U.S. Civil War Trivia Quiz! Practice Test!
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In a slave state,
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Slavery was allowed by law.
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Slavery was not allowed by law.
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Slaves could leave the state if they wanted to.
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None of the above.
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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 Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. Ideal for students and history enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of America's past.
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- 2.
The Missouri Compromise became law in
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1800.
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1820.
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1850.
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1860.
Correct Answer
A. 1820.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.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a
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Free state.
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Slave state.
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Neither slave nor free state.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Slave state.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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following states came into the Union as part of the Missouri Compromise?
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Kentucky
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Maine
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West Virginia
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California
Correct Answer
A. MaineExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Under the Compromise of 1850, which state came into the Union?
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Maine
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Missouri
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Kansas
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California
Correct Answer
A. CaliforniaExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which law allowed the people of the state to decide if the state would be a slave state or a free state?
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Missouri Compromise of 1820
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Compromise of 1850
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Kansas Nebraska Act
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Fugitive Slave Act
Correct Answer
A. Kansas Nebraska ActExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
John Brown
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Led a raid in 1859 at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
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Was hung for treason.
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Was against slavery.
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All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. All of the above.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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the U.S. in
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1820.
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1850.
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1860.
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1865.
Correct Answer
A. 1860.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.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How many states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began?
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7 states
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10 states
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11 states
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15 states
Correct Answer
A. 11 statesExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following states did not secede from the Union?
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Maryland
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Missouri
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Kentucky
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following states seceded from the Union?
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Virginia
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Missouri
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Kentucky
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California
Correct Answer
A. VirginiaExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861 when Confederates opened fire at
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Richmond, Virginia.
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Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
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Gettysburg, Pennysylvania.
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Fort Sumter, South Carolina.
Correct Answer
A. Fort Sumter, South Carolina.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.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The South named Civil War battles by the
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Nearest stream of water.
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Nearest town.
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Nearest mountain.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Nearest town.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.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following was an advantage of the North in fighting the Civil War?
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More people
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Most battles fought in the North
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More military experience
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All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. More peopleExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following was not a division of the army during the Civil War?
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Infantry
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Artillery
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Cavalry
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Air force
Correct Answer
A. Air forceExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The Northern capital during the Civil War was
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Richmond, Virginia.
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Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
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Washington D.C.
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Baltimore, Maryland.
Correct Answer
A. Washington D.C.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.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Southern capital during the Civil War was
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Fort Sumter, South Carolina.
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Richmond, Virginia.
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Richmond, Virginia.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.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Confederate President was
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Abraham Lincoln.
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Jefferson Davis.
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Stephen Douglas.
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Robert E. Lee.
Correct Answer
A. Jefferson Davis.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.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is true?
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The South had the better artillery during most of the war.
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The North had the better cavalry during most of the war.
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The North won most of the battles early in the war.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. None of the above.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.Rate this question:
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- 20.
If you were a soldier in the infantry, you would
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Fire cannons.
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Ride a horse.
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Have a sword.
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Have a rifle.
Correct Answer
A. Have a rifle.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.Rate this question:
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- 21.
If you were a soldier in the cavalry, you would
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Fire cannons.
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Ride a horse.
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March most of the time on foot.
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Have a rifle.
Correct Answer
A. Ride a horse.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.Rate this question:
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- 22.
If you were a soldier in the artillery, you would
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Fire cannons.
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Ride a horse.
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Have a rifle.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Fire cannons.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."Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following is true?
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The Battle of Manassas was won by the North.
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The Battle of Manassas is the same as the Battle of Bull Run.
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Ulysses S. Grant was in command for the Battle of Manassas.
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The Battle of Manassas was fought in Georgia.
Correct Answer
A. The Battle of Manassas is the same as the Battle of Bull Run.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.Rate this question:
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- 24.
In the Peninsular Campaign, the North was led by
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General Irvin McDowell.
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General Ulysses S. Grant.
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General George McClellan.
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General Robert E. Lee.
Correct Answer
A. General George McClellan.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.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the state of
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Virginia.
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Pennsylvania.
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Maryland.
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Tennessee.
Correct Answer
A. Tennessee.Explanation
The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the state of Tennessee.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of the following statements is true?
