Overla - Homesteading And Railroads

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Overla - Homesteading And Railroads - Quiz


Test covering Homesteading and the importance of the Railroad in building America


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following best describes the Homestead Act of 1863

    • A.

      The Homestead Act allowed for settlement of open territory and all the homesteaders became wealthy

    • B.

      The Homestead Act of 1863 was established to allow settlement in the western part of the United States while at the same time expanding the American economy

    • C.

      The Homestead Act was a monumental failure and it was discontinued in 1867

    Correct Answer
    B. The Homestead Act of 1863 was established to allow settlement in the western part of the United States while at the same time expanding the American economy
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the most accurate description of the Homestead Act of 1863. It states that the act was established to allow settlement in the western part of the United States and also aimed to expand the American economy. This aligns with the historical context of the act, as it provided 160 acres of public land to settlers who met certain requirements, such as cultivating the land and building a dwelling. By encouraging westward expansion and promoting economic growth, the Homestead Act played a significant role in shaping the development of the United States.

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  • 2. 

    Homesteaders and cattle ranchers got along just fine because there was so much open territory that the two never came into contact with each other

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because homesteaders and cattle ranchers often came into contact with each other. As settlers moved westward, conflicts arose over land and water rights. Cattle ranchers would often graze their herds on open range land, which sometimes overlapped with homesteaders' claims. This led to disputes and tensions between the two groups. Additionally, the expansion of railroads and the enclosure of land for farming further limited the open territory available to both homesteaders and cattle ranchers, increasing the likelihood of contact and conflict.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following conditions were required to obtain a homestead according to the Homestead Act of 1863(read responses carefully)

    • A.

      Had to be 21 and/or the head of a household, had to have $1500, had to make improvements on the land, had to live on the land

    • B.

      Had to have $1500, had to build a barn, a fence, a house, and a well, had to live on the land, had to farm the land, had to be at least 18 years old

    • C.

      Had to be 21 and/or the head of a household, had to make improvements on the land, had to farm the land, had to homestead for five years, had to pay a small fee to gain title to the land upon receiving it

    Correct Answer
    C. Had to be 21 and/or the head of a household, had to make improvements on the land, had to farm the land, had to homestead for five years, had to pay a small fee to gain title to the land upon receiving it
    Explanation
    According to the Homestead Act of 1863, in order to obtain a homestead, the individual had to be either 21 years old or the head of a household. They also had to make improvements on the land, such as building a house, a barn, and a well. Additionally, they were required to farm the land and homestead for a period of five years. Finally, upon receiving the land, they had to pay a small fee to gain title to it.

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  • 4. 

    The name of the first homesteader under the 1863 Homestead Act was a man by the name of _________________ and his homestead was located in the current state of __________

    • A.

      Daniel Freemason / Nevada

    • B.

      John L. Sullivan / Massachusetts

    • C.

      Daniel Freeman / Nebraska

    Correct Answer
    C. Daniel Freeman / Nebraska
    Explanation
    Daniel Freeman was the first homesteader under the 1863 Homestead Act. He claimed his homestead in the current state of Nebraska.

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  • 5. 

    Is the following statement true or false:Many homesteaders that came west were terribly unprepared for the harsh lifestyle that they were required to lead.  Many lived in houses that were made of sod or in simple dugouts in the sides of hills.  While some homesteaders did lead prosperous lives that eventually lead to wealth, many eaked out a meager living while others simply failed

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because it states that many homesteaders that came west were unprepared for the harsh lifestyle they had to lead. It also mentions that many lived in houses made of sod or simple dugouts, indicating their lack of resources and proper housing. Additionally, it states that while some homesteaders were successful and became wealthy, many struggled to make a decent living or failed altogether.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following conditions lead to the difficult lives of many homesteaders (read responses carefully)

    • A.

      Harsh weather, crop failure, insect infestation, military conflict with native Americans, poor market prices

    • B.

      Harsh weather, high rates charged by the railroads, poor diet, military conflict with the native Americans

    • C.

      Harsh weather, high rates charged by the railroads, insect infestation, poor economic decisions by the homesteaders, crop failure

    Correct Answer
    C. Harsh weather, high rates charged by the railroads, insect infestation, poor economic decisions by the homesteaders, crop failure
    Explanation
    The difficult lives of many homesteaders were caused by a combination of factors. Harsh weather conditions made it challenging to grow crops, leading to crop failure. High rates charged by the railroads made it expensive for homesteaders to transport their goods to market, resulting in poor market prices. Insect infestation further damaged crops and decreased yields. Additionally, poor economic decisions made by the homesteaders themselves contributed to their difficulties. Overall, a combination of these factors led to the difficult lives of many homesteaders.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following statements can be attributed to the introduction of barbed wire on the open plains

    • A.

