US History Midterm Review Part 1

Which constitutional amendment, passed during Lincoln's presidency in January 1865 and ratified by December 1865, ended slavery in the United States?

• 13th Amendment

• 12th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 13th Amendment, passed in January 1865 and ratified by December 1865, abolished slavery in the United States, making it the correct answer to the question.

Which of these answers best fits this definition: the effort to restore the southern United States to the Union and redefine African Americans' place in society.

• Civil Rights Movement

• Emancipation Proclamation

• Reconstruction

• Shay's Rebellion

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Reconstruction, which refers to the period after the Civil War aimed at reintegrating the Southern states into the Union and addressing the status of African Americans in society.

Who was the President from East Tennessee during the Reconstruction era, known for his lenient approach towards Southern states rejoining the Union and his reluctance to use federal power to enforce African American rights?

• Ulysses S. Grant

• Abraham Lincoln

• Andrew Johnson

• Rutherford B. Hayes

Answer explanation

Andrew Johnson, from East Tennessee, was President during Reconstruction. He favored a lenient approach to Southern states rejoining the Union and was hesitant to use federal power to protect African American rights.

Which set of laws enacted between 1865 and 1866 restricted the rights and freedoms of African Americans, including requiring them to carry proof of employment or face legal penalties?

• Black Codes

• Jim Crow Laws

• Civil Rights Act

• Emancipation Proclamation

Answer explanation

The Black Codes were laws enacted in 1865-1866 that restricted the rights of African Americans, including requiring proof of employment, thus limiting their freedoms and reinforcing racial discrimination.

Which constitutional amendment, opposed by President Andrew Johnson, established birthright citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law, thereby granting African Americans citizenship and constitutional rights? It was enacted in 1866 and ratified in 1868.

• 14th Amendment

• 13th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

• 16th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 14th Amendment, enacted in 1866 and ratified in 1868, established birthright citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law, granting African Americans citizenship and constitutional rights, despite President Johnson's opposition.

Which Radical Republican congressional act, enacted in 1867, dismantled the existing governments of Southern states, subjected them to military rule, and imposed stringent conditions for their reintegration into the Union? This initiative was part of the Congressional Reconstruction led by Radical Republicans.

• Union Act

• Union Restoration Act

• Southern Occupation Act

• Reconstruction Act

Answer explanation

The Reconstruction Act of 1867 was a key Radical Republican initiative that dismantled Southern state governments, imposed military rule, and set strict conditions for their reintegration into the Union, making it the correct answer.

During the Reconstruction era, did African Americans participate in the political process, including holding public office?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yes, during the Reconstruction era, African Americans actively participated in the political process, including voting and holding public office, marking a significant shift in American politics.

Which legislation, enacted during Johnson's presidency in 1865, aimed to assist African Americans and impoverished whites by reallocating land and resources, and also established educational and healthcare facilities for African Americans?

• Freedmen's Bureau Act

• Reconstruction Finance Corporation

• Homestead Act

• Civil Rights Act

Answer explanation

The Freedmen's Bureau Act, enacted in 1865, was designed to aid African Americans and poor whites by redistributing land and resources, and it also established educational and healthcare facilities for African Americans.

Which Amendment, ratified in 1870, ensured that the right to vote could not be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude?

• 15th Amendment

• 19th Amendment

• 16th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, specifically prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, making it the correct choice for this question.

What is the Lost Cause Myth/Narrative primarily known for?

• An accurate historical recount of the Civil War from the Southern viewpoint

• A critical analysis of the Union's military strategies.

• A narrative that glorifies the end of slavery.

• An idealized portrayal of the Confederate effort in the Civil War, emphasizing heritage and culture over slavery

Answer explanation

The Lost Cause Myth idealizes the Confederate effort in the Civil War, portraying it as a noble struggle for heritage and culture, while downplaying the role of slavery, making this choice the most accurate representation.