Chapter 15 - Causes Of The Civil War Practice Test

Explanation
Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederate States of America. He served as the president from 1861 to 1865 during the American Civil War. Davis was a prominent political figure and played a crucial role in the formation and leadership of the Confederate government. He advocated for states' rights and the continuation of slavery, which were key issues during the Civil War. Despite his efforts, the Confederate States ultimately lost the war, leading to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the United States.

Explanation
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. This decision was made on December 20, 1860, following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. South Carolina's secession was a significant event that ultimately led to the start of the American Civil War. The state's secession was driven by a combination of factors, including concerns over the preservation of slavery and the perceived encroachment of federal power on states' rights.

Explanation
The statement is false because the South was not known for its prominent factories and mills. During the 19th century, the Southern economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly cotton production, and relied heavily on slave labor. The North, on the other hand, had a more industrialized economy with numerous factories and mills. The South's economy was largely agrarian, with a focus on plantations and farming.

Explanation
The statement is true. The Compromise of 1850 did allow California to enter the Union as a free state and it also included the Fugitive Slave Act. This act allowed slave owners or their agents to pursue and capture runaway slaves in the North and made it illegal for anyone to assist or hide escaped slaves.

Explanation
After the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Whig Party split, leading to the formation of the Republican Party. This new party mainly consisted of northern Whigs who were opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories. The Republican Party emerged as a strong anti-slavery political force, advocating for the rights of free-soil and opposing the Democratic Party's pro-slavery stance. The Republican Party eventually became one of the major political parties in the United States.