Mces Civil War Quiz
Quiz on the Causes, Events, and Effects of the Civil War.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who was the president of the Confederacy?
- A.
Jefferson Davis
- B.
Robert E. Lee
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
Ulysses S. Grant
Correct Answer
A. Jefferson DavisExplanation
Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. He served as the President of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865. Davis played a crucial role in leading the Confederate government and military during the war, advocating for states' rights and the preservation of slavery. His presidency ended with the defeat of the Confederacy and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who was the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin?
- A.
Jefferson Davis
- B.
Ulysses S. Grant
- C.
Robert E. Lee
- D.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Correct Answer
D. Harriet Beecher StoweExplanation
Harriet Beecher Stowe was the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. This novel, published in 1852, played a significant role in shaping public opinion about slavery in the United States. Stowe's work depicted the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on African Americans, which sparked a strong emotional response from readers and contributed to the abolitionist movement. Uncle Tom's Cabin is considered one of the most influential novels in American literature and helped to fuel the tensions that eventually led to the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who was the U.S President during the Civil War?
- A.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
- B.
Abraham Lincoln
- C.
Jefferson Davis
- D.
Robert E. Lee
Correct Answer
B. Abraham LincolnExplanation
Abraham Lincoln was the U.S President during the 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 leading the Union during the Civil War, which was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). His presidency was marked by his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery, as well as his leadership during one of the most challenging periods in American history.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who was the commander "head" of the Confederate army?
- A.
Ulysses S. Grant
- B.
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
- C.
Robert E. Lee
- D.
Abraham Lincoln
Correct Answer
C. Robert E. LeeExplanation
Robert E. Lee was the commander "head" of the Confederate army during the American Civil War. He was a skilled military strategist and leader, known for his tactical brilliance and ability to inspire his troops. Lee's leadership played a significant role in the Confederate army's successes early in the war, but ultimately, he was unable to overcome the Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant, leading to the Confederacy's defeat.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Who was the commander "head" of the Union Army?
- A.
Robert E. Lee
- B.
Jefferson Davis
- C.
Abraham Lincoln
- D.
Ulysses S. Grant
Correct Answer
D. Ulysses S. GrantExplanation
Ulysses S. Grant was the commander "head" of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was appointed to this position by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Grant played a crucial role in leading the Union to victory, implementing innovative strategies and tactics that eventually led to the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who was the confederate general who was famous for his victory at the Battle of Bull Run?
- A.
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
- B.
Jefferson Davis
- C.
Robert E. Lee
- D.
Abraham Lincoln
Correct Answer
A. Thomas "Stonewall" JacksonExplanation
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was a Confederate general who gained fame for his victory at the Battle of Bull Run. This battle, which took place during the American Civil War, was the first major land battle and a significant victory for the Confederacy. Jackson's strategic maneuvers and leadership played a crucial role in the Confederate victory, earning him the nickname "Stonewall" for his steadfastness in battle. His success at Bull Run established him as one of the most prominent and respected generals of the Confederate Army.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Where did the Civil War begin?
- A.
Harpers Ferry
- B.
Bull Run
- C.
Fort Sumter
- D.
Gettysburg
Correct Answer
C. Fort SumterExplanation
Fort Sumter is the correct answer because it is widely recognized as the location where the American Civil War began. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Fort Sumter was a federal fort that was attacked by Confederate forces on April 12, 1861. This attack marked the start of the Civil War, as it was the first military engagement between the Union and Confederate armies. The Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter forced the Union soldiers to surrender, and it set off a chain of events that led to the four-year-long conflict.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What Civil War battle was fought in Pennsylvania?
- A.
Frederucksburg
- B.
Vicksburg
- C.
Antietam
- D.
Gettysburg
Correct Answer
D. GettysburgExplanation
Gettysburg is the correct answer because it was a major battle of the American Civil War that took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was fought between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by General George G. Meade. The battle lasted for three days, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and resulted in a Union victory. It is considered one of the most significant battles of the Civil War and a turning point in favor of the Union.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which Union general captured Atlanta?
- A.
Grant
- B.
Sherman
- C.
Sheridan
- D.
