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      How Much Do You Know About The Civil War?

      How Much Do You Know About The Civil War?
      Trivia / IQ

      By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 2, 2024

      The Civil War changed the course of American history in ways that we can still feel today. The war between the North and South tore families apart, and left a mark on the very land it was fought upon. The death toll equaled about 2 percent of the country’s population at the time, and the effects of the war were felt by virtually everyone in every corner of the country.

      How Much Do You Know About The Civil War?

      Strap on your kepi and grab your musket, because we're about to embark on a journey through time—to the era of the Civil War, no less. It was a time of dramatic change and conflict, where brother fought against brother and the nation's very fabric was on the line. We know some of you are history buffs, ready to recite Gettysburg Address at the drop of a hat, but let's see how deep your knowledge really goes. Can you tell your Union from your Confederacy without getting lost in a sea of blue and grey?

      A battlefield with cannons, soldiers, and flags. Smoke and dust fill the air as the clash of armies echoes across the landscape

      Now, before you charge headlong into battle, let's consider what we're up against. It wasn't just about who had the fanciest uniform or the biggest cannon; the Civil War was a complex and transformative period in American history. It shaped our nation in ways that still echo today. So, do you know your facts? How many battlefield bloopers can you spot? Can you name the key players without peeking into your history book?

      We at BrainFall have crafted a quiz that'll test your Civil War smarts and maybe even teach you a thing or two. It's time to find out if you'd rank as a general or if you're starting off as a raw recruit. Sharpen your pencils and set your faces to 'stern thoughtful statue mode'; our Civil War quiz is coming in hot, and we want to see if you can handle the heat of historical inquiry with the poise of Lincoln himself!

      Birth of a Conflict

      A line of soldiers marches through a field, their uniforms tattered and weapons at the ready. Smoke billows in the distance, hinting at the impending conflict

      Alright folks, before we dive into our brain-busting quiz, let's get the lowdown on the series of events that unraveled the stitching of America and led to the clash known as the Civil War. Spoiler alert: It's not just about disagreeing over a cup of tea!

      The Road to Secession

      We all know that breaking up is hard to do, but by 1860, our American states were singing this tune to a whole new level. When Abraham Lincoln secured the presidency without the support of a single Southern state, you can bet your biscuits that the South wasn't sending congratulatory telegrams. In fact, they were much more into the idea of a "see ya never" as states decided to secede from the Union. South Carolina was the first to peace out in December of 1860, sparking a trend faster than bell-bottom jeans in the '70s. By the time Lincoln was swearing in, seven southern states had bounced and formed the fancy-schmanzy sounding Confederate States of America.

      Firing Shots at Fort Sumter

      Now, we can't talk about the start of the Civil War without mentioning the audacious appetizer that was Fort Sumter. Imagine this: a fort in the Confederacy's turf, holding out with the Union flag flying high. Not a good look in the eyes of the Confederacy, right? So, on April 12, 1861, they did what any group with giant cannons would do—they fired on the fort! This "shot heard around the country" was the opener that no one got snacks or bathroom breaks for, because it was the official start of the rebellion.

      Divided House: Union Vs Confederacy

      If you thought family holiday dinners were intense, just think about America at this time—talk about a divided house! On one side, we had the Union, holding onto the notion of a single, united country like it was the last slice of pizza. The Union Army was gearing up in the North, prepped to preserve the United States. Then we had the Confederacy, those southern rebels who were ready to throw down for their right to... well, let's just say they weren't big on sharing power with the central government. The stage was set in 1861 for the Civil War with two sides squared off, and oh boy, was it going to be a showdown.

      Major Milestones and Key Players

      Buckle up, friends! We're about to journey through some pivotal moments and shake hands with the giants of the Civil War. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to ace that upcoming quiz, these are the must-know deets.

      Iconic Leaders and Their Legacies

      Abraham Lincoln, often seen with that signature stovepipe hat, led the Union with the weight of a nation on his shoulders. On the flip side, Jefferson Davis took the helm of the Confederate States, both leaving legacies that forever shaped American history. You've certainly heard of Ulysses S. Grant, right? A tough nut with a cigar often clamped between his teeth, this guy bulldozed his way through the South with relentless determination. And let's not forget Robert E. Lee, whose stellar reputation was built on his ability to outmaneuver the Union time and again... until he didn't.

