US History Chapter 14 Test
Chapter fourteen of our U. S. History quiz series awaits you today, with topics to discuss including Thomas Watson, the Cigar Makers’ Union, Gompers and the invention of the typewriter. What do you know about American history?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In 1876, this man became a pioneer on the new industrial frontier when he established the world's first research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. It is here, where he perfected the incandescent light bulb-patented in 1880-and later invented an entire system for producing and distributing electrical power.
- A.
Patillo Higgins
- B.
Thomas Alva Edison
- C.
Edwin L. Drake
- D.
Henry Bessemer
Correct Answer
B. Thomas Alva EdisonExplanation
Thomas Alva Edison became a pioneer on the new industrial frontier in 1876 when he established the world's first research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. It was in this laboratory that he perfected the incandescent light bulb, which he patented in 1880. Edison also invented an entire system for producing and distributing electrical power.Rate this question:
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- 2.
This inventor, along with Thomas Watson, in 1876 invented the telephone opening the way for a worldwide communication network.
- A.
Alexander Graham Bell
- B.
Christopher Sholes
- C.
Richard Ely
- D.
Henry Bessemer
Correct Answer
A. Alexander Graham BellExplanation
Alexander Graham Bell is the correct answer because he, along with Thomas Watson, invented the telephone in 1876. This invention revolutionized communication and paved the way for the development of a worldwide communication network. Bell's invention had a profound impact on society, enabling people to communicate over long distances in a way that was previously unimaginable.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In 1880, this man built a factory for manufacturing sleepers and other railroad cars on the Illinois prairie.
- A.
Christopher Sholes
- B.
Schuyler Colfax
- C.
Richard Ely
- D.
George M. Pullman
Correct Answer
D. George M. PullmanExplanation
George M. Pullman is the correct answer because he built a factory for manufacturing sleepers and other railroad cars on the Illinois prairie in 1880. Christopher Sholes is known for inventing the typewriter, Schuyler Colfax was the Vice President of the United States during the time, and Richard Ely was an economist and writer. None of these individuals are associated with building a factory for manufacturing sleepers and railroad cars.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The expansion of the railroads across our nation.
Correct Answer
Transcontinental railroadExplanation
The correct answer is the Transcontinental railroad. The expansion of the railroads across our nation refers to the construction and development of the railway system that connected the eastern and western parts of the United States. The Transcontinental railroad played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and trade, as it allowed for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people across long distances. It also contributed to the growth and development of various industries and helped to strengthen the economy of the nation as a whole.Rate this question:
- 5.
This act established the right of the federal government to supervise railroad activities and established a five-member Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for that purpose.
- A.
Credit Mobilier Act
- B.
Munn v. Illinois Act
- C.
Interstate Commerce Act
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Interstate Commerce ActExplanation
The correct answer is the Interstate Commerce Act. This act was passed in 1887 and it granted the federal government the authority to regulate railroad activities. It established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which consisted of five members, to oversee and regulate the railroad industry. The purpose of this act was to prevent unfair practices, discrimination, and excessive rates in the railroad industry, and to ensure fair competition and protect the interests of both the public and the railroad companies.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Born in Scotland, to penniless parents, this man came to the US in 1848 (at age 12) and six years later worked his way up to become private secretary to the local superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He averted a major snarl that would have resulted in a devastating collision and was rewarded with an opportunity to buy stock...after which he acquired a large fortune.
- A.
Andrew Carnegie
- B.
Schuyler Colfax
- C.
Edwin L. Drake
- D.
Christopher Sholes
Correct Answer
A. Andrew CarnegieExplanation
Andrew Carnegie is the correct answer because the passage states that this man, who was born in Scotland and came to the US at age 12, worked his way up to become private secretary to the local superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He averted a major snarl and was rewarded with an opportunity to buy stock, which eventually led to him acquiring a large fortune. This description matches the known biography of Andrew Carnegie, who started as a railroad worker and eventually became a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The government, concerned that expanding corporations would stifle free competition, in this 1890 act made it illegal to form a trust that interfered with free trade between states or with other countries.
- A.
Interstate Commerce Act
- B.
Credit Mobilier Act
- C.
Sherman Antitrust Act
- D.
Munn v. Illinois Act
Correct Answer
C. Sherman Antitrust ActExplanation
The correct answer is the Sherman Antitrust Act. This act was passed in 1890 by the government to prevent the formation of trusts that would restrict competition and interfere with free trade between states or with other countries. It aimed to promote fair competition and protect consumers from monopolistic practices. The act was a response to the growing power of corporations and their potential to harm the economy. It remains an important piece of legislation in regulating business practices and preventing anti-competitive behavior.Rate this question:
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- 8.
This crafter led the Cigar Makers' Union to join with other craft unions in 1886.
- A.
Edwin L. Drake
- B.
Christopher Sholes
- C.
Schuyler Colfax
- D.
