"America: Land I Love" Book Review Quiz

Explanation
Henry Bessemer is the correct answer because he developed an inexpensive method of turning iron ore into steel. His invention, known as the Bessemer process, involved blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and produce high-quality steel. This innovation revolutionized the steel industry and made steel production more efficient and cost-effective.

Explanation
Robert La Follette was one of the earliest Progressive leaders. As the governor of Wisconsin and later as a U.S. senator, he was known as "Battlin' Bob" due to his relentless fight for what he believed to be good government. La Follette aimed to reduce the influence of corrupt politicians and empower voters by allowing them a more direct voice in political affairs.

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William Gorgas is the correct answer because he was responsible for destroying the breeding grounds of mosquitoes in Panama between 1904 and 1906. By doing so, he made Panama a safe place to live and work, which attracted thousands of men to come and work on the canal.

Explanation
George Washington Carver is the correct answer because he is known for his extensive research and discoveries on the uses of peanuts and sweet potatoes. He revolutionized agriculture by finding numerous practical applications for these crops, such as creating peanut butter, oil, and various sweet potato products. Carver's work gained global recognition, leading to a high demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes worldwide.

Explanation
President Roosevelt appointed Colonel George Washington Goethals of the Army Corps of Engineers to take charge of the Panama Canal.

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George Eastman is credited with inventing the box camera and roll film. He revolutionized photography by making it more accessible to the general public with his inventions. The box camera was a simple and affordable camera that allowed anyone to take photographs easily. Eastman also developed roll film, which made the process of capturing and developing images much simpler and more convenient. His inventions played a significant role in popularizing photography and making it a widespread hobby.

Explanation
President Taft believed that by implementing "dollar diplomacy," he could enhance diplomatic relations with other countries by establishing strong economic connections. This approach involved using American economic power and investments to exert influence and promote stability in foreign nations. However, despite the potential benefits, many American businessmen were hesitant to invest in countries with political instability, hindering the success of dollar diplomacy.

Explanation
John Roebling, a German-born engineer, is credited with pioneering the design of suspension bridges in the United States. He built several significant railroad bridges, including those spanning the gorge at Niagara Falls, the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh, and the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. Roebling's expertise and innovative designs revolutionized bridge construction and had a lasting impact on infrastructure development in the United States.

Explanation
Louis Sullivan, a renowned architect, relocated from Boston to Chicago in 1873 to assist in the reconstruction of the city. He was known for his architectural designs that were based on the principle of "form follows function." Sullivan prioritized the coherence and integrity of the structure while highlighting the building's purpose and functionality.

Explanation
Christopher Scholes is the correct answer because he is credited with helping invent the first practical commercial typewriter. His invention, along with the contributions of Samuel Soule and Carlos Glidden, resulted in the creation of the QWERTY keyboard layout, which is still widely used today. The typewriter revolutionized written communication and paved the way for modern keyboards and word processing technologies.

Explanation
The correct answer is Newlands. In 1902, the Newlands Reclamation Act was passed, which mandated that funds generated from the sale of public land in sixteen western states would be allocated towards irrigation projects. These projects aimed to transform arid land into productive agricultural areas.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Jungle" because Upton Sinclair's book, titled "The Jungle," exposed the unsanitary conditions in Chicago's meatpacking industry. The novel shed light on the exploitation of workers, the lack of hygiene, and the corruption within the industry. It had a significant impact on public opinion and led to the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906, which aimed to improve food safety standards.

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In 1886, the warfare in the Southwest came to an end when the Apache tribe, led by Geranimo, surrendered.

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Sheldon Jackson is suggested as the correct answer because he was known for being one of the most active home missionaries in the West. He was also known for his efforts in taking the gospel to Alaska, which was the newest and largest American acquisition at the time.

Explanation
Wyatt Earp was the former sheriff of Dodge City who met his two brothers, both deputies, in Tombstone, Arizona. Together, they engaged in a shootout with outlaw gunmen, which later became known as the Battle of the O.K. Corral. This explanation identifies Wyatt Earp as the correct answer based on the information provided in the question.

Explanation
John D. Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Company of Ohio. This is evident from the information provided in the question, where it states that "______ formed the Standard Oil Company of Ohio." The answer given, John D. Rockefeller, matches the missing name in the question. Therefore, it can be concluded that John D. Rockefeller is the correct answer.

Explanation
Ira Sankey is the correct answer because the sentence states that Ira "traveled with D. L. Moody as a song leader in revivals across America, Canada, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland." This suggests that Ira Sankey is the person who traveled with D. L. Moody.

Explanation
The Salvation Army, founded in 1865 by General William Booth of England, played a significant role in assisting the homeless and needy individuals in various American and Canadian cities. William Booth's leadership and vision allowed the organization to establish a strong presence and provide essential support to those in need. Through their efforts, the Salvation Army has made a positive impact on countless lives, offering shelter, food, and other vital resources to vulnerable populations.

