U.S. Civil War Trivia Quiz! Practice Test!

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1. If you were a soldier in the artillery, you would

Explanation

If you were a soldier in the artillery, you would be responsible for operating and firing cannons. Artillery units are typically equipped with cannons, which are large firearms designed to launch projectiles over long distances. Soldiers in the artillery are trained in the use of cannons and are responsible for aiming, loading, and firing them during combat or training exercises. Therefore, the correct answer is "fire cannons."

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About This Quiz
U.S. Civil War Trivia Quiz! Practice Test! - Quiz

Explore pivotal legislative acts during the U. S. Civil War era in this trivia quiz! Test your knowledge on laws that shaped the nation's history, such as the... see moreMissouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. Ideal for students and history enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of America's past. see less

2. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by

Explanation

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. John Wilkes Booth was a Confederate sympathizer and actor who plotted to assassinate Lincoln in order to avenge the Confederate defeat in the American Civil War. On April 14, 1865, Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. This act of assassination shocked the nation and had a significant impact on the course of American history.

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3. Which of the following was not a division of the army during the Civil War?

Explanation

During the Civil War, the air force was not a division of the army. The reason for this is that the Civil War took place in the mid-19th century, long before the invention and development of powered flight. The concept of an air force did not exist at that time, so it was not a division of the army during the Civil War.

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4. When an army is surrounded, and slowly starved into surrendering, it is called 

Explanation

When an army is surrounded and slowly starved into surrendering, it is referred to as a siege. In a siege, the opposing forces surround the army, cutting off their supplies and preventing them from escaping. This tactic is often used to force surrender or weaken the enemy before launching a direct attack. The term "secession" refers to the act of withdrawing or breaking away from a larger group or organization, and it is unrelated to the context of the question. "The artillery" and "the cavalry" are specific units within an army and do not accurately describe the situation described in the question.

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5. To secede

Explanation

The correct answer is "means to separate." The word "secede" does not refer to a military tactic or procedure used by artillery. Instead, it means to separate or withdraw from a larger group or organization. This can be seen in historical examples such as the secession of the southern states from the United States during the American Civil War.

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6. If you were a soldier in the cavalry, you would

Explanation

If you were a soldier in the cavalry, you would ride a horse. Cavalry soldiers are trained to fight on horseback and are known for their mobility and speed. Riding a horse allows cavalry soldiers to quickly maneuver on the battlefield, making them effective in reconnaissance, skirmishes, and charges. Horses provide the cavalry with the advantage of height, allowing them to see and engage enemies from a distance. Therefore, riding a horse is the most appropriate activity for a soldier in the cavalry.

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7. The Confederate President was

Explanation

The correct answer is Jefferson Davis. Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the Civil War, not the Confederate President. Stephen Douglas was a prominent politician and rival of Lincoln, but he did not hold the position of Confederate President. Robert E. Lee was a general in the Confederate Army, not the Confederate President. Jefferson Davis, on the other hand, served as the President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

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8. The "S" in Ulysses S. Grant stands for

Explanation

The "S" in Ulysses S. Grant stands for nothing. The "S" is not an abbreviation for any specific name or word. It was added to his name by mistake when he applied to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Grant's full name is Hiram Ulysses Grant, but his congressman at the time mistakenly wrote his name as Ulysses S. Grant on the application. Grant decided to keep the name with the added "S" and it became part of his official name.

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9. General Robert E. Lee surrendered at

Explanation

General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. This historic event took place on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War. Appomattox Court House, located in Virginia, was the site where Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. This surrender marked a significant turning point in the war and led to the eventual reunification of the United States.

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10. General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Explanation

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11. Which of the following states were not part of the Confederacy during the Civil War?

Explanation

Missouri was not part of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Despite being a slave state, it did not secede from the Union. Missouri's status during the war was divided, with both Union and Confederate governments claiming authority over the state. The state was the site of numerous battles and skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces, reflecting the divided loyalties of its residents. Ultimately, Missouri remained part of the Union throughout the war.

