wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Civil War Practice Test

Total questions: 67

Worksheet time: 2hrs 14mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which of these was a Northern advantage at the start of the Civil War?

a)

highly trained soldiers

b)

abundant natural resources

c)

fighting in familiar territory

d)

control of the Mississippi River

2.

Which of these was a Southern advantage at the start of the Civil War?

a)

large population

b)

strong military leadership

c)

control of the railway system

d)

many factories and businesses

3.

At the beginning of the Civil War, the greatest weakness of the North was

a)

its fragile economy.

b)

its transportation system.

c)

its lack of factories.

d)

its military leadership.

4.

Why did Northerners believe Richmond was so important?

a)

They believed that the war could be won if they destroyed the Confederate capital.

b)

If the North controlled Richmond, it would divide the Confederacy in two.

c)

All food and weapons supplies entered the Confederacy through Richmond.

d)

They wanted to control Richmond because it was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.

5.

Families were often split with some family members fighting for the North and others fighting for the South. Which section of the country was most affected by this issue?

a)

The New England region

b)

The new territories out west

c)

The border states

d)

The deep south

6.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bull Run?

a)

It proved that the South was weak.

b)

It showed that the North would win.

c)

It proved that a quick victory was impossible.

d)

It showed that the armies were unwilling to fight long battles.

7.

Why was the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War?

a)

General Lee lost so much of his army that he could only wage a defensive war on Southern soil.

b)

The morale of Union soldiers was so low that their determination to win had vanished.

c)

The Confederate victory convinced European nations to lend their support to the South.

d)

The battle convinced both sides to declare a truce and end the war.

8.

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared that

a)

slaves in U.S. territories were free.

b)

slaves throughout the world were free.

c)

slaves in Confederate states were free.

d)

slaves in Union slave states were free.

9.

Why did Lincoln echo the words of the Declaration of Independence in his Gettysburg Address?

a)

He wanted to remind the people of the ideals they were fighting for.

b)

He had great admiration for Thomas Jefferson and often used his words in speeches.

c)

He was making the point that the Union was fighting for its freedom from the Confederacy.

d)

He intended to convince the people that God was fighting on the Union side.

10.

Why can it be said that the Battle of Antietam was a defeat for both sides?

a)

The generals of both armies were killed in the battle.

b)

Both sides lost the will to continue fighting.

c)

It was the bloodiest single day of the war.

d)

Neither side claimed victory in the battle.

11.

What was the result of the Battle of Vicksburg?

a)

The Confederate troops deserted.

b)

The Union controlled all Southern ports.

c)

The Union gained control of the Mississippi River.

d)

The Confederacy enlisted more troops than ever before.

12.

What did women do during the war?

a)

They ran farms and businesses in the places of the men who went off to war.

b)

Some served the military as messengers, guides, scouts, smugglers, or spies.

c)

Many provided medical care for sick and wounded soldiers.

d)

all of the above

13.

Which of these describes General Sherman’s march through Georgia?

a)

an example of total war

b)

a defeat for both armies

c)

a peaceful end to the conflict

d)

the bloodiest battle of the war

14.

What eventually happened at the Siege of Vicksburg?

a)

The Confederacy, led by Stonewall Jackson, broke the siege and chased the Union army northward.

b)

After six weeks, residents had to resort to eating horses, dogs, and rats which led to Vicksburg's surrender.

c)

After six weeks, Robert E. Lee broke the Union lines and saved the residents of Vicksburg.

d)

This was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, resulting in over 25,000 deaths in one day.

15.

What was the final outcome of The Battle of Shiloh?

a)

The Confederacy declared victory and moved toward Gettysburg to capture Lincoln.

b)

The Union army gained more control over the Mississippi Valley.

c)

It was a siege that resulted in the residents having to eat horses, dogs, and rats.

d)

The Union earned the decisive victory as Sherman continued his scorched earth strategy all the way to Atlanta.

16.

How did Ulysses S. Grant contribute to the Union's cause?

a)

He was the commander in charge of all Union forces and eventually accepted Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

b)

He eventually became the 16th president and was the first Democrat elected to the executive branch.

c)

He was in charge of special operations intended to bring down the leadership of the Confederacy.

d)

He was a strategic advisor to President Lincoln and helped draft the Emancipation Proclamation.

17.

Why did President Lincoln choose NOT to abolish slavery at the beginning of his presidency.

a)

His wife had family living in the South and did not want to anger any of them.

b)

He actually was never an abolitionist and remained somewhat neutral on this issue.

c)

He was committed primary at keeping the Union together and believed the South would secede if he abolished slavery.

d)

He believed that slavery was an important part of the southern economy and did not want to disrupt this.

18.

