Ultimate Quiz On Causes Of The Civil War
This quiz aligns with the following AKS: 37a - rank and analyze the importance of key issues and events that led to the Civil War including slavery, states rights, nullification, Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Georgia Platform, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott case, and election of 1860, 37b - explain the debate over secession in Georgia and the role of Alexander Stephens
- 1.
Which statement BEST explains why there are so few accounts written by slaves about their lives during the antebellum era?
- A.
It was illegal for slaves to learn to read and write.
- B.
Only abolitionist leaders wrote books about slavery
- C.
Books about slavery were not as popular as other books.
- D.
Slaves were not willing to write about the horrors of slavery.
Correct Answer
A. It was illegal for slaves to learn to read and write.Explanation
During the antebellum era, slaves were prohibited from learning to read and write. This restriction was imposed to maintain control over the slave population and prevent them from gaining knowledge and power. As a result, the majority of slaves were illiterate and unable to document their experiences through writing. This lack of access to education and literacy explains why there are so few accounts written by slaves about their lives during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the purpose of the Missouri Compromise?
- A.
To allow slavery in Missouri until 1850.
- B.
To allow slavery in Maine, but not Missouri.
- C.
To maintain a balance of slave and Free states.
- D.
To return slaves captured in Free states to slave states.
Correct Answer
C. To maintain a balance of slave and Free states.Explanation
The purpose of the Missouri Compromise was to maintain a balance between slave and Free states. This compromise was necessary to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories and to maintain the delicate equilibrium between the North and the South. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, while Maine entered as a Free state, thus preserving the balance of power in Congress. Additionally, it established a line, known as the 36°30' parallel, which prohibited slavery in all new states north of this line, except for Missouri.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which was a result of the Compromise of 1850?
- A.
Owning slaves was forbidden in Washington, D.C.
- B.
Slavery was permitted in the new state of California.
- C.
Importation of slaves in all American ports was declared illegal.
- D.
Runaway slaves had to be returned to southern owners.
Correct Answer
D. Runaway slaves had to be returned to southern owners.Explanation
The Compromise of 1850 included the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of runaway slaves to their southern owners. This was a result of the compromise between the North and the South to maintain a balance between free and slave states. The Fugitive Slave Act was highly controversial and opposed by abolitionists in the North, as it strengthened the institution of slavery and forced individuals in free states to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The following were conditions of the Compromise of 1850. · California came into the Union as a free state · Slave trading was ended in the District of Columbia · Texas gave up its idea of annexing New Mexico, thus taking that territory away from a slave state What section of the country did these conditions benefit?
- A.
North
- B.
South
- C.
East Coast
- D.
California
Correct Answer
A. NorthExplanation
The conditions of the Compromise of 1850, including the admission of California as a free state and the end of slave trading in the District of Columbia, primarily benefited the North. These conditions limited the expansion of slavery and increased the number of free states, which aligned with the interests and goals of the Northern states. The South, on the other hand, viewed these conditions as detrimental to their interests as they limited the expansion of slavery and threatened the balance of power between free and slave states.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act change the Missouri Compromise
- A.
It admitted Missouri to the Union as a free state
- B.
It created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska
- C.
It allowed slavery north of Missouri's southern boundary
- D.
It changed the requirements necessary for a territory to become a state
Correct Answer
C. It allowed slavery north of Missouri's southern boundaryExplanation
The Kansas-Nebraska Act changed the Missouri Compromise by allowing slavery north of Missouri's southern boundary. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 had established a line at 36°30' north latitude, stating that any new states above this line would be free states, while those below it would allow slavery. However, the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed settlers in the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide whether to allow slavery through popular sovereignty. This effectively opened up the possibility of slavery expanding into previously free territories, leading to increased tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Someone who believed in states’ rights would probably support which statement?
- A.
National laws are always more important than state laws.
- B.
The national government has no right to tell states how to operate.
- C.
States can only pass legislation on issues set out in the U.S. Constitution.
- D.
D. Disputes between states should always be settled by the national government.
Correct Answer
B. The national government has no right to tell states how to operate.Explanation
Someone who believed in states' rights would likely support the statement that the national government has no right to tell states how to operate. This belief stems from the idea that states should have the power to govern themselves and make their own decisions without interference from the federal government. This perspective emphasizes the importance of state autonomy and limited federal intervention in state affairs.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The belief that a state could vote down, or ignore a federal law was known as ____.
