Civil War Trivia: MCQ Quiz!
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
What year did the Civil War begin? (The year the first battle was fought)
- A.
1865
- B.
1857
- C.
1868
- D.
1861
Correct Answer
D. 1861Explanation
The correct answer is 1861 because it is widely accepted as the year when the Civil War began. This is the year when the first battle of the war, the Battle of Fort Sumter, took place. The conflict between the Union and the Confederacy started in 1861 and lasted until 1865.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In a slave state,
- A.
Slavery was allowed by law.
- B.
Slavery was not allowed by law.
- C.
Slaves could leave the state if they wanted to.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Slavery was allowed by law.Explanation
In a slave state, slavery was allowed by law. This means that the state had legal provisions in place that permitted the ownership and forced labor of individuals who were considered slaves. These laws would have protected the rights of slave owners and established the legal framework for the institution of slavery to exist within the state.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Missouri Compromise became law in?
- A.
1800.
- B.
1820.
- C.
1850.
- D.
1860.
Correct Answer
B. 1820.Explanation
The Missouri Compromise became law in 1820. This legislation was passed by the United States Congress to address the issue of slavery in the western territories. It established a division between free and slave states, with Missouri being admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Additionally, it prohibited slavery in the remaining Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30' parallel. The compromise temporarily eased tensions between the North and the South, but ultimately failed to resolve the issue of slavery, leading to further conflicts and eventually the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a?
- A.
Free state.
- B.
Slave state.
- C.
Neither slave nor free state.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
B. Slave state.Explanation
Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri came into the Union as a slave state. The Missouri Compromise was an agreement passed in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, while Maine entered as a free state, maintaining the balance between slave and free states. Additionally, the compromise also established a line, known as the 36°30' parallel, where slavery would be prohibited in any new states formed from the Louisiana Territory north of that line.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Under the Compromise of 1850, which state came into the Union?
- A.
Maine
- B.
Missouri
- C.
Kansas
- D.
California
Correct Answer
D. CaliforniaExplanation
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures that aimed to address the issue of slavery in the United States. One of the provisions of this compromise was the admission of California as a free state. This was significant because it upset the balance between free and slave states in the Union, as it tipped the scales in favor of the free states. The admission of California as a free state was a major development in the ongoing debate over slavery and ultimately contributed to the tensions that led to the American Civil War.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?
- A.
Missouri Compromise of 1820
- B.
Compromise of 1850
- C.
Kansas Nebraska Act
- D.
Fugitive Slave Act
Correct Answer
C. Kansas Nebraska ActExplanation
The Kansas Nebraska Act allowed the people of the state to decide if the state would be a slave state or a free state. This act, passed in 1854, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and established popular sovereignty in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It allowed the residents of these territories to vote on whether or not to allow slavery, leading to intense conflicts and violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Ultimately, this act contributed to the escalation of tensions between the North and South, leading to the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 7.
John Brown
- A.
Led a raid in 1859 at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
- B.
Was hung for treason.
- C.
Was against slavery.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
John Brown led a raid in 1859 at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, which demonstrates his active opposition to slavery. As a result of his actions, he was hung for treason, further highlighting his strong stance against the institution. 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.
How many states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began?
- A.
7 states
- B.
10 states
- C.
11 states
- D.
15 states
Correct Answer
C. 11 statesExplanation
11 states seceded from the Union before the Civil War began. This secession was a result of the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery and states' rights. The secession of these states eventually led to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following was an advantage of the North in fighting the Civil War?
- A.
More people
- B.
Most battles fought in the North
- C.
More military experience
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. More peopleExplanation
During the Civil War, the North had an advantage in terms of having more people. This meant that they had a larger population to draw from for their armies, which gave them a greater pool of potential soldiers. With more people, the North had the ability to field larger armies and replace losses more easily. This numerical advantage played a significant role in the outcome of the war, as it allowed the North to sustain a prolonged conflict and eventually overwhelm the South.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What are the THREE causes of the Civil War?
- A.
Tariffs or Taxes
- B.
Slavery
- C.
Democracy
- D.
Congress making laws to either benefit the North or the South
- E.
13th Amendment
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tariffs or Taxes
B. Slavery
D. Congress making laws to either benefit the North or the SouthExplanation
The three causes of the Civil War were tariffs or taxes, slavery, and Congress making laws to either benefit the North or the South. Tariffs or taxes played a significant role in the conflict between the North and the South, as the South relied heavily on agriculture and trade, while the North favored industrialization and higher tariffs. Slavery was another major cause, as the South's economy was heavily dependent on slave labor, while the North was increasingly opposed to the institution. The differing interests and power struggles between the North and the South in Congress further exacerbated tensions and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The Underground Railroad...
