Road To The Civil War Practice Quiz
This quiz highlights what led up to the Civil War.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The South's economy was based on the following crop
- A.
Rice.
- B.
Cotton.
- C.
Wheat.
Correct Answer
B. Cotton.Explanation
The correct answer is cotton because during the time period being referred to, the South's economy heavily relied on the production and export of cotton. Cotton plantations were widespread across the southern states, and the crop was in high demand both domestically and internationally. The profitability of cotton led to the establishment of the plantation system and the widespread use of enslaved labor, shaping the social and economic structure of the South.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What invention increased the amount of cotton that could be produced in the South?
- A.
The cotton gin.
- B.
The plow.
- C.
The textile machine.
Correct Answer
A. The cotton gin.Explanation
The cotton gin is the correct answer because it revolutionized cotton production in the South by automating the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds. Before the invention of the cotton gin, this task was done manually and was extremely labor-intensive. The cotton gin increased the efficiency and speed of cotton processing, allowing for a significant increase in cotton production. This invention played a crucial role in the expansion of the cotton industry in the South and the rise of the plantation system.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which legislation allowed for California to become a free state?
- A.
Dred Scott Decision
- B.
Missouri Compromise
- C.
Compromise of 1850
Correct Answer
C. Compromise of 1850Explanation
The Compromise of 1850 allowed for California to become a free state. This legislation was a package of bills that aimed to resolve the ongoing debate between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. As part of the compromise, California was admitted to the Union as a free state, meaning that slavery was prohibited within its borders. This was a significant development in the lead-up to the American Civil War, as it further heightened tensions between the North and the South regarding the future of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does the following quote express: "We don't respect this law, and we won't obey it."?
- A.
The reaction of the slaves to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
- B.
The reaction of the South to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
- C.
The reaction of the North to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
Correct Answer
C. The reaction of the North to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850Explanation
The quote "We don't respect this law, and we won't obey it" expresses the reaction of the North to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This act was highly controversial and seen as unjust by many in the North who opposed slavery. The quote suggests a refusal to comply with the law and a lack of respect for it, indicating a strong opposition to the act and the institution of slavery it supported.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why did adding California to the Union in 1850 lead to the Compromise of 1850?
- A.
It extended slavery into a territory acquired from Mexico.
- B.
It gave free states an advantage over slave states.
- C.
It restored the balance between free and slave states.
Correct Answer
B. It gave free states an advantage over slave states.Explanation
Adding California to the Union in 1850 gave free states an advantage over slave states because it entered the Union as a free state. This upset the balance between free and slave states in Congress, as it tipped the scales in favor of the free states. To restore the balance, the Compromise of 1850 was enacted, which included provisions such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the division of the remaining Mexican territory into New Mexico and Utah, where the issue of slavery would be decided by popular sovereignty.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What caused many of the sourthern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America?
- A.
The Compromise of 1850
- B.
The election of Abraham Lincoln
- C.
The election of Jefferson Davis
Correct Answer
B. The election of Abraham LincolnExplanation
The election of Abraham Lincoln caused many of the southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America. Lincoln's election in 1860 was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery, which was deeply ingrained in the southern economy and culture. Southern states feared that Lincoln's presidency would lead to the abolition of slavery, and they believed that secession was necessary to protect their way of life. As a result, several southern states, starting with South Carolina, seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The main goal of the Republican party was to
- A.
Abolish slavery.
- B.
Secede from the North.
- C.
Stop the spread of slavery.
Correct Answer
C. Stop the spread of slavery.Explanation
The correct answer is "stop the spread of slavery." The Republican party, formed in the mid-19th century, aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories and states. They believed that by limiting the spread of slavery, they could eventually lead to its abolition. This position was a significant factor in the tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the American Civil War. The Republicans' commitment to stopping the spread of slavery played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What was the name of the Antislavery book written by Harriety Beecher Stowe?
- A.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
- B.
Freedom at Last
- C.
Uncle Sam
Correct Answer
A. Uncle Tom's CabinExplanation
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is the correct answer because it is a well-known antislavery book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The novel was published in 1852 and played a significant role in shaping public opinion about slavery in the United States. It depicts the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on individuals and families, particularly through the character of Uncle Tom. The book had a profound influence on the abolitionist movement and is considered a classic of American literature. "Freedom at Last" and "Uncle Sam" are incorrect options as they do not refer to the specific antislavery book written by Stowe.Rate this question:
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- 9.
John Brown was an abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who
- A.
Wants to decrease slavery
- B.
Wants to increase slavery
- C.
Wants to completely end slavery
Correct Answer
C. Wants to completely end slaveryExplanation
An abolitionist is someone who wants to completely end slavery. This means that they advocate for the complete eradication of the institution of slavery, rather than just reducing or increasing its prevalence. John Brown, being an abolitionist, was dedicated to the complete abolition of slavery and fought against it during his time.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Popular sovereignty is the belief that the laws of the state are determined by
- A.
The will of the people of the state.
- B.
The will of the government of the state.
- C.
The placement of the state on the map.
Correct Answer
A. The will of the people of the state.Explanation
Popular sovereignty is the principle that asserts that the power and authority of the government ultimately resides in the hands of the people. It is the belief that the laws and policies of a state should reflect the will and consent of the governed. This means that the people have the right to participate in decision-making processes, elect representatives, and have a say in shaping the laws that govern them. The correct answer, "the will of the people of the state," aligns with this concept, as it emphasizes the importance of the people's voice and choice in determining the laws of the state.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Jan 06, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 24, 2011Quiz Created by
Mrsbumgarner