Explanation
Sam Jones was a well-known evangelist of the 19th century who was often referred to as the "Moody of the South." He gained popularity for his passionate preaching style and his ability to connect with audiences. Like Moody, Jones was known for his revival meetings and his emphasis on personal salvation and spiritual transformation. His impact on the religious landscape of the South during this time period was significant, earning him the nickname "Moody of the South."

Explanation
Lyman Stewart established the Union Oil Company of California in 1886, which eventually became the largest independent oil company on the West Coast.

Explanation
George Dewey is the correct answer because he was the commander of the U.S. Pacific fleet during the Spanish-American War. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Manila Bay, where his fleet defeated the Spanish fleet, leading to the capture of the Philippines. Dewey's victory was a significant turning point in the war and established the United States as a major naval power.

Explanation
William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States and is remembered for his "front-porch campaign." This campaign strategy involved McKinley staying at his home in Ohio and delivering speeches to visitors who came to see him, rather than traveling extensively across the country. This approach was effective in reaching a large number of voters while also allowing McKinley to maintain a more controlled and comfortable environment. This tactic helped McKinley secure his presidency and is a significant aspect of his political legacy.

Explanation
John Muir is the founder of the Sierra Club, an organization that focuses on conservation efforts. He established the club with the intention of creating a group dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment. Muir was a prominent figure in the conservation movement, advocating for the conservation of natural resources and the establishment of national parks. His efforts and leadership in the Sierra Club played a significant role in shaping the environmental conservation movement in the United States.

Explanation
Walter Reed was a U.S. Army doctor who played a crucial role in proving that mosquitoes are responsible for spreading diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Through his experiments and research, Reed demonstrated that these diseases were transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, debunking previous beliefs that they were caused by contact with contaminated objects or through the air. His findings revolutionized the understanding of these diseases and paved the way for effective control and prevention measures.

Explanation
The Teller resolution was a statement made by the United States government that indicated their intention to only free Cuba from tyranny and not to seek control of the island for themselves. This resolution was passed in response to the Spanish-American War and was meant to reassure other countries that the United States had no imperialistic intentions in Cuba. The Teller resolution played a significant role in shaping the United States' foreign policy towards Cuba during this time period.

Explanation
The Platt Amendment was provided for Cuban independence in 1901. This amendment allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs and gave the U.S. control over Cuban foreign policy. It also granted the U.S. the right to establish naval bases in Cuba, including the infamous Guantanamo Bay. The Platt Amendment essentially limited Cuba's sovereignty and ensured that the U.S. had significant influence and control over the country's affairs.

Explanation
The correct answer is the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act opened settlement in the Great Plains by providing 160 acres of public land to settlers who were willing to live on and improve the land for a period of five years. This act encouraged migration and settlement in the Great Plains, as it offered an opportunity for individuals to obtain land and establish farms, contributing to the development and expansion of the region.

Explanation
The correct answer is the Dawes Act. In 1887, Congress passed this act which aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by breaking up tribal lands and distributing them to individual Native Americans. Under this act, Native American farmers received 160 acres of land while ranchers received 320 acres for grazing livestock. The Dawes Act also offered U.S. citizenship to any head of an Indian family who would take up farming or ranching.

Explanation
Virginia City in Nevada is known as the silver-mining capital of the world. This historic city played a significant role in the silver rush during the 19th century, attracting thousands of miners and prospectors in search of silver ore. The discovery of the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver veins in history, brought immense wealth and prosperity to Virginia City. The city's mining industry was pivotal in shaping the development of Nevada and had a lasting impact on the state's economy.

Explanation
The Pendleton Civil Service Act provided competitive examinations for civil service workers. This act was passed in 1883 in the United States and aimed to reform the spoils system, which awarded government positions based on political affiliation rather than merit. The act established a merit-based system where candidates had to pass examinations to qualify for government jobs. This helped to professionalize the civil service and ensure that positions were filled by qualified individuals rather than political appointees.

Explanation
President Garfield was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau, who believed he had been unfairly denied a political job. This event highlighted the issues with the spoils system, where government positions were given to loyal supporters, leading to political favoritism. Garfield's assassination sparked calls for political reform, specifically the replacement of the spoils system with civil service examinations that would assess a person's qualifications for a government post.

Explanation
Chester Arthur became President after the death of President Garfield. He served as the 21st President of the United States. The most significant legislation passed during his administration was the Pendleton Civil Service Act.

Explanation
Samuel Gompers is credited with organizing the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886, which became the first successful national labor union in the United States. The AFL aimed to improve working conditions, wages, and benefits for its members through collective bargaining and strikes. It focused on skilled workers and advocated for the use of peaceful and legal means to achieve its goals. The AFL played a significant role in shaping labor laws and worker rights in the country, making it the correct answer to the question.

Explanation
The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted in 1890, was a landmark legislation that aimed to prevent the formation of monopolies and promote fair competition in the American business industry. It accomplished this by prohibiting any contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade and by outlawing monopolistic practices that hindered competition. The act was significant as it marked the first major attempt by the government to regulate and break up large corporations, setting a precedent for future government intervention in business affairs. This legislation played a crucial role in shaping the modern regulatory framework for American business.