Civil War Practice Test 1
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The population of the United States in 1860 was approximately:
- A.
250 million
- B.
12 million
- C.
32 million
- D.
25 million
Correct Answer
C. 32 millionExplanation
The correct answer is 32 million because the question is asking for the population of the United States in 1860. According to historical data, the population of the United States in 1860 was approximately 32 million.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In 1860, there were approximately _______________________ slaves in America.
- A.
4 million
- B.
10 million
- C.
12 million
- D.
6 million
Correct Answer
A. 4 millionExplanation
In 1860, there were approximately 4 million slaves in America. This number represents the estimated population of enslaved individuals during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 3.
William Lloyd Garrison's antislavery newspaper was known as:
- A.
The Abolitionist
- B.
The Independent
- C.
Freedom!
- D.
The Liberator
Correct Answer
D. The LiberatorExplanation
William Lloyd Garrison's antislavery newspaper was known as "The Liberator" because it was a powerful and influential platform that aimed to advocate for the immediate emancipation of slaves and the end of slavery in the United States. The name "The Liberator" suggests that the newspaper served as a tool to liberate and free enslaved individuals from the shackles of bondage.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin dramatized:
- A.
The cruel nature of slavery
- B.
The beauties of southern plantation life.
- C.
The horrors of the Civil War battles.
- D.
The degrading nature of northern factory work.
Correct Answer
A. The cruel nature of slaveryExplanation
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin is a novel that vividly portrays the cruel nature of slavery. Through the experiences of the characters, the book exposes the inhumane treatment, physical abuse, and emotional suffering endured by enslaved individuals. Stowe's powerful narrative aims to raise awareness and evoke empathy towards the plight of slaves, ultimately contributing to the abolitionist movement. The novel's impact was significant, as it challenged the prevailing pro-slavery sentiments of the time and helped shape public opinion on the issue.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The cash crop most important to the economy of the South in the 1850s was:
- A.
Rice
- B.
Cotton
- C.
Tobacco
- D.
Indigo
Correct Answer
B. CottonExplanation
In the 1850s, the cash crop that was most important to the economy of the South was cotton. Cotton played a significant role in the Southern economy as it was the main crop cultivated and exported by Southern plantations. The demand for cotton was high both domestically and internationally, particularly in textile industries. The profitability of cotton led to the expansion of slavery and the plantation system in the South, making it a crucial economic backbone for the region during that time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
John Brown raided Harper's Ferry in 1859 in order to:
- A.
Pay back Virginia for the sin of slavery.
- B.
Get the Federal deposits of gold there to buy freedom for the slaves.
- C.
Get weapons for a slave rebellion.
- D.
Free slaves from the Federal prison there.
Correct Answer
C. Get weapons for a slave rebellion.Explanation
John Brown raided Harper's Ferry in 1859 in order to get weapons for a slave rebellion. This is evident from the historical context of the time, as John Brown was a prominent abolitionist who believed in using armed resistance to end slavery. His plan was to seize the weapons from the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry and distribute them among enslaved African Americans, hoping to spark a widespread uprising against slaveholders. Brown's raid ultimately failed, but it became a significant event leading up to the American Civil War and further galvanized the abolitionist movement.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The first state to secede from the Union was:
- A.
Virginia
- B.
South Carolina
- C.
Mississippi
- D.
Kentucky
Correct Answer
B. South CarolinaExplanation
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. This occurred on December 20, 1860, following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. South Carolina's secession was driven by the belief that Lincoln's anti-slavery stance threatened their economic and social systems. This act of secession ultimately led to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the outbreak of the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The first shots of the Civil War were fired at:
- A.
Bull Run, Virginia
- B.
New Orleans, Louisiana
- C.
Fort Sumter, South Carolina
- D.
Valverde, New Mexico
Correct Answer
C. Fort Sumter, South CarolinaExplanation
The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. This event took place on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked the Union-held fort. The attack on Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War, as it was the first military engagement between the Confederate and Union forces. The Confederate victory at Fort Sumter led to the secession of several more Southern states and the escalation of the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The first capital of the Confederacy was:
- A.
