American History Civil War Exam!

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American History Civil War Exam! - Quiz


What do you understand about the American civil war? The American civil war was a civil war in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between northern states who pledged themselves to the Union and Southern states that had seceded to make America's confederate states. If you need to know about the civil war for an upcoming exam or simply curious, this quiz can help you.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The 3/5 Compromise, which became part of our Constitution, related to?

    • A.

      The metric system

    • B.

      Slavery

    • C.

      Tariffs

    • D.

      The election of the Presidetn

    Correct Answer
    B. Slavery
    Explanation
    The 3/5 Compromise, which became part of our Constitution, related to slavery. It was an agreement reached between the Northern and Southern states during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It stated that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of determining a state's population and representation in the House of Representatives. This compromise was a contentious issue and reflected the ongoing debate and division over slavery in the United States at that time.

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  • 2. 

    The Missouri Compromise of 1820:

    • A.

      Drew an east-west line through the Louisiana Purchase, prohibiting slavery above that line, with the exception of Missouri

    • B.

      Was developed by John Calhoun and abolished the slave trade in Missouri

    • C.

      Permitted slavery throughout the old Northwest Territory

    • D.

      Banned the publication of anti-slavery literature such as "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "The Liberator"

    Correct Answer
    A. Drew an east-west line through the Louisiana Purchase, prohibiting slavery above that line, with the exception of Missouri
    Explanation
    The Missouri Compromise of 1820 established a boundary line across the Louisiana Purchase, prohibiting slavery in territories north of the line, except for the state of Missouri. This compromise aimed to maintain a balance between free and slave states in the United States, as the nation expanded westward. It was an attempt to ease tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery, but ultimately proved to be a temporary solution.

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  • 3. 

    California entered the Union as a free state as a result of?

    • A.

      The Dred Scott decision

    • B.

      Compromise of 1850

    • C.

      Kansas - Nebraska Act

    • D.

      Lincoln - Douglas debates

    Correct Answer
    A. The Dred Scott decision
    Explanation
    California entered the Union as a free state as a result of the Compromise of 1850. This compromise was a series of laws that aimed to resolve the ongoing debate over slavery in the United States. As part of the compromise, California was admitted as a free state, meaning that slavery was prohibited within its borders. This was a significant development in the lead up to the American Civil War, as it further highlighted the divide between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. The Dred Scott decision, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and Lincoln-Douglas debates were all important events related to the issue of slavery, but they did not directly result in California's status as a free state.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following would have received the most support in the South?

    • A.

      The Wilmot Proviso

    • B.

      The Dred Scott Decision

    • C.

      The Missouri Compromise

    • D.

      John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry

    Correct Answer
    B. The Dred Scott Decision
    Explanation
    The Dred Scott Decision would have received the most support in the South because it upheld the rights of slaveholders and expanded the reach of slavery into new territories. The decision stated that slaves were property and not citizens, and therefore could not sue for their freedom. This decision was highly favored by the southern states, as it protected their economic interests and allowed for the expansion of slavery.

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  • 5. 

    Who was the commanding general of the Southern forces (Confederates) during the Civil War?

    • A.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • B.

      Robert E. Lee

    • C.

      Ulysses S. Grant

    • D.

      George Washington

    Correct Answer
    B. Robert E. Lee
    Explanation
    Robert E. Lee was the commanding general of the Southern forces (Confederates) during the Civil War. He was a prominent military officer and a skilled strategist who led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Lee's leadership and tactical abilities were highly regarded, and he played a crucial role in several major battles during the war. His surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865 marked the end of the Civil War.

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  • 6. 

    Which part of the Compromise of 1850 received the greatest support from southern farmers?

    • A.

      The admission of California as a free state

    • B.

      The passage of a strict fugitive slave act

    • C.

      The end of slave trade in Washington D.C.

    • D.