      Critical Battles and Tactical Turns

      Grab your bayonets, because the Battle of Gettysburg was where things got real messy. It's like the Super Bowl of Civil War battles, featuring a massive showdown and a turning point where Lee's forces got a hefty reality check. But don't overlook Fort Sumter, where the first shots rang out in Charleston, igniting the powder keg of conflict between the states.

      The Home Front: Life During Wartime

      Life back home was like trying to bake a cake during an earthquake. Civilians from both the North and South dealt with shortages, inflation, and the constant worry about their loved ones in the field. Women, in the absence of their men, took on roles that forever blurred the lines of gender expectations. Meanwhile, slaves eyed the escalating conflict with the hope that freedom was on the horizon.

      The Endgame: Surrender and Reconstruction

      When it came down to the wire, Appomattox Court House was where Lee finally had to hand over his sword in a "good game, but we're done here" moment. The aftermath? A nation bruised and divided, embarking on the long, bumpy road of Reconstruction. The 13th Amendment burst onto the scene, outlawing slavery and setting the stage for a redefined America, though the casualties on both sides made sure no one was walking away without scars.

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      Question 1/40

      Who was the president at the start of the Civil War?

      • Stephen Douglas
      • Abraham Lincoln
      • Andrew Johnson
      Question 2/40

      Which state was the first to secede from the Union?

      • Texas
      • Virginia
      • South Carolina
      Question 3/40

      What was the first battle of the Civil War?

      • Battle of Bull Run
      • Battle of Wilson's Creek
      • Battle of Fort Sumter
      Question 4/40

      How much were Union privates paid for their service during the Civil War?

      • $7.00 per month
      • $13.00 per month
      • $21.00 per month
      Question 5/40

      Which Civil War battle was the bloodiest?

      • The Battle of Gettysburg
      • The Battle of Shiloh
      • The Battle of Vicksburg
      Question 6/40

      The first paper currency was issued in 1862 by the U.S. Congress. What was it called?

      • Sawbucks
      • Greenbacks
      • Freedom bills
      Question 7/40

      When was the last man killed during the Civil War?

      • July 4, 1876
      • September 11, 1867
      • May 13, 1865
      Question 8/40

      What play was Abraham Lincoln attending when he was assassinated at Ford's Theater?

      • Our American Cousin
      • Yankee Doodle Dandy
      • The Marble Heart
      Question 9/40

      What did bounty jumpers do in the Civil War?

      • Capture AWOL soldiers and return them to their regiments for a bounty
      • Enlist and desert the military repeatedly to take advantage of the signup bounty
      • Track down runaway slaves and return them to their masters for a bounty
      Question 10/40

      The Confederate States of America had several capitals during the Civil War. Which of these cities served as the capital?

      • Montgomery, Alabama, Richmond, Virginia, and Danville, Virginia
      • Richmond, Virginia, Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery, Alabama
      • Arlington, Virginia, Macon, Georgia, and Houston, Texas
      Question 11/40

      Who was the president of the Confederacy?

      • Andrew Jackson
      • Jefferson Davis
      • Nathan Bedford Forrest
      Question 12/40

      How many people were killed during the Civil War?

      • 1,200,000
      • 430,000
      • 620,000
      Question 13/40

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

      • Appomattox Courthouse
      • Ford's Theater
      • Gettysburg Cemetery
      Question 14/40

      What city did General William Tecumseh Sherman famously burn down during his march through his March to the Sea?

      • Atlanta
      • Montgomery
      • Charleston
      Question 15/40

      Which abolitionist launched the raid on Harper's Ferry to encourage slaves to rise up against their masters?

      • John Brown
      • Harriet Tubman
      • Sojourner Truth
      Question 16/40

      How many states originally seceded from the North?

      • 13
      • 7
      • 28
      Question 17/40

      What was the official name of the Confederacy as a country?

