Most Americans Fail This Civil War Quiz
Over the past 248 years, the United States has had its fair share of conflict, though many would argue that few have been as heartbreaking as the Civil War. Brothers brutally killing brothers, an entire generation of Americans was lost.
Today, Americans know how important that war was for the nation as it made it the powerful, unified, and free country it is today. But you may be surprised how little you actually know about the Civil War!
Who was the president of the United States during the Civil War?
- A) George Washington
- B) John Adams
- C) Thomas Jefferson
- D) Abraham Lincoln
![Official painting of Thomas Jefferson/Official portrait of John Adams/Official White House photograph of Abraham Lincoln/Official portrait of George Washington](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/b7a5d85c-img9.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia/Wikipedia/Wikipedia/Wikipedia
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln
![Official photograph of President Abraham Lincoln](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/fb634ca6-img12.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
What is the approximate death toll of the Civil War?
- A) 250,000
- B) 750,000
- C) 1 Million
- D) 1.5 Million
![Photograph of soldiers waiting for instruction during the US Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/931bfb37-img15.jpg)
Source: Shutterstock
Answer:
750,000
![Civil War cemetery with hundreds of white tombstones](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/715d3c2f-img18.jpg)
Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia
When was the Civil War?
- A) 1914-1915
- B) 1795-1804
- C) 1861-1865
- D) 1888-1900
![Illustration of the US Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/f21b0865-img21.jpg)
Source: iStock
Answer:
1861-1865
![Pamphlet announcing the start of the Civil War/Civil War News announcing the end of the Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/a14d8f64-img24.jpg)
Source: Concord Free Public Library/@WestWingReport/X
Which of these statements is true regarding the Battle of Antietam?
- A) It was the final battle of the war
- B) It was the longest battle of the war
- C) It was a decisive victory for the South
- D) It produced the highest single-day casualty rate of the war
![Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, lithograph by Kurz & Allison, c. 1888](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/2e106205-img27.jpg)
Source: Britannica
Answer:
It produced the highest single-day casualty rate of the war
![Photograph of several dead soldiers in a field after the Battle of Antietam](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/635eed9c-img30.jpg)
Source: Britannica
Which state was created when a state split in two during the Civil War?
- A) North Dakota
- B) New Mexico
- C) New Hampshire
- D) West Virginia
![Map of the United States of America](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/48f5ac36-img33.jpg)
Source: iStock
Answer:
West Virginia
![Close-up photograph of a map of West Virginia](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/d6c83e4e-img36.jpg)
Source: Depositphotos
What was the primary goal of the Confederacy in fighting the Civil War?
- A) To destroy the Northern states
- B) To remain an independent country where slavery was permitted
- C) To be allowed to rejoin the United States
- D) None of the above
![Painting of soldiers in the Confederate army fighting in the Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/f076cf55-img39.jpg)
Source: @KlimSanguine/YouTube
Answer:
To remain an independent country where slavery was permitted
![Family of enslaved black Americans in a cotton field in Georgia, circa 1850](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/6abe175b-img42.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
What was the name of the secessionist faction of the Civil War?
- A) The Confederate States of America
- B) The Free South
- C) The United States of America
- D) The Union
![Map of the United States from the Civil War, diving the North and South with colors](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/da8a4c1a-img45.jpg)
Source: Library of Congress
Answer:
The Confederate States of America
![The official seal of The Confederate States of America from 1862](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/9b0da46c-img48.jpg)
Source: Library of Congress
Who was the first and only president of the Confederate States of America?
- A) Ulysses S. Grant
- B) Abraham Lincoln
- C) Jefferson Davis
- D) Robert E. Lee
![Torn confederate flag flies against a blue sky](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/da13b8bf-img51.jpg)
Source: Shutterstock
Answer:
Jefferson Davis
![United States Senator Jefferson Davis’ official photograph from 1859](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/97a9e1d1-img54.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
What was the North known as during the Civil War?
- A) The Free North
- B) The Puritans
- C) The Union
- D) None of the above
![Photograph of a reenactment of the US Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/ce4d673d-img57.jpg)
Source: Quora
Answer:
The Union
![Painting of Union generals celebrating winning the Civil War](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/ce0641ef-img60.jpg)
Source: @TrueCrimeDiary/X
Which was the first state to secede from The Union?
- A) Georgia
- B) South Carolina
- C) North Carolina
- D) Kentucky
![Map of the United States during the Civil War divided into colors for the north and the south](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/17238b94-img63.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
Answer:
South Carolina
![Close-up photograph of a map of South Carolina](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/bd2c4383-img67.jpg)
Source: Pixaby
How many people died in the Battle of Gettysburg?
- A) 53,000
- B) 12,000
- C) 252,000
- D) 89,000
![Hancock at Gettysburg" by Thure de Thulstrup, showing Pickett's Charge](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/221fac98-img70.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
Answer:
53,000
![Scene depicting “Pickett's Charge” in the Battle of Gettysburg, from a panorama by Paul Philippoteaux, 1884; at Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/2d034284-img73.jpg)
Source: Britannica
Which general was fired by President Lincoln for being too cautious at the Battle of Antietam?
- A) Irvin McDowell
- B) Andrew Johnson
- C) George B. McClellan
- D) James B. McPherson
![Photograph of Abraham Lincoln when he was president of the United States](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/d7cb36ab-img76.jpg)
Source: Pond5
Answer:
George B. McClellan
![Original photo of George B. McClellan alongside a colorized version](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/0e417916-img79.jpg)
Source: @ColorizedPast/X
Which American Civil War general is considered a major architect of modern warfare?