      Barbed wire effectively ended the open prairie because it ended the free range movement of cattle

    • B.

      Barbed wire was a source of conflict between cattle ranchers who were used to free range cattle grazing and and homesteaders who were trying to protect their business investments of crop plantings

    • C.

      Both of the above statements can be attributed to the introduction of barbed wire on the open plains

    • D.

      Neither of the above statements can be attributed to the introduction of barbed wire on the open plains

    Correct Answer
    C. Both of the above statements can be attributed to the introduction of barbed wire on the open plains
    Explanation
    The introduction of barbed wire on the open plains led to the end of the open prairie because it restricted the free range movement of cattle. This caused conflict between cattle ranchers, who were accustomed to free range grazing, and homesteaders, who wanted to protect their crop plantings. Both of these statements can be attributed to the introduction of barbed wire on the open plains.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following bits of data most accurately reflect the information contained in the 1880 DeSmet Census Report(read responses carefully)

    • A.

      Age, birthplace of mother and father

    • B.

      Gender, birthplace of mother and father, occupation of mother and father, family relationship, birthdate

    • C.

      Name, race, gender, age, family relationship, occupation, birthplace, birthplace of mother and father

    • D.

      None of the above responses accurately reflect the information contained in the 1880 DeSmet Census Report

    Correct Answer
    C. Name, race, gender, age, family relationship, occupation, birthplace, birthplace of mother and father
    Explanation
    The answer that most accurately reflects the information contained in the 1880 DeSmet Census Report is "Name, race, gender, age, family relationship, occupation, birthplace, birthplace of mother and father." This answer includes all the relevant data points that would be recorded in a census report, such as the individual's name, race, gender, age, family relationship, occupation, and the birthplaces of both the individual and their parents.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following can be attributed to the concept of how the railroads helped build America

    • A.

      Railroads helped provide for the expansion of territory in America

    • B.

      Railroads helped provide for the expansion of industry in America

    • C.

      Railroads helped provide for the expansion of the American economy

    • D.

      All of the above statements are true statements

    • E.

      None of the above statesments are true statements

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above statements are true statements
    Explanation
    The concept of how the railroads helped build America can be attributed to the expansion of territory, industry, and the American economy. Railroads played a crucial role in connecting different regions of the country, allowing for the expansion of territory and the settlement of new areas. They also facilitated the transportation of goods and raw materials, which helped drive the growth of industries across the country. Additionally, the railroads contributed to the overall economic development of America by creating jobs, stimulating trade, and boosting economic activity. Therefore, all of the statements mentioned are true.

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  • 10. 

    According to the notes that you took in class, which of the following statements can be seen as true about the expansion of the railroads in the United States

    • A.

      Between the years 1850 and 1890, the number of miles of railroads in the United States increased from approximately 9,000 miles to almost 130,000 miles.

    • B.

      Railroad mileage increased at a very slow rate between the years 1850 and 1870, but then dramatically from 1870 to 1890.

    • C.

      As the expansion of the United States network of railroads increased the United States economy decreased.

    Correct Answer
    A. Between the years 1850 and 1890, the number of miles of railroads in the United States increased from approximately 9,000 miles to almost 130,000 miles.
    Explanation
    Between the years 1850 and 1890, the number of miles of railroads in the United States increased from approximately 9,000 miles to almost 130,000 miles. This statement is true because it accurately reflects the expansion of railroads in the United States during that time period. The increase in railroad mileage was significant and played a crucial role in the economic development and growth of the country.

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  • 11. 

    The Populist Party wanted to increase the money supply so that

    • A.

      Everyone in the United States could afford to live a safe and healthy lifestyle

    • B.

      Prices for products, specifically farm products, would increase as well, due to the fact that people would have more money to spend

    • C.

      The Populist Party didn't want an increase in the money supply

    Correct Answer
    B. Prices for products, specifically farm products, would increase as well, due to the fact that people would have more money to spend
    Explanation
    The Populist Party wanted to increase the money supply because they believed that it would lead to an increase in prices for products, especially farm products. They believed that when people have more money to spend, they would be willing to pay higher prices for goods and services. This would benefit farmers and other producers by allowing them to sell their products at higher prices and make more profit. Additionally, the party wanted to ensure that everyone in the United States could afford to live a safe and healthy lifestyle, which would also be facilitated by an increase in the money supply.

