Chapter 20 Practice Test
Remember to use your notes. Please disregard the "type your answer here box" on question 10. Use the map for questions 11-16. Good luck!
- 1.
Free blacks living in both the North and the South
- A.
Had the same rights as whites.
- B.
Lived side by side with whites.
- C.
Preferred living apart from whites.
- D.
Faced discrimination and racism.
Correct Answer
D. Faced discrimination and racism.Explanation
The correct answer is "faced discrimination and racism." This is because historically, free blacks in both the North and the South faced significant discrimination and racism. Despite being free, they were often denied basic rights and opportunities that were afforded to white individuals. They faced segregation, limited access to education and employment, and were subjected to various forms of racism and prejudice.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the main effect of the cotton gin on slaves?
- A.
It decreased the value of slaves.
- B.
It ended the Atlantic slave trade.
- C.
It made slaves' lives easier.
- D.
It increased the demand for slaves.
Correct Answer
D. It increased the demand for slaves.Explanation
The cotton gin was a machine that made it much easier and faster to separate cotton fibers from the seeds. This invention increased the profitability of cotton production, leading to a significant increase in demand for cotton. As a result, more slaves were needed to work on cotton plantations to meet the growing demand. Therefore, the main effect of the cotton gin on slaves was an increase in the demand for their labor.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The great majority of slaves worked as
- A.
Household servants.
- B.
Skilled craftspeople.
- C.
Factory workers.
- D.
Field hands.
Correct Answer
D. Field hands.Explanation
The correct answer is "field hands" because the statement mentions that the great majority of slaves worked as something, and out of the given options, field hands were the most common occupation for slaves. Field hands were responsible for working in the fields, cultivating and harvesting crops, and performing manual labor on plantations. This occupation was prevalent during the time of slavery, especially in agricultural regions where large plantations were common.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The most common way slaves resisted slavery was by
- A.
Organizing salve uprisings.
- B.
Killing their owners.
- C.
Finding ways to avoid work.
- D.
Running away to the North.
Correct Answer
C. Finding ways to avoid work.Explanation
Slaves resisted slavery by finding ways to avoid work. This was a form of passive resistance where slaves would intentionally slow down their work, feign illness, or break tools to disrupt the productivity of their owners. By doing so, they were able to resist the oppressive nature of slavery and assert some control over their own lives. This method allowed slaves to resist without directly confronting their owners or risking immediate punishment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Slaveholders used all of these methods to control enslaved African Americans except
- A.
Treating slaves like grown-up children.
- B.
Threatening severe punishment to slaves who did not obey.
- C.
Keeping slaves ignorant about the world beyond their owner's land.
- D.
Promising slaves their freedom if they worked hard.
Correct Answer
D. Promising slaves their freedom if they worked hard.Explanation
Slaveholders used various methods to control enslaved African Americans, including treating slaves like grown-up children, threatening severe punishment for disobedience, and keeping them ignorant about the outside world. However, promising slaves their freedom if they worked hard was not a method used by slaveholders to control them. This option goes against the fundamental principles of slavery, which involved ownership and control over individuals as property.Rate this question:
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- 6.
When gathered together in their “invisible churches,” slaves
- A.
Taught their children the value of silence.
- B.
Brought joy and comfort to each other.
- C.
Kept their African languages alive.
- D.
Preached a message of obedience to their owners.
Correct Answer
B. Brought joy and comfort to each other.Explanation
The correct answer is "brought joy and comfort to each other." This is because when slaves gathered together in their "invisible churches," they found solace and support in each other's company. In these spaces, they were able to share their experiences, express their emotions, and find a sense of community and belonging. This brought them joy and comfort in the midst of their difficult and oppressive circumstances.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What slaves generally feared most of all was being
- A.
Sent back to Africa.
- B.
Caught while running away.
- C.
Sold away from their families.
- D.
Disrespectful to their elders.
Correct Answer
C. Sold away from their families.Explanation
Slaves generally feared being sold away from their families the most because it meant being separated from their loved ones and losing any sense of security or support. The bond between family members was crucial for emotional and psychological well-being, and being forcibly separated from them would cause immense pain and anguish. Additionally, being sold away meant being subjected to an unknown and potentially harsher living and working conditions under a new owner.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Many white southerners who did not own slaves still supported slavery because they knew that
- A.