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The Battle of Antietam was fought in Pennsylvania.
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The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day of the Civil War.
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Gen. Ulysses S. Grant led the North in the Battle of Antietam.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day of the Civil War.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.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Under the Emancipation Proclamation,
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All slaves in the United States were freed.
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All slaves in the Confederate states were freed.
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People in the states could vote on having slavery or not.
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California was admitted as a state.
Correct Answer
A. All slaves in the Confederate states were freed.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.Rate this question:
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- 28.
General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
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Was a general for the Northern states.
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Lost an arm at the battle of Chancellorsville.
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Won the Battle of Gettysburg.
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Ran against Abraham Lincoln for President of the U.S.
Correct Answer
A. Lost an arm at the battle of Chancellorsville. -
- 29.
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in
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Pennsylvania.
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Missouri.
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Tennessee.
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Virginia.
Correct Answer
A. Pennsylvania.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.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The Battle of Vicksburg
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Was won by the South.
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Was for control of the Mississippi River.
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Was fought in the state of Virginia.
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All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Was for control of the Mississippi River.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.Rate this question:
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- 31.
During the Wilderness Campaign, the Union was led by
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General Robert E. Lee.
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General William T. Sherman.
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General Ulysses S. Grant.
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General George McClellan.
Correct Answer
A. General Ulysses S. Grant.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.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The "S" in Ulysses S. Grant stands for
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Samuel.
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Surrender.
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Shiloh.
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Nothing.
Correct Answer
A. Nothing.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.Rate this question:
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- 33.
During the Atlanta Campaign,
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The North was led by General Ulysses S. Grant.
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The South was led by General Joseph E. Johnston.
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The North was led by General George McClellan.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. The South was led by General Joseph E. Johnston.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.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Who ran against Abraham Lincoln for President in 1864?
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General Ulysses S. Grant.
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General George McClellan.
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General William T. Sherman.
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Jefferson Davis.
Correct Answer
A. General George McClellan.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.Rate this question:
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- 35.
When an army is surrounded, and slowly starved into surrendering, it is called
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Secessesion.
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The artillery.
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The cavalry.
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A siege.
Correct Answer
A. A siege.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.Rate this question:
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- 36.
To secede
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Is when an army is surrounded, and starved into surrendering.
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Means to separate.
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Is a procedure used by artillery.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Means to separate.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.Rate this question:
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- 37.
General Robert E. Lee surrendered at
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Gettysburg.
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Antietam.
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Richmond, Virginia.
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Appomattox Court House.
Correct Answer
A. Appomattox Court House.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.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The last Confederate general to surrender was
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General Robert E. Lee.
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General Joseph E. Johnston.
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General Stand Watie.
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General Ulysses S. Grant.
Correct Answer
A. General Stand Watie.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.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Stand Watie was from
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Missouri.
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Oklahoma.
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Texas.
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Kentucky.
Correct Answer
A. Oklahoma.Explanation
Stand Watie was from Oklahoma.Rate this question:
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- 40.
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by
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John Wilkes Booth.
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James Earl Ray.
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Lee Harvey Oswald.
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Sirhan Sirhan.
Correct Answer
A. John Wilkes Booth.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.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Which state split into two states during the Civil War?
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Massachusetts.
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Carolina.
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Dakota.
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Virginia.
Correct Answer
A. Virginia.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.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Which of the following states was not a border state during the Civil War?
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Tennessee.
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Missouri.
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Maryland.
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Kentucky.
Correct Answer
A. Tennessee.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.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Which of the following states were not part of the Confederacy during the Civil War?
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Georgia
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Louisiana
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Texas
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Missouri
Correct Answer
A. MissouriExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Which was the first state to secede from the U.S.?
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Mississippi
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Virginia
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Alabama
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South Carolina
Correct Answer
A. South CarolinaExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 45.
When the Southern army surrendered to General Grant, the soldiers
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Were allowed to keep their rifles.
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Were allowed to keep their cannons.
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Were allowed to keep their battle flags.
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Were allowed to keep their horses, if they owned them.
Correct Answer
A. Were allowed to keep their horses, if they owned them.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.Rate this question:
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