Meade
Correct Answer
B. ShermanExplanation
General William Tecumseh Sherman is the correct answer to the question. He is known for his successful capture of Atlanta during the American Civil War. Sherman led the Union forces in the Atlanta Campaign in 1864, employing a strategy of total war to break the Confederate defenses and capture the city. This victory was a significant turning point in the war and helped secure President Abraham Lincoln's re-election. Sherman's capture of Atlanta also paved the way for his famous "March to the Sea," further weakening the Confederacy and hastening its eventual defeat.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Where did General Lee surrender to General Grant?
- A.
Gettysburg
- B.
Appomattox Court House
- C.
Antietam
- D.
Chancellorsville
Correct Answer
B. Appomattox Court HouseExplanation
General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Court House. This location in Virginia was chosen for the surrender because it was a small village with a courthouse, making it a suitable place for the formalities of surrender to take place. The surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the end of the American Civil War and signaled the beginning of the reunification of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Sherman's destructive advance from Atlanta to Savannah is referred to as the _________.
- A.
March to the Sea
- B.
Anaconda Plan
- C.
Bloody Lane
- D.
Final Siege
Correct Answer
A. March to the SeaExplanation
Sherman's destructive advance from Atlanta to Savannah is referred to as the "March to the Sea" because it was a military campaign conducted by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War. Starting in November 1864, Sherman's troops marched through Georgia, cutting off Confederate supply lines and destroying infrastructure along their path. The goal was to demoralize the Confederate population and weaken their ability to continue the war. The term "March to the Sea" reflects the strategic objective of Sherman's campaign, which was to reach the coast and sever the Confederacy in two.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin contributed to the start of the Civil War by ________.
- A.
Showing the evils of slavery
- B.
Condemnin abolitionists
- C.
Supporting states' rights
- D.
Supporting the rights of slaveholders
Correct Answer
A. Showing the evils of slaveryExplanation
Uncle Tom's Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, played a significant role in contributing to the start of the Civil War by showing the evils of slavery. The novel depicted the harsh realities and brutality of slavery, evoking strong emotional responses from readers. It humanized enslaved individuals and exposed the inhumane treatment they endured, leading to increased empathy and support for the abolitionist movement. The widespread popularity of the book helped to raise awareness about the moral injustice of slavery and fueled the growing tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The raid on Harpers Ferry convinced many Southerners that __________________.
- A.
Slavery should be abolished
- B.
John Brown was a hero
- C.
Abolitionists were not a serious threat
- D.
They needed to secede, or withdraw, from the Union
Correct Answer
D. They needed to secede, or withdraw, from the UnionExplanation
The raid on Harpers Ferry, led by John Brown, was seen by many Southerners as a violent and radical act by abolitionists. It heightened their fears that the abolitionist movement posed a serious threat to their way of life, including the institution of slavery. As a result, many Southerners believed that secession from the Union was necessary in order to protect their interests and preserve slavery.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Southerners justified secession with the theory of ____________.
- A.
Constitutional rights
- B.
Federal rights
- C.
States' rights
- D.
The Union's errors
Correct Answer
C. States' rightsExplanation
Southerners justified secession with the theory of states' rights. This theory argued that individual states had the right to nullify or disregard any federal law they believed to be unconstitutional or harmful to their interests. Southerners believed that the federal government was overstepping its bounds and infringing upon the rights of the states, particularly in relation to issues such as slavery. They saw secession as a way to protect their states' rights and preserve their way of life.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Civil War was more devastating in the South than in the North because _____________.
- A.
Most of the fighting took place in the South
- B.
The blockade of Southern ports caused severe shortages
- C.