Slaveholders were the South's natural leaders.
- B.
The South's economy depended on slave labor.
- C.
They would have their own slaves someday.
- D.
The Constitution did not ban slavery in the South.
Correct Answer
B. The South's economy depended on slave labor.Explanation
The correct answer is that the South's economy depended on slave labor. This is because slavery was deeply ingrained in the economic system of the southern states, particularly in the agricultural sector. Plantation owners relied on enslaved labor to work their crops, such as cotton, tobacco, and rice, which were major exports and sources of wealth for the region. The profitability of these crops was directly tied to the institution of slavery, as it provided a cheap and abundant workforce. Therefore, even white southerners who did not own slaves recognized the economic importance of slavery and supported it for the sake of the South's economy.Rate this question:
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- 9.
African cultural traditions were expressed in all the following except
- A.
The living conditions endured by slaves.
- B.
The songs and spirituals sung by slaves.
- C.
The stories and folktales told by slaves.
- D.
The art and quilts created by slaves.
Correct Answer
A. The living conditions endured by slaves.Explanation
The correct answer is "the living conditions endured by slaves." This answer is correct because the question asks for the option that does not express African cultural traditions. While the songs, spirituals, stories, folktales, art, and quilts created by slaves were all ways in which African cultural traditions were expressed, the living conditions endured by slaves were not a form of cultural expression but rather a result of their enslavement.Rate this question:
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- 10.
- 11.
The map above shows
- A.
The rising value of slaves
- B.
The growth of the cotton kingdom
- C.
The end of the Atlantic slave trade
- D.
The routes followed by runaway slaves
Correct Answer
B. The growth of the cotton kingdomExplanation
The map above shows the growth of the cotton kingdom. This can be inferred from the fact that the map is depicting the rising value of slaves. The increase in the value of slaves is directly linked to the expansion of the cotton industry, as slaves were heavily used for labor in cotton plantations. Therefore, the map is illustrating the growth and importance of the cotton kingdom during the time period in question.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Referring to the map above, between 1839 and 1860, the amount of land in the South devoted to cotton
- A.
Increased slowly.
- B.
About doubled.
- C.
Decreased slightly.
- D.
Stayed about the same.
Correct Answer
B. About doubled.Explanation
The correct answer is "about doubled." This can be inferred from the statement that between 1839 and 1860, the amount of land in the South devoted to cotton increased slowly. Since the options "increased slowly" and "about doubled" are the only ones that indicate an increase, it can be concluded that the land devoted to cotton approximately doubled during that period.Rate this question:
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- 13.
From Norfolk to Port Lavaca, about how wide was the cotton kingdom in 1860?
- A.
1,600 miles
- B.
800 miles
- C.
400 miles
- D.
1,200 miles
Correct Answer
D. 1,200 milesExplanation
The cotton kingdom in 1860 stretched approximately 1,200 miles from Norfolk to Port Lavaca.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What invention accounts for the changes shown on the map above?
- A.
Cotton gin
- B.
Steam boat
- C.
Mechanical reaper
- D.
Sewing machine
Correct Answer
A. Cotton ginExplanation
The correct answer is the cotton gin. The map shows changes in cotton production and distribution, indicating that the invention of the cotton gin had a significant impact on the cotton industry. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in the late 18th century, revolutionized cotton processing by efficiently separating cotton fibers from the seeds. This invention greatly increased the productivity of cotton production, leading to a boom in the cotton industry and the expansion of cotton cultivation in the southern United States.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Viewing the map above, from 1801 to 1860, the system of slavery moved mainly
- A.
West into the Mississippi Valley and Texas.
- B.
South into Florida and the Caribbean.
- C.
East onto islands off the Atlantic Coast.
- D.
North into the Ohio Valley and Louisiana Territory.
