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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. In what countries do Humboldt and Bonpland spend two years?

2. What are the found treasures?

3. McCullough wants Americans to learn more about what?

4. What makes it hard to retain workers for the railroad?

5. The first essay is entitled "Journey to the top of the __________."

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the injury that changes Washington Roebling's life and his work on the bridge?

2. What is Agassiz' teaching style at Harvard?

3. Explain the role that the Wild West plays in Remington's work.

4. How is Agassiz' American lecture tour described?

5. Who is the subject of the essay entitled "Journey to the Top of the World?"

6. What is Remington's position on the civilizing of the West and how does he express it?

7. What are the major impediments to building the Panama Railroad?

8. When is the idea for the Panama Railroad born and who are its creators?

9. What is the human cost of building the Panama Railroad?

10. Why is the Panama Railroad called "the first steam road to El Dorado?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1872, a reporter from the Brooklyn Eagle observes that few who cross the Brooklyn Bridge will value the courage, faith and genius that underlie its successful building. What does he mean by this statement? Does the finding of the bridge builders' drawings increase the level of appreciation? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Miriam Rothschild is a quirky woman who lives an unconventional life. Do you think Miriam could indulge her idiosyncrasies because her wealth allowed it? Or would Miriam have found some outlet for her quirkiness regardless of her station in life? How much is financial status an issue in living the life that one pleases as opposed to the life one is obligated to live?

Essay Topic 3

David Plowden considers himself to be more of an historian than photographer which is why he is driven to capture people and places before they disappear. Explain the ultimate futility of Plowden's work since history is always on the heels of the last moment.

(see the answer keys)

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