Civil War And Reconstruction History Quiz: Trivia
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“I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.” —Robert E. Lee In the above quotation, Lee is claiming an inability to do what?
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Raise his hands above his head
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Betray his home state of Virginia by joining the Union
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Run for President of the United States
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Become a general for the Confederacy
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Have you ever heard of the reconstruction era and the civil war? The reconstruction era was a period in history that lasted from 1865to 1877 following the civil war. Reconstruction ended the Confederate Secessions' remnants and abolished slavery, making the newly freed slaves' citizens' civil rights like everybody else. With this quiz, you will learn about the civil war and See morethe reconstruction era. All the best.
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- 2.
“I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.” —Robert E. Lee Using context clues, what is the best explanation of what Lee means when he says “I cannot raise my hand against”
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He means it literally; he cannot actually raise his hands
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He doesn’t understand how we have come to the brink of Civil War
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He does not want to be a part of violence against the South
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He forgot where he parked his car
Correct Answer
A. He does not want to be a part of violence against the SouthExplanation
The best explanation of what Lee means when he says "I cannot raise my hand against" is that he does not want to be a part of violence against the South. This is supported by the statement that he cannot go against his birthplace, home, and children, indicating his loyalty and unwillingness to fight against his own people.Rate this question:
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- 3.
“They [Southerners] will continue to assert the inferiority of the African, and they would today, if possible, precipitate the United States into a foreign war, believing that they could then reassert and obtain their independence. . . . On the whole, looking at the affair from all sides, it amounts to just this: If the Northern people are content to be ruled over by the Southerners, they will continue in the Union, if not, the first chance they get they will rise again.” —Senator Charles Sumner Again using context clues, what is the best definition for the word precipitate as Senator Sumner uses it in the quotation?
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Rain or snow falling from the sky
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A Northern law to encourage equality
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Push or force into something, possibly unwillingly
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A new way to think of government, which focuses on independence
Correct Answer
A. Push or force into something, possibly unwillinglyExplanation
The word "precipitate" in this context means to push or force into something, possibly unwillingly. Senator Sumner is suggesting that the Southerners would try to provoke a foreign war in order to regain their independence and assert their dominance over the African population. He implies that if the Northern people are willing to be ruled by the Southerners, they will remain in the Union, but if not, they will rise against them at the first opportunity.Rate this question:
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- 4.
“They [Southerners] will continue to assert the inferiority of the African, and they would today, if possible, precipitate the United States into a foreign war, believing that they could then reassert and obtain their independence. . . . On the whole, looking at the affair from all sides, it amounts to just this: If the Northern people are content to be ruled over by the Southerners, they will continue in the Union, if not, the first chance they get they will rise again.” —Senator Charles Sumner Charles Sumner’s statements about the South rising again suggest which of the following beliefs about the South would best match his?
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The South is satisfied with the result of the war
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The South may rebel again or try to hurt the Union if they have a chance
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Charles Sumner is incredibly vain and thinks he saved the country
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It will be difficult, but the North and South will make peace again
Correct Answer
A. The South may rebel again or try to hurt the Union if they have a chanceExplanation
The given statement by Charles Sumner suggests that he believed the South may rebel again or try to hurt the Union if they have a chance. He asserts that Southerners will continue to assert the inferiority of African Americans and would precipitate the United States into a foreign war to obtain their independence. Sumner implies that if the Northern people are content with being ruled by the Southerners, they will remain in the Union, but if not, they will rise again. This indicates his belief that the South may rebel or cause harm to the Union if given the opportunity.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What does the above illustration imply about the condition of African-Americans immediately following the Civil War?
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African-Americans immediately received full rights as citizens
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The south regained prosperity and wealth shortly after the war
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Not all African-Americans were freed after the war
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While technically free, African-Americans endured harsh conditions as new citizens
Correct Answer
A. While technically free, African-Americans endured harsh conditions as new citizensExplanation
The correct answer implies that although African-Americans were technically free after the Civil War, they still faced difficult circumstances and harsh conditions as they became new citizens. This suggests that their freedom was not immediately accompanied by full rights and equal treatment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following best explains why the capture of Vicksburg was important for the North?
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Its location close to the North’s southern border made invasion from there a threat to the North.
