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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. As floodwaters raged, what was happening to the crevasse at Mounds Landing?
(a) It got smaller.
(b) It broke completely open.
(c) It quickly widened.
(d) It got deeper.

2. Where did Thompson go to present his argument to save New Orleans from flooding?
(a) Washington D.C.
(b) New York City.
(c) Chicago.
(d) New Orleans.

3. Why was more attention given to Mardi Gras when the history of the area was given?
(a) Because it is the area's largest money maker.
(b) Because it plays a large part in the culture of the area.
(c) Because everyone loves the holiday.
(d) Because the holiday has a role in politics.

4. How were the levees damaged in early 1927?
(a) By tornadoes and high winds.
(b) By tornadoes and earthquakes.
(c) By high winds and earthquakes.
(d) By high temperatures and high winds.

5. In 1926, what prevented annual levee maintenance?
(a) No workers.
(b) No materials.
(c) Very low rivers.
(d) Very high rivers.

Short Answer Questions

1. As the levees in other cities are failing, why would New Orleans "saboteurs" attempt to dynamite the levees by St. Bernard Parish?

2. Why were veterans enlisted during the time the levees were being fixed?

3. What did Congress create in response to the flooding in Mississippi?

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

5. What event did the Boston Club pay a large role in?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. After the Mounds Landing Crevasse widens and thousands of acres are underwater, many other levees begin to fail. The white people left the area, while the black people stayed behind to work. What does this tell the reader about the Delta region?

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

4. 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?

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

6. Both Ellet and Humphreys are in competition to survey the Mississippi River. Ellet's report came out first and Humphreys takes Ellet's report as a personal insult. Why would Humphreys be insulted by Ellet's report?

7. Thompson has the idea of dynamiting the levees to the south of New Orleans, but who gets the idea primarily accepted by everyone?

8. Humphreys has his friend, Charles Howell, inspect the progress Eads is making on the jetties. Howell makes a report that the jetties aren't working the way Eads said they would. Eads in turn has a friend of his disclaim Humphreys' report. Why does Humphreys lie in his report?

9. What does the Boston Club symbolize in New Orleans?

10. Why do people want to follow the ways of the Ku Klux Klan rather than follow Percy's successful lead?

(see the answer keys)

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