Civil War Knowledge Test: History Quiz
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The civil war was a defining moment in history, and the fight was between the Northern and Southern states from 1861 to 1865. Specifically, it was fought between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. The war fought was about the institution of slavery and whether it should continue. If you are looking for a quiz about the civil war, this great quiz will set you free.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
This battle was the bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. History early in the war, it helped set the stage for Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
- A.
Gettysburg
- B.
Total war
- C.
Anitetam
- D.
Ft. Sumter
- E.
Vicksburg
Correct Answer
C. AnitetamExplanation
The correct answer is Antietam. The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, was the bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history. It resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The Union victory at Antietam provided President Abraham Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate territory would be freed. This proclamation shifted the focus of the war to include the abolition of slavery as a central goal for the Union.Rate this question:
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- 2.
This state was the first to secede from the United States and was the state in which the first shots were fired during the Civil War.
- A.
Virginia
- B.
South Carolina
- C.
Pennsylvania
- D.
Texas
Correct Answer
B. South CarolinaExplanation
South Carolina is the correct answer because it was the first state to secede from the United States, formally withdrawing from the Union on December 20, 1860. It was also the state where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, specifically at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. This event marked the beginning of the war between the Union and the Confederacy.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Although President Lincoln decided to "only" send in food for hungry soldiers. The Confederacy decided that the war should begin here and ordered an attack.
- A.
Gettysburg
- B.
Appomattox Court House
- C.
Antietam
- D.
Ft. Sumter
Correct Answer
D. Ft. SumterExplanation
The correct answer is Ft. Sumter. The explanation for this answer is that the Confederacy decided to attack Ft. Sumter after President Lincoln only sent in food for hungry soldiers. This event marked the beginning of the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 4.
This 3 day battle marked the turning point of the Civil War and the last time the Confederate Army attacked in the North after the Yankee army defeated the Confederates.
- A.
Gettysburg
- B.
Harper's Ferry Virginia
- C.
Bleeding Kansas
- D.
Ft. Sumter
Correct Answer
A. GettysburgExplanation
The correct answer is Gettysburg. Gettysburg was a 3-day battle during the Civil War that marked a turning point in the conflict. It was the last time the Confederate Army launched an attack in the North after suffering a defeat by the Union Army. The battle resulted in a Union victory and is considered a major turning point in the war.Rate this question:
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- 5.
After a long period of thought on the issue of slavery he (________________________) signed the Emancipation Proclamation, officially turning the Civil War into a conflict over slavery.
- A.
Robert E. Lee
- B.
Abraham Lincoln
- C.
Jefferson Davis
- D.
Frederick Douglass
Correct Answer
B. Abraham LincolnExplanation
Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation after a long period of thought on the issue of slavery. This document officially turned the Civil War into a conflict over slavery.Rate this question:
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- 6.
His total war campaign called for a "scorched earth" policy that left Southern towns in ruins after Yankee armies burned down cities, crops and livestock.
- A.
William T. Sherman
- B.
Abraham Lincoln
- C.
Robert E. Lee
- D.
John Wilkes Booth
Correct Answer
A. William T. ShermanExplanation
During the American Civil War, General William T. Sherman implemented a strategy known as the "scorched earth" policy. This involved deliberately destroying and devastating the resources and infrastructure of the Southern states to weaken their ability to sustain the war effort. Sherman's armies burned down cities, destroyed crops, and killed livestock, leaving Southern towns in ruins. This brutal tactic aimed to break the will of the Confederate states and force them to surrender.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The _____________ was formed in 1861 and elected ___________________ as its first President.
- A.
United States of America; Abraham Lincoln
- B.
Confederate States of America, Robert E. Lee
- C.
Confederate States of America; Jefferson Davis
- D.
Yankee States of America; Ulysses S. Grant
Correct Answer
C. Confederate States of America; Jefferson DavisExplanation
The correct answer is Confederate States of America; Jefferson Davis. The Confederate States of America was formed in 1861 and Jefferson Davis was elected as its first President.Rate this question:
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- 8.
This northern abolitionist believed God's plan for him was to end slavery by any means necessary. He tried to start a slave uprising by leading a raid on an army weapons armory.
- A.
Abraham Lincoln
- B.
John Brown
- C.
Frederick Douglass
- D.
Dred Scott
Correct Answer
B. John BrownExplanation
John Brown is the correct answer because he was a northern abolitionist who believed that it was his divine mission to end slavery. He attempted to start a slave uprising by leading a raid on an army weapons armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859. This event, known as "John Brown's Raid," was an unsuccessful attempt to arm slaves and incite a rebellion against slaveholders. Brown's actions were seen as radical and ultimately led to his capture, trial, and execution, but they also heightened tensions between the North and South and further fueled the debate over slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 9.