Samuel Gompers
Correct Answer
D. Samuel GompersExplanation
Samuel Gompers is the correct answer because he was a prominent labor leader who played a crucial role in the formation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Under his leadership, the Cigar Makers' Union joined forces with other craft unions in 1886 to create the AFL, which became one of the most influential labor organizations in the United States. Gompers advocated for workers' rights and better working conditions, and his efforts helped to improve the lives of many laborers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Rate this question:
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- 9.
With Gompers as president, this group focused on collective bargaining, or negotiation between representatives of lavor and management, to reach written agreements of wages, hours, and working conditions.
- A.
American Federation of Labor (AFL)
- B.
Colored National Labor Union (CNLU)
- C.
National Labor Union (NLU)
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. American Federation of Labor (AFL)Explanation
The correct answer is American Federation of Labor (AFL). The statement mentions that this group focused on collective bargaining, which is a key characteristic of the AFL. The AFL was founded in 1886 and was led by Samuel Gompers, who served as its president for many years. The AFL aimed to improve the working conditions and wages of laborers through negotiations with employers. It became one of the most influential labor organizations in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Most prominent organizer in the women's labor movement. She supported the Great Strike of 1877 and later organized for the United Mine Workers of America (UMW). She was nicknamed "Mother Jones."
- A.
Mary Harris Jones
- B.
Eugena Debs
- C.
Pauline Newman
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Mary Harris JonesExplanation
Mary Harris Jones, also known as "Mother Jones," was the most prominent organizer in the women's labor movement. She played a significant role in supporting the Great Strike of 1877 and later became involved in organizing for the United Mine Workers of America (UMW). Her dedication to workers' rights and her influential leadership earned her the nickname "Mother Jones." Eugena Debs and Pauline Newman were not as prominent as Mary Harris Jones in the women's labor movement, making them incorrect choices. Therefore, the correct answer is Mary Harris Jones.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In 1859, this man successfully used a steam engine to drill for oil near Titusville, Pennsylvania. This made removing oil from beneath the earth's surface more practical and led to an oil boom that spread to Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and, later, Texas.
- A.
Henry Bessemer
- B.
Patillo Higgins
- C.
Edwin L. Drake
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Edwin L. DrakeExplanation
Edwin L. Drake is the correct answer because he successfully used a steam engine to drill for oil near Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859. This innovation made it more practical to extract oil from beneath the earth's surface, leading to an oil boom that spread to various states including Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and eventually Texas. Henry Bessemer and Patillo Higgins are not relevant to this specific historical event.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Developed by a British manufacturer and an American ironmaker, this technique involved injecting air into molten iron to remove the carbon and other impurities.
- A.
Higgins Process
- B.
Kelly Process
- C.
Drake Process
- D.
Bessemer Process
Correct Answer
D. Bessemer ProcessExplanation
The correct answer is the Bessemer Process. This process was developed by a British manufacturer and an American ironmaker. It involved injecting air into molten iron to remove carbon and other impurities. This technique revolutionized the steel industry by making the production of large quantities of high-quality steel faster and more efficient.Rate this question:
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- 13.
This man invented the typewriter in 1867, changing the world of work.
- A.
George Westinghouse
- B.
William Le Barron Jenney
- C.
Christopher Sholes
- D.
Joseph Glidden
Correct Answer
C. Christopher SholesExplanation
Christopher Sholes is the correct answer because he is credited with inventing the typewriter in 1867. The typewriter revolutionized the world of work by providing a faster and more efficient way to produce written documents. This invention had a significant impact on businesses, offices, and communication in general, as it allowed for the mass production of written materials.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An infamous scheme that involved stockholders in the Union Pacific Railroad. This group formed, in 1864, a construction company and gave them a contract to lay track at two to three times the actual cost-and they poecketed the profits.
- A.
Eugene v. Debs
- B.
Credit Mobilier
- C.
Munn v. Illinois
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Credit MobilierExplanation
Credit Mobilier was a notorious scheme involving stockholders in the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1864, a construction company was formed by this group, and they were awarded a contract to lay track at significantly inflated prices, allowing them to pocket the excess profits. This scandalous scheme came to be known as Credit Mobilier.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In this case, the states won the right to regulate the railroads for the benefit of both farmers and consumers. This helped establish the important principle-the federal government's right to regulate private industry to serve the public interest.
- A.
Munn v. Illinois
- B.
Sholes v. Jenney
- C.
Newman v. Drake
- D.
Eugene v. Debs
Correct Answer
A. Munn v. IllinoisExplanation
Munn v. Illinois was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1877 where the Court upheld the power of states to regulate private industries, specifically the railroad industry in this case. The Court ruled that the state of Illinois had the right to regulate the rates charged by railroads operating within its borders in order to protect the interests of farmers and consumers. This decision established the principle that the federal government has the authority to regulate private industries if it serves the public interest.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Carnegie devised this process in which he bought out his suppliers-coal fields and iron mines, ore freighters, and railroad lines-in order to control the raw materials and transportation systems.
- A.
