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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What were the three basic methods that engineers have attempted to control the river?
(a) Dams, outlets and cutoffs.
(b) Levees, outlets, and dams.
(c) Levees, outlets, and cutoffs.
(d) Levees, dams, and cutoffs.

2. What two cities were underwater in early 1927?
(a) Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
(b) Cincinnati and Cleveland.
(c) Chicago and Columbus.
(d) Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

3. What percentage of the United States does the Mississippi River drain?
(a) 25%.
(b) 41%.
(c) 30%.
(d) 50%.

4. What did the flooding of 1912 and 1913 demonstrate?
(a) The weakness of the government.
(b) The strength of the people.
(c) The strength of the levee system.
(d) The failure of the levee system.

5. Why did President Coolidge hire Herbert Hoover?
(a) To design new levee systems.
(b) To fix the corruption in the Delta area.
(c) To organize rescue and relief efforts.
(d) To organize new laws.

6. Why wasn't Humphrey's report accepted well in the United States?
(a) The report didn't make any sense.
(b) The Americans didn't believe him.
(c) The Civil War was happening.
(d) He didn't publish it in the United States.

7. What did Eads continue to do for a living in St. Louis after his family moved on?
(a) He ran a plantation.
(b) He became an ironworker.
(c) He started building ships.
(d) He opened a salvage business.

8. Who finally gave approval for Thompson to organize his plan when he arrives back to the Delta area?
(a) Percy.
(b) Hoover.
(c) Coolidge.
(d) Governor Simpson.

9. What was the reputation of the Boston Club?
(a) It is open to anyone who wants to join.
(b) It is not a reputable club.
(c) Its members have social status and wealth.
(d) It is a very charitable organization.

10. During the 19th century, what was the attitude about the Mississippi River?
(a) It was a raging machine.
(b) That if you understood the laws of nature, the river could be understood.
(c) People were just confused by the river.
(d) It was harmless.

11. Why was Eads allowed to proceed with his idea after being opposed unanimously?
(a) The President overode the initial decision.
(b) He offered to pay for the work himself.
(c) His idea was better than the others.
(d) He bribed the people.

12. What was James Thompson always seeking?
(a) A job.
(b) Acceptance by the society and club members of New Orleans.
(c) For ways to make more money.
(d) People to steal from.

13. When was the first recorded flood of the Mississippi River?
(a) 1543.
(b) 1882.
(c) 1743.
(d) 1643.

14. In 1850, what were the Humphreys and Charles Ellet Jr. competing for?
(a) The girl they wanted to marry.
(b) A trip down the Mississippi River.
(c) The job to survey the Mississippi River.
(d) Being the mayor of New Orleans.

15. Why did armed St. Bernard Parish men visit the bankers of New Orleans?
(a) To hold them hostage.
(b) To ensure their city will get what they are promised.
(c) To rob them.
(d) To protect them.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hoover accept the offer to head the flood relief committee?

2. How did Leroy Percy eventually get a seat in Senate despite his popularity decline?

3. How were the levees along the Mississippi different from levees in other places?

4. Who was at the center of New Orleans finances and is also a Club member?

5. Who played a prominent role in getting Thompson's proposal approved?

(see the answer keys)

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