He was the President of the Confederacy.
- A.
Jefferson Davis
- B.
Robert E. Lee
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
John Wilkes Booth
- E.
Frederick Douglass
Correct Answer
A. Jefferson DavisExplanation
Jefferson Davis is the correct answer because he was indeed the President of the Confederacy. During the American Civil War, Davis served as the President of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865. He played a crucial role in leading the Confederacy during this period and was responsible for making key decisions and policies. Davis's presidency ended with the defeat of the Confederacy and the surrender of Confederate forces.Rate this question:
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- 10.
This declared that all slaves in the South were now free.
- A.
Gettysburg Address
- B.
Declaration of Independence
- C.
Constitution
- D.
Emancipation Proclamation
Correct Answer
D. Emancipation ProclamationExplanation
The Emancipation Proclamation was a document issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were now free. This proclamation was a significant step towards ending slavery in the United States and had a profound impact on the course of the war. It gave hope to enslaved individuals and changed the nature of the war from a conflict solely focused on preserving the Union to one that also aimed to abolish slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation remains a crucial milestone in American history and the fight for civil rights.Rate this question:
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- 11.
He was the President of the Union.
- A.
Jefferson Davis
- B.
Robert E. Lee
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
John Wilkes Booth
- E.
Frederick Douglass
Correct Answer
C. Abraham LincolnExplanation
Abraham Lincoln is the correct answer because he was the President of the Union during the American Civil War. He served as the 16th President of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln played a crucial role in preserving the Union and leading the country through one of its most challenging times. His presidency was marked by the abolition of slavery and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had a significant impact on the outcome of the war.Rate this question:
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- 12.
After the Civil War, the United States outlawed slavery or involuntary servitude, except when the punishment for a crime when this __________was ratified.
- A.
Emancipation Proclamation
- B.
15th Amendment
- C.
13th Amendment
- D.
2nd Amendment
Correct Answer
C. 13th AmendmentExplanation
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime. This means that after the Civil War, slavery was officially outlawed in the United States, except for individuals who were convicted of a crime. This amendment was ratified to ensure that the institution of slavery was completely abolished and to provide equal rights and freedom to all individuals in the country.Rate this question:
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- 13.
This amendment changed U.S. law so that it read that all persons born in the United States were citizens and would have equal protection under the law.
- A.
1st Amendment
- B.
13th Amendment
- C.
14th Amendment
- D.
15th Amendment
Correct Answer
C. 14th AmendmentExplanation
The correct answer is the 14th Amendment. This amendment was passed in 1868 and it granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also ensured that all citizens would receive equal protection under the law, regardless of race or ethnicity. The 14th Amendment was a crucial step towards guaranteeing civil rights and equality for all Americans.Rate this question:
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- 14.
He became President when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, reconstruction plan rejected the Freedmen's Bureau, 40 acres and a mule plan, and civil rights for freed slaves.
- A.
John Wilkes Booth
- B.
Ulysses S. Grant
- C.
Andrew Johnson
- D.
Jefferson Davis
Correct Answer
C. Andrew JohnsonExplanation
Andrew Johnson became President when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. During his presidency, he rejected the reconstruction plan, which aimed to rebuild the Southern states and ensure civil rights for freed slaves. Johnson also opposed the Freedmen's Bureau, which was established to assist newly freed slaves in their transition to freedom. Additionally, he did not support the "40 acres and a mule" plan, which sought to provide land to former slaves. Therefore, Andrew Johnson is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 15.
At the conclusion of the war, President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln attended a theatre performance where he was assassinated by:
- A.
John Wilkes Booth
- B.
Andrew Johnson
- C.
Sullivan Ballou
- D.
Robert E. Lee
Correct Answer
A. John Wilkes BoothExplanation
At the conclusion of the war, President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln attended a theatre performance where he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. John Wilkes Booth was a Confederate sympathizer and actor who plotted to assassinate President Lincoln as part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow the Union government. On April 14, 1865, Booth shot Lincoln in the back of the head at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln died the following day, making him the first U.S. president to be assassinated.Rate this question:
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- 16.
When the Civil War began, what was Abraham Lincoln's main goal?
- A.
Abolish slavery
- B.
Punish the south
- C.
Restore the Union
- D.
Bring an end to the war.