Montgomery, Alabama
- B.
Charleston, South Carolina
- C.
Richmond, Virginia
- D.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Correct Answer
A. Montgomery, AlabamaExplanation
Montgomery, Alabama was the first capital of the Confederacy. This is because in February 1861, representatives from the seceded Southern states met in Montgomery to establish the Confederate States of America. The Confederate government operated from Montgomery until May 1861, when it was moved to Richmond, Virginia. Therefore, Montgomery, Alabama holds the distinction of being the first capital of the Confederacy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Due to the extreme heat and humidity in Alabama, the Confederacy's capital was moved to
- A.
Montgomery, Alabama
- B.
Charleston, South Carolina
- C.
Richmond, Virginia
- D.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Correct Answer
C. Richmond, VirginiaExplanation
The correct answer is Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was chosen as the capital of the Confederacy due to its location further inland, away from the coastal areas that were vulnerable to attacks from the Union Navy. Additionally, Richmond was a major industrial and transportation hub, making it a strategic choice for the Confederate government. The extreme heat and humidity in Alabama may have been a factor in the decision to move the capital, but it is not the main reason for choosing Richmond.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Most people, North and South, thought that:
- A.
The war would be long and bloody.
- B.
European countries would ally with the North to prevent secession.
- C.
Slaves would revolt as soon as the first shots were fired.
- D.
The war would be brief and almost bloodless.
Correct Answer
D. The war would be brief and almost bloodless.Explanation
Most people, North and South, thought that the war would be brief and almost bloodless. This belief was based on a sense of optimism and overconfidence in their respective sides. Many people underestimated the scale and intensity of the conflict, expecting a quick victory for their side. This misconception was shattered as the war dragged on for years and resulted in immense bloodshed and destruction. European countries did not ally with the North to prevent secession, and slaves did not revolt immediately after the first shots were fired.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The bloodiest single day of the Civil War was the battle of:
- A.
Shiloh
- B.
Island No. 10
- C.
Cold Harbor
- D.
Antietam
Correct Answer
D. AntietamExplanation
Antietam was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War because it resulted in the highest number of casualties in a single day. The battle took place on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Both Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy losses, with a total of around 23,000 casualties. The intense fighting and high casualty rate make Antietam the bloodiest single day in the history of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Emancipation Proclamation:
- A.
Freed all the slaves.
- B.
Freed serfs in Russia
- C.
Freed some slaves, and left others in slavery.
- D.
Allowed Southerners to free their slaves, if they wished to.
Correct Answer
C. Freed some slaves, and left others in slavery.Explanation
The Emancipation Proclamation did not free all the slaves, but rather it only freed some of them. It declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free, but it did not apply to slaves in Union-held areas or in border states that remained loyal to the Union. Therefore, while it was a significant step towards ending slavery, it did not immediately grant freedom to all enslaved individuals.Rate this question:
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- 14.
General William T. Sherman is most famous for:
- A.
His loss to General Stand Waite in Oklahoma
- B.
His march from Atlanta to the sea, burning everything in his path.
- C.
His defense of Washington D. C. against Jubal Early’s surprise attack.
- D.
His capture of New Orleans.
Correct Answer
B. His march from Atlanta to the sea, burning everything in his path.Explanation
General William T. Sherman is most famous for his march from Atlanta to the sea, burning everything in his path. This military campaign, known as Sherman's March to the Sea, took place during the American Civil War. Sherman led his troops on a destructive path through Georgia, aiming to break the Confederate resistance and demoralize the Southern population. The campaign was successful in disrupting Confederate supply lines, weakening their forces, and ultimately contributing to the Union's victory in the war. Sherman's March to the Sea is considered a significant event in military history and a turning point in the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Lee surrendered at _______________ on April 9, 1865.
- A.
Richmond
- B.
Cold Harbor
- C.
Murfreesboro
- D.