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Its capture would give the North control of the Mississippi River Delta
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It was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi and its capture would cut the South in two
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Its capture would prevent the South from shipping its cotton to Europe
Correct Answer
A. It was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi and its capture would cut the South in twoExplanation
The capture of Vicksburg was important for the North because it was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Taking control of Vicksburg would effectively cut the South in two, preventing them from using the river for transportation and communication. This would severely weaken the Confederate forces and disrupt their supply lines, ultimately aiding the North's efforts to defeat the South in the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Capturing Vicksburg was an important part of the North’s Anaconda plan, but why was it equally important that they continue to hold onto the city of New Orleans?
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New Orleans is where Mardi Gras occurs
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Without control of New Orleans, the North would lose the support of Arkansas and Mississippi
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New Orleans is a key port city, and control or blockade of Southern ports is an important part of the plan
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Holding New Orleans was not important
Correct Answer
A. New Orleans is a key port city, and control or blockade of Southern ports is an important part of the planExplanation
The correct answer is that New Orleans is a key port city, and control or blockade of Southern ports is an important part of the plan. This is because the North's Anaconda plan aimed to suffocate the South by cutting off its supply lines and isolating it from international trade. By controlling or blockading Southern ports like New Orleans, the North could prevent the South from receiving essential supplies and exporting its goods. Therefore, holding onto New Orleans was crucial for the North's overall strategy to weaken the South's economy and ultimately win the war.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why do you think the “Border States” would have seceded after the states in the “Deep South?”
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The people from Virginia and Tennessee were dirty Yankees
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People from the Border States likely had more desire to stay in the Union than those in the Deep South
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Texas bullied Louisiana and Mississippi into seceding
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The states all seceded at the same time
Correct Answer
A. People from the Border States likely had more desire to stay in the Union than those in the Deep SouthExplanation
The answer suggests that the people from the Border States had a stronger desire to remain in the Union compared to those in the Deep South. This could be due to various reasons such as economic ties, cultural similarities, or political affiliations. It implies that the Border States may have been more hesitant to secede because they saw more value in maintaining their relationship with the Union.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following states was the first to secede?
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Alabama
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Georgia
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Arkansas
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Virginia
Correct Answer
A. AlabamaExplanation
Alabama was the first state to secede from the Union. This occurred on January 11, 1861, following the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States. The secession of Alabama was a significant event that marked the beginning of the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following cause and effect statements is best supported by the information on the timeline?
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Lincoln’s assassination was a cause of the Emancipation Proclamation
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The Fall of Atlanta motivated John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry
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Czar Alexander II’s emancipation of Russian serfs was an attempt to copy Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation
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Lee’s victory at Bull Run motivated him to invade the North at Antietam
Correct Answer
A. Lee’s victory at Bull Run motivated him to invade the North at AntietamExplanation
The timeline does not provide any information about Lincoln's assassination being a cause of the Emancipation Proclamation, John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry being motivated by the Fall of Atlanta, or Czar Alexander II's emancipation of Russian serfs being an attempt to copy Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. However, the timeline does indicate that Lee's victory at Bull Run motivated him to invade the North at Antietam, as the Battle of Bull Run took place in July 1861 and Lee's invasion of the North occurred in September 1862.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following would best describe the timeline pictured above?
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The timeline is a depiction of US and world events at the time of the Civil War
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The timeline is represents the United States around the time of independence
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The timeline is intended to show the importance of Russian history
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The timeline is a portrait of the American Revolution.
Correct Answer
A. The timeline is a depiction of US and world events at the time of the Civil WarExplanation
The correct answer is "The timeline is a depiction of US and world events at the time of the Civil War." This can be inferred from the options provided and the statement that the timeline represents events during the Civil War. The other options do not mention the Civil War or events during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following years represented on the timeline was the most violent one between Southerners and African-Americans?
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1865
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1875
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1866
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1880
Correct Answer
A. 1866Explanation
1866 was the most violent year between Southerners and African-Americans based on the information provided. This can be inferred from the timeline, as it is the year that falls immediately after the end of the American Civil War in 1865. The aftermath of the war was a period of intense racial tension and violence, as Southern states sought to reestablish white supremacy and African-Americans fought for their rights and equality. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that 1866 was the most violent year in this context.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Using the information on the timeline, which is MOST LIKELY a cause of Hiram Revels became the first African American senator in 1870?
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Henry O. Flipper becoming the first African American to graduate from West Point
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Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett being appointed minister to Haiti
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The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, being passed
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Ku Klux Klan awareness events
Correct Answer
A. The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, being passedExplanation
The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, being passed is the most likely cause of Hiram Revels becoming the first African American senator in 1870. The passage of this amendment marked a significant milestone in the fight for equal rights for African Americans, and it paved the way for individuals like Revels to hold positions of power and influence in government. The abolition of slavery created a more inclusive and equal society, allowing African Americans to participate in politics and achieve important milestones such as Revels' historic election.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the above timeline?
