South Carolina Civil War Quiz

Why did South Carolina secede from the Union in 1860?

• To fight for independence

• Because of the election of Abraham Lincoln

• To protect freedom of speech

• To support northern states

Answer explanation

South Carolina seceded from the Union primarily because of the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, as they feared his policies would threaten the institution of slavery and their way of life.

What was the first battle of the Civil War, which took place in South Carolina?

• Battle of Bull Run

• Battle of Fort Sumter

• Battle of Gettysburg

• Battle of Secessionville

Answer explanation

The first battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Fort Sumter, which occurred in South Carolina in April 1861. It marked the beginning of the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy.

What was the name of the ship that tried to resupply the soldiers at Fort Sumter in January 1861?

• Star of the West

• USS South Carolina

• Sea King

• Lincoln's Victory

Answer explanation

The ship that attempted to resupply Fort Sumter in January 1861 was the 'Star of the West'. It was significant as it marked one of the early confrontations in the lead-up to the Civil War.

Which Confederate general ordered the attack on Fort Sumter?

• Robert E. Lee

• P.G.T. Beauregard

• Nathan Bedford Forrest

• Stonewall Jackson

Answer explanation

P.G.T. Beauregard was the Confederate general who ordered the attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, marking the start of the Civil War. Robert E. Lee, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and Stonewall Jackson were not involved in this specific order.

What happened to the city of Columbia, South Carolina, in February 1865?

• It was bombed by Union forces

• It was captured by Confederate forces

• It was burned by Union forces

• It was declared a neutral zone

Answer explanation

In February 1865, Columbia, South Carolina, was burned by Union forces during the Civil War. This event was part of General Sherman's campaign, which aimed to destroy Confederate resources and morale.

Which Union general led the march through South Carolina that resulted in significant destruction?

• Ulysses S. Grant

• William T. Sherman

• George McClellan

• Philip Sheridan

Answer explanation

William T. Sherman led the infamous march through South Carolina during the Civil War, which aimed to cripple the Confederacy's resources and morale, resulting in widespread destruction across the state.

What was the primary economic reason for South Carolina's secession?

• Industrialization

• Tariffs on imported goods

• Preservation of slavery

• Gold mining

Answer explanation

The primary economic reason for South Carolina's secession was the preservation of slavery, as the state's economy heavily relied on slave labor for its agricultural production, particularly in cotton.

Which document officially declared South Carolina's secession from the Union?

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Ordinance of Secession

• The Gettysburg Address

Answer explanation

The Ordinance of Secession is the official document that declared South Carolina's secession from the Union on December 20, 1860, marking the start of the Civil War.

What was the impact of the Union blockade on South Carolina during the Civil War?

• It increased trade with Europe

• It caused economic hardship and shortages

• It led to the discovery of new trade routes

• It had no significant impact

Answer explanation

The Union blockade severely restricted trade for South Carolina, leading to significant economic hardship and shortages of essential goods, as the state relied heavily on imports for its economy.

Which South Carolina port city was a major target for Union forces during the Civil War?

• Charleston

• Columbia

• Greenville

• Spartanburg

Answer explanation

Charleston was a key strategic port city during the Civil War, making it a major target for Union forces due to its economic significance and military defenses.