How Much Do You Know About the American Civil War?

Let's see how much high school knowledge you retained with this quiz about the Civil War! Did you remember to study?

What year did the Civil War begin?

Correct

The Civil War began in 1861. The prevalent conflict over slavery reached a tipping point in the late 1850s. When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860, the southern states began the process of seceeding from the Union. The first battle of the Civil War was on April 12th, 1861, at Fort Sumter. 

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The Civil War began in 1861. The prevalent conflict over slavery reached a tipping point in the late 1850s. When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860, the southern states began the process of seceeding from the Union. The first battle of the Civil War was on April 12th, 1861, at Fort Sumter. 

What was the formal name for the Confederate states?

Correct

The formal name of the Confederate states was the Confederate States of America. This was done to mirror the "United States of America."

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The formal name of the Confederate states was the Confederate States of America. This was done to mirror the "United States of America."

Which Confederate general had a wooden leg?

Correct

General Richard S. Ewell had to get a wooden leg when he was wounded on May 23, 1863, at the Second Battle of Manassas. On July 3, he was wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg. When someone asked if he was okay, he replied, "don't hurt one bit to be shot in a wooden leg."

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General Richard S. Ewell had to get a wooden leg when he was wounded on May 23, 1863, at the Second Battle of Manassas. On July 3, he was wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg. When someone asked if he was okay, he replied, "don't hurt one bit to be shot in a wooden leg."

Which Union spy worked as a servant in the Confederate White House?

Correct

Mary Bowser, one of Jefferson Davis' slaves, served as a Union spy. Bowser was gathered by Elizabeth Van Lew. It's unclear why she was sent there and what intelligence she received...

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Mary Bowser, one of Jefferson Davis' slaves, served as a Union spy. Bowser was gathered by Elizabeth Van Lew. It's unclear why she was sent there and what intelligence she received...

What percent of the Union army did African Americans make up?

Correct

African American troops made up 10% of the Union army. They were usually sent to the front lines of battle first.

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African American troops made up 10% of the Union army. They were usually sent to the front lines of battle first.

Which state dealt with the most fighting during the Civil War?

Correct

The fields of Virginia were met with the most battles. The state is on the border between Confederate and Union states, so many of the confrontations occurred on its grounds. 

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The fields of Virginia were met with the most battles. The state is on the border between Confederate and Union states, so many of the confrontations occurred on its grounds. 

Which Civil War general was nicknamed The Butcher?

Correct

Ulysses S. Grant was better known as 'The Butcher' to his peers. His mean approach throughout the war was the use of blunt warfare. His ideals meant that he and his troops had to adopt the mentality of ignoring the lives of soldiers on the opposing side and on their own.

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Ulysses S. Grant was better known as 'The Butcher' to his peers. His mean approach throughout the war was the use of blunt warfare. His ideals meant that he and his troops had to adopt the mentality of ignoring the lives of soldiers on the opposing side and on their own.

Which Civil War battle was the first to be photographed?

Correct

The first battle to be photographed was the Battle of Antietam. The photographer, Matthew Brady, was allowed by Abraham Lincoln to document the battles from the sidelines. Their goal was to compile them into a storybook to showcase the carnage of war. 

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The first battle to be photographed was the Battle of Antietam. The photographer, Matthew Brady, was allowed by Abraham Lincoln to document the battles from the sidelines. Their goal was to compile them into a storybook to showcase the carnage of war. 

Which Native American tribe was allied with the Confederacy?

Correct

All of the tribes listed were allied with the Confederacy. Confederate Brigadier General Albert Pike authorized Native American regiments during the fall of 1860. Eventually, the tribes realized that the Confederacy wouldn't go through with any of their promises.

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All of the tribes listed were allied with the Confederacy. Confederate Brigadier General Albert Pike authorized Native American regiments during the fall of 1860. Eventually, the tribes realized that the Confederacy wouldn't go through with any of their promises.

Who was the President of the Confederate States of America?

Correct

Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America. His poor leadership skills was a huge downfall of the Confederacy. He even authorized his government to print more money, which led to dangerous inflation and devaluation of the money, causing their economy to spiral. 

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Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America. His poor leadership skills was a huge downfall of the Confederacy. He even authorized his government to print more money, which led to dangerous inflation and devaluation of the money, causing their economy to spiral. 

Which political party did Abraham Lincoln not align himself with?

Correct

Abraham Lincoln was not a Democrat. He was a member of the Republican Party when he was elected president, which was only enacted a few years before his presidency. Before that, he was a part of the Whig Party and the National Union Party. 

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Abraham Lincoln was not a Democrat. He was a member of the Republican Party when he was elected president, which was only enacted a few years before his presidency. Before that, he was a part of the Whig Party and the National Union Party. 

Which state was the first to secede from the Union in 1860?

Correct

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. After Lincoln was elected president, South Carolina called a convention in hopes of sparking a conversation about whether or not to secede. The vote, among Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Lousiana, and Texas, was unanimous. 

