World History: Standard 15

How did the invention of the cotton gin contribute to the expansion of the plantation system?

• by reducing the number of slaves needed for growing cotton

• by increasing the time needed to cultivate cotton

• by increasing the profitability of slavery

• by reducing the demand for raw cotton

The invention of the steamboat most affected the U.S. economy by-

• decreasing the need for canals

• allowing more efficient movement of goods

• reducing the costs of settling in western territories

• transporting workers from southern states to northern states

How did the growth of the railway system during the 19th century affect the U.S. economy?

• by helping expand the commercial markets of U.S. businesses

• by making it easier for people in rural areas to work in urban factories

• by helping strengthen the economic ties between U.S. and British companies

• by permitting faster communication between corporate leaders and their employees

The development of the factory system in the early 1800s caused -

• a decrease in free trade between nations

• an increase in government regulation of businesses

• an increase in production levels

• a decrease in immigration

Major 19th century innovations such as the steel plow, steam engines, Bessemer process, and interchangeable parts, resulted in

• higher consumer costs

• decreased profits for investors

• less consumer choice

• more efficient production of goods

What did Samuel Morse invent?

• phonograph

• telegraph

• light bulb

• batteries

What made the cotton gin such a useful invention?

• It was invented by the great Eli Whitney.

• It removed seeds from cotton efficiently.

• It increased slave labor.

• It became the South's main source of income.

Laissez-faire capitalism as attributed to Adam Smith called for

• heavy taxation of manufacturers

• strict government control of the economy

• minimal government involvement in the economy

• government investments in major industries

Which characteristic is associated with an economy based on the principles of laissez-faire?

• prices based on supply and demand

• production quotas established by the central government

• distribution of goods determined by the customs of a traditional society

• some goods exchanged for other goods of equal value

Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations stressed the importance of

• tradition

• supply and demand

• large corporations

• government ownership