U.S. History: The Expansion Of Industry

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Questions: 25 | Attempts: 239

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US History Quizzes & Trivia

This quiz covers post civil war America's industry expansion. Inventions and inventors of this time period are included.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The first person to use a steam engine to drill for oil.

    • A.

      Mr. Mattox

    • B.

      Edwin L. Drake

    • C.

      Alexander Graham Bell

    • D.

      George Bessemer

    • E.

      Thomas Alva Edison

    Correct Answer
    B. Edwin L. Drake
    Explanation
    Edwin L. Drake is the correct answer because he was the first person to use a steam engine to drill for oil. This innovation revolutionized the oil industry by making it easier and more efficient to extract oil from the ground. Drake's successful drilling operation in Pennsylvania in 1859 marked the beginning of the modern oil industry and paved the way for the development of the petroleum industry worldwide.

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  • 2. 

    The inventor of the telephone.

    • A.

      T. La Fone

    • B.

      Thomas Edison

    • C.

      Thomas Morse

    • D.

      Alexander Graham Bell

    • E.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. Alexander Graham Bell
    Explanation
    Alexander Graham Bell is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the inventor of the telephone. He is credited with inventing and patenting the first practical telephone in 1876. Bell's invention revolutionized communication and had a significant impact on society, leading to the development of the modern telephone system.

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  • 3. 

    The technique used to make steel from iron.

    Correct Answer
    The Bessemer process.
    Explanation
    The Bessemer process is a technique used to convert iron into steel. It involves blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and adjust the carbon content, resulting in the production of high-quality steel. This process was invented by Sir Henry Bessemer in the 19th century and revolutionized the steel industry by making steel production faster and more efficient.

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  • 4. 

    The law granting Congress authority to regulate railroad activities.

    Correct Answer
    Interstate Commerce Act
    Explanation
    The Interstate Commerce Act is the correct answer because it was a law that granted Congress the authority to regulate railroad activities. This act was passed in 1887 and aimed to regulate unfair practices in the railroad industry, such as discriminatory rates and monopolistic behavior. It established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to oversee and enforce regulations on interstate commerce, including railroads. The act played a significant role in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers in the railroad industry.

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  • 5. 

    Christopher Sholes invented:

    • A.

      The typewriter.

    • B.

      Sandals that exercise your feet.

    • C.

      Gasoline engine.

    • D.

      Telegraph.

    Correct Answer
    A. The typewriter.
    Explanation
    Christopher Sholes is credited with inventing the typewriter. The typewriter revolutionized the way people wrote and communicated by allowing them to type out their thoughts and ideas instead of writing them by hand. This invention had a profound impact on various industries, including journalism, business, and administration. The typewriter paved the way for further advancements in writing technology, such as the computer keyboard, and remains an important part of the history of communication.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following is NOT a cause of the technological advances after the civil war?

    • A.

      A large supply of natural resources.

    • B.

      An explosion of inventions.

    • C.

      A growing city population that wanted the new products.

    • D.

      Gold and silver were plentiful.

    Correct Answer
    D. Gold and silver were plentiful.
    Explanation
    Gold and silver being plentiful is not a cause of the technological advances after the civil war. The question is asking for a cause that is not related to the technological advancements, and the other options all directly contribute to the technological progress. The large supply of natural resources, explosion of inventions, and a growing city population that wanted new products all played significant roles in driving technological advancements during this period.

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  • 7. 

    What was a by product of oil when it was first being used to light lamps?

    Correct Answer
    gasoline
    Explanation
    When oil was first being used to light lamps, gasoline was a byproduct. This means that as oil was being processed for its main purpose of providing light, gasoline was also produced as a secondary product. Gasoline is a flammable liquid that is commonly used as fuel for internal combustion engines in vehicles.

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  • 8. 

    What is the name of the product made from oil that was used to light lamps?

    Correct Answer
    Kerosene.
    Explanation
    Kerosene is the correct answer because it is a product made from oil that was commonly used to light lamps in the past. Kerosene is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid that is derived from petroleum and has a high energy content, making it suitable for use as a fuel for lighting purposes. It was widely used as a source of lighting before the advent of electricity and electric lighting.

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  • 9. 

    What is the element that is removed from iron to make it lighter and more flexible?