Appomattox Court House
Correct Answer
D. Appomattox Court HouseExplanation
Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. This marked the end of the Civil War, as it was the final and decisive surrender by the Confederate Army. Appomattox Court House, located in Virginia, was chosen as the meeting place for the surrender negotiations between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant. The surrender at Appomattox Court House symbolized the reunification of the United States and the beginning of the end of the Confederacy.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Lincoln was assassinated on Good Friday, 1865 by:
- A.
“Pete” Longstreet
- B.
Edward Everett Hale
- C.
Josiah Hay
- D.
John Wilkes Booth
Correct Answer
D. John Wilkes BoothExplanation
John Wilkes Booth is the correct answer because he was the person who assassinated Lincoln on Good Friday in 1865. Booth was an American actor and Confederate sympathizer who plotted with a group of conspirators to assassinate Lincoln and other top government officials. On April 14, 1865, Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., while the president was watching a play. This act of assassination had a significant impact on American history and marked the end of the Civil War era.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution:
- A.
Gave former slaves the right to vote.
- B.
Abolished slavery.
- C.
Pardoned Confederate soldiers and politicians.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
A) and c) only
Correct Answer
B. Abolished slavery.Explanation
The correct answer is "abolished slavery." The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1865 and it abolished slavery in the United States. This amendment was a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights and equality for all individuals, as it officially ended the institution of slavery and involuntary servitude. It is important to note that while the amendment abolished slavery, it did not directly grant former slaves the right to vote, which was addressed by subsequent amendments. The answer "all of the above" is incorrect as it includes options that are not related to the 13th Amendment.Rate this question:
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- 18.
An Abolitionist was one who believed that
- A.
Slavery was okay in the South but not in the North
- B.
Slavery should be totally ended
- C.
Slaves should be able to buy their freedom by working off their debt
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Slavery should be totally endedExplanation
The correct answer is that an abolitionist was one who believed that slavery should be totally ended. This means that they opposed the institution of slavery in all forms and believed that it should be abolished completely, rather than just restricted to certain regions or allowing slaves to buy their freedom. Abolitionists played a significant role in the movement to end slavery in the United States, advocating for the rights and freedom of enslaved individuals.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The person responsible for running the "Underground Railroad" was:
- A.
Nat Turner
- B.
Fredrick Douglass
- C.
Harriet Tubman
- D.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Correct Answer
C. Harriet TubmanExplanation
Harriet Tubman is the correct answer because she was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement and played a significant role in the operation of the Underground Railroad. She was a former slave herself and helped numerous enslaved individuals escape to freedom in the North. Tubman's bravery, determination, and leadership made her a crucial conductor on the Underground Railroad, earning her the nickname "Moses." Her efforts in guiding slaves to freedom and her commitment to the cause of ending slavery make her the most fitting choice for the person responsible for running the Underground Railroad.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The preacher responsible for a slave rebellion was:
- A.
Nat Turner
- B.
Fredrick Douglass
- C.
Harriet Tubman
- D.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Correct Answer
A. Nat TurnerExplanation
Nat Turner is the correct answer because he was a preacher who led a slave rebellion in 1831. Turner believed that he was chosen by God to lead his fellow slaves to freedom, and he and a group of followers killed around 60 white people before being captured and executed. Turner's rebellion had a significant impact on the Southern states, leading to stricter slave codes and increased fear among white slave owners.Rate this question:
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- 21.
How many slaves were able to escape by using the "Underground Railroad"?
- A.
100
- B.
300
- C.
1000
- D.
2200
Correct Answer
B. 300Explanation
The correct answer is 300. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. It was used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. While the exact number of slaves who escaped using the Underground Railroad is unknown, estimates range from 100,000 to 300,000. Therefore, 300 is a plausible number of slaves who were able to escape using this network.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A famous abolitionist was:
- A.
Abraham Lincoln
- B.
William Lloyd Garrison
- C.
