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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kept the Delta area underdeveloped during WWI?
(a) A lack of manpower.
(b) The Great Depression.
(c) War with the Native Americans.
(d) A busy hurricane season.

2. During the 1900 a new demand surged in throughout the United States. What was that demand?
(a) Silk.
(b) Gold.
(c) Cotton.
(d) Spices.

3. Before going to Washington, what was Hoover's life like?
(a) He was middle class and owned a business.
(b) He was a wealthy, successful engineer.
(c) He was poor and a blue collar worker.
(d) He was a successful lawyer.

4. How did waves effect the levees?
(a) The waves didn't effect it at all.
(b) They eroded it.
(c) The waves made the levee stronger.
(d) Their force broke them.

5. What was LeRoy Percy's problem with the Klan?
(a) They were in "conflict" with the life he desired.
(b) They boycotted all his propositions.
(c) They were the reason he couldn't become president.
(d) They threatened his life.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is the Mississippi River described?

2. Why wasn't Humphrey's report accepted well in the United States?

3. What was James Thompson always seeking?

4. What did Thompson and others feel would damage the economy of New Orleans?

5. How were the levees damaged in early 1927?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the author start the book on a stormy night?

2. It is said in Chapter 13 that the slower the flood, the more dangerous it is. Why would a slow flood be more dangerous than a fast moving flood?

3. How do the politics in New Orleans operate during the time of the flood in 1927?

4. World War I has begun and the Delta area is flourishing, yet lacking in manpower. Percy is a big influence for the fine development of the area, yet the more successful the area's development becomes, the more Percy's popularity decreases. Why do you think this happens?

5. The levees along the Mississippi River are built differently and to a "higher standard" than levees in other places. What does this engineering and planning tell you about the knowledge of the Mississippi?

6. Why does Thompson feel he is doing a good thing by withholding news from the public?

7. What are the terms that are reached for the levee that protects St. Bernard and Plaquemines to be destroyed?

8. After facing complete opposition, how would Eads' offer to independently pay for the construction of the jetties completely change the minds of the public and politicians?

9. One night, a boat approaches the levee that protects St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parshes and is shot at. Why was the boat shot at?

10. What would be the purpose of one town sabotaging the levee in another town?

(see the answer keys)

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