    Correct Answer
    carbon
    Explanation
    Carbon is the element that is removed from iron to make it lighter and more flexible. Iron is a strong and heavy metal, but by removing carbon, it becomes less dense and more malleable. This process is known as carbon steel production, where the carbon content is reduced to enhance the iron's properties. By removing carbon, the iron becomes lighter and easier to shape, making it more suitable for various applications such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

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  • 10. 

    Henry Bessemer invented a process that turned iron into what?

    Correct Answer
    Steel.
    Explanation
    Henry Bessemer invented a process that transformed iron into steel. Steel is a stronger and more versatile material compared to iron, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Bessemer's innovation revolutionized the steel industry, allowing for mass production of this durable alloy, which played a crucial role in the industrialization and development of modern infrastructure.

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  • 11. 

    The invention of the light bulb is credited to:

    Correct Answer
    Thomas Alva Edison.
    Explanation
    Thomas Alva Edison is credited with the invention of the light bulb. He is widely recognized as the primary inventor of the modern electric light bulb. Edison's breakthrough came in 1879 when he developed a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb using a carbon filament. His invention revolutionized the world by providing a reliable and efficient source of artificial light, replacing the previously used gas lamps and candles. Edison's contributions to the field of electrical engineering and his numerous other inventions have made him one of the most influential inventors in history.

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  • 12. 

    The railroad that was built to cross the entire country was called:

    Correct Answer
    The transcontinental railroad.
    Explanation
    The railroad that was constructed to span the entire country was known as the transcontinental railroad. This term refers to a railway system that connected the eastern and western parts of a country, in this case, the entire country. The transcontinental railroad played a significant role in facilitating transportation, trade, and communication across the nation, enabling people and goods to travel more efficiently and quickly from coast to coast.

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  • 13. 

    What is the name of the court case that gave government the right to regulate private industry.

    Correct Answer
    Munn v. Illinois
    Explanation
    Munn v. Illinois is the name of the court case that established the government's right to regulate private industry. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the state had the authority to regulate grain elevator rates, as they were considered to be businesses that affected the public interest. This decision set a precedent for government regulation of private industries, affirming the government's power to intervene in economic matters to protect the public welfare.

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  • 14. 

    What were some results of the transcontinental railway being built?

    • A.

      Many workers died.

    • B.

      New cities and towns sprang up across the country.

    • C.

      Trade increased.

    • D.

      Time zones were instituted.

    • E.

      All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    E. All of the above.
    Explanation
    The transcontinental railway being built had several results. Firstly, many workers died during the construction process. Additionally, the railway led to the establishment of new cities and towns across the country as it facilitated transportation and settlement. Moreover, trade experienced a significant boost due to the improved connectivity provided by the railway. Lastly, the construction of the transcontinental railway also led to the institution of time zones to standardize schedules and ensure efficient operations. Therefore, all of the mentioned results were outcomes of the transcontinental railway being built.

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  • 15. 

    The theory that taught that only the strong survived is called:

    • A.

      Monopoly

    • B.

      Trust

    • C.

      Social Darwinism

    • D.

      Horizontal integration

    • E.

      Vertical integration.

    Correct Answer
    C. Social Darwinism
    Explanation
    Social Darwinism is the correct answer because it refers to the theory that only the strong survive, drawing parallels between Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and human society. It suggests that competition and survival of the fittest are natural and necessary for progress. This theory was used to justify social inequality and discrimination, often promoting the idea that certain races or social classes were inherently superior to others.

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  • 16. 

    A monopoly is:

    • A.

      A game that takes hours to play.

    • B.

      Situation in which one company controls an entire industry.

    • C.

      When companies who produce similar products merge.

    • D.

      When someone buys out companies that supply the raw materials.

    • E.

      None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    B. Situation in which one company controls an entire industry.
    Explanation
    A monopoly refers to a situation in which one company has complete control over an entire industry. This means that there are no other competitors in the market, allowing the monopolistic company to dictate prices, set production levels, and exert significant influence over the industry. Monopolies are generally considered undesirable as they can lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced innovation, and limited choices in the market.

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  • 17. 

    Horizontal consolidation is when

    Correct Answer
    companies producing similar products merge.
    Explanation
    The correct answer states that horizontal consolidation occurs when companies producing similar products merge. This means that two or more companies in the same industry, producing similar goods or services, come together to form a larger entity. This type of consolidation allows the merged company to benefit from economies of scale, increase market share, and reduce competition. By merging, these companies can pool their resources, streamline operations, and potentially gain a competitive advantage in the market.

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  • 18. 

