Steam and Sail

What invention did Robert Fulton reveal on August 17, 1807?

• The steamboat called the Clermont.

• The telegraph.

• The cotton gin.

• The light bulb.

What was the main advantage of steamboats compared to other boats at the time?

• Steamboats could carry goods quicker and more cheaply than other boats, and could travel in shallow water.

• Steamboats were smaller and could only be used on oceans.

• Steamboats required no fuel to operate.

• Steamboats could only travel downstream.

Which river did the Clermont travel up from New York City to Albany?

• The Hudson River.

• The Mississippi River.

• The Ohio River.

• The Delaware River.

Why was the Mississippi River important for steamboats?

• It helped steamboats travel deeper into the interior of the country and allowed trade along the rivers to flourish.

• It was the only river where steamboats could be built.

• It was the shortest river in the United States.

• It prevented steamboats from traveling to the ocean.

What type of engine did the Clermont use to drive its paddle wheels?

• A steam engine.

• A diesel engine.

• An electric motor.

• A gasoline engine.

According to the passage, why was there a high demand for fast ships in Great Britain?

• Because whoever had the fastest ship could make the most money by bringing their tea to market first.

• Because fast ships were needed for military purposes only.

• Because slow ships were banned by the government.

• Because fast ships were easier to build than slow ships.

What were some features of the new sailing ships called clippers?

• They had as many sails as possible, were longer and narrower than older ships, and were designed to travel at a fast pace over ocean waves.

• They were powered by steam engines and had metal hulls for extra durability.

• They were small fishing boats used only in rivers and lakes.

• They had only one large sail and were primarily used for carrying livestock.

Why did early steamships have disadvantages compared to sailing ships?

• Early steam engines could fail or explode, steamships needed fuel which took up cargo space, and they had to stop many times during long voyages.

• Steamships were always faster than sailing ships and never needed repairs.

• Steamships could only travel on rivers and not on oceans.

• Steamships did not require any crew to operate.

Read the passage 'Tea Races and Gold Rushes.' True or False: Early American clippers were slower than steamships.

• True

• False

What does the phrase 'at a good clip' mean as used in the passage?

• To move at a fast pace.

• To move in silence.

• To move with hesitation.

• To move in circles.