George McClellen
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. William Lloyd GarrisonExplanation
William Lloyd Garrison is the correct answer because he was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. He was a journalist, editor, and social reformer who advocated for the immediate emancipation of slaves. Garrison founded and edited the anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator, which played a significant role in mobilizing public opinion against slavery. He was known for his uncompromising stance against slavery and his influential writings, speeches, and organizing efforts, making him a key figure in the fight for the abolition of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What percent of the US population died in the Civil War?
- A.
1%
- B.
2%
- C.
2.5%
- D.
5%
Correct Answer
B. 2%Explanation
During the Civil War, approximately 2% of the US population died. This percentage represents a significant loss of life, highlighting the devastating impact of the war on the nation. The conflict resulted in a high number of casualties, both military and civilian, and had long-lasting social and economic consequences for the United States.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Civil war lasted from:
- A.
1776-1803
- B.
1811-1814
- C.
1861-1865
- D.
1863-1865
Correct Answer
C. 1861-1865Explanation
The correct answer is 1861-1865. The Civil War in the United States lasted from 1861 to 1865. It began when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, and ended with the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House. This war was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states' rights. It was a significant event in American history and resulted in the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The last Civil War veteran died in :
- A.
1899
- B.
1903
- C.
1949
- D.
1959
Correct Answer
D. 1959Explanation
The last Civil War veteran died in 1959. This means that there were still living veterans from the Civil War until that year. The Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865, so it is remarkable that there were individuals who lived long enough to have fought in that war and survived until the late 1950s. It is a testament to the longevity and resilience of those individuals and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the Civil War on American history.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Slave children were sent to the fields at the age of:
- A.
8
- B.
12
- C.
13
- D.
15
Correct Answer
B. 12Explanation
During the time of slavery, it was common for slave children to be sent to work in the fields at a young age. The age of 12 is often considered the starting point for this labor, as it marked the transition from childhood to adolescence. At this age, children were deemed physically capable of handling the demanding work in the fields. This practice was a harsh reality of the slave system, where children were forced into labor at a young age, denying them a proper childhood and education.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Who was the president of the Confederate States?
- A.
Jefferson Davis
- B.
Abraham Lincoln
- C.
George McClellen
- D.
They didn't have their own president
Correct Answer
A. Jefferson DavisExplanation
Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. He served as the president from 1861 to 1865. The Confederate States were a group of southern states that seceded from the United States in order to form their own government. Davis played a key role in leading the Confederate government and military during the war, making him the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which of the following were on the union's side?
- A.
Robert E. Lee
- B.
Ulysses S. Grant
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
George McClellen
- E.
Stonewall Jackson
- F.
William Sherman
- G.
Jefferson Davis
Correct Answer(s)
B. Ulysses S. Grant
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. George McClellen
F. William ShermanExplanation
The correct answer includes Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, George McClellen, and William Sherman. These individuals were all on the union's side during the Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant was a prominent Union general, Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the war and a strong advocate for the Union cause, George McClellen was a Union general, and William Sherman was another Union general known for his famous "March to the Sea" campaign.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which of the following were on the confederates's side?
- A.
Robert E. Lee
- B.
Ulysses S. Grant
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
George McClellen
- E.
Stonewall Jackson
- F.
William Sherman
- G.
Jefferson Davis
Correct Answer(s)
A. Robert E. Lee
E. Stonewall Jackson
G. Jefferson DavisExplanation
Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis were on the Confederate side during the American Civil War. Robert E. Lee was a prominent Confederate general, Stonewall Jackson was another Confederate general known for his military tactics, and Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which battles did the union army win?
- A.
Battle of Gettysburg
- B.
Fort Sumter
- C.
Shiloh
- D.
Antietem
- E.
Bull Run
Correct Answer(s)
A. Battle of Gettysburg
C. Shiloh
D. AntietemExplanation
The Union army won the Battle of Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Antietam. These battles were significant victories for the Union during the American Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the war and resulted in a major defeat for the Confederate army. Shiloh and Antietam were also important victories for the Union, helping to boost morale and demonstrate the strength of their forces.Rate this question:
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