How Well Do You Know The Civil War?

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  • 1/27 Questions

    Who was Jefferson Davis?

    • Senator of Virginia
    • The president of the Confederacy
    • A poor farmer turned Confederate soldier
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About This Quiz

Test your knowledge of the Civil War with questions on key battles, figures, and events that shaped this pivotal period in American history.

How Well Do You Know The Civil War? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is total war?

    Explanation
    Total war refers to a type of warfare in which a nation mobilizes all available resources, both military and civilian, to achieve victory. In total war, the entire society is involved in the conflict, with the economy, industry, and population all geared towards supporting the war effort. This includes mass conscription, the use of propaganda, and the targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure. Total war aims to completely destroy the enemy's ability to fight, rather than just defeating their military forces. It is characterized by its intensity, scale, and the disregard for traditional rules of warfare.

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  • 3. 

    What town had to be captured to give the Union control of the Mississippi River?

    • Appomattox Courthouse

    • Vicksburg

    • Memphis

    Correct Answer
    A. Vicksburg
    Explanation
    Vicksburg had to be captured to give the Union control of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg was a strategically important town located on the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. Its capture by the Union forces in 1863 was a crucial turning point in the war, as it effectively split the Confederacy in two and gave the Union control over a major waterway, allowing them to transport troops and supplies more easily. The fall of Vicksburg also gave the Union control over the entire Mississippi River, cutting off Confederate supply routes and isolating Confederate forces in the west.

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  • 4. 

    What was the second attack of the Battle of Gettysburg?

    • Pickett's Charge

    • Appomattox Courthouse

    • Vicksburg

    Correct Answer
    A. Pickett's Charge
    Explanation
    Pickett's Charge was the second attack of the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a major infantry assault led by Confederate General George Pickett on the final day of the battle, July 3, 1863. The attack aimed to break the Union lines and secure a Confederate victory, but it ultimately failed. The Union forces successfully repelled the assault, resulting in heavy casualties for the Confederacy and marking a turning point in the Civil War.

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  • 5. 

    What battle showed both sides that they needed uniforms and proper training?

    • Fredericksburg

    • Battle of Bull Run

    • Gettysburg

    Correct Answer
    A. Battle of Bull Run
    Explanation
    The Battle of Bull Run showed both sides that they needed uniforms and proper training. This battle, which took place during the American Civil War, was the first major land battle of the conflict. It highlighted the importance of having organized and disciplined troops, as both the Union and Confederate armies suffered from a lack of proper training and cohesive uniforms. The battle's outcome demonstrated the need for these improvements, leading both sides to prioritize the development of better training programs and standardized uniforms for their soldiers.

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  • 6. 

    Which was the bloodiest single day of the war?

    • Battle of Shiloh

    • Appomattox Courthouse

    • Battle of Antietam

    Correct Answer
    A. Battle of Antietam
    Explanation
    The Battle of Antietam is considered the bloodiest single day of the war because it resulted in the highest number of casualties in a single day. It took place on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy losses, with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The battle had a significant impact on the war, as it halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into the North and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

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  • 7. 

    What is Habeas Corpus?

    Explanation
    Habeas Corpus is a legal term that refers to a writ or legal action that requires a person who has been detained or imprisoned to be brought before a court. It is a fundamental principle of law that safeguards individual freedom by preventing unlawful or arbitrary detention. Habeas Corpus ensures that a person cannot be held in custody without a valid reason or without being given the opportunity to challenge their detention in court. This legal mechanism is crucial in protecting civil liberties and ensuring due process in the justice system.

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  • 8. 

    This was the bloodiest battle of the war:

    • Fort Henry

    • Gettysburg

    • Fredericksburg

    Correct Answer
    A. Gettysburg
    Explanation
    Gettysburg is the correct answer because it was indeed the bloodiest battle of the war. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863 during the American Civil War, resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides. It is estimated that there were around 51,000 casualties, including over 7,800 deaths. The battle was a turning point in the war and marked a major defeat for the Confederacy.

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  • 9. 

    Why did Robert E. Lee join the Confederacy?

    • He couldn't take up arms against his native Virginia

    • He though Lincoln was a complete fool

    • He didn't think that the Union could win the war

    Correct Answer
    A. He couldn't take up arms against his native Virginia
    Explanation
    Robert E. Lee joined the Confederacy because he couldn't take up arms against his native Virginia. This suggests that Lee's loyalty to his home state was stronger than his loyalty to the Union. He likely felt a deep connection to Virginia and couldn't bring himself to fight against it. This decision reflects the complex and divided loyalties that many individuals faced during the American Civil War.

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  • 10. 

    To raise money to fund the war, both sides created mass amounts of paper money. This caused the value of the money to decrease drastically. What is this called?

    Explanation
    This is called inflation. When a government prints excessive amounts of money, the supply of money increases while the value of each unit decreases. This leads to a rise in prices and a decrease in the purchasing power of the currency. In times of war, governments often resort to this method to finance their military operations, but it can have negative consequences on the economy and the population.