      Allowing popular sovereignty in the new territories

    Correct Answer
    D. Allowing popular sovereignty in the new territories
    Explanation
    The part of the Compromise of 1850 that received the greatest support from southern farmers was allowing popular sovereignty in the new territories. This means that the residents of these territories would have the power to decide whether or not to allow slavery. Southern farmers supported this because it gave them hope that slavery could expand into these new territories, which would benefit their agricultural economy.

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  • 7. 

    What did the Emancipation proclamation do?

    • A.

      It called for the freedom of slaves in the South

    • B.

      It was a declaration of war between the North and the South

    • C.

      It was the peace treaty between the North and the South

    • D.

      It declared that slaves could vote

    Correct Answer
    A. It called for the freedom of slaves in the South
    Explanation
    The Emancipation Proclamation was a document issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It called for the freedom of slaves in the Southern states that were in rebellion against the Union. The proclamation declared that all slaves in these states were to be set free, and it paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States. It did not, however, grant slaves the right to vote.

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  • 8. 

    Which of these activities had the greatest economic impact between 1800 and 1860?

    • A.

      Cotton farming

    • B.

      Logging trees

    • C.

      Coal mining

    • D.

      Autmobile industry

    Correct Answer
    A. Cotton farming
    Explanation
    Cotton farming had the greatest economic impact between 1800 and 1860. During this period, cotton was a major cash crop in the southern United States, and the demand for cotton grew rapidly due to the rise of textile mills in Europe and the United States. The profitability of cotton farming led to the expansion of plantation agriculture and the increase in slave labor, which further fueled the economy in the southern states. The economic impact of cotton farming extended beyond the agricultural sector, as it also drove the growth of industries such as textile manufacturing and shipping.

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  • 9. 

    Why did the United States act as an imperial power during the late 1800s?

    • A.

      A need to decrease its military experience

    • B.

      A desire to control oil-producing nations

    • C.

      A need for new markets for its manufactured goods

    • D.

      A desire for new gold mines

    Correct Answer
    C. A need for new markets for its manufactured goods
    Explanation
    During the late 1800s, the United States acted as an imperial power due to a need for new markets for its manufactured goods. This period marked the rise of industrialization in the US, leading to a surplus of goods that needed to be sold. By acquiring colonies and territories, the US could establish control over markets where its products could be sold, ensuring economic growth and stability. This expansionist policy allowed the US to tap into new consumer bases and increase its trade and profits.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following events was the last to happen?

    • A.

      Civil War

    • B.

      World War I

    • C.

      Spanish American War

    • D.

      Mexican-American War

    Correct Answer
    B. World War I
    Explanation
    World War I was the last event to happen among the given options. The Civil War occurred from 1861 to 1865, the Spanish American War took place in 1898, and the Mexican-American War happened between 1846 and 1848. World War I occurred from 1914 to 1918, making it the most recent event among the options listed.

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  • 11. 

    Who was President of the United States during the Civil War?

    • A.

      Jefferson Davis

    • B.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • C.

      Ulysses S. Grant

    • D.

      James Buchanan

    Correct Answer
    B. Abraham Lincoln
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the Civil War. He served as the 16th President from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln played a crucial role in leading the Union through the Civil War, preserving the United States and abolishing slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. His leadership during this turbulent time in American history is widely recognized and celebrated.

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  • 12. 

    Who was President of the Confederacy (South) during the Civil War?

    • A.

      Jefferson Davis

    • B.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • C.

      Ulysses S. Grant

    • D.

      James Buchanan

    Correct Answer
    A. Jefferson Davis
    Explanation
    Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederacy (South) during the Civil War. He served as the President from 1861 to 1865 and was responsible for leading the Confederate States of America during their fight against the Union. Davis played a crucial role in organizing the Confederate government and military, making him a key figure in the history of the Civil War. His presidency ended with the defeat of the Confederacy and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to the Union forces.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following would provide the best primary source material about the works of     Abraham Lincoln?

