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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following positive attributes is not given to Johnstown in regards to the quality of living there?

2. Who owns the South Fork dam?

3. What disease was the only one prevalent among Johnstown residents in 1889 before the flood?

4. What is the name of the company whose financing led to much of Pittsburgh's industrial growth?

5. What is the name of the family who reports say were awakened and frightened by a "rumbling, roaring sound"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does the author say the local fishermen are irritated by the club management in Chapter 2?

2. How is the South Fork dam described at the beginning of Chapter 2?

3. How does the author describe the cheap construction techniques used on the South Fork dam?

4. What does Hettie Ogle do when she receives the flood warning?

5. What leisure activities are popular in Johnstown?

6. How are the residents of Johnstown who are participating in the Memorial Day Parade described?

7. What do the passengers in Section 1 do once they realize they're in danger in Chapter 4?

8. What does John G. Parke do when he sees serious leaks in the dam in Chapter 3?

9. What happens after Lake Conemaugh empties in 36-45 minutes?

10. What happens when the water hits its first major obstacle in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the role of the train engineers during the crisis. What impact did they have on the outcome of the flood?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the role of technology during the flood. What are some of the technological advances that could have helped the people of Johnstown to survive the flood? Did they make proper use of these measures?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's portrayal of social class in Johnstown. What role did the wealthy play in the town? What about the poor?

(see the answer keys)

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