Virginia & US History Flashcards

The British colonies were first exposed to slavery to supply labor for

Answer: plantations

The British colonies were first exposed to slavery to supply labor for plantations, particularly in the Southern colonies. The cultivation of labor-intensive cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and sugar required a large, inexpensive workforce. This economic demand led to the widespread importation and enslavement of Africans, forming the foundation of the transatlantic slave trade in the Americas.

George Washington was a successful military leader because to his

Answer: preserved the army through his leadership skills

George Washington was a successful military leader primarily because he preserved the Continental Army through his exceptional leadership skills. Despite numerous defeats, harsh winters, and widespread desertion, Washington's perseverance, strategic retreats, and ability to maintain morale kept the army intact. This ensured that the American cause for independence remained viable throughout the Revolutionary War, ultimately leading to victory.

The Geneva Convention established guidelines for:

Answer: treatment of prisoners of war

The Geneva Conventions established international guidelines for the humane treatment of victims of war, most notably the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs). These treaties outline the rights of POWs, including their right to humane treatment, medical care, and communication with their families. They aim to mitigate the brutality of armed conflict and protect non-combatants and those no longer fighting.

The United Nations was founded with the intention of

Answer: global peace

The United Nations was founded after World War II with the primary intention of maintaining global peace and security. Recognizing the devastating impact of two world wars, member states sought to create an international organization that could prevent future conflicts through diplomacy, cooperation, and collective security. Its charter emphasizes resolving international disputes peacefully and promoting human rights worldwide.

The following was one of the primary issues the New Deal addressed:

Answer: unemployment rate

One of the primary issues the New Deal addressed was the rampant unemployment rate during the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's programs aimed to provide immediate relief, create jobs through public works projects, and stimulate economic recovery. Initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) directly employed millions of Americans.

Which of the following best sums up President Woodrow Wilson's approach to international affairs at the start of World War I?

Answer: Neutral

At the start of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson's approach to international affairs was primarily neutral. He sought to keep the United States out of the European conflict, believing that America should remain impartial and focus on domestic issues. Wilson attempted to mediate peace between the warring nations, though the U.S. eventually entered the war in 1917.

Before the Civil War, which of the following states joined the Union?

Answer: California

Before the Civil War, California joined the Union as a free state in 1850. Its admission was a key component of the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to balance the interests of free and slave states and temporarily avert secession. This occurred more than a decade prior to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.