Correct Answer
C. Restore the UnionExplanation
Abraham Lincoln's main goal when the Civil War began was to restore the Union. This means that he wanted to bring the seceded Southern states back into the United States and reunify the country. While Lincoln did ultimately issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which aimed to abolish slavery, this was not his initial main goal when the war started. Additionally, punishing the South or bringing an end to the war were not his primary objectives, but rather byproducts of his main goal of restoring the Union.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following was not an important advantage of the North?
- A.
Railroads
- B.
Better soldiers
- C.
Higher population
- D.
Stronger Navy
Correct Answer
B. Better soldiersExplanation
The question asks for an advantage of the North that is not true, and the correct answer is "better soldiers." This means that the North did not have an advantage in terms of the quality or skill of their soldiers compared to the South. While the North did have advantages in other areas such as railroads, higher population, and a stronger Navy, their soldiers were not necessarily superior to those of the South.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In which area did the South have an advantage over the North in the Civil War?
- A.
It was able to trade cotton with Europe throughout the war.
- B.
It was able to produce weapons faster than the North.
- C.
It allowed women to fight in the Confederate army
- D.
Better military leadership and more motivated soldiers
Correct Answer
D. Better military leadership and more motivated soldiersExplanation
During the Civil War, the South had an advantage over the North in terms of better military leadership and more motivated soldiers. This advantage allowed the Southern forces to effectively strategize and execute military operations, often outmaneuvering the Northern forces. Additionally, the soldiers fighting for the Confederacy were highly motivated and dedicated to their cause, which gave them an edge in terms of morale and determination on the battlefield. This combination of strong leadership and motivated soldiers contributed to the South's advantage during the war.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The ___________, was formed during ____________ by former Confederate soldiers in an attempt to intimidate newly freed slaves.
- A.
Freedmen's Bureau, Reconstruction
- B.
Ku Klux Klan, Reconstruction
- C.
Radical Republicans, the Civil War
- D.
Underground Railroad, Reconstruction
Correct Answer
B. Ku Klux Klan, ReconstructionExplanation
The Ku Klux Klan was formed during Reconstruction by former Confederate soldiers in an attempt to intimidate newly freed slaves. Reconstruction was a period after the Civil War when the United States government sought to rebuild and integrate the Southern states back into the Union. The Ku Klux Klan used violence, intimidation, and terrorism to suppress the rights and freedoms of African Americans, particularly targeting those who were asserting their newly gained civil rights.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Where did the South surrender?
- A.
Ft. Sumter
- B.
Appomatox Court House
- C.
Bull Run
- D.
They never surrendered, they still think they are fighting the Civil War
Correct Answer
B. Appomatox Court HouseExplanation
During the American Civil War, the South surrendered at Appomattox Court House. This historic event took place on April 9, 1865, when General Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the reunification process for the United States.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What was the name of the two military strategies used by the North in order to achieve victory?
- A.
Total War and Reconstruction
- B.
Naval war and Total War
- C.
Anaconda Plan and Total War
- D.
Total War and Civil War
Correct Answer
C. Anaconda Plan and Total WarExplanation
The correct answer is Anaconda Plan and Total War. The Anaconda Plan was a military strategy used by the North during the Civil War to defeat the South. It involved blockading Southern ports and controlling the Mississippi River to cut off the Confederacy's supply lines. Total War, on the other hand, refers to a strategy where all available resources and tactics are used to completely destroy the enemy's ability to fight. In the context of the Civil War, the North employed total war by targeting not only the Confederate military but also civilian infrastructure and resources.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What did the Compromise of 1850 accomplish?
- A.
It allowed California to be admitted as a free state
- B.
It made it more difficult for slaves to gain their freedom by passing a tougher Fugitive Slave Act
- C.
It ended slavery in Washington D.C.
- D.
All of the above options
- E.
None of the options
Correct Answer
D. All of the above optionsExplanation
The Compromise of 1850 accomplished all of the above options. It allowed California to be admitted as a free state, made it more difficult for slaves to gain their freedom by passing a tougher Fugitive Slave Act, and ended slavery in Washington D.C. This compromise was a series of legislative measures aimed at maintaining the balance between free and slave states, and it had significant implications for the institution of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following abolished (ended) slavery in the South?
- A.
Thirteenth Amendment
- B.
Fourteenth Amendment
- C.
Fifteenth Amendment
- D.
Emancipation Proclamation
Correct Answer
A. Thirteenth AmendmentExplanation
The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the South. This amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified by the states on December 6, 1865. It states that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." The Thirteenth Amendment effectively ended slavery and was a crucial step towards the equality and freedom of all individuals in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What was Reconstruction?
- A.
The time period after the war where the Union was made into one country.
- B.
The last battle of the war
- C.
A period that led to the Civil War
- D.