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12. In a slave state,

Explanation

In a slave state, slavery was allowed by law. This means that the state had legal provisions and regulations in place that permitted the ownership and forced labor of individuals as slaves. It indicates that the state recognized and upheld the institution of slavery, providing legal protection and support to those who engaged in slaveholding.

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13. If you were a soldier in the infantry, you would

Explanation

As a soldier in the infantry, you would have a rifle. This is because infantry soldiers are typically equipped with rifles as their primary weapon. Rifles are lightweight, versatile, and effective for engaging targets at various distances. They provide soldiers with the ability to engage enemies from a safe distance while still maintaining accuracy and firepower. Cannons are typically used by artillery units, horses are used by cavalry units, and swords are more commonly associated with melee combat or historical warfare. Therefore, having a rifle is the most suitable option for a soldier in the infantry.

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14. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in

Explanation

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in Pennsylvania. This historic battle took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. It was a significant turning point in the war, as the Union Army successfully defended against Confederate forces and halted their invasion of the North. The battle resulted in a large number of casualties on both sides and is often considered a major turning point in the war.

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15. The Northern capital during the Civil War was

Explanation

During the Civil War, the Northern capital was Washington D.C. This is because Washington D.C. was the seat of the federal government and the location of important political and military institutions. Richmond, Virginia, Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland were all located in the South and were not the capital of the Northern states during the Civil War.

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16. Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the U.S. in

Explanation

Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the U.S. in 1860. This is the correct answer because historical records indicate that Lincoln won the presidential election in that year. He defeated three other candidates and became the 16th President of the United States. His election in 1860 was a significant event in American history as it eventually led to the outbreak of the American Civil War.

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17. Which of the following states did not secede from the Union?

Explanation

All of the states mentioned in the question (Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky) did not secede from the Union. This means that none of them withdrew or separated from the United States during the time of the Civil War.

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18. Stand Watie was from

Explanation

Stand Watie was from Oklahoma.

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19. Which of the following is true?

Explanation

The correct answer is that the Battle of Manassas is the same as the Battle of Bull Run. This is true because the Battle of Manassas, which took place on July 21, 1861, was the first major battle of the American Civil War. It was fought near the town of Manassas in Virginia, and it is commonly referred to as the Battle of Bull Run by the Union forces. The Confederate forces also referred to it as the Battle of Manassas. Therefore, both names are used interchangeably to refer to the same battle.

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20. Who ran against Abraham Lincoln for President in 1864?

Explanation

In the 1864 presidential election, Abraham Lincoln ran against General George McClellan. McClellan was a former Union general who had previously been relieved of his command by Lincoln. He ran as the Democratic candidate, advocating for a negotiated peace with the Confederacy. Despite his military background, McClellan was ultimately defeated by Lincoln, who won a second term as president.

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21. Which of the following statements is true?

Explanation

The explanation for the correct answer is that the Battle of Antietam was indeed the bloodiest day of the Civil War. This battle took place on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, not in Pennsylvania. It resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The significance of this battle lies in the fact that it halted General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

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22. Which of the following states seceded from the Union?

Explanation

Virginia seceded from the Union during the American Civil War. In April 1861, after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, Virginia voted to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America. This decision was influenced by the state's economic ties to the South, as well as its cultural and political alignment with other Southern states. Virginia's secession played a significant role in the escalation of the Civil War and the subsequent formation of the Confederacy.

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23. Which state split into two states during the Civil War?

Explanation

During the Civil War, Virginia split into two states. The western part of Virginia disagreed with the state's decision to secede from the Union and formed a new state called West Virginia. This division was primarily based on the issue of slavery and the differing views on secession.

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24. When the Southern army surrendered to General Grant, the soldiers 

Explanation

After the Southern army surrendered to General Grant, the soldiers were allowed to keep their horses, but only if they owned them. This suggests that the soldiers were not allowed to keep their rifles, cannons, or battle flags, as these options were not mentioned in the answer.

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25. John Brown

Explanation

John Brown led a raid in 1859 at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, which was an attempt to start a slave rebellion. He was captured and later executed for treason. Brown was a staunch abolitionist and vehemently opposed slavery. Therefore, the statement "All of the above" is correct as it encompasses all the given information about John Brown.