Horizontal integration
- B.
Both a and c
- C.
Vertical integration
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Vertical integrationExplanation
Vertical integration refers to a business strategy where a company acquires or controls various stages of the production process, from raw materials to distribution. In this case, Carnegie bought out his suppliers, such as coal fields, iron mines, ore freighters, and railroad lines, to ensure control over the raw materials and transportation systems. By vertically integrating, Carnegie could streamline operations, reduce costs, and have more control over the entire production process, ultimately gaining a competitive advantage in the industry.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Carnegie devised this process in which he attempted to buy out competing steel producers to cause companies that produce similar products to merge.
- A.
Horizontal integration
- B.
Both a and c
- C.
Vertical integration
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Horizontal integrationExplanation
The process described in the question, where Carnegie buys out competing steel producers to cause companies producing similar products to merge, is an example of horizontal integration. Horizontal integration refers to the strategy of merging or acquiring companies that operate in the same industry or produce similar products, allowing for increased market share and reduced competition. This strategy enables Carnegie to consolidate the steel industry and strengthen his own position in the market.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Corporations such as Standard Oil Company, established by this man, took a different approach to mergers: they joined with competing companies in trust agreements. Participants in a trust would then turn their stock over to a group of trustees and the companies would gain dividends on profits earned by the trust. That is how this very wealthy man gained total control of the oil industry in America.
- A.
Andrew Carnegie
- B.
John D. Rockefeller
- C.
Patillo Higgins
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. John D. RockefellerExplanation
John D. Rockefeller is the correct answer because he established Standard Oil Company and used trust agreements to merge with competing companies. Through these trust agreements, Rockefeller gained control of the oil industry in America by having companies turn their stock over to a group of trustees and earning dividends on the profits earned by the trust.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A philosophy that grew out of the an English naturalist theory of biological evolution.
- A.
Hedonism
- B.
Existentialism
- C.
Bioconservatism
- D.
Social Darwinism
Correct Answer
D. Social DarwinismExplanation
Social Darwinism is the correct answer because it is a philosophy that emerged from the theory of biological evolution proposed by an English naturalist. Social Darwinism applies the principles of natural selection to human society, suggesting that the fittest individuals or groups will thrive and succeed, while the weaker ones will struggle and perish. It promotes the idea of competition and survival of the fittest in various aspects of society, including economics, politics, and social hierarchy.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In this case, labor leaders fought to include all laborers-skilled and unskilled-in a specific industry. It attempted to form an industrial union known as the American Railway Union (ARU).
- A.
Sholes v. Jenney
- B.
Eugene v. Debs
- C.
Newman v. Drake
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Eugene v. DebsExplanation
Eugene V. Debs is the correct answer because he was a prominent labor leader who fought to include all laborers, both skilled and unskilled, in a specific industry. He played a key role in forming the American Railway Union (ARU), which aimed to create an industrial union representing workers in the railway industry. Debs' efforts were significant in advocating for the rights and interests of all laborers, regardless of their skill level.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In 1905, a group of radical unionists and socialists in Chicago organized this group also known as the Wobblies. It was headed by WIlliam "Big Bill" Haywood, and included miners, lumberers, and cannery and dock workers. It also welcomed African AMericans; though its membership never topped 100,000. It gave dignity and sense of solidarity to unskilled workers.
- A.
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
- B.
Colored National Labor Union (CNLU)
- C.
American Federation of Labor (AFL)
- D.
National Labor Union (NLU)
Correct Answer
A. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)Explanation
The correct answer is Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This group, also known as the Wobblies, was organized in 1905 by a group of radical unionists and socialists in Chicago. It was headed by William "Big Bill" Haywood and included various workers such as miners, lumberers, and cannery and dock workers. The IWW welcomed African Americans and provided a sense of dignity and solidarity to unskilled workers. Although its membership never exceeded 100,000, the IWW played a significant role in advocating for the rights of workers.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The railroads helped to establish time zones.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The railroads helped to establish time zones because before the railroads, each city and town set their own local time based on the position of the sun. This caused confusion and made it difficult to schedule train arrivals and departures. To solve this problem, the railroads implemented a standardized system of time zones, dividing the country into regions with the same time. This allowed for more efficient and reliable train travel, and eventually led to the adoption of time zones worldwide.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The working conditions were overseen by the government and offered the best conditions to all of its employees.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that the working conditions were overseen by the government and offered the best conditions to all employees. However, the given answer is false, indicating that the statement is incorrect. This implies that the government did not oversee the working conditions and did not provide the best conditions to all employees.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Panic of 1893 saw many banks and businesses fail and close and was the worst depression up to that time.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the Panic of 1893 did indeed result in numerous banks and businesses failing and closing. This event marked a severe economic depression, which was considered the worst up until that point in history.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Do you believe in Social Darwinism and its belief that God favors some people more than others and it is for this reason the superior and favored people obtain riches...and the poor do not.... because they are an inferior and lazy people?
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