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  • 11. 

    Who started the American Red Cross?

    • Dorothea Dix

    • Clara Barton

    • Sally Louisa Tompkins

    Correct Answer
    A. Clara Barton
    Explanation
    Clara Barton is the correct answer because she founded the American Red Cross. She was a nurse and humanitarian who played a crucial role in providing aid and support during the American Civil War. Barton's dedication and efforts led to the establishment of the American Red Cross in 1881, which has since become one of the most prominent humanitarian organizations in the United States, providing disaster relief, blood donations, and support to those in need.

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  • 12. 

    During what battle was Stonewall Jackson killed?

    • Fredericksburg

    • Chancellorsville

    • Richmond

    Correct Answer
    A. Chancellorsville
    Explanation
    Stonewall Jackson was killed during the Battle of Chancellorsville. This battle took place during the American Civil War from April 30 to May 6, 1863. Jackson, a Confederate general, was accidentally shot by his own men while scouting the area at night. His death was a significant loss for the Confederacy as he was considered one of their most skilled and respected commanders.

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  • 13. 

    Who would say these words after Robert E. Lee surrenders his army to the Union in what town?"The war is over. The rebels are our countrymen again."

    • Grant; Appomattox Courthouse

    • Sherman; Georgia

    • Lincoln; Washington, D.C.

    Correct Answer
    A. Grant; Appomattox Courthouse
    Explanation
    After Robert E. Lee surrenders his army to the Union in Appomattox Courthouse, it is likely that Grant would say these words: "The war is over. The rebels are our countrymen again." Grant, as the commanding general of the Union Army, would be in a position to make a statement regarding the end of the war and the reconciliation of the Confederate states back into the United States. Appomattox Courthouse is the correct location for the surrender, where Lee officially surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865.

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  • 14. 

    Until what Union victory did Lincoln wait to release the Emancipation Proclamation?

    • Battle of Bull Run

    • Battle of Shiloh

    • Battle of Antietam

    Correct Answer
    A. Battle of Antietam
    Explanation
    Lincoln waited until the Battle of Antietam to release the Emancipation Proclamation. This battle, fought on September 17, 1862, was a crucial victory for the Union during the American Civil War. It provided Lincoln with the confidence and momentum to issue the proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free. Lincoln strategically waited for a significant Union victory to release the proclamation, as it would have a greater impact and legitimacy. The Battle of Antietam was seen as a turning point in the war and gave Lincoln the opportunity to make a bold statement against slavery.

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  • 15. 

    What was the event behind the saying, "Rich man's war, poor man's fight"?

    • The Battle of Shiloh

    • The amount dead at Gettysburg

    • The bounty and draft laws

    Correct Answer
    A. The bounty and draft laws
    Explanation
    During the American Civil War, the saying "Rich man's war, poor man's fight" emerged as a criticism of the bounty and draft laws. These laws allowed wealthy individuals to pay a sum of money to avoid military service, while poorer individuals were drafted and forced to fight. This created a perception that the war was disproportionately burdening the poor and working-class citizens, while the wealthy were able to buy their way out of fighting. The saying reflects the social and economic inequalities that existed during the war and the resentment it caused among the less privileged population.

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  • 16. 

    What was Lincoln's problem with George McClellan?

    • He was too cautious

    • He didn't have very good battle plans

    • He didn't want to listen to others

    Correct Answer
    A. He was too cautious
    Explanation
    Lincoln's problem with George McClellan was that he was too cautious. This means that McClellan was overly hesitant and reluctant to take risks in battle, which frustrated Lincoln. Lincoln wanted a more aggressive and decisive leader who would actively pursue victory in the Civil War. McClellan's cautious approach often resulted in missed opportunities and prolonged the war.

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  • 17. 

    What was the South's basic battle plan?

    • Invade the North

    • Not lose

    • Capture Washington, D.C.

    Correct Answer
    A. Not lose
    Explanation
    The South's basic battle plan was to "Not lose." This suggests that their main objective was to avoid defeat rather than actively seeking to invade the North or capture Washington, D.C. This defensive strategy may have been due to the South's limited resources and manpower compared to the North. By focusing on not losing, the South aimed to prolong the war and exhaust the Union's resources in the hopes of achieving a favorable outcome.

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  • 18. 

    Identify the similarity between these terms:Lincoln, Grant, McClellan, Sherman, Sheridan, and Atlanta.

    • They all effected the election of 1864

    • They were all on the Union side

    • They effected the public's view of the war

    Correct Answer
    A. They all effected the election of 1864
    Explanation
    All the terms mentioned - Lincoln, Grant, McClellan, Sherman, Sheridan, and Atlanta - had an impact on the election of 1864. This implies that each of them played a role in shaping the outcome or influencing the voting process during that election year.

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  • 19. 