      • Confederate States of America
      • Southern Confederated Union
      • Free Confederated States
      Question 18/40

      Which one of the following people was NOT an abolitionist?

      • Frederick Douglas
      • Stephen Douglas
      • Harriet Beecher Stowe
      Question 19/40

      The Battle of the Ironclads was a battle between which of the following?

      • The CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor
      • General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant
      • The USS Constitution and the CSS Huntsville
      Question 20/40

      A group of Southern operatives attempted to burn down New York City at the end of the Civil War. What name did the arsonists use to refer to their group?

      • The Confederate Army of Manhattan
      • Confederates for a Free New York
      • Liberty Lads
      Question 21/40

      What caused the Secret Service to be formed in the United States?

      • The assassination of Abraham Lincoln
      • Widespread counterfeiting of U.S. currency
      • Uncovering Confederate spies in the North
      Question 22/40

      Which state saw the most fighting during the war?

      • Tennessee
      • Virginia
      • Missouri
      Question 23/40

      Why were northerners who headed south during Reconstruction called "carpet baggers?"

      • They were known to steal carpets and bags filled with Southerners' possessions.
      • They carried bags made out of used carpet to carry their belongings.
      • They "bagged" the money they made stealing and re-selling items they found in abandoned southern homes, including carpets.
      Question 24/40

      Which future president did NOT serve in the military during the Civil War?

      • Benjamin Harrison
      • Ulysses S. Grant
      • Teddy Roosevelt
      Question 25/40

      The Civil War was the first war to have the press issuing immediate reports for publication. Many photographers were embedded during the war. Which was the first Civil War battle captured by photojournalists?

      • Battle of Gettysburg
      • Battle of Antietam
      • Battle of Poison Spring
      Question 26/40

      What did the Union army do to combat venereal disease among troops during the Civil War?

      • Only enlist married soldiers
      • Allow government-sanctioned prostitution
      • Require all soldiers to take an oath of abstinence
      Question 27/40

      The Andersonville prison camp was located in which state?

      • Georgia
      • Alabama
      • Tennessee
      Question 28/40

      What years was the Civil War fought?

      • 1902-1907
      • 1861-1865
      • 1776-1782
      Question 29/40

      What was one of General Ulysses S. Grant's nicknames during the war?

      • The Butcher
      • The Equalizer
      • The Negotiator
      Question 30/40

      Which person declined an invitation from Abraham Lincoln to attend a play at Ford's Theater on the night the president would be assassinated?

      • General William Tecumseh Sherman
      • Major General Joseph Hooker
      • General Ulysses S. Grant
      Question 31/40

      Which famous poet was a nurse during the Civil War?

      • Walt Whitman
      • Herman Melville
      • Emily Dickinson
      Question 32/40

      Which of the following states remained in the Union despite the fact that it allowed people to own slaves?

      • Wisconsin
      • Kentucky
      • Oklahoma
      Question 33/40

      In 1860, two states had more slaves in their populations than free people. Which states were they?

      • South Carolina and Mississippi
      • Alabama and Louisiana
      • Tennessee and Georgia
      Question 34/40

      How many months did the civil war last?

      • 48
      • 72
      • 120
      Question 35/40

      Despite being most closely associated with the Confederacy, the Confederate Flag was not the national flag of the new country. How many different national flags did it have?

      • 3
      • 5
      • 7
      Question 36/40

      To this day, the Confederate flag is given the same protection (from burning and desecration) as the U.S. flag in which five U.S. States?

      • Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Georgia
      • Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Missouri
      • Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama
      Question 37/40

      Who became president after Lincoln was assassinated?

      • James K. Polk
      • William Henry Harrison
      • Andrew Johnson
      Question 38/40

      What was the main cause of the Civil War?

      • Individual rights
      • Manifest Destiny
      • Slavery
      Question 39/40

      General Robert E. Lee's house is now a part of what national landmark?

      • Yellowstone National Park
      • The Washington Mall
      • Arlington Cemetery
      Question 40/40

      The Civil War essentially started and ended in which of the following locations?

      • Wilmer McLean's farm
      • Abraham Lincoln's summer home
      • Stonewall Jackson's family mill
      Calculating Result...

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