- A) William Tecumseh Sherman
- B) Ulysses S. Grant
- C) Stonewall Jackson
- D) Robert E. Lee
![General William Tecumseh Sherman with his staff, including Oliver Otis Howard, John A. Logan, William B. Hazen, Jefferson C. Davis, Henry Warner Slocum, and Joseph A. Mower](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/590a08ca-img82.jpg)
Source: Library of Congress
Answer:
William Tecumseh Sherman
![Black and white photograph of William Tecumseh Sherman crossing his arms across his chest](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/8ae75527-img85.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
Which Constitutional amendment was responsible for the formal emancipation of slaves?
- A) The 10th Amendment
- B) The 5th Amendment
- C) The 12th Amendment
- D) The 13th Amendment
![US Constitution on top of an American flag](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/28410d69-img88.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Answer:
The 13th Amendment
![Photograph of the 13th amendment and the first few lines](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/a7bb923a-img91.jpg)
Source: Pond5
The Civil War ended on which date?
- A) April 9, 1865
- B) May 15, 1901
- C) July 4, 1865
- D) August 10, 1776
![Painting of the South’s surrender at the McClean house at the end of the Civil War by Louis Mathieu Guillaume](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/570ec23b-img94.jpg)
Source: Wikidata
Answer:
April 9, 1865
![Photograph of an article entitled “Lee surrenders; the war is over” in the Civil War News](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/b8ba251a-img97.jpg)
Source: @WestWingReport/X
Where was the "Battle Above Clouds" fought in 1863?
- Max Patch
- Chimney Tops
- Lookout Mountain
- Clingmans Dome
![This detailed black and white engraving depicts the historic Battle of Stirling Bridge, with medieval soldiers engaged in fierce combat. In the foreground, a wooden bridge is overrun with warriors clashing swords and shields, while others are falling into the water below](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/02/9f776be1-screenshot-2024-02-21-170830.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Answer:
Lookout Mountain
![A painting depicting the Battle of Lookout Mountain](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/19330102-harpers_weekly_1867_14596679829.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Which battle in the American Civil War was called the Waterloo of the Confederacy?
- Battle of the Black River
- Battle of Antietam
- Battle of Gettysburg
- Battle of Five Forks
![A painting depicting the Battle of Gettysburg](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/20e3b6c3-thure_de_thulstrup_-_l._prang_and_co._-_battle_of_gettysburg_-_restoration_by_adam_cuerden.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Answer:
Battle of Five Forks
![A painting depicting the Battle of Five Forks](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/87a58238-battle_of_five_forks_kurz__allison.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
In which city did the Draft Riot of 1863 occur?
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Baltimore
![A photograph taken of New York City during dusk](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/b0340184-img27.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
Answer:
New York City
![Aerial view of New York City, including Central Park](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/21e53956-central-park-manhattan-new-york-huge-beautiful-park-surrounded-by-skyscraper-with-pond_181624-50335.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Which was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship during the American Civil War?
- Turtle
- Nautilus
- H.L Hunley
- Trieste
![An image of a US Navy submarine sailing the ocean](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/1cdc60e9-screenshot-2024-04-02-170451.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Answer:
H.L. Hunley
![An image of the H.L. Hunley stored in water](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/e1f7b02e-1280px-h._l._hunley_in_sodium_hydroxide_bath_3.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
In what year was Abraham Lincoln assassinated?
- 1861
- 1863
- 1865
- 1867
![A doctored photo of Abraham Lincoln from 1865.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/4be58fae-screenshot-2024-03-19-162336.jpg)
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Answer:
1865
![A drawing of President Lincoln sitting at a table with his cabinet during his presidency.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/02/d1e53fcc-untitled-design-46-min.png)
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
Under which General did the Union suffer a crushing defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg?
- John Pope
- George Meade
- James Longstreet
- Ambrose Everet Burnside
![A picture depicting the Battle of Fredericksburg](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/d7e3bcbf-1024px-gallant_charge_of_humphreys_division_at_the_battle_of_fredericksburg_lccn2004661366.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Answer:
Ambrose Everet Burnside
![A portrait of Union General Ambrose Everet Burnside](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/fe49d995-ambrose_burnside_-_retouched.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Where did General Lee surrender to the Union?
- The White House
- Anne Spencer House
- Point of Honor
- Appomattox Court House
![White House on sunny day](https://images.pastchronicles.com/2023/11/6edaf5df-white-house-.jpg)
Source: Aaron Kittredge/Pexels
Answer:
Appomattox Court House
![A painting which portrays General Lee surrendering to the Union at Appomattox Court House](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/0954788c-general_robert_e._lee_surrenders_at_appomattox_court_house_1865.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Which battle helped the Union regain the state of Tennessee?
- Battle of Fort Henry
- Battle of Belmont
- Battle of Corinth
- Battle of the Wilderness
![](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/80497c18-thure_de_thulstrup_-_battle_of_antietam.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
Answer:
Battle of Fort Henry
![An image depicting the Battle of Fort Henry](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/74694f10-battle_of_fort_henry.png)
Who proposed the "Anaconda Plan" military strategy during the American Civil War?
- Abraham Lincoln
- Zachary Taylor
- Lewis Cass
- Winfield Scott
![A photo of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, without facial hair.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/b79cb2c0-screenshot-2024-03-19-162255.jpg)
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Answer:
Winfield Scott
![A portrait of Winfield Scott taken in 1862](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/ac50e81d-winfield_scott_by_fredricks_1862_crop.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Which American soldier disguised herself as a man to fight in the Civil War?
- Michelle O’Neill
- Rachel Murphy
- Sarah Edmonds
- Lauren Connelly
![A woman holds an American flag in the wind on a cliff](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/74811a50-img5.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Answer:
Sarah Edmonds
![A portrait of Sarah Edmonds](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/fe6201e8-sarah_edmonds.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia