Historical Figures

Question 1

Thomas Nast

Answer 1

Description: A political cartoonist known for his satirical illustrations which focused on corruption in politics and society.

Historical Context: Nast’s work in the late 19th century effectively used humor and imagery to influence public opinion particularly against Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall

Question 2

W.E.B. Du Bois

Answer 2

Description: An African American sociologist historian
Historical Context: Du Bois was a leading figure in the early 20th-century fight for civil rights and advocated for the “Talented Tenth” to pursue higher education challenging Booker T. Washington’s more accommodationist approach.

Question 3

John Muir

Answer 3

Description: A naturalist author
Historical Context: Muir’s advocacy for the conservation of wilderness areas particularly in California

Question 4

Robert E. Lee

Question 5

Description: A Confederate general during the American Civil War

Answer 5

known for his leadership of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Question 6

Historical Context: Lee’s military strategies earned him a reputation as one of the best military leaders of his time

Answer 6

and his surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865 marked the end of the Civil War.

Question 7

Carrie Chapman Catt

Question 8

Description: A suffragist and women’s rights activist who played a key role in the women’s suffrage movement.

Question 9

Historical Context: Catt served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and was instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920

Answer 9

advocating for a state-by-state strategy for women’s voting rights.

Question 10

Andrew Carnegie

Question 11

Description: A steel magnate and philanthropist who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century.

Question 12

Historical Context: Carnegie’s use of innovative production techniques and vertical integration made him one of the wealthiest men of his time

Answer 12

and he later dedicated much of his fortune to educational and cultural institutions.

Question 13

Booker T. Washington

Question 14

Description: An African American educator and author who founded the Tuskegee Institute and promoted vocational education for African Americans.

Question 15

Historical Context: Washington advocated for a gradual approach to racial equality

Answer 15

emphasizing economic self-reliance and education

Question 16

Jane Addams

Question 17

Description: A social reformer and activist who co-founded Hull House

Answer 17

a settlement house in Chicago.

Question 18

Historical Context: Addams was a leader in the Progressive Era

Answer 18

advocating for social reform

Question 19

Boss Tweed

Question 20

Description: A powerful political figure in New York City

Answer 20

known for his role in the Tammany Hall political machine.

Question 21

Historical Context: Tweed’s corruption and embezzlement of public funds during the 1860s and 1870s symbolized the rampant political corruption of the era

Answer 21

leading to his eventual downfall and imprisonment.

Question 22

Andrew Johnson

Question 23

Description: The 17th President of the United States

Answer 23

who succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination.

Question 24

Historical Context: Johnson’s Reconstruction policies were lenient towards the South

Answer 24

leading to conflicts with Congress and his impeachment in 1868

Question 25

Samuel Gompers

Question 26

Description: A labor leader and founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

Question 27

Historical Context: Gompers advocated for the rights of workers

Answer 27

promoting collective bargaining and better working conditions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Question 28

Abraham Lincoln

Question 29

Description: The 16th President of the United States

Answer 29

who led the nation through the Civil War.

Question 30

Historical Context: Lincoln is best known for the Emancipation Proclamation

Answer 30

which freed enslaved people in the Confederate states

Question 31

Crazy Horse

Question 32

Description: A Lakota leader and warrior known for his role in resisting U.S. expansion into Native American territories.

Question 33

Historical Context: Crazy Horse was instrumental in several battles against U.S. forces

Answer 33

including the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876

Question 34

Ida B. Wells

Answer 34

Description: An African American journalist and activist known for her anti-lynching campaign.

Question 35

Eugene Debs

Answer 35

Description: A labor leader and socialist politician who co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

Question 36

Historical Context: Debs ran for president several times as a socialist candidate

Answer 36

advocating for workers' rights and social justice during the early 20th century.

Question 37

General Custer

Question 38

Description: A U.S. Army officer known for his role in the Indian Wars

Answer 38

particularly the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Question 39

Historical Context: Custer’s defeat at Little Bighorn in 1876 became a symbol of the struggle between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.

Question 40

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Answer 40

Description: An industrial giant who made his wealth in railroads and shipping.

Question 41

Historical Context: Vanderbilt’s investments in transportation infrastructure during the 19th century helped shape the U.S. economy

Answer 41

earning him the nickname “The Commodore.”

Question 42

Alice Paul

Question 43

Description: A suffragist and women’s rights activist who played a crucial role in the fight for women’s suffrage.

Question 44

Historical Context: Paul was a key figure in the push for the 19th Amendment and later advocated for the Equal Rights Amendment

Answer 44

emphasizing more militant tactics in the suffrage movement.

Question 45

Jacob Riis

Answer 45

Description: A journalist and social reformer known for his work documenting the living conditions of the urban poor. Historical Context: Riis’ book "How the Other Half Lives