Correct Answer
A. West into the Mississippi Valley and Texas.Explanation
During the period from 1801 to 1860, the map shows that the system of slavery expanded primarily towards the west, specifically into the Mississippi Valley and Texas. This can be inferred from the fact that the map does not show any significant movement south into Florida and the Caribbean, east onto islands off the Atlantic Coast, or north into the Ohio Valley and Louisiana Territory. Therefore, the correct answer is west into the Mississippi Valley and Texas.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The map suggests that selling slaves for the slave trade was more profitable than raising cotton in
- A.
Georgia and Alabama.
- B.
Virginia and Kentucky.
- C.
Texas and Arkansas.
- D.
Louisiana and Mississippi.
Correct Answer
B. Virginia and Kentucky.Explanation
The map suggests that selling slaves for the slave trade was more profitable than raising cotton in Virginia and Kentucky. This can be inferred because the map indicates that there were a higher number of slaves in these states compared to the other options given. The higher number of slaves suggests that there was a higher demand for slaves in these states, which would make selling slaves for the slave trade more profitable. Additionally, the lower number of slaves in the other states suggests that raising cotton may have been a more profitable endeavor in those regions.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Read the passage below. Then read each question and choose the best answer based on the passage. The real feelings and opinions of the slaves were not much known or respected by their masters...and in this respect Col. Lloyd was no exception to the rule. His slaves were so numerous he did not know them when he saw them. Nor, indeed, did all his slaves know him. It is reported of him, that riding along the road one day he met a colored man, and addressed him... . “Well, boy, who do you belong to?” “To Col. Lloyd,” replied the slave. “Well does the Colonel treat you well?” “No, sir,” was the ready reply. “What, does he work you hard?” “Yes, sir.” “Well, don't he give you enough to eat?” “Yes, sir, he gives me enough to eat, such as it is.” The Colonel rode on; the slave also went on about his business, not dream- ing that he had been conversing with his master. He thought and said nothing of the matter, until two or three weeks afterwards, he was informed by his overseer that for having found fault with his master, he was now to be sold to a Georgia trader... . This was the penalty of telling the simple truth... . Slaveholders are known to have sent spies among their slaves to ascertain if possible their views and feelings in regard to their condition; hence the maxim established among them, that “a still tongue makes a wise head.” I was fre- quently asked if I had a kind master, and I do not remember ever to have given a negative reply. Life and Times of Frederick Douglass
- 18.
According to Douglass, what did masters know about the feelings and opinions of their slaves?
- A.
They didn't want to know anything about slaves' feelings and opinions.
- B.
They knew how slaves felt but didn't care about their opinions.
- C.
They knew little about how slaves felt because slaves were afraid to be truthful.
- D.
The knew exactly how slaves felt.
Correct Answer
C. They knew little about how slaves felt because slaves were afraid to be truthful.Explanation
According to Douglass, masters knew little about how slaves felt because slaves were afraid to be truthful. Slaves were in a constant state of fear and oppression, and expressing their true feelings and opinions could lead to severe punishment or even death. Masters did not create an environment where slaves felt comfortable sharing their emotions and thoughts openly, which resulted in masters having limited knowledge about the true feelings and opinions of their slaves.Rate this question:
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- 19.
This passage is an example of
- A.
A piece of fiction written about an event that never happened.
- B.
A primary source written by an eyewitness to an event.
- C.
A secondary source written by a historian about an event.
- D.
An opinion piece written to express the author's views.
Correct Answer
B. A primary source written by an eyewitness to an event.Explanation
The passage is likely a primary source because it is written by an eyewitness to an event. Primary sources are firsthand accounts of events, typically written by someone who directly experienced or witnessed the event. This suggests that the passage is a reliable and authentic source of information about the event.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The word maxim in the passage means a
- A.
Wise saying.
- B.
Firm rule.
- C.
Common practice.
- D.
Foolish superstition.
Correct Answer
A. Wise saying.Explanation
The word "maxim" refers to a wise saying or a concise statement that contains a general truth or rule for behavior. It is a brief and memorable expression that carries wisdom and advice. In the given passage, the word "maxim" is used to indicate a type of statement or phrase that imparts wisdom or knowledge. Therefore, the correct answer is "wise saying."Rate this question:
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Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 08, 2013Quiz Created by
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