The document that freed the slaves.
Correct Answer
A. The time period after the war where the Union was made into one country.Explanation
Reconstruction refers to the time period after the Civil War in which efforts were made to rebuild and reunite the United States. It aimed to restore the Southern states to the Union, address the rights and freedoms of newly freed slaves, and establish a new political and economic order in the South. This process involved various measures such as the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau, and the implementation of military occupation in some Southern states. The goal was to create a unified nation and provide equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.Rate this question:
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- 25.
This reconstruction plan called for tough treatment of the wealthy southerners, in which African-Americans would be given 40 acres and a mule, the Freedmen's Bureau would be established and the federal government would ensure African Americans received equal rights.
- A.
Lincoln' Plan (10% plan)
- B.
Johnson's plan
- C.
Congressional Reconstruction Plan
- D.
None of the options
Correct Answer
C. Congressional Reconstruction PlanExplanation
The correct answer is the Congressional Reconstruction Plan. This plan, also known as Radical Reconstruction, was implemented by the Republican-controlled Congress after the Civil War. It aimed to punish wealthy southerners and ensure equal rights for African Americans. The plan included the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau to assist former slaves in their transition to freedom, as well as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Fourteenth Amendment to grant equal protection under the law to all citizens. This plan was more comprehensive and radical compared to Lincoln's and Johnson's plans.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which event prior to the Civil War led to African-Americans being denied citizenship in the United States?
- A.
Dred Scott decision
- B.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
- C.
Bleeding Kansas
- D.
1860 election
- E.
Harper's Ferry Raid
- F.
Underground Railroad
Correct Answer
A. Dred Scott decisionExplanation
The Dred Scott decision led to African-Americans being denied citizenship in the United States. In this landmark Supreme Court case, the court ruled that African-Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not considered citizens and therefore did not have the rights and protections afforded to citizens. The decision further exacerbated the divide between the North and South on the issue of slavery, contributing to the tensions that eventually led to the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Northerner's who had never seen slavery in person, we're allowed to gain an insight into slavery through this?
- A.
Dred Scott decision
- B.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
- C.
Bleeding Kansas
- D.
1860 election
- E.
Harper's Ferry Raid
- F.
Underground Railroad
Correct Answer
B. Uncle Tom's CabinExplanation
Uncle Tom's Cabin is the correct answer because it provided Northerners who had never seen slavery in person with an insight into slavery. The book, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, depicted the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on individuals and families. It became widely popular and influential, helping to shape public opinion and increase awareness about the evils of slavery. Through the characters and stories in Uncle Tom's Cabin, Northerners were able to gain a better understanding of the institution and its injustices.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Major violence that broke out between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces prior to the Civil War came to be known as:
- A.
Dred Scott decision
- B.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
- C.
Bleeding Kansas
- D.
1860 election
- E.
Harper's Ferry Raid
- F.
Underground Railroad
Correct Answer
C. Bleeding KansasExplanation
Bleeding Kansas refers to the major violence that erupted between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in the Kansas Territory during the mid-1850s. This conflict was a precursor to the Civil War and was sparked by the debate over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free state or a slave state. The violence included armed clashes, raids, and acts of terrorism from both sides, leading to numerous casualties. The term "Bleeding Kansas" was coined by Horace Greeley, a prominent newspaper editor, to describe the bloody nature of the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 29.
How does the soldier feel about the cause he is fighting for
- A.
He does not feel it is a right thing to be fighting a war for
- B.
He is confident that it is a JUST (worthy or right) cause to be fighting for.
- C.
He is unsure of why he is fighting in this war.
Correct Answer
B. He is confident that it is a JUST (worthy or right) cause to be fighting for.Explanation
The soldier feels confident that the cause he is fighting for is just and worthy.Rate this question:
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- 30.
What does the soldier believe will be the outcome of the war?
- A.
The South will win but will become successful because of the war.
- B.
The South will lose this war and be ruined
- C.
That the North will be ruined by their loss in the Civil War
Correct Answer
B. The South will lose this war and be ruinedExplanation
The soldier believes that the outcome of the war will be that the South will lose and be ruined.Rate this question:
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- 31.
What does the soldier promise will happen in the next three months if it hasn't already?
- A.
His wife will gain her freedom
- B.
He will die
- C.
She will die
Correct Answer
A. His wife will gain her freedomExplanation
The soldier promises that his wife will gain her freedom within the next three months. This suggests that the soldier is involved in a situation where his wife is being held captive or is facing some form of oppression. The soldier's promise indicates that he has a plan or strategy in place to ensure his wife's release or liberation within the specified time frame.Rate this question:
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