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  • 12. 

    Term limitations, the eight hour work day, the graduated income tax plan, and the secret ballot were all introduced by the Republican Party during the 1896 Presidential Election

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the Republican Party did not introduce term limitations, the eight-hour workday, the graduated income tax plan, and the secret ballot during the 1896 Presidential Election. These reforms were actually introduced by other political parties and movements during different time periods.

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  • 13. 

    A system in which the government would exchange paper money for gold or silver

    • A.

      The gold or silver standard

    • B.

      Bimettalism

    • C.

      The coinage system

    Correct Answer
    B. Bimettalism
    Explanation
    Bimettalism refers to a system where the government exchanges paper money for either gold or silver. This system allows for the currency to be backed by a tangible asset, providing stability and confidence in the value of the money. It is a form of the gold or silver standard, where the value of the currency is directly linked to the value of these precious metals. The term "coinage system" is too broad and does not specifically refer to the exchange of paper money for gold or silver, making it an incorrect answer.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following sets of names and their respective political parties were candidates during the 1896 Presidential Election

    • A.

      William Shatner (Star Fleet Command) / William Bennett (

    • B.

      William Jennings Bryan (Rep.) / William McKinley (Dem.)

    • C.

      William McKinley (Rep.) / William Jennings Bryan (Dem. - Populist)

    • D.

      William Seward (Rep.) / William Jennings Bryan (Dem.)

    Correct Answer
    C. William McKinley (Rep.) / William Jennings Bryan (Dem. - Populist)
  • 15. 

    For next 5 questions, refer to chart concerning the 1896 Election:Which state gave McKinley the largest number of popular votes

    • A.

      California

    • B.

      Illinois

    • C.

      Pennsylvania

    • D.

      New York

    Correct Answer
    D. New York
    Explanation
    New York gave McKinley the largest number of popular votes in the 1896 Election.

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  • 16. 

    Which state gave Bryan the smallest number of popular votes

    • A.

      Delaware

    • B.

      Vermont

    • C.

      Ohio

    • D.

      Nevada

    Correct Answer
    D. Nevada
    Explanation
    Nevada gave Bryan the smallest number of popular votes.

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  • 17. 

    How many states cast at least one electoral vote for the Democratic candidate

    • A.

      17

    • B.

      14

    • C.

      24

    • D.

      21

    Correct Answer
    C. 24
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 24 because in the United States, each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. These electoral votes are then cast for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. Since the question asks for the number of states that cast at least one electoral vote for the Democratic candidate, we can conclude that 24 states voted for the Democratic candidate in this particular scenario.

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  • 18. 

    How many total popular votes were cast for both candidates

    • A.

      13,907,000

    • B.

      6,493,000

    • C.

      7,102

    • D.

      447,000

    Correct Answer
    A. 13,907,000
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 13,907,000. This is the total number of popular votes cast for both candidates.

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  • 19. 

    Which states split their electoral votes between the candidates

    • A.

      California and Kansas

    • B.

      California and Kentucky

    • C.

      Kansas and Kentucky

    • D.

      Kansas and Colorado

    Correct Answer
    B. California and Kentucky
    Explanation
    California and Kentucky are the states that split their electoral votes between the candidates. In these states, rather than the winner taking all of the electoral votes, the votes are divided proportionally based on the popular vote. This means that the candidate who wins the majority of the popular vote in the state will receive the majority of the electoral votes, but the runner-up will also receive a portion of the electoral votes based on their share of the popular vote. This system allows for a more balanced representation of the voters' preferences in these states.

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  • 20. 

    For next five questions, refer to Map:Into how many time zones is the continental United State divided

    • A.

      1

    • B.

      2

    • C.

      3

    • D.

      4

    Correct Answer
    D. 4
    Explanation
    The continental United States is divided into four time zones. This means that different regions within the country have different standard times, which helps to maintain consistency in scheduling and communication across the country. The four time zones are Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Each time zone is approximately one hour apart from the adjacent time zone, with the Eastern Time Zone being the earliest and the Pacific Time Zone being the latest.

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  • 21. 

    How many hours separate Central and Eastern Time

    • A.

      1

    • B.

      3

    • C.

      4

    • D.

      5

    Correct Answer
    A. 1
    Explanation
    Central Time is one hour behind Eastern Time. Therefore, there is a one-hour difference between Central and Eastern Time.

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  • 22. 

    In 1870, how many railroads reached the West Coast

    • A.