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26. How many states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began?

Explanation

11 states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began. The secession of these states was primarily driven by the issue of slavery and the fear that the newly elected President Abraham Lincoln would abolish it. These states formed the Confederate States of America and aimed to protect their perceived rights and interests. The secession of these states ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War between the Union and the Confederacy.

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27. Which of the following was an advantage of the North in fighting the Civil War?

Explanation

During the Civil War, the North had an advantage in terms of having a larger population compared to the South. This meant that they had a larger pool of potential soldiers, which gave them a numerical advantage in terms of manpower. Having more people allowed the North to raise larger armies and replenish their forces more easily. It also provided them with a larger workforce for industrial production and resource mobilization. This advantage played a significant role in the outcome of the war, as the North's numerical superiority ultimately helped them to overwhelm the South and secure victory.

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28. Which of the following states was not a border state during the Civil War?

Explanation

Tennessee was not a border state during the Civil War because it seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. The other three states mentioned (Missouri, Maryland, and Kentucky) were border states because they were located on the border between the Union and the Confederacy and remained in the Union, although they had significant divisions and conflicts within their own populations.

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29. The Civil War began on April 12, 1861 when Confederates opened fire at

Explanation

The correct answer is Fort Sumter, South Carolina. This is because the Civil War began when Confederates opened fire at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.

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30. Under the Emancipation Proclamation,

Explanation

The Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It declared that all slaves in the Confederate states, which were the states that had seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America, were to be freed. This was an important step towards ending slavery in the United States and was a significant moment in the fight for civil rights and equality.

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31. The Battle of Vicksburg

Explanation

The correct answer is "was for control of the Mississippi River." The Battle of Vicksburg was a significant battle during the American Civil War, and it was fought between the Union and Confederate forces. The Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, aimed to gain control of the Mississippi River, which was a vital transportation route for the Confederacy. The Confederate forces, led by General John C. Pemberton, defended Vicksburg, Mississippi, as it was a strategic location along the river. The Union eventually emerged victorious, gaining control of the Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

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32. In the Peninsular Campaign, the North was led by

Explanation

During the Peninsular Campaign, General George McClellan led the North. This campaign took place during the American Civil War and aimed to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. McClellan was chosen to lead the Union forces due to his organizational skills and ability to train and discipline troops. However, McClellan's cautious approach and reluctance to engage in battle ultimately hindered the Northern advance, allowing the Confederates under General Robert E. Lee to regroup and defend Richmond effectively. Despite his initial successes, McClellan's failure to achieve a decisive victory led to his removal from command.

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33. During the Wilderness Campaign, the Union was led by

Explanation

During the Wilderness Campaign, General Ulysses S. Grant led the Union. This campaign was fought in Virginia during the American Civil War, and it was a series of battles between the Union and Confederate armies. Grant was appointed as the overall commander of the Union forces in 1864 and he devised a strategy to relentlessly pursue and engage the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee. Despite heavy casualties, Grant's determination and aggressive tactics ultimately led to the Union's victory in the campaign.

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34. The last Confederate general to surrender was

Explanation

General Stand Watie was the last Confederate general to surrender. He was a Cherokee leader who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Watie commanded the Indian Brigade in the Trans-Mississippi Department and was known for his guerrilla warfare tactics. He surrendered on June 23, 1865, which marked the end of organized Confederate resistance.

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35. The Southern capital during the Civil War was

Explanation

During the Civil War, the Southern capital was Richmond, Virginia. This is because Richmond was the political and administrative center of the Confederate States of America. The Confederate government was headquartered in Richmond, making it the de facto capital of the South during the war. Additionally, Richmond was strategically important as it was a major industrial and transportation hub for the Confederacy. Therefore, Richmond, Virginia is the correct answer for the Southern capital during the Civil War.

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36. Which was the first state to secede from the U.S.?

Explanation

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the U.S. in 1860, leading to the start of the American Civil War. The secession was prompted by the election of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican who opposed the expansion of slavery. South Carolina's secession was followed by several other southern states, forming the Confederate States of America.

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37. Under the Compromise of 1850, which state came into the Union?