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Slavery during the Civil War
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Northern conflicts during Reconstruction
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Triumphs and setbacks of African-Americans during Reconstruction
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Does time always go in a line?
Correct Answer
A. Triumphs and setbacks of African-Americans during ReconstructionExplanation
The timeline provided likely includes significant events and milestones related to African-Americans during the period of Reconstruction. The title "Triumphs and setbacks of African-Americans during Reconstruction" accurately captures the focus of the timeline and suggests that it will highlight both positive and negative experiences and achievements of African-Americans during this time.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the Freedmen’s Bureau?
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To settle disputes between freed slaves and their former masters
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To keep blacks and former slaves as second-class citizens
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To feed, clothe, and assist newly freed slaves in finding work and reuniting with their families
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To start the long process of reunion and rebuilding with the South following the Civil War
Correct Answer
A. To feed, clothe, and assist newly freed slaves in finding work and reuniting with their familiesExplanation
The primary function of the Freedmen's Bureau was to provide support and assistance to newly freed slaves. This included providing food, clothing, and helping them find employment. Additionally, the bureau aimed to help reunite families that had been separated during slavery. The goal was to aid in the transition from slavery to freedom and provide basic necessities to those who had been previously enslaved.Rate this question:
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- 16.
President Obama issues a blanket pardon for a large group of people who were members of a radical group responsible or bombing a government building in 1970. Similar to Reconstruction, this act is known as granting
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Innocence
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Treaties
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Amnesty
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Confederacy
Correct Answer
A. AmnestyExplanation
Amnesty is the correct answer because it refers to the act of granting forgiveness or pardon to a group of people for their offenses or crimes. In this scenario, President Obama issues a blanket pardon for a large group of people who were members of a radical group responsible for bombing a government building in 1970. This act of granting amnesty is similar to the concept of Reconstruction, where forgiveness and reconciliation were sought after a period of conflict or war.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Black codes did all of the following EXCEPT
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Force African Americans into yearly labor contracts
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Grant citizenship to African Americans
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Take away many rights from African Americans
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Place black youth in “apprenticeships” where they could be whipped
Correct Answer
A. Grant citizenship to African AmericansExplanation
The Black Codes were a series of laws enacted in the Southern states after the Civil War, aimed at restricting the rights and freedoms of African Americans. These laws forced African Americans into yearly labor contracts, took away many of their rights, and placed black youth in exploitative "apprenticeships" where they could be whipped. However, the Black Codes did not grant citizenship to African Americans. Citizenship for African Americans was later granted through the passage of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following best exemplifies the conditions of sharecropping?
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David, a newly freed slave, saves up enough money to buy a small farm of his own thanks to the help of the Freedmen’s Bureau
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Joseph, a rich white landowner, is forced to sell his land off to his former slaves in small chunks, effectively “sharing” the land with those around him
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Juanita, a newly freed slave, cannot afford land of her own, but has enough money to rent a piece of land with cash that she then farms or a profit
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Debbie, a newly freed slave, rents land from a landowner but pays her rent in crops; after she pays off her loans every year, she finds herself in debt
Correct Answer
A. Debbie, a newly freed slave, rents land from a landowner but pays her rent in crops; after she pays off her loans every year, she finds herself in debtExplanation
Debbie's situation exemplifies the conditions of sharecropping because she is a newly freed slave who rents land from a landowner and pays her rent in crops. However, despite her hard work and paying off her loans every year, she still finds herself in debt. This reflects the exploitative nature of sharecropping, where tenants often struggled to make a profit due to high interest rates, unfair contracts, and the cycle of debt.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following best summarizes the result of the Dred Scott decision?
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Scott was declared to be a free man and slavery was ended in the North
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Scott was declared to be a free man but slave codes would have to be rigidly enforced
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Scott was sentenced to death
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Scott was to be returned to slavery and Fugitive Slave laws would be rigidly enforced
Correct Answer
A. Scott was to be returned to slavery and Fugitive Slave laws would be rigidly enforcedExplanation
The correct answer is that Scott was to be returned to slavery and Fugitive Slave laws would be rigidly enforced. This is the best summary of the result of the Dred Scott decision because the Supreme Court ruled that Scott, as a black man, was not a citizen and therefore did not have the right to sue in federal court. They also declared that the Missouri Compromise, which prohibited slavery in certain territories, was unconstitutional. This decision effectively upheld the institution of slavery and reinforced the Fugitive Slave laws that required the return of escaped slaves to their owners.Rate this question:
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- 20.