Why could the Second Battle of Bull Run be considered a turning point?

a)

It was yet another Confederate victory which gave Robert E. Lee the confidence to push north.

b)

It was not really a turning point at all other than Stonewall Jackson received his nickname here.

c)

It was a great naval victory led by David Farragut which resulted in the siege of New Orleans.

d)

It was a much needed victory for the Union which gave them confidence moving forward.

19.

What could be considered a psychological advantage the Confederacy had over the Union?

a)

They believed that slavery was protected by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

b)

They had no psychological edge because the North had a population 4x the size of the South.

c)

They believed they were "invaded" and were forced to protect their homeland.

d)

They were able to obtain a huge ally in Great Britain.

20.

Winfield Scott's two part strategy to gain an edge vs. the South included which of the following?

a)

Destroy New Orleans and gain control of Fort Sumter.

b)

Gain the loyalty of southern slaves and get them to join the Union army.

c)

March to Atlanta using the "scorched earth" method and gain control of the Mississippi River.

d)

Destroy the South's economy with a naval blockade and gain control of the Mississippi River.

21.

Why is Fort Sumter considered a significant event of the Civil War?

a)

It was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War with over 25,000 casualties and turned the tide to give the North an advantage.

b)

It was the first battle of the Civil War that prompted President Lincoln to declare the South in a state of rebellion.

c)

It was not that significant because only one person died during the conflict.

d)

It was a port in Charleston, SC, where major military technologies were developed.

22.

Why did the United States (Union) originally fight in the Civil War?

a)

To end slavery

b)

To stop the Confederacy from seceeding

c)

To protect Latin American nations from Europe

d)

To take over California and the gold that was discovered

23.

General Sherman's March to the Sea is best described as an example of...

a)

Marching

b)

Apriling

c)

Total War

d)

Mostly War

24.

"Total War" is best described by...

a)

Allowing the navy to trade with enemy

b)

Destroying farms, town, cities, railroads to hurt the civilian life

c)

Women and children being involved in fighting the enemy

d)

Twice the amount of "Half War"

25.

Which of the following was an advantage for the Confederacy? Select all that apply

a)

More farming

b)

More Money

c)

More Men

d)

More Railways

26.

What advantages did the Union have over the Confederacy?

a)

Better Generals

b)

Stronger allies

c)

Natives were on their side

d)

More people, more factories and food, more railroads

27.

How did Lincoln abolish slavery in ALL states?

a)

He ordered them free

b)

Congress passed the 13th Amendment

c)

He used the Declaration of Independence. "All Men are Created Equal"

d)

He did nothing

28.

How did the Unions victory strengthen the power of the national government?

a)

It forfeited the states power

b)

It ensured that states would never again secede

c)

It let the Confederacy quit without a fight

d)

It declared that states rights do not matter

29.

How did the Union hope to damage Confederate trade and transportation during the Civil War?

a)

By patrolling rivers and the Gulf of Mexico

b)

By attacking railroads

c)

By blockading ports and controlling the Mississippi River

d)

By taking over Southern farms and factories

30.

What was ONE reason why there were food shortages in the South?

a)

Farming machinery was taken by the Union army

b)

Farmland was used as Prisoner camps

c)

Farm products became too expensive to buy

d)

Most of the farm workers fought in the military

31.

Why was the surrender at Vicksburg crucial to the success of the Union campaign in the West?

a)

It allowed the Union to control the Mississippi River

b)

It allowed the Union to surround the Capital city

c)

It allowed the Union to Blockade important railroads

d)

It allowed the Union to occupy new territories

32.

Why did Lincoln think it was necessary for the country to ratify the 13th Amendment?

a)

To give citizenship to former slaves

b)

To officially abolish slavery in the entire country

c)

To allow slaves to vote in the upcoming election

d)

To provide a way to educate former slaves

33.

The Republican party was established on the belief of

a)

Destroying the South

b)

Helping slavery spread

c)

Opposing slavery

d)

Going to war

34.

This 1857 ruling declared slaves are property and not citizens therefore they had no rights.

a)
Dred Scott v Sandford
b)
McCulloch v Maryland
c)
Emancipation Proclamation
d)
Worcester v Georgia
35.
What is the name for people who wanted to put an end to slavery?
a)
Underground Railroaders 
b)
Suffragists
c)
Bushwackers
d)
Abolitionists
36.

What battle was the single, bloodiest day in the Civil War?

a)

Bull Run

b)

Antietam

c)

Gettysburg

d)

Manassas

37.

Which battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War?

a)

Battle of Antietam

b)

Siege of Vickburg

c)

Appomattox Courthouse

d)

Battle of Gettysburg

38.

Who was the 16th President of the United States, a Republican, served during the Civil War?

a)

Jefferson Davis

b)

Abraham Lincoln

c)

Ulysses S. Grant

d)

Robert E. Lee

39.

Who was the only elected president of the Confederate States of America?

a)

Ulysses S. Grant

b)

Robert E. Lee

c)

Jefferson Davis

d)

Abraham Lincoln

40.

