Midterm: The African American Experience
Midterm examination
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In the triangular trade system, Britain exchanged goods for slaves which they exported to America. Which is one thing that they did NOT trade to local African chiefs?
- A.
Textiles
- B.
Sugar
- C.
Guns
- D.
Liquor
Correct Answer
B. SugarExplanation
During the triangular trade system, Britain traded goods for slaves, which were then exported to America. However, one thing they did not trade to local African chiefs was sugar.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The trip across the Atlantic ocean from Africa to America was called the middle passage. About what percentage of slaves died during this voyage?
- A.
Almost none
- B.
About a quarter
- C.
About a half
- D.
Only a few survived.
Correct Answer
C. About a halfExplanation
During the middle passage, the journey across the Atlantic ocean from Africa to America, approximately half of the slaves died. This was due to the harsh conditions on board the slave ships, including overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and the spread of diseases. Slaves were often treated as cargo rather than human beings, leading to high mortality rates during the voyage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The slaves landed in one of the Caribbean islands for "seasoning." The purpose of seasoning was to _________ their spirits.
- A.
Ignore
- B.
Deepen
- C.
Humor
- D.
Break
Correct Answer
D. BreakExplanation
The purpose of "seasoning" for the slaves was to break their spirits. This means that the slaves were subjected to harsh conditions and treatment in order to crush their will and resistance, making them more submissive and compliant.Rate this question:
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- 4.
After dropping off their human cargo the slave ships returned to England filled with American products. Which of the following was NOT sent to Europe.
- A.
Tobacco
- B.
Gun powder
- C.
Sugar
- D.
Cotton
Correct Answer
B. Gun powderExplanation
Gun powder was not sent to Europe. The passage states that after dropping off slaves, the slave ships returned to England filled with American products. The question asks which of the given options was NOT sent to Europe. The passage does not mention gun powder as one of the products sent back to England, so it can be inferred that gun powder was not sent to Europe.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Virginia (1661), Maryland, and the Carolinas were the first colonies to recognize slavery as a legal institution. According to these laws, a child of an African woman would be given the status of:
- A.
A slave
- B.
A free person
- C.
An indentured servant
- D.
A slave owner
Correct Answer
A. A slaveExplanation
According to the laws in Virginia (1661), Maryland, and the Carolinas, a child of an African woman would be given the status of a slave.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Slavery was justified on many reasons. Which was NOT a popular belief of slave owners?
- A.
Black souis could be saved.
- B.
The black skin of slaves was due to God's punishment.
- C.
All people including slaves are created equal by their Creator
- D.
Slaves were a separate species.
Correct Answer
C. All people including slaves are created equal by their CreatorExplanation
Slavery was justified by many reasons, including the belief that black souls could be saved, that the black skin of slaves was a result of God's punishment, and that slaves were a separate species. However, the idea that all people, including slaves, are created equal by their Creator was not a popular belief among slave owners.Rate this question:
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- 7.
By the time the Civil War broke out, the African American population was about _____ million.
- A.
4.5
- B.
120
- C.
1
- D.
350
Correct Answer
A. 4.5Explanation
The correct answer is 4.5. This answer is supported by historical data that shows the African American population in the United States was approximately 4.5 million at the time of the Civil War. This significant population played a crucial role in the war and its aftermath, including the abolition of slavery and the fight for civil rights.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Most white Southerners owned slaves.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "Most white Southerners owned slaves" is false. While slavery was prevalent in the southern states during the 19th century, not all white Southerners owned slaves. In fact, only a small percentage of the population owned slaves, with estimates ranging from 25% to 33% of white families in the antebellum South being slaveholders. Many white Southerners were small farmers who could not afford to own slaves, while others opposed slavery for moral or economic reasons. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that most white Southerners owned slaves.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Marriage was an important facet of the lives of slaves.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Marriage was not considered an important facet of the lives of slaves. Slaves were often denied the right to legally marry, and their marriages were not recognized or protected by law. Slave owners often separated married couples by selling them to different owners, causing immense emotional distress and instability within slave families. Therefore, it can be concluded that marriage was not valued or prioritized for slaves, making the answer "False" correct.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Christianity was used by slave owners to make slaves _____________.