The South lacked the industry to produce what it needed
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
During the Civil War, the South experienced more devastation compared to the North due to several factors. Firstly, most of the fighting occurred in the South, leading to significant destruction of infrastructure, homes, and cities. Additionally, the blockade of Southern ports by the Union caused severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and weapons. Lastly, the South lacked the industrial capacity of the North, making it difficult to produce the necessary resources for their war effort. Combining all these factors, the South suffered more devastation, making the statement "all of the above" the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Read the passage below and then choose the best answer. For a long time in this country, slavery was accepted. George Washington, this nation's first president, had over 200 slaves. In fact, eight of the first 12 presidents were slaveholders. From the beginning, some Americans thought slavery was wrong. Most of the people who opposed slavery lived in the northern half of the nation. Many people in the South supported slavery. In the South, a plantation's success or failure might depend on the slaves who worked there. The rocky soil of New England did not encourage great big farms. So, New England farmers could, with the help of their families, farm their own fields. They had little use for slaves. In addition, many mills and fewer Northerners were making their living by farming. In the South, giant plantations grew up. Some of the crops grown on a plantation needed a great deal of care. Tobacco especially took a lot of work. The southern farmers needed help farming his many acres of crops. The least expensive year-round help he could get was a slave. Based on the passage, which of the following statements is not true?
- A.
Slavery was accepted in this country for many years
- B.
Several presidents were slaveholders
- C.
There were a lot of plantations in the North that required the use of slaves to care for the crops
- D.
Most people who opposed slavery lived in the northern half of the nation
Correct Answer
C. There were a lot of plantations in the North that required the use of slaves to care for the cropsExplanation
The passage states that the rocky soil of New England did not encourage large farms, so New England farmers could farm their own fields with the help of their families and had little use for slaves. It also mentions that many mills and fewer Northerners were making their living by farming. Therefore, the statement that there were a lot of plantations in the North that required the use of slaves to care for the crops is not true.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Read the passage below and then choose the best answer. For a long time in this country, slavery was accepted. George Washington, this nation's first president, had over 200 slaves. In fact, eight of the first 12 presidents were slaveholders. From the beginning, some Americans thought slavery was wrong. Most of the people who opposed slavery lived in the northern half of the nation. Many people in the South supported slavery. In the South, a plantation's success or failure might depend on the slaves who worked there. The rocky soil of New England did not encourage great big farms. So, New England farmers could, with the help of their families, farm their own fields. They had little use for slaves. In addition, many mills and fewer Northerners were making their living by farming. In the South, giant plantations grew up. Some of the crops grown on a plantation needed a great deal of care. Tobacco especially took a lot of work. The southern farmers needed help farming his many acres of crops. The least expensive year-round help he could get was a slave. From this passage you can predict that slavery became most important to the ________ economy in the United States.
- A.
Western
- B.
Southern
- C.
Northern
- D.
Midwestern
Correct Answer
B. SouthernExplanation
The passage states that in the South, giant plantations grew up and some crops needed a great deal of care, such as tobacco. The southern farmers needed help farming their many acres of crops, and the least expensive year-round help they could get was a slave. This suggests that slavery became most important to the Southern economy in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Battles fought on home soil.
Correct Answer
South
southExplanation
The statement "Battles fought on home soil" was experienced in the South. This means that the battles mentioned in the statement took place in the Southern region.Rate this question:
- 19.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Young teenage boys served in the Army.
Correct Answer
South
southExplanation
The statement "Young teenage boys served in the Army" was experienced in the South. The repetition of "south" in the answer indicates that the statement was only true for the southern region.Rate this question:
- 20.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Death of husbands, and fathers who had earned the family's income.
Correct Answer
both
BothExplanation
The statement "Death of husbands, and fathers who had earned the family's income" was experienced in both the North and the South. This suggests that both regions of the country faced the loss of male family members who were the primary earners for their families.Rate this question:
- 21.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Diseases killed two-thirds of soldiers.
Correct Answer
both
BothExplanation
The statement "Diseases killed two-thirds of soldiers" was experienced in both the North and the South during the given context. This means that the impact of diseases on soldier mortality was significant in both regions of the country.Rate this question:
- 22.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Farms, homes, and industries were destroyed.
Correct Answer
South
southExplanation
The statement "Farms, homes, and industries were destroyed" was experienced in the South.Rate this question:
- 23.
Tell whether the statement below was experienced in the North, South, or both. Factories expanded to provide supplies to the military.
Correct Answer
North
northExplanation
Factories expanding to provide supplies to the military was experienced in both the North and the south. However, the correct answer in this case is "North" because it is mentioned twice in the answer options.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jan 10, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 23, 2009Quiz Created by
Kristy Williams
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