- A.
Ratification
- B.
Nullification
- C.
Popular sovereignty
- D.
Veto
Correct Answer
B. NullificationExplanation
Nullification refers to the belief that a state has the power to reject or disregard a federal law that it deems unconstitutional. This concept was particularly prominent during the early years of the United States when there was debate over the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Ratification refers to the formal approval or acceptance of a law or treaty. Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the people. Veto is the power of a government official to reject a proposed law.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which statement BEST explains how the Dred Scott decision pushed the nation closer to war?
- A.
The Supreme Court ruled that, slaves were required to register when they moved states.
- B.
The Supreme Court ruled that slavery was not a legal right of the southern states.
- C.
The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not stop slavery in the territories.
- D.
The Supreme Court ruled that slave owners had to be reimbursed for slaves who escaped on the Underground Railroad
Correct Answer
C. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not stop slavery in the territories.Explanation
The Dred Scott decision pushed the nation closer to war because it reinforced the divide between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. By ruling that the federal government could not stop slavery in the territories, the Supreme Court essentially protected the institution of slavery and denied the power of the government to regulate it. This decision angered abolitionists in the North who saw it as a violation of their principles, further escalating tensions between the two regions and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following could be considered to have had the most immediate impact on causing the Southern states to secede?
- A.
the Dred Scott Case
- B.
The Election of 1860
- C.
The Missouri Compromise
- D.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
Correct Answer
B. The Election of 1860Explanation
The most immediate impact on causing the Southern states to secede was the Election of 1860. This election was significant because it resulted in the victory of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican candidate who opposed the expansion of slavery. This victory threatened the Southern states' way of life, as they heavily relied on slavery for their economy and feared that Lincoln's presidency would lead to the abolition of slavery. Consequently, several Southern states seceded from the Union in response to Lincoln's election, ultimately leading to the start of the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which region of the United States believed that the states should be able to govern themselves without interference from the national government?
- A.
Southern states
- B.
Northern states
- C.
Great Lakes states
- D.
Pacific Coast states
Correct Answer
A. Southern statesExplanation
The Southern states believed that the states should be able to govern themselves without interference from the national government. This belief was rooted in their support for states' rights and their desire to maintain control over issues such as slavery and economic policies. The Southern states felt that the national government should have limited powers and that each state should have the autonomy to make decisions that best suited their own interests. This belief ultimately played a significant role in the lead up to the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which Confederate official was from Georgia?
- A.
Jefferson Davis, the president
- B.
Lyman Hall, the secretary of state
- C.
Alexander Stephens, the vice-president
- D.
William Sherman, the commander in chief
Correct Answer
C. Alexander Stephens, the vice-presidentExplanation
Alexander Stephens was from Georgia and served as the vice-president of the Confederate States of America. He was born in Georgia and represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives before the Civil War. Stephens played a key role in the formation of the Confederacy and was a prominent figure in the Confederate government. Therefore, he is the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 12.
After the election of Abraham Lincoln, the debate whether Georgia should leave the Union was split. How did Lincoln’s victory change Alexander Stephens’ opinion on secession?
- A.
He was upset at the election of Lincoln and wanted to leave the Union immediately.
- B.
He wanted to remain part of the United States and promised to leave the South if it did not.
- C.
He was happy about the election of Lincoln and wanted a final solution to the slave issue
- D.
He felt Georgia should stay in the Union and fulfill its obligations to the United States and the US Constitution and fix the problems from within the current form of government.
Correct Answer
A. He was upset at the election of Lincoln and wanted to leave the Union immediately.Explanation
After the election of Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Stephens' opinion on secession changed to being upset and wanting to leave the Union immediately.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Georgia Platform was a statement supporting ___.
- A.
States' Rights
- B.
Popular Sovereignty
- C.
Compromise of 1850
- D.
Slavery throughout the United States
Correct Answer
C. Compromise of 1850Explanation
The Georgia Platform was a statement supporting the Compromise of 1850. This compromise was a series of laws passed by Congress in an attempt to settle the ongoing dispute between the North and South over the issue of slavery. The Georgia Platform, issued by a group of Georgia politicians, expressed their support for the compromise and their willingness to abide by its terms. The compromise included provisions such as the admission of California as a free state, the strengthening of the Fugitive Slave Act, and the organization of the Utah and New Mexico territories without any specific stance on slavery.Rate this question:
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Jan 03, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 12, 2012Quiz Created by
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