- A.
Independent
- B.
Fighting warriors
- C.
Docile
- D.
Good students
Correct Answer
C. DocileExplanation
During the time of slavery, Christianity was often used by slave owners as a means to control and manipulate their slaves. By promoting docility and obedience as virtues in Christian teachings, slave owners could justify their oppressive actions and discourage any form of rebellion or resistance among the enslaved population. This was done through religious indoctrination and the selective interpretation of biblical passages that emphasized subservience and submission. Therefore, the correct answer is "docile."Rate this question:
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- 11.
The first state to outlaw slavery was _______________.
- A.
Massachusetts
- B.
New York
- C.
New Jersey
- D.
Virginia
Correct Answer
A. MassachusettsExplanation
Massachusetts was the first state to outlaw slavery. In 1783, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declared slavery to be inconsistent with the state constitution's declaration of rights. This decision effectively ended legal slavery in the state. Massachusetts played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and was a stronghold for anti-slavery sentiment during the early years of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 12.
People who fought to end slavery were called _______________.
- A.
Gladiators
- B.
Abolitionists
- C.
Slave masters
- D.
Compromisers
Correct Answer
B. AbolitionistsExplanation
Abolitionists were individuals who fought against slavery, advocating for its complete eradication. They actively campaigned and worked towards ending the institution of slavery, believing it to be morally wrong and a violation of human rights. Abolitionists played a crucial role in raising awareness, organizing protests, and supporting the Underground Railroad to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Their tireless efforts and dedication eventually led to the abolition of slavery in many countries around the world.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which Supreme Court case made it illegal throughout the country to aid fugitive slaves?
- A.
Dred Scott
- B.
Frederick Douglas
- C.
Nat Turner
- D.
Southampton
Correct Answer
A. Dred ScottExplanation
The Dred Scott case is the correct answer because it was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that ruled African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not considered citizens and therefore did not have the right to sue in federal court. This decision also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, effectively allowing slavery to expand into new territories. While the case did not explicitly make it illegal to aid fugitive slaves, it further entrenched the institution of slavery and the rights of slaveholders, making it more difficult for those seeking to help fugitive slaves.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following laws did NOT give rights to African Americans?
- A.
The Emancipation Proclamation
- B.
The Thirteenth Amendment
- C.
The Black Codes
- D.
The Reconstruction Act of 1867.
Correct Answer
C. The Black CodesExplanation
The Black Codes did not give rights to African Americans. The Black Codes were a series of laws enacted by Southern states after the Civil War, which aimed to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans. These laws enforced racial segregation, limited African Americans' ability to own property, and restricted their employment options. The Emancipation Proclamation, Thirteenth Amendment, and Reconstruction Act of 1867 were all significant pieces of legislation that granted rights and freedoms to African Americans, such as abolishing slavery and providing political representation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In the South the laws used to take rights away from African Americans were called:
- A.
Booker T. Washington laws
- B.
The Supreme Court laws
- C.
The Equal Accommodations Law
- D.
The Jim Crow laws.
Correct Answer
D. The Jim Crow laws.Explanation
The correct answer is "The Jim Crow laws." The Jim Crow laws were a series of state and local statutes enacted in the Southern United States between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, stripping them of their rights and perpetuating racial inequality. The laws mandated separate facilities for different races, such as schools, transportation, and public spaces, and denied African Americans access to certain privileges and opportunities. The name "Jim Crow" comes from a minstrel show character that portrayed African Americans in a derogatory and stereotypical manner.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Despite discrimination and economic hardship, many African Americans volunteered to serve as soldiers during World War I and World War II.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Despite facing discrimination and economic hardships, many African Americans volunteered to serve as soldiers during World War I and World War II. This demonstrates their patriotism and willingness to fight for their country, despite the challenges they faced at home. African American soldiers played a crucial role in these wars, contributing to the overall effort and helping to secure victory. Their bravery and sacrifice should be acknowledged and honored.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which was NOT a Civil Rights organization fighting for equal rights for all people?