This man claimed he was told by God to start a slave rebellion by arming slaves to kill their masters.
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Jefferson Davis
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Abraham Lincoln
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Bruce Banner
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John Brown
Correct Answer
A. John BrownExplanation
John Brown is the correct answer because he was a historical figure who believed in the abolition of slavery and resorted to violent means to achieve his goal. He led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry in 1859, with the intention of arming slaves and starting a rebellion against slaveholders. Brown claimed that he was instructed by God to carry out this mission, highlighting his religious conviction and fervor in his anti-slavery beliefs. His actions and beliefs played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In what ways did the election of Abraham Lincoln ignite the Civil War?
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Lincoln helped to anger the North about the issue slavery and caused them to kick out the South
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Lincoln continuously sided with the South and inspired them to form the Confederacy with him as president
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The South felt that they had no choice but to secede because the North would likely force them to end slavery
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Lincoln started the South on fire
Correct Answer
A. The South felt that they had no choice but to secede because the North would likely force them to end slaveryExplanation
The election of Abraham Lincoln ignited the Civil War because the South believed that his presidency would lead to the end of slavery. They felt that the North would use their political power to force them to abolish slavery, which they saw as a threat to their way of life and economy. As a result, the Southern states decided to secede from the Union and form the Confederacy, leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What strategy would be the best example of attrition?
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Bombing an apartment building in Vicksburg
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The North and South fighting in an open field for two days and each side losing thousands of soldiers, but the North still having more soldiers.
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General Grant surrounding the Confederate army for two months attempting to starve them out
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Lee conducting sneak attacks and raids on Union camps
Correct Answer
A. The North and South fighting in an open field for two days and each side losing thousands of soldiers, but the North still having more soldiers. -
- 23.
John Wilkes Booth is notorious for which of the following reasons?
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He was a noted general for the Confederacy
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He led slaves to rebel against their masters and put weapons in their hands
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He famously assassinated Abraham Lincoln
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He released a platinum record featuring the hit single “Emancipation”
Correct Answer
A. He famously assassinated Abraham LincolnExplanation
John Wilkes Booth is notorious for assassinating Abraham Lincoln. He is known for his role in the assassination of the 16th President of the United States, which occurred on April 14, 1865. Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and his actions had a significant impact on American history.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of the following correctly pairs the region of the country with their primary leaders during the Civil War?
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West—John Brown and Charles Sumner, South—Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee
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North—Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, South—Bill O’Reilly and Thomas Payne
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North—Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, South—Abraham Lincoln and Barry Goldwater
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North—Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, South—Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee
Correct Answer
A. North—Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, South—Jefferson Davis and Robert E. LeeExplanation
The correct answer pairs the North region with Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant as their primary leaders during the Civil War. This is accurate because Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the Civil War and Ulysses S. Grant was a Union general who played a significant role in leading the Northern forces. The answer also correctly pairs the South region with Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, who were the President of the Confederate States of America and a prominent Confederate general, respectively.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following generalizations about the Emancipation Proclamation is MOST accurate?
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The Emancipation Proclamation announced that all slaves in the Confederacy would be free but did not free the slaves remaining in the Union
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The Emancipation Proclamation formally outlawed slavery in EVERY portion of the United States of America
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The Emancipation Proclamation was Jefferson Davis’ condemnation of the Union and the ways that they bullied the South
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The Emancipation Proclamation was the document that formally announced South Carolina’s secession from the Union
Correct Answer
A. The Emancipation Proclamation announced that all slaves in the Confederacy would be free but did not free the slaves remaining in the UnionExplanation
The Emancipation Proclamation announced that all slaves in the Confederacy would be free but did not free the slaves remaining in the Union. This is the most accurate generalization because the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to the states that were in rebellion against the Union, not to the states that remained loyal. It declared that all slaves in those rebellious states would be forever free, but it did not immediately free the slaves in the Union states. The proclamation was a significant step towards the abolition of slavery, but it did not completely outlaw slavery in every portion of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of the following terms is the best synonym for “secession”?
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Antonym
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Withdrawal
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Removal
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Bootlegged
Correct Answer
A. WithdrawalExplanation
Withdrawal is the best synonym for "secession" because it refers to the act of pulling out or separating oneself from a group or organization. Secession also involves the act of breaking away or separating, which aligns with the meaning of withdrawal. Antonym, removal, and bootlegged do not accurately convey the concept of secession.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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