2. Document Projects for Exploring American Histories, Document Project 2: Comparing Virginia and Massachusetts Bay Colonies

**Quiz for Document 2.1: John Smith, The Commodities in Virginia (c. 1612)**

Quiz for Document 2.1: John Smith, The Commodities in Virginia (c. 1612)

Document 2.1: John Smith, The Commodities in Virginia (c. 1612)

Select the best answer for each question. Click the “submit” button for each question to turn in your work.

Question 2.1

1. John Smith’s description of the “commodities in Virginia” reflects which of the following?

His pride regarding the economic development Virginia’s colonists had achieved since 1607

His strenuous efforts to convince English settlers in Virginia that they needed to work

The high value he placed on English settlers’ efforts to convert Indians to Christianity

His strong commitment to attracting more English people to settle in and develop Virginia

Question 2.2

2. Which of the following groups was the most likely target audience for John Smith’s “The Commodities in Virginia”?

Young, single Englishwomen looking for husbands

Wealthy noblemen living in England

Young men interested in profit-making businesses

Puritans interested in missionary activity

Question 2.3

3. John Smith’s account of the “commodities in Virginia,” in combination with the information presented in chapter 2, supports which of the following conclusions?

Smith minimized the difficult circumstances English migrants faced in Virginia in 1612 and emphasized the region’s resources to attract new settlers and investors.

Smith demonstrated that by 1612 the “starving time” had ended and the booming tobacco and shipping industries had transformed Virginia into a prosperous colony.

Smith’s 1612 description of Virginia’s abundant resources was responsible for the colony’s initial settlement by young adventurers who sought to get rich quick.

Smith’s 1612 description of Virginia’s abundant resources finally attracted the investors and business development that saved the colony from collapse.

Thinking through Sources forExploring American Histories, Volume 1Printed Page 7