Explanation

California came into the Union under the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise of 1850 was a series of laws that aimed to settle the territorial and slavery disputes between the Northern and Southern states. As part of this compromise, California was admitted as a free state, meaning that slavery was prohibited in its borders. This was significant because it upset the balance between free and slave states, as California's admission tipped the scale in favor of the free states.

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38. Which of the following is true?

Explanation

The given answer "None of the above" is correct because none of the statements provided are true. The South did not have better artillery during most of the war, the North did not have better cavalry during most of the war, and the North did not win most of the battles early in the war.

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39. The Missouri Compromise became law in

Explanation

The Missouri Compromise was a legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1820. It aimed to maintain the balance between slave and free states in the country. The compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, while Maine entered as a free state, thus preserving the delicate equilibrium. Additionally, it established the 36°30′ parallel as the dividing line between future slave and free territories in the Louisiana Purchase. Therefore, the correct answer is 1820.

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40. The South named Civil War battles by the

Explanation

During the Civil War, battles in the South were typically named after the nearest town. This was a common practice as it allowed for easy identification and communication among soldiers and commanders. By using the name of the closest town, it helped to provide a clear reference point for both military and civilian personnel. Additionally, naming battles after towns also helped to distinguish between different battles that may have taken place in the same general area, but were separated by some distance.

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41. Which of the following states came into the Union as part of the Missouri Compromise?

Explanation

Maine came into the Union as part of the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise was an agreement reached in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States Congress. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, thus maintaining the balance between free and slave states. This compromise also established a line, known as the 36°30' parallel, where slavery would be prohibited in future states north of that line.

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42. The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the state of

Explanation

The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the state of Tennessee.

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43. Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a

Explanation

Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a slave state. The Missouri Compromise was a legislative agreement passed in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while also admitting Maine as a free state, thus maintaining the balance between slave and free states. This compromise also established a line of demarcation at 36°30'N latitude, stating that all future states north of this line would be free states, while those south of it could be slave states.

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44. During the Atlanta Campaign,

Explanation

During the Atlanta Campaign, the North and the South were led by different generals. General Ulysses S. Grant led the North, and General Joseph E. Johnston led the South. General George McClellan did not lead the North during this campaign. Therefore, the correct answer is that the South was led by General Joseph E. Johnston.

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45. Which law allowed the people of the state to decide if the state would be a slave state or a free state?

Explanation

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed in 1854, allowed the people of the state to decide whether it would be a slave state or a free state through popular sovereignty. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in certain territories. The Kansas-Nebraska Act further intensified the tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery, ultimately leading to violent conflicts in Kansas and contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War.

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If you were a soldier in the artillery, you would
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by
Which of the following was not a division of the army during the Civil...
When an army is surrounded, and slowly starved into surrendering, it...
To secede
If you were a soldier in the cavalry, you would
The Confederate President was
The "S" in Ulysses S. Grant stands for
General Robert E. Lee surrendered at
General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
Which of the following states were not part of the Confederacy during...
In a slave state,
If you were a soldier in the infantry, you would
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in
The Northern capital during the Civil War was
Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the U.S. in
Which of the following states did not secede from the Union?
Stand Watie was from
Which of the following is true?
Who ran against Abraham Lincoln for President in 1864?
Which of the following statements is true?
Which of the following states seceded from the Union?
Which state split into two states during the Civil War?
When the Southern army surrendered to General Grant, the...
John Brown
How many states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began?
Which of the following was an advantage of the North in fighting the...
Which of the following states was not a border state during the Civil...
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861 when Confederates opened fire at
Under the Emancipation Proclamation,
The Battle of Vicksburg
In the Peninsular Campaign, the North was led by
During the Wilderness Campaign, the Union was led by
The last Confederate general to surrender was
The Southern capital during the Civil War was
Which was the first state to secede from the U.S.?
Under the Compromise of 1850, which state came into the Union?
Which of the following is true?
The Missouri Compromise became law in
The South named Civil War battles by the
Which of the following states came into the Union as part of the...
The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the state of
Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a
During the Atlanta Campaign,
Which law allowed the people of the state to decide if the state would...
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