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South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. After Lincoln was elected president, South Carolina called a convention in hopes of sparking a conversation about whether or not to secede. The vote, among Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Lousiana, and Texas, was unanimous. 

Who were the Tar Heels?

Correct

The Tar Heels were confederate soldiers from North Carolina. They got the nickname because they stuck to ranks "like they had tar on their heels." 

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The Tar Heels were confederate soldiers from North Carolina. They got the nickname because they stuck to ranks "like they had tar on their heels." 

Which historical event marked the beginning of the Civil War?

Correct

The Battle of Fort Sumter was the first official event that sparked the Civil War. Although the election of Lincoln and seceding of Southern states was a catalyst, the actual battle sparked by Confederate soldiers was the true marking of what was to come. 

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The Battle of Fort Sumter was the first official event that sparked the Civil War. Although the election of Lincoln and seceding of Southern states was a catalyst, the actual battle sparked by Confederate soldiers was the true marking of what was to come. 

Which book/movie famously depicts when General William Tecumseh Sherman burned down Atlanta during the March to the Sea. 

Correct

Gone with the Wind showcases this fateful moment. The entire novel takes place during the Civil War. 

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Gone with the Wind showcases this fateful moment. The entire novel takes place during the Civil War. 

Where did General Robert E. Lee sign the surrender to Ulysses S. Grant? 

Correct

They signed the surrender in the Appomattox Courthouse. General Lee's original plan was to retreat with his troops to the courthouse, but they were met with General Grant's troops at the stairs. They were surrounded and ultimately surrendered. 

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They signed the surrender in the Appomattox Courthouse. General Lee's original plan was to retreat with his troops to the courthouse, but they were met with General Grant's troops at the stairs. They were surrounded and ultimately surrendered. 

What term was used to describe northern citizens who moved south during the Reconstruction era?

Correct

Northerners who moved south were known as Carpetbaggers. It was a derogatory term used by southerners because they were afraid that the new citizens wanted to take advantage of the destabilized communities. 

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Northerners who moved south were known as Carpetbaggers. It was a derogatory term used by southerners because they were afraid that the new citizens wanted to take advantage of the destabilized communities. 

Which of the people listed below were abolitionists? 

Correct

Every person listed was an abolitionist. David Walker was a black writer and activist residing in Boston. His father was a slave while his mother was free. Harriet Beecher Stowe was the author of the famous novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. 

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Every person listed was an abolitionist. David Walker was a black writer and activist residing in Boston. His father was a slave while his mother was free. Harriet Beecher Stowe was the author of the famous novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. 

When did the Battle of Fort Sumter take place?

Correct

The Battle of Fort Sumter took place on April 12, 1861. This was a direct reaction to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln! 

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The Battle of Fort Sumter took place on April 12, 1861. This was a direct reaction to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln! 

Which theater was Abraham Lincoln assassinated in?

Correct

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Ford's Theater in Virginia. John Wilkes Booth shot him during the production of Our American Cousin on April 14, 1965. 

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Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Ford's Theater in Virginia. John Wilkes Booth shot him during the production of Our American Cousin on April 14, 1965. 

How many days did the Battle of Gettysburg last?

Correct

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted from July 1st until July 3rd, three whole days. It was the northernmost battle of the Civil War, and the bloodiest.

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The Battle of Gettysburg lasted from July 1st until July 3rd, three whole days. It was the northernmost battle of the Civil War, and the bloodiest.

Around how many casualties were there during the Civil War?

Correct

There were around 620,000 casualties during the Civil War. Every casualty was on American soil. They lost 2% of the population.

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There were around 620,000 casualties during the Civil War. Every casualty was on American soil. They lost 2% of the population.

How many Black soldiers fought for the Union army?

Correct

There were around 180,000 Black soldiers fighting in the Union army. Even though they were fighting for their freedoms, they were still treated as expendable and usually put on the frontlines. A total of 40,000 Black soldiers perished. 

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There were around 180,000 Black soldiers fighting in the Union army. Even though they were fighting for their freedoms, they were still treated as expendable and usually put on the frontlines. A total of 40,000 Black soldiers perished. 

Where was General Robert E. Lee born?

Correct

Robert E. Lee was born in Virginia. His father was Virginia Governor Major-General Henry Lee III. He grew up in extreme wealth. 

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Robert E. Lee was born in Virginia. His father was Virginia Governor Major-General Henry Lee III. He grew up in extreme wealth. 

On what ground is Robert E. Lee's house located? 

Correct

His house is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The U.S. government chose that site for the national cemetery to make sure that he could never return home. 

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His house is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The U.S. government chose that site for the national cemetery to make sure that he could never return home. 

What was General Thomas Jackson's nickname?

Correct

He was better known as General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. He got the nickname during the First Battle of Bull Run, when he rushed his troops to close a gap and stood alongside them, standing there like a "stone wall."