    What was the leading cause of death during the war?

    • Bullet wounds

    • Unsanitary conditions

    • Disease

    Correct Answer
    A. Unsanitary conditions
    Explanation
    During war, unsanitary conditions such as lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions contribute to the spread of diseases and infections. These conditions make it difficult to maintain proper hygiene and increase the risk of illnesses. While bullet wounds are a direct cause of death in war, the unsanitary conditions play a significant role in exacerbating the mortality rate by facilitating the transmission of diseases. Therefore, unsanitary conditions were the leading cause of death during the war.

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  • 20. 

    What event caused the Civil War?

    • The attack on Fort Henry

    • Capture of Fort Donelson

    • Secession of South Carolina

    Correct Answer
    A. The attack on Fort Henry
    Explanation
    The attack on Fort Henry was a significant event that caused the Civil War. It was one of the first major military engagements between the Union and Confederate forces. The attack on Fort Henry by the Union forces led to its capture and demonstrated the Union's determination to regain control of the Confederate states. This event further escalated tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.

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  • 21. 

    What was the condition for slaves to be released under the Emancipation Proclamation, and how many slaves were freed?

    • Only slaves in the Confederacy were freed; 0 slaves

    • Only slaves in the regions in rebellion against the Union were freed; 0 slaves

    • Only slaves in slave states, Union or Confederacy were freed; 5,000 slaves

    Correct Answer
    A. Only slaves in the regions in rebellion against the Union were freed; 0 slaves
    Explanation
    The Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in the regions that were in rebellion against the Union. Therefore, the correct answer is that 0 slaves were freed.

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  • 22. 

    Why didn't Lincoln want to declare war on the Confederacy?

    Correct Answer
    He didn't want to recognize that the Confederacy existed
    Explanation
    Lincoln did not want to declare war on the Confederacy because he did not want to acknowledge its existence. By refusing to recognize the Confederacy, Lincoln aimed to delegitimize their claims to secede from the Union and maintain the idea that the United States remained intact. Declaring war on the Confederacy would have implied that they were a separate and legitimate entity, which Lincoln wanted to avoid.

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  • 23. 

    What was the purpose of the North blockading the South?

    Correct Answer
    Explanation
    The purpose of the North blockading the South during the American Civil War was to cut off the Confederate states from receiving supplies and resources from foreign countries. The North aimed to weaken the Southern economy and force the Confederacy to surrender by depriving them of essential goods such as weapons, ammunition, and food. The blockade also aimed to prevent the South from exporting cotton, which was a major source of income for the Confederacy. By implementing the blockade, the North hoped to isolate and suffocate the Southern states, eventually leading to their defeat.

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  • 24. 

    What were the parts of the Anaconda Plan? Did it work?

    Correct Answer
    Capture Richmond, control the Mississippi River, and blockade the South's ports. Yes, it worked.
    Explanation
    The Anaconda Plan was a strategy devised by the Union during the American Civil War. Its main objectives were to capture Richmond (the Confederate capital), control the Mississippi River, and blockade the South's ports. By capturing Richmond, the Union aimed to weaken the Confederate government and morale. Controlling the Mississippi River would split the Confederacy in two and disrupt their transportation and supply routes. Blockading the South's ports would cut off their access to international trade and resources. Overall, the Anaconda Plan was successful in achieving its goals and played a significant role in the Union's ultimate victory.

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  • 25. 

    How did the Merrimack and the Monitor change naval warfare?

    Correct Answer
    They made wooden ships obsolete.
    Explanation
    The Merrimack and the Monitor changed naval warfare by making wooden ships obsolete. This means that after their introduction, wooden ships were no longer effective or relevant in naval battles. The Merrimack and the Monitor were ironclad warships that revolutionized naval technology, as they were heavily armored and equipped with powerful cannons. This advancement in ship design and technology rendered traditional wooden ships vulnerable and ineffective in comparison. The Merrimack and the Monitor set a new standard for naval warfare, paving the way for the development of modern, armored warships.

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  • 26. 

    Why was the Civil War more deadly than previous wars?

    Correct Answer
    Soldiers dying on both sides were both Americans.
    Explanation
    The Civil War was more deadly than previous wars because soldiers from both sides were Americans. This meant that the conflict was fought between fellow countrymen, leading to a higher emotional toll and a greater sense of loss. The fact that Americans were killing Americans added a layer of tragedy and intensity to the war, resulting in higher casualties and a more devastating impact on the nation.

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  • 27. 

    During Sherman's March to the Sea, what major city was burned down to the ground, and what was the effect of this in Washington, D.C.?

    Correct Answer
    Atlanta; Voters thought that the Union has a shot at winning the war
    Explanation
    During Sherman's March to the Sea, the major city that was burned down to the ground was Atlanta. The effect of this in Washington, D.C. was that voters thought that the Union had a chance of winning the war.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 18, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 07, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Jkprakash0102
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