      1

    • B.

      2

    • C.

      3

    • D.

      4

    Correct Answer
    A. 1
    Explanation
    During the year 1870, only one railroad reached the West Coast. This implies that there was only a single railway connection that extended all the way to the West Coast during that time.

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  • 23. 

    Which railroad connected Butte and Minneapolis

    • A.

      Great Northern

    • B.

      Northern Pacific

    • C.

      Union Pacific

    • D.

      Illinois Central

    Correct Answer
    B. Northern Pacific
    Explanation
    The Northern Pacific railroad connected Butte and Minneapolis.

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  • 24. 

    Which two cities were connected by the Pennsylvania Railway

    • A.

      Los Angeles and Tucson

    • B.

      Salt Lake City and Omaha

    • C.

      Atlanta and Pittsburgh

    • D.

      Pittsburgh and St. Louis

    Correct Answer
    D. Pittsburgh and St. Louis
    Explanation
    The Pennsylvania Railway connected Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

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  • 25. 

    Refer to the Census Report for the following three questions Which of the following statements about the PARENTS of Laura Ingalls is true

    • A.

      They were born in foreign countries

    • B.

      They were born in territories, not states

    • C.

      They were born in the Northeast

    • D.

      They were born in Mexico

    Correct Answer
    C. They were born in the Northeast
    Explanation
    Based on the information provided in the Census Report, it can be concluded that Laura Ingalls' parents were born in the Northeast.

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  • 26. 

    Approximately how old was Caroline when her last child was born

    • A.

      25

    • B.

      30

    • C.

      33

    • D.

      37

    Correct Answer
    D. 37
    Explanation
    Caroline was approximately 37 years old when her last child was born.

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  • 27. 

    Laura Ingalls and her sister Mary were

    • A.

      Both born in Wisconsin

    • B.

      Not attending school in 1880

    • C.

      Both teenagers in 1880

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "all of the above" because the statement "Laura Ingalls and her sister Mary were both born in Wisconsin" is true. Additionally, the statement "Laura Ingalls and her sister Mary were not attending school in 1880" is also true. Lastly, the statement "Laura Ingalls and her sister Mary were both teenagers in 1880" is also true. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

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  • 28. 

    Refer to Bar Graph for the next four questions:Which decade showed the largest increase in coal production

    • A.

      1860 - 1870

    • B.

      1870 - 1880

    • C.

      1880 - 1890

    • D.

      1890 -1900

    Correct Answer
    D. 1890 -1900
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 1890-1900. This can be determined by comparing the bar heights for each decade on the graph. The bar for 1890-1900 is significantly taller than the bars for the other decades, indicating a larger increase in coal production during that time period.

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  • 29. 

    In which decade did coal production more than double

    • A.

      1860 - 1870

    • B.

      1870 -1880

    • C.

      1880 - 1890

    • D.

      1890 - 1900

    Correct Answer
    A. 1860 - 1870
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 1860 - 1870. This is because the question asks about the decade in which coal production more than doubled. Looking at the given options, the only decade where this is possible is 1860 - 1870.

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  • 30. 

    Between 1860 and 1900, coal production

    • A.

      Barely tripled

    • B.

      Rose by more than ten times

    • C.

      Rose from 20,000,000 tons to 160,000,000 tons

    • D.

      Was cut in half

    Correct Answer
    B. Rose by more than ten times
    Explanation
    Between 1860 and 1900, coal production experienced a significant increase, rising by more than ten times. This means that the amount of coal produced during this period was more than ten times the amount produced in 1860. The statement "rose by more than ten times" indicates a substantial growth in coal production, highlighting the significant expansion of the coal industry during this time frame.

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  • 31. 

    Based on the graph, which of the following statements is NOT true

    • A.

      Coal production increased substantially each decade

    • B.

      Coal production nearly doubled each decade from 1870 to 1890

    • C.

      Coal production more than tripled from 1880 to 1900

    • D.

      Coal production gradually decreased during each decade

    Correct Answer
    D. Coal production gradually decreased during each decade
    Explanation
    The graph shows that coal production increased substantially each decade, nearly doubled from 1870 to 1890, and more than tripled from 1880 to 1900. Therefore, the statement "coal production gradually decreased during each decade" is not true.

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  • 32. 

    What were some of the hardships that frontier farmers faced in the mid to late 1800's:address the following:     1.  weather conditions     2.  availability of land and housing     3.  working conditions      4.  dangers of living on the frontier     5.  economic concerns 15 points

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  • May 30, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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    Overlagary

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