- A.
Traveled from the south to the north
- B.
Was created by the 13th amendment
- C.
Was an actual railroad
- D.
Had secret stops in homes and other places
- E.
Included people helping slaves secretly
Correct Answer(s)
A. Traveled from the south to the north
D. Had secret stops in homes and other places
E. Included people helping slaves secretlyExplanation
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. It did not involve an actual railroad, but rather a series of hidden pathways and safe locations. The routes typically started in the southern states and led to the northern states and Canada, hence it traveled from the south to the north. Along the way, there were secret stops in homes and other places where escaped slaves could rest and receive assistance from abolitionists and sympathetic individuals, thus involving people helping slaves secretly.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What were the Northern soldiers called?
- A.
Confederate soldiers
- B.
Railroads
- C.
Union soldiers
- D.
Civil Unions
- E.
Emancipations
Correct Answer
C. Union soldiersExplanation
During the American Civil War, the Northern soldiers were referred to as Union soldiers. The Union army represented the United States and fought to preserve the Union and abolish slavery. They were led by generals such as Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. On the other hand, Confederate soldiers were the soldiers from the Southern states who fought for the Confederacy, which aimed to establish an independent nation and maintain the institution of slavery.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What were the Southern soldiers called?
- A.
Confederate soldiers
- B.
Railroads
- C.
Union soldiers
- D.
Civil Unions
- E.
Emancipations
Correct Answer
A. Confederate soldiersExplanation
The correct answer is Confederate soldiers. During the American Civil War, the soldiers from the Southern states, who fought for the Confederacy, were commonly referred to as Confederate soldiers. They were in opposition to the Union soldiers, who fought for the Northern states.Rate this question:
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- 14.
When was the Civil War?
- A.
1862-1869
- B.
1861-1862
- C.
1900-1905
- D.
1861-1865
- E.
1841-1845
Correct Answer
D. 1861-1865Explanation
The correct answer is 1861-1865. The Civil War in the United States took place during this time period. It began in 1861 when the Confederate states seceded from the Union, and it ended in 1865 with the surrender of the Confederate army. This war was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states' rights. It was a significant event in American history and resulted in the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The civil war was the first war that the United States citizens fought against one another.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the civil war was indeed the first war in which citizens of the United States fought against each other. The American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865, was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states) over issues of slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union. It resulted in a significant loss of life and had a profound impact on the nation's history and identity.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What was the argument in the Dred Scott case?
- A.
Dred Scott should be allowed to run for president because he was a citizen.
- B.
Dred Scott should be free because he had lived in a free territory.
- C.
Dred Scott should be allowed to vote because he was free.
- D.
Dred Scott should be allowed to return to slavery because he wanted to.
Correct Answer
B. Dred Scott should be free because he had lived in a free territory.Explanation
The argument in the Dred Scott case was that Dred Scott should be free because he had lived in a free territory. This argument was based on the belief that living in a free territory should grant Scott his freedom, regardless of his previous status as a slave. The case ultimately determined that Scott did not have the right to be free based on his residence in a free territory, which had significant implications for the institution of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What did the Supreme Court decide in the Dred Scott case?
- A.
The Supreme Court decided slaves were property.
- B.
The Supreme Court decided the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protected property.
- C.
The Supreme Court decided blacks did not have the right to citizenship in the United States.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The Supreme Court's decision in the Dred Scott case encompassed all of the given options. The Court ruled that slaves were considered property, protected under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, and that black individuals did not have the right to citizenship in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What was the Underground Railroad?
- A.
A system of transporting manufactured goods from the North to the South.
- B.
A railroad that connected the eastern states to the western territories.
- C.
A steam train that carried escaping slaves to the North.
- D.
A system of people, homes, and farms that aided escaping slaves.
Correct Answer
D. A system of people, homes, and farms that aided escaping slaves.Explanation
The Underground Railroad was a network of people, homes, and farms that assisted escaping slaves in their journey to freedom. It was not an actual railroad or a system for transporting goods, but rather a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped slaves escape from the South to the North. This system provided shelter, food, and guidance to those seeking freedom from slavery.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How did Harriett Beecher Stowe help end slavery?
- A.
By writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- B.
By attacking Harpers Ferry
- C.
By writing songs about the Underground Railroad
- D.
By becoming a politician
Correct Answer
A. By writing Uncle Tom’s CabinExplanation
Harriett Beecher Stowe helped end slavery by writing Uncle Tom's Cabin. This novel, published in 1852, depicted the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on individuals and families. It created a strong emotional response among readers and helped to raise awareness about the cruelty of slavery. Uncle Tom's Cabin became a bestseller and had a significant influence on public opinion, contributing to the growing abolitionist movement in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Who is an escaped slave who led about 300 slaves to freedom?