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He was better known as General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. He got the nickname during the First Battle of Bull Run, when he rushed his troops to close a gap and stood alongside them, standing there like a "stone wall."

Which amendment freed the slaves?

Correct

The 13th amendment was signed to free all slaves.

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

 

 

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The 13th amendment was signed to free all slaves.

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

 

 

Which city erupted into a riot at the height of the Civil War?

Correct

New York City erupted into a riot lasting three times in July of 1863. At first, they were protesting the Civil War draft because wealthy men could pay $300 to avoid getting drafted. Then, it turned into fear of emancipated Black people taking jobs from the poor Whites who had to go to war, and it turned into a race riot that killed 120 people.

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New York City erupted into a riot lasting three times in July of 1863. At first, they were protesting the Civil War draft because wealthy men could pay $300 to avoid getting drafted. Then, it turned into fear of emancipated Black people taking jobs from the poor Whites who had to go to war, and it turned into a race riot that killed 120 people.

On which date did South Carolina secede from the Union?

Correct

South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860. They had previously threatened to secede if Lincoln was elected president. It only took a month and a half for them to declare the secession. 

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South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860. They had previously threatened to secede if Lincoln was elected president. It only took a month and a half for them to declare the secession. 

What age did people have to be to legally enlist in the Union army?

Correct

Men had to be between the ages of 18-45 if they wanted to join the army. Young men did lie about their age in order to join, though. The youngest soldier was a drummer boy named Edward Black. He was only 8 years old. 

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Men had to be between the ages of 18-45 if they wanted to join the army. Young men did lie about their age in order to join, though. The youngest soldier was a drummer boy named Edward Black. He was only 8 years old. 

Which of these battles were fought during the Civil War? 

Correct

The Siege of Vicksburg took place during the Civil War. It was fought from May 18 until July 4, 1863. It's best known as one of the turning points of the war, where General Grant captured the final Confederate stronghold. 

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The Siege of Vicksburg took place during the Civil War. It was fought from May 18 until July 4, 1863. It's best known as one of the turning points of the war, where General Grant captured the final Confederate stronghold. 

Who took Abraham Lincoln's place after he was assassinated?

Correct

Andrew Johnson was Lincolns Vice President when he was assassinated. He overtook the presidency right as the Civil War ended and was impeached by the House but saved by the Senate. 

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Andrew Johnson was Lincolns Vice President when he was assassinated. He overtook the presidency right as the Civil War ended and was impeached by the House but saved by the Senate. 

Who was the 18th President of the United States?

Correct

Ulysses S. Grant was elected as president in 1869. He helped stabilize the post-war economy, created the Department of Justice, prosecuted the KKK, and appointed Black and Jewish community members to federal offices. 

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Ulysses S. Grant was elected as president in 1869. He helped stabilize the post-war economy, created the Department of Justice, prosecuted the KKK, and appointed Black and Jewish community members to federal offices. 

What was the motive behind the Civil War?

Correct

All answers had a huge part in the war. Slavery was a huge part of the war as southern states wanted to keep their right to keep slaves as their economy was slave-based.

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All answers had a huge part in the war. Slavery was a huge part of the war as southern states wanted to keep their right to keep slaves as their economy was slave-based.

Which state never allowed slaves to begin with?

Correct

Indiana was granted statehood in 1816 under the Union. At this time, the abolitionists were fully in control of the government, so slavery was banned from the start.

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Indiana was granted statehood in 1816 under the Union. At this time, the abolitionists were fully in control of the government, so slavery was banned from the start.

Which Civil War battle was the bloodiest?

Correct

The Battle of Gettysburg is known as the bloodiest battle of the civil war. It lastest for three days and garnered the most casualties. They lost over 50,000 soldiers.

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The Battle of Gettysburg is known as the bloodiest battle of the civil war. It lastest for three days and garnered the most casualties. They lost over 50,000 soldiers.

What was Robert E. Lee's horse's name? 

Correct

Traveller was the horse that General Lee used the most throughout the Civil War. Traveller ended up outliving General Lee and was buried next to him upon his death.

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Traveller was the horse that General Lee used the most throughout the Civil War. Traveller ended up outliving General Lee and was buried next to him upon his death.

How long was Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?

Correct

Lincoln delivered his famous speech in just 2 minutes. It's considered one of the greatest speeches ever written. 

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Lincoln delivered his famous speech in just 2 minutes. It's considered one of the greatest speeches ever written. 

Which appeared on a U.S. coin during the Civil War?

Correct

'In God We Trust' first appeared on a U.S. coin in 1864. It's been on them ever since!

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'In God We Trust' first appeared on a U.S. coin in 1864. It's been on them ever since!

What type of pet did General Robert E. Lee keep with him during the Civil War?

Correct

General Lee kept his trusty pet chicken with him at all times during the war. His chicken would lay an egg under his cot every morning which would provide him breakfast.

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General Lee kept his trusty pet chicken with him at all times during the war. His chicken would lay an egg under his cot every morning which would provide him breakfast.

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