Essay The American History: Reconstruction Era

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1. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 ended slavery in the United States.

a. True

b. False

Explanation: This is a common misunderstanding; however, it was the 13th amendment to the constitution that ended slavery.

2. The Black Codes codified racial hatred into law in 1865.

a. True

Explanation: The Black Codes refer to the legislation passed mostly by southern states that limited the rights of recently freed slaves.

b. False

3. In total there were three Civil War amendments. These include the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

a. True

Explanation: The three amendments are the 13th, 14th, and 15th dealing with the abolition of slavery, citizenship, and voting rights for black men respectively.

4. After the Civil War, a "Redeemer" was someone from the South who wanted a return to "home rule" and the ascendency of white Republicans into office.

a. True

b. False

Explanation: The Redeemer did want home rule; however, they sought white democrats to have political power.

5. The Timber Culture Act of 1873 was one of the ways that the United States enabled settlers to gain more western land and also helped to create forested areas.

a. True

Explanation: The Timber Culture Act of 1873 enabled the settlers the option of taking another 160 acres of land for free if they planted trees on at least one-quarter of it for four years. This was important for several reasons: trees helped to create more rainfall, they provided more fuel and building materials, and they aided settlers in surviving the harsh winters.

b. False

6. Buffalo hunting was one of the ways that westward migrants from the United States destroyed Native American culture.

a. True

Explanation: Not only was the buffalo the chief source of Native American food, but it also "contributed vitally to the shape of their political and social institutions and spiritual beliefs." Western migrants were responsible for killing up to three million buffalo a year, and within a short time, the southern herd of buffalo was almost completely extinct.

7. The Apache wars with Geronimo were the culminating conflicts between Native Americans and the United States that took place between 1878 and 1886.

a. True

b. False

Explanation: The Ghost Dances were the final fight left from the Native Americans, but this was actually a spiritual and not physical war.

8. Like the industrialists in the Gilded Age, the presidents of this era also wielded a great deal of power.

a. True

b. False

Explanation: While the presidency was important in the Gilded Age, it was a very different type of office with limited power. Presidents in this era were expected to maintain momentum for their party, and ensure a continued stream of support (money and votes) for future elections. Presidents did not formulate or direct the policy of their parties and often served as symbols.

9. The Pendleton Civil Service Act in 1883 was notable for being the first permanent federal agency.

a. True

Explanation: This was the first permanent federal agency. It was a government oversight commission that ensured that a certain percentage (only 14 percent at the time) of government jobs went to those who legitimately competed for the job and were qualified for it.

b. False

0. Rockefeller was one of the "Titans of Industry" during the Gilded Age. His name was synonymous with the rise of big business, and he has the distinction of becoming America’s first billionaire.

a. True

Explanation: He was America's wealthiest man at the time. The vehicle for his wealth was Standard Oil, a company that refined and distributed almost ninety percent of the oil produced in the United States. One of the ways that he amassed his great fortune was through a technique called a monopoly.

b. False

11. Even though there was a growth of big business in the late 19th century, and some became very wealthy, there was little change in the nature of work for the average laborer.

a. True

b. False
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