    Vertical integration was when:

    Correct Answer
    the owner of a company bought the companies that supplied his raw materials.
    Explanation
    Vertical integration refers to a business strategy in which a company expands its operations by acquiring or merging with the companies that supply its raw materials. This allows the company to have greater control over its supply chain and reduce dependency on external suppliers. By owning the suppliers, the company can ensure a steady and reliable supply of raw materials, reduce costs, and potentially gain a competitive advantage in the market.

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  • 19. 

    The Scottish immigrant who became a giant in the steel industry was:

    • A.

      John D. Rockefeller

    • B.

      Joseph Darwin

    • C.

      Thomas Edison

    • D.

      Andrew Carnegie

    • E.

      None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    D. Andrew Carnegie
    Explanation
    Andrew Carnegie is the correct answer because he was a Scottish immigrant who became a prominent figure in the steel industry. He immigrated to the United States and eventually built a vast steel empire, becoming one of the richest individuals in history. Carnegie's success in the steel industry and his philanthropic efforts have made him a significant figure in American history.

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  • 20. 

    A system in which different companies agreed to work together as a large corporation. In this system, the companies then split the profits earned.

    • A.

      A trust.

    • B.

      A monopoly.

    • C.

      A boom.

    • D.

      A holding company.

    • E.

      All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. A trust.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is a trust. A trust is a system in which different companies agree to work together as a large corporation and then split the profits earned. In a trust, the companies combine their resources and control to create a monopoly-like structure, allowing them to dominate the market and potentially restrict competition. This can lead to increased control over prices and decreased consumer choice.

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  • 21. 

    Which is not a reason that the South had little to no industrial growth at this time?

    • A.

      The region was still recovering from the Civil war.

    • B.

      Many Southerners refused to invest their money in businesses in the South after the war.

    • C.

      Most Southerners who tried to start businesses had difficulty overcoming economic obstacles.

    • D.

      Southern businesses could not compete with Northern companies which were already well established.

    • E.

      Southerners are just lazy as evidence in their southern drawl accent.

    Correct Answer
    E. Southerners are just lazy as evidence in their southern drawl accent.
    Explanation
    The answer "Southerners are just lazy as evidence in their southern drawl accent" is not a reason for the South's lack of industrial growth at this time. The other options provide valid explanations such as the region still recovering from the Civil War, reluctance of Southerners to invest in businesses, economic obstacles faced by Southern entrepreneurs, and the inability of Southern businesses to compete with well-established Northern companies.

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  • 22. 

    Who was the leader of the American Federation of Labor?

    • A.

      Samuel Gompers

    • B.

      George Bush

    • C.

      Andrew Carnegie

    • D.

      John D. Rockefeller

    • E.

      Samuel Clemens

    Correct Answer
    A. Samuel Gompers
    Explanation
    Samuel Gompers was the leader of the American Federation of Labor. He served as the president of the organization from its founding in 1886 until his death in 1924. Gompers was a prominent labor leader and advocate for workers' rights. He played a significant role in shaping labor policies and improving working conditions for American workers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His leadership and dedication to the labor movement made him a key figure in American labor history.

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  • 23. 

    Because of poor working conditions, workers began to form groups to advocate for them. These groups are known as:

    Correct Answer
    Labor unions.
    Explanation
    The given statement suggests that workers started forming groups to advocate for their rights due to poor working conditions. These groups are commonly referred to as labor unions. Labor unions are organizations that represent the collective interests of workers and negotiate with employers on issues such as wages, working hours, and job security. They aim to improve working conditions and protect the rights of workers through collective bargaining and collective action.

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  • 24. 

    When workers went on strike to protest poor working conditions, owners hired replacement workers called:

    Correct Answer
    Scabs.
    Explanation
    When workers go on strike to protest poor working conditions, owners often hire replacement workers to continue the work. These replacement workers are derogatorily referred to as "scabs." The term "scab" is used to highlight the negative perception of these replacement workers, as they are seen as betraying the solidarity of the striking workers and undermining their cause. The use of scabs is a controversial practice that often exacerbates tensions between workers and management during labor disputes.

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  • 25. 

    One who leaves a country to settle in another country is called:

    Correct Answer
    An immigrant.
    Explanation
    An immigrant is the correct answer because it refers to a person who moves from one country to another with the intention of settling there permanently. This term specifically applies to individuals who leave their home country to establish a new life in a different country.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 11, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Ltsdeb
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