    • A.

      A biography of Lincoln

    • B.

      An interview with a descendant of Lincoln

    • C.

      A collection of speeches written by Lincoln

    • D.

      A historical analysis of the Lincoln-Douglas debates

    Correct Answer
    C. A collection of speeches written by Lincoln
    Explanation
    A collection of speeches written by Lincoln would provide the best primary source material about his works. This is because speeches written by Lincoln himself would offer direct insight into his thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. They would provide firsthand accounts of his views on various topics, allowing for a deeper understanding of his work and contributions. A biography of Lincoln may include interpretations and analysis by the author, while an interview with a descendant of Lincoln would provide a more subjective perspective. A historical analysis of the Lincoln-Douglas debates would offer valuable information, but it would focus on a specific event rather than Lincoln's works as a whole.

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  • 14. 

    Read the following primary document and answer the question below the excerpt.  According to the excerpt, identify one reason immigrants would be denied admission to the United States after 1917? SEC. 3. That the following classes of aliens shall be excluded from admission into the United States…persons who are found to be and are certified by the examining surgeon as being mentally or physically defective…all aliens over sixteen years of age, physically capable of reading, who can not read the English language, or some other language or dialect, including Hebrew or Yiddish. Source: United States Immigration Act of 1917

    • A.

      Immigrants who have AIDS

    • B.

      Immigrants who have a mental illness

    • C.

      Immigrants who only read English

    • D.

      Immigrants who were Communists

    Correct Answer
    B. Immigrants who have a mental illness
    Explanation
    The excerpt from the United States Immigration Act of 1917 states that one reason immigrants would be denied admission to the United States after 1917 is if they are found to be mentally or physically defective. This suggests that immigrants who have a mental illness would be excluded from entering the country.

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  • 15. 

    Which country did the United States fight in World War I

    • A.

      Germany

    • B.

      Soviet Union

    • C.

      Japan

    • D.

      Great Britain

    Correct Answer
    A. Germany
    Explanation
    During World War I, the United States fought against Germany. The war began in 1914 and the United States entered the conflict in 1917. Germany was one of the Central Powers, along with Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, while the United States joined the Allied Powers, which included countries such as Great Britain and France. The United States' involvement in the war was primarily motivated by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, which revealed Germany's plan to seek an alliance with Mexico against the United States.

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  • 16. 

    Who was President of the United States during World War I

    • A.

      Woodrow Wilson

    • B.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • C.

      Herbert Hoover

    • D.

      Teddy Roosevelt

    Correct Answer
    A. Woodrow Wilson
    Explanation
    Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States during World War I. He served as the 28th President from 1913 to 1921. Wilson led the country through the war and played a crucial role in shaping the peace negotiations that followed. He advocated for the establishment of the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. Wilson's leadership during this time was marked by his commitment to neutrality initially, and later by his decision to enter the war in 1917. His presidency was defined by his efforts to promote democracy and self-determination on the global stage.

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  • 17. 

    What is imperialism?

    • A.

      A war over religion

    • B.

      When a stronger country extends control over another country

    • C.

      The movement of people from one country to another

    • D.

      A sudden, massive attack by a strong military

    Correct Answer
    B. When a stronger country extends control over another country
    Explanation
    Imperialism refers to the practice of a stronger country extending its control and influence over another country. This can be achieved through various means such as colonization, economic dominance, or political manipulation. It involves the exertion of power and control by the stronger nation over the weaker one, often resulting in the exploitation of resources and the suppression of local cultures and governments. Imperialism has been a significant force throughout history, shaping the geopolitical landscape and leading to conflicts and power struggles between nations.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following women is best known for leading the fight to get women the right to vote?

    • A.

      Harriet Tubman

    • B.

      Susan B. Anthony

    • C.

      Harriet Beecher Stowe

    • D.

