AP U.S. 5.5

What was the primary occupation of Irish immigrants before they moved to the US?

• Industrial workers

• Tenant farmers

• Merchants

• Fishermen

Answer explanation

Before moving to the US, many Irish immigrants were primarily tenant farmers, working land owned by others. This occupation was common due to economic hardships in Ireland, making it a significant part of their identity.

What major event drove Irish immigrants from their land?

• War

• Famine

• Economic boom

• Political revolution

Answer explanation

The major event that drove Irish immigrants from their land was the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. This devastating famine caused widespread starvation and economic hardship, prompting many to seek a better life elsewhere.

Which of the following was NOT a reason for Irish immigration to the US?

• Famine

• Economic opportunity

• Religious freedom

• Discrimination

Answer explanation

Political stability was not a reason for Irish immigration to the US. The main factors were famine, economic opportunity, and the search for religious freedom, as many Irish faced hardship and persecution in their homeland.

Who led the political machine known as Tammany Hall?

• William Boss Tweed

• John F. Kennedy

• Abraham Lincoln

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer explanation

William Boss Tweed was the leader of Tammany Hall, a powerful political machine in New York City during the 19th century, known for its influence and corruption in local politics.

Where did many German immigrants settle in the United States?

• The Old Northwest

• The Southern states

• The Eastern seaboard

• The Western frontier

Answer explanation

Many German immigrants settled in the Old Northwest due to its fertile land and opportunities for farming, making it a popular destination compared to the Southern states, Eastern seaboard, or Western frontier.

What type of churches did German immigrants often form in rural areas?

• Baptist and Methodist

• Roman Catholic and Lutheran

• Presbyterian and Episcopal

• Quaker and Unitarian

Answer explanation

German immigrants predominantly formed Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches in rural areas, reflecting their cultural and religious heritage. These denominations were central to their communities, unlike the other options listed.

What was a major fear of native-born Americans regarding Irish and German immigrants?

• They would increase taxes

• They would take their jobs and dilute culture

• They would bring new technology

• They would improve education

Answer explanation

Native-born Americans feared that Irish and German immigrants would take their jobs and dilute their culture, as they were seen as competition in the labor market and a threat to established social norms.

What was one of the key inventions by Elias Howe?

• Telegraph

• Sewing machine

• Steam engine

• Light bulb

Answer explanation

Elias Howe is best known for inventing the sewing machine, which revolutionized the textile industry by allowing for faster and more efficient garment production. This invention laid the foundation for modern sewing technology.

What was a significant change in production due to Elias Howe's invention?

• Increased home production

• Decreased factory production

• Shift to factory production

• Elimination of sewing

Answer explanation

Elias Howe's invention of the sewing machine significantly shifted production from home-based sewing to factory production, allowing for faster and more efficient garment manufacturing on a larger scale.

Who wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin"?

• Hinton R. Helper

• Harriet Beecher Stowe

• Frederick Douglass

• Sojourner Truth

Answer explanation

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in 1852. It played a significant role in shaping public opinion about slavery in the United States.