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Jean Studies U.S. History, Part 1
By Patti Hutchison
"Hi, Jean, what are we studying today?" Rob asked.
"We need to start on U.S. history today," Jean replied. "I take my test in
three weeks. I'm getting nervous. I really want to pass so that I can
become a U.S. citizen."
"Well, let's get going. What if I quiz you this time?" Rob asked.
"That sounds good to me," Jean replied. "I'm ready whenever you are."
"Why did colonists come to America?" Rob asked.
"They wanted freedom," Jean said. "Some were seeking religious
freedom. Others wanted political freedom. They came to make a better
life for themselves."
"That's true," Rob said. "Many people were treated badly in the
countries they came from because of their religious beliefs. They didn't want the government to tell them what they
should believe in. Others wanted freedom from a government they thought was wrong. These beliefs helped shape
this country."
"That's very interesting. What's the next question?" Jean asked.
"Who lived in America before the colonists came?" Rob asked.
"The Native Americans did. I believe they were called Indians," Jean replied.
"That's right. There are many tribes that still exist today. They include the Iroquois, Apache, Navajo, and Sioux, to
name a few," Rob explained. "Let's move on. Why did the colonists fight the British?"
"They wanted to govern themselves," Jean replied.
"Good answer," Rob said. "They were being taxed by Britain when they didn't have any representation in the
government there. The colonists were also being forced to keep British soldiers in their homes. These were some
major reasons for the Revolutionary War. Let's try another question. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence,
and when was it adopted?"
"Thomas Jefferson wrote it, and it was adopted July 4, 1776," Jean said.
"That's why we celebrate Independence Day on the fourth of July every year," Rob explained. "You know this
stuff pretty well."
"I've been studying a lot," Jean said. "What's the next question?"
"What took place at the Constitutional Convention?" Rob asked.
"Isn't that where they wrote the Constitution?" Jean asked.
"That's right, Jean," Rob said. "It was written in 1787. Not everyone was in favor of it at first. Writers such as John
Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers in order to gain support for the
Constitution. Benjamin Franklin was a popular figure during that time, also. Can you tell me something he is
famous for?"
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"Well, I know he was a U.S. diplomat. He was also the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention," Jean
replied.
"He was a great man," Rob said. "He invented things. He was also the first Postmaster General. The first free
libraries were started by Benjamin Franklin."
"That's remarkable," said Jean.
"Let's see if I can stump you. Can you name the 13 original states?" Rob asked.
"Oh, that's a hard one. Let's see. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania..." Jean paused.
"That's not bad," Rob said. "The others were Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and
Georgia. You got over half of them. Here's the last question about the colonial period. Who was the 'Father of our
Country?'"
"That's an easy one. George Washington," Jean said confidently.
"Yes, and he was also the first president," Rob added. "Now we are moving on to the 1800's. What land did the
U.S. buy from France in 1803?"
"I believe it was the Louisiana Purchase," Jean said.
"Yes, and it later became the Louisiana Territory. It about doubled the size of the U.S. at that time," Rob added.
"Moving on, the U.S. fought a few wars during the 1800's. Can you name any?"
"Let's see, the War of 1812, the Spanish-American War, and the Civil War were all fought during the 1800's,"
Jean replied.
"Very good," Rob commented. "Can you tell me more about the Civil War?"
"I know that it was fought between the North and the South. I know that slavery was a big problem that led up to
it. There were also economic problems involved. The South needed slaves to run their huge plantations," Jean said.
"That's right," Rob said. "It became an issue of states' rights, also. Many Southerners thought the federal
government was becoming too powerful in telling the states what they could and couldn't do. This was one major
reason the Southern states left the Union. That was one of the major causes of the Civil War."
"Very interesting," Jean said. "Didn't Abraham Lincoln have something to do with the Civil War? What can you
tell me about him?"
"Hey, I thought I was the one asking the questions this time," Rob chuckled. "Abraham Lincoln was president
during the Civil War. He gave the Emancipation Proclamation and eventually freed the slaves. He is also given
credit for getting the country back together and preserving the Union."
"I'm so glad I picked you as a study partner," Jean said. "This has been really interesting. But I'm afraid I have
another appointment. Can we continue studying history tomorrow?"
"Same time, same place," Rob said. "I'll see you then."
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Jean Studies U.S. History, Part 1
Questions
1. Name two reasons why colonists came to America.
2. The document written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted July 4, 1776 was the:
A. Declaration of Independence
B. Emancipation Proclamation
3. What took place at the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
A. the Constitution was written
B. the Civil War began
4. From what country did the U.S. buy the Louisiana Purchase?
A. France
B. Great Britain
5. Name two causes of the Civil War.
Find out more about the reasons why the Civil War was fought. Which do you think is the major reason for the
war? Give reasons for your answer.
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Look up more information about Benjamin Franklin. What do you think is his greatest achievement? Give
reasons for your answer.