, and the conflict was more about economic and political control than religious oppression.

C. The British government had been too generous to the Indian tribes.

Some colonists resented British policies, such as the Proclamation of 1763, which limited settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. However, the main grievance leading to independence was related to unjust taxation and lack of representation, rather than British relations with Native American tribes.

Correct Answer

A. Increasing taxes imposed by Britain.

Explanation

One of the main reasons for colonial protests against British rule was the imposition of taxes without representation. Laws like the Stamp Act (1765), the Townshend Acts (1767), and the Tea Act (1773) placed heavy taxes on everyday goods. Colonists objected to these taxes because they had no representation in the British Parliament, leading to the rallying cry “No taxation without representation.”

Why other options are wrong

B. The need for more land for farming.

While some colonists sought more land, this was not the primary reason for their protests against British rule. Land disputes were more relevant to westward expansion conflicts like Pontiac’s Rebellion and the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted settlement past the Appalachian Mountains. However, these issues were secondary to economic grievances about taxation.

C. The desire for independence from all foreign powers.

At the beginning of the conflict, most colonists did not demand full independence. Many wanted to remain British subjects but with fairer treatment and greater autonomy. The push for full independence only gained widespread support after events like the Intolerable Acts (1774) and Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” (1776).

D. The influence of European monarchies.

European monarchies, such as France and Spain, did not directly influence the colonies' decision to protest British rule. In fact, France later became an ally of the colonies during the war. The colonies’ grievances were primarily directed at British policies and economic restrictions, rather than European monarchies in general.

Correct Answer

D. They were viewed as a threat to colonial expansion

Explanation

As European settlements expanded, tensions grew between colonists and Native Americans. Colonists increasingly saw Native Americans as obstacles to their territorial ambitions, leading to frequent conflicts. Many colonial leaders justified the displacement of Native tribes by portraying them as uncivilized or dangerous. This perception contributed to policies that forcibly removed Native Americans from their lands.

Why other options are wrong

A. They were completely ignored by the colonists.

This is incorrect because Native Americans played a significant role in early colonial interactions. They were engaged in trade, conflicts, and alliances with colonists. Many tribes helped European settlers survive in the New World by teaching them agricultural techniques and engaging in commerce.

B. They were considered equal trading partners.

This is incorrect because while some trade took place between Native Americans and colonists, it was rarely conducted on equal terms. European settlers often sought to control trade and take advantage of Native resources. Over time, as land disputes increased, Native Americans were increasingly seen as adversaries rather than partners.

C. They were seen as needing to be civilized by the colonists.

This is incorrect because, while some colonists did believe Native Americans needed to be "civilized," this was not the dominant view during the early colonial period. The primary concern was land expansion, and Native Americans were often treated as obstacles rather than people in need of assimilation. The idea of "civilizing" Native Americans became more prominent in later U.S. policies, such as the Indian Removal Act.