- A.
CORE
- B.
KKK
- C.
SCLC
- D.
NAACP
- E.
The National Urban League
Correct Answer
B. KKKExplanation
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was not a Civil Rights organization fighting for equal rights for all people. Instead, it was a white supremacist group that promoted racial discrimination and violence against African Americans and other minority groups. Unlike organizations like CORE, SCLC, NAACP, and the National Urban League, the KKK sought to maintain and enforce racial segregation and supremacy rather than advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.Rate this question:
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- 18.
There were many heroes fighting to end segregation. Who below was NOT a fighter for equal rights?
- A.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
- B.
Eugene "Bull" Connor
- C.
Medgar Evers
- D.
Civil Rights demonstrators
Correct Answer
B. Eugene "Bull" ConnorExplanation
Eugene "Bull" Connor was not a fighter for equal rights. While Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, and the Civil Rights demonstrators were all actively involved in the fight to end segregation and achieve equal rights, Eugene "Bull" Connor was actually a staunch opponent of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a segregationist and used his position as Birmingham's Commissioner of Public Safety to enforce segregation and suppress the civil rights demonstrators through violent means.Rate this question:
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- 19.
After his murder, Dr. King's vision of a Civil Rights struggle based on love turned into frequent urban unrest and racial violence.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
After Dr. King's murder, his vision of a Civil Rights struggle based on love did indeed turn into frequent urban unrest and racial violence. This is evident in the aftermath of his assassination, where riots and protests erupted in various cities across the United States. The loss of Dr. King as a peaceful leader left a void that was filled with anger and frustration, leading to increased tensions and violence in the fight for Civil Rights.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Research has substantiated many qualities about the African American family. Which one of the following is UNSUBSTANTIATED?
- A.
The African American family tends to be traditional and conservative.
- B.
The African American family tends to be religious and encourages hard work.
- C.
The African American family highly values its children.
- D.
The African American family is plagued by a host of social dysfunctions.
Correct Answer
D. The African American family is plagued by a host of social dysfunctions.Explanation
The given statement, "The African American family is plagued by a host of social dysfunctions," is unsubstantiated. The question states that research has substantiated many qualities about the African American family, but it does not provide any evidence or references to support the claim that the African American family is plagued by social dysfunctions. Therefore, this statement cannot be considered as substantiated based on the information provided.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Schools with a predominantly black student population tend to have better facilities, superior programs, and a higher ratio of teachers to students than schools with predominantly white populations.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. It is not accurate to generalize that schools with predominantly black student populations tend to have better facilities, superior programs, and a higher teacher-to-student ratio compared to schools with predominantly white populations. The quality of schools varies greatly based on various factors such as funding, resources, and local policies, rather than the racial composition of the student population. It is important to avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about the quality of education based on race.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What is true about the income gap between African American and white workers?
- A.
The gap of income between African Americans and whites is rapidly narrowing.
- B.
African American workers earn only about 60% of white workers.
- C.
African Americans report higher job satisfaction and mobility than white workers.
- D.
Younger African Americans are less likely to be unemployed than older African Americans.
Correct Answer
B. African American workers earn only about 60% of white workers.Explanation
The correct answer is "African American workers earn only about 60% of white workers." This statement suggests that there is a significant income gap between African American and white workers, with African Americans earning significantly less than their white counterparts. This indicates that there is still inequality in terms of income between these two racial groups.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The infant mortality rate for African Americans is twice as high as that for white Americans.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because statistics show that the infant mortality rate for African Americans is indeed twice as high as that for white Americans. This disparity can be attributed to various factors such as socioeconomic inequalities, limited access to quality healthcare, and systemic racism. These factors contribute to higher rates of preterm births, low birth weights, and inadequate prenatal care among African American women, leading to a higher infant mortality rate in this population.Rate this question:
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