- A.
Abolitionist
- B.
Conductor
- C.
Passenger
- D.
Harriett Tubman
- E.
Station
Correct Answer
D. Harriett TubmanExplanation
Harriett Tubman is the correct answer because she was an escaped slave who became an abolitionist and led approximately 300 slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She risked her own safety to guide enslaved individuals to the North, where they could live as free people. Tubman's bravery and determination made her a prominent figure in the fight against slavery and an inspiration to many.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Define abolitionist.
- A.
Someone who opposed slavery and worked to end it
- B.
A safe house or place where escaping slaves could rest and get food.
- C.
A slave escaping by the Underground Railroad
- D.
Someone who helped slaves escape to the North or Canada
- E.
An escaped slave who led about 300 slaves to freedom
Correct Answer
A. Someone who opposed slavery and worked to end itExplanation
An abolitionist is someone who opposed slavery and actively worked towards its eradication. They believed that slavery was morally wrong and fought for its abolition through various means such as public speaking, writing, organizing protests, and even participating in the Underground Railroad to help slaves escape to freedom. Abolitionists played a crucial role in raising awareness about the inhumanity of slavery and pushing for its eventual end.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Define conductor.
- A.
Someone who opposed slavery and worked to end it
- B.
A safe house or place where escaping slaves could rest and get food.
- C.
A slave escaping by the Underground Railroad
- D.
Someone who helped slaves escape to the North or Canada
- E.
An escaped slave who led about 300 slaves to freedom
Correct Answer
D. Someone who helped slaves escape to the North or CanadaExplanation
The correct answer is "Someone who helped slaves escape to the North or Canada." This definition accurately describes a conductor in the context of the Underground Railroad. Conductors were individuals who played a crucial role in assisting enslaved people in their escape from slavery by providing guidance, shelter, and support along the Underground Railroad network. They helped slaves navigate their way to freedom in the North or Canada, where slavery was abolished.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What Happened when slavery was abolished?
- A.
Slaves still had to work.
- B.
Slaves were killed.
- C.
Slaves didnt have to work anymore.
Correct Answer
C. Slaves didnt have to work anymore.Explanation
When slavery was abolished, slaves didn't have to work anymore. This means that they were no longer legally bound to forced labor and were granted their freedom. The abolition of slavery marked a significant milestone in the fight for human rights and equality, allowing former slaves to have control over their own lives and pursue opportunities of their choosing.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Where were the majority of the slaveholders at?
- A.
North
- B.
South
- C.
East
- D.
West
Correct Answer
B. SouthExplanation
The majority of the slaveholders were located in the South. This is because the South heavily relied on slave labor for their agricultural economy, particularly in the production of crops such as cotton, tobacco, and rice. Slavery was deeply ingrained in the social and economic fabric of the Southern states, leading to a higher concentration of slaveholders in this region compared to the North, East, and West.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Dred Scott successfully sued for his freedom.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Dred Scott did not successfully sue for his freedom. In fact, the Supreme Court ruled against him in the landmark case of Dred Scott v. Sandford in 1857. The court held that Scott, as a black slave, was not a citizen and therefore did not have the right to sue. The decision also declared that the Missouri Compromise, which prohibited slavery in certain territories, was unconstitutional. This ruling further entrenched the institution of slavery and contributed to the tensions that ultimately led to the American Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What invention caused the number of slaves to increase dramatically?
- A.
Light Bulb
- B.
Steam Engine
- C.
Cotton Gin
- D.
Wheel
Correct Answer
C. Cotton GinExplanation
The invention of the Cotton Gin caused the number of slaves to increase dramatically. The Cotton Gin was a machine that efficiently removed seeds from cotton fibers, making cotton production much faster and more profitable. As a result, the demand for cotton increased, leading to a significant expansion of cotton plantations. Since cotton cultivation required intensive labor, plantation owners relied heavily on enslaved individuals to meet the growing demand. This led to a sharp rise in the number of slaves, particularly in the southern United States.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What was the slave rebellion that took place in Southampton County, Virginia, during August 1831 called?
- A.
Stono Rebellion
- B.
John Brown's Raid
- C.
Shay's Rebellion
- D.
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Correct Answer
D. Nat Turner's RebellionExplanation
Nat Turner's Rebellion was the slave rebellion that took place in Southampton County, Virginia, during August 1831. It was led by Nat Turner, an enslaved African American, who believed he was chosen by God to lead a rebellion against slave owners. Turner and his followers attacked and killed around 55 to 65 white people, resulting in a violent and brutal suppression by white militias and authorities. This rebellion had a significant impact on the history of slavery in the United States and contributed to the growing tensions between slaveholders and abolitionists.Rate this question:
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