      Ida B. Wells

    Correct Answer
    B. Susan B. Anthony
    Explanation
    Susan B. Anthony is best known for leading the fight to get women the right to vote. She was a prominent suffragist and women's rights activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Anthony played a crucial role in organizing women's suffrage conventions, advocating for women's suffrage through speeches and writings, and forming alliances with other suffragists. She also played a key role in the formation of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Anthony's tireless efforts and dedication to the cause of women's suffrage made her a prominent figure in the fight for women's right to vote.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following women is best known for being a conductor on the Underground Railroad?

    • A.

      Harriet Tubman

    • B.

      Susan B. Anthony

    • C.

      Harriet Beecher Stowe

    • D.

      Ida B. Wells

    Correct Answer
    A. Harriet Tubman
    Explanation
    Harriet Tubman is best known for being a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She was an African American abolitionist and political activist who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North and Canada. Tubman made a total of 19 trips, leading around 300 slaves to freedom. She was known for her bravery, determination, and commitment to the cause of ending slavery. Tubman's efforts during the Underground Railroad have made her an iconic figure in American history.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following documents ended World War I?

    • A.

      Emancipation Proclamation

    • B.

      Treaty of Versailles

    • C.

      Dawes Act

    • D.

      Wilson's 14 points

    Correct Answer
    B. Treaty of Versailles
    Explanation
    The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I. It was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. The treaty imposed heavy penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations payments. It also established the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. The Treaty of Versailles is considered a significant factor in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe in the aftermath of World War I.

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  • 21. 

    This flag represents which of the following?

    • A.

      Nazis

    • B.

      Confederate States of America

    • C.

      Original United States flag

    • D.

      Soviet Union flag

    Correct Answer
    B. Confederate States of America
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Confederate States of America. The flag in question is commonly known as the Confederate flag, which was the official flag of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. It is often associated with the Southern states that seceded from the Union and fought to preserve slavery.

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  • 22. 

    World War I happened around what time?

    • A.

      1860's

    • B.

      1914-1918

    • C.

      1898

    • D.

      1941-1945

    Correct Answer
    B. 1914-1918
    Explanation
    World War I occurred between 1914 and 1918. This was a global conflict that involved many countries and was primarily fought between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. The war began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 and resulted in the deaths of millions of people. It was a significant turning point in world history and led to major political, social, and economic changes.

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  • 23. 

                               "White Man's Burden" Editorial Cartoon Detroit Free Press 1898 Analyze the political cartoon and answer the following question. What message is the cartoon most likely implying?

    • A.

      The United States is uneducated

    • B.

      The United States military is weak

    • C.

      The United States will help "civilize" natives from another country

    • D.

      The Untied States is against immigration

    Correct Answer
    C. The United States will help "civilize" natives from another country
    Explanation
    The political cartoon most likely implies that the United States will help "civilize" natives from another country. This can be inferred from the depiction of a white man carrying the burden of a native person, symbolizing the idea of the United States taking on the responsibility of guiding and improving the lives of people from other nations.

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  • 24. 

    Which political figure is in the picture?

    • A.

      Ulysses S. Grant

    • B.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • C.

      Robert E. Lee

    • D.

      Woodrow Wilson

    Correct Answer
    B. Abraham Lincoln
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Abraham Lincoln. This can be determined by recognizing the image of the political figure in the picture, who bears a strong resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, the other options - Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Woodrow Wilson - can be ruled out as they do not match the image.

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  • 25. 

    Which political figure is in the picture?

    • A.

      Ulysses S. Grant

    • B.

      Abraham Lincoln

    • C.

      Robert E. Lee

    • D.

      Woodrow Wilson

    Correct Answer
    C. Robert E. Lee
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Robert E. Lee because he was a prominent political figure during the American Civil War. He served as the commanding general of the Confederate Army and is widely recognized for his leadership in the Southern states' fight for secession. His image is often associated with the Confederacy and the Civil War era.

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  • Current Version
  • Nov 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 22, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Historyperryhs
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