Who was the commander of the Union Army after 1864?

a)

Robert E. Lee

b)

Ulysses S. Grant

c)

Abraham Lincoln

d)

Jefferson Davis

41.

At which fort did the first hostilities of the Civil War take place?

a)

Fort Wagner

b)

Fort Sumter

c)

Fort Hood

d)

For Warren

42.

Use the following chart to answer the question that follows.


According to the bar graph, what region had the larger share of resources in the United States?

a)

The South

b)

The North

c)

The West

d)

All regions had equal amount of resources

43.

What was the original goal of the Union at the start of the Civil War?

a)

Ban slavery

b)

Restore the Union

c)

Separate from the United States

d)

Make slavery legal everywhere

44.

Which document signed by Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves on January 1, 1863, in the states that were still in rebellion?

a)

Kansas-Nebraska Act

b)

Compromise of 1850

c)

Emancipation Proclamation

d)

The Gettysburg Address

45.

Who was the general that surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865 ending the Civil War?

a)

Stonewall Jackson

b)

Robert E. Lee

c)

Winfield Scott

d)

Abraham Lincoln

46.

At the end of which battle did General Grant and his troops secure control of the Mississippi River?

a)

Antietam

b)

Gettysburg

c)

Vicksburg

d)

Richmond

47.

Why did the battle of Fort Sumter occur?

a)

South Carolinia had seceded and wanted the fort.

b)

The Union wanted the fort.

c)

The Confederacy wanted the gold stored in the fort.

d)

The slaves wanted the fort.

48.

Where did most freed blacks live before the Civil War?

a)

The north

b)

The South

c)

The West

d)

Florida

49.

What was the number one goal for the United States after the Civil War ended?

a)

Implement a plan to bring the southern states back into the Union

b)

Make sure all freed slaves were well adjusted to life in the Union

c)

Elect new governors for all the Confederate states

d)

Implement a plan to pay off the huge new debt

50.

Who was the leader of the Union Army?

a)

General Grant

b)

General Lee

c)

General Sherman

d)

General Jackson

51.

What was a major cause for the Civil War?

a)

Differences over slavery and States' Rights.

b)

Differences over trade with European countries.

c)

Different state alliances with European countries.

d)

None of these answers are correct.

52.
Who Was John Brown?
a)
An avid abolitionist
b)
President of the United States of America
c)
A rich slave owner
d)
A southern democrat
53.
Which side won the Civil War?
a)
Union
b)
Confederacy
54.
What was the North's point of view on slavery by the 1850s?
a)
They thought slavery was profitable.
b)
They believed slavery had its place.
c)
They saw slavery as a luxury.
d)
They wanted to outlaw slavery.
55.
This was the President of the Union.
a)
Jefferson Davis
b)
Robert E. Lee
c)
Ulysses S Grant
d)
Abraham Lincoln
56.

Which 3-day battle was the turning point of the war for the Union army?

a)

Gettysburg

b)

Antietam

c)

Cold Harbor

d)

Fall of Richmond

57.

Dred Scott Was...

a)

A Slave

b)

A Slave Owner

c)

A Minister

d)

An Army Soldier

58.
Dred Scott was famous for ___________. 
a)
being sued by someone else
b)
suing for his freedom
c)
being in the military
d)
being a famous doctor
59.

What Claim Did Dred Scott Sue With?

a)

Slavery Is Illegal

b)

Since He Had Once Lived In An Anti-Slavery Area He Would Always Be Free

c)

No One Should be a Slave or Own Slaves.

d)

People with Slaves Should be Prosecuted

60.

Which Of The Following Was In The Final Ruling?

a)

Slavery Could Never Legally End

b)

Slaves Were Property And Not Citizens And Could Not Sue In Court

c)

Slavery Helped The Economy

d)

Slaves Were Essential To A Healthy Life

61.

Abolish

a)

To end

b)

Take over territory

c)

A group of settlers

62.

Which was NOT a confederate state?

a)

Florida

b)

Mississippi

c)

Ohio

d)

Virginia

63.

The year the Civil War happen was in..

a)

1861

b)

1867

64.

The South was given a ultimatum by Lincoln to...

a)

Start the war

b)

Free the slaves

c)

surrender

d)

become rich

65.

Sectionalism

a)

Focus on the interest of one's own region over the interest of the country

b)

A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

c)

Take over territory

66.

Why were the delegates at the Secession Convention in favor of Texas leaving the Union?

a)

They considered slavery vital to the economy

b)

They disagreed with paying high federal taxes

c)

They thought the National Government was influenced by Britain

d)

To start the war and battle for their life

67.

Blockade

a)

the expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds.

b)

Using navel vassals to prevent shipment of supplies

c)

a condition compared to that of a slave in respect of exhausting labor or restricted freedom.

d)

a person one works with, especially in something secret or illegal