Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

Which event highlighted colonial resistance to British economic control?

1. The Declaration of Independence

2. The XYZ Affair

3. The creation of writs of assistance

4. The Zenger Trial

The correct answer is: The creation of writs of assistance

The event that highlighted colonial resistance to British economic control is the creation of writs of assistance. Writs of assistance were general search warrants that allowed British customs officials to search any colonial property for smuggled goods without specific evidence or probable cause. This practice created significant unrest among colonists, as it represented an infringement on their rights and privacy. Colonists viewed these writs as an abuse of power, leading to protests and legal challenges, which cultivated a growing sentiment for resistance against British economic policies and control. Other options, while historically significant, do not specifically exemplify colonial resistance to British economic control in the same direct manner. The Declaration of Independence marked the culmination of colonial grievances but was more of a political statement than a reaction to economic policies alone. The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident involving France and did not pertain to British economic control. The Zenger Trial centered around issues of freedom of the press and speech rather than direct economic resistance to British policies.