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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. Whose biography was told?

2. Why was Eads allowed to proceed with his idea after being opposed unanimously?

3. As floodwaters raged, what was happening to the crevasse at Mounds Landing?

4. In the 1850's, what two cities were involved in a transportation and freighting competition?

5. After losing the run for presidency, what did Hoover receive?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. The railroads and river make the Delta region flourish, yet there is a shortage of workers in the area. How will the better treatment of blacks by LeRoy Percy help this problem?

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

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. How involved in the flooding is Coolidge when he is the President of the United States?

7. When the author says it is hoped that the bridge construction will "marry steamboats to railroads", what does he mean?

8. The author wrote that during the 1800's "the prevailing attitude is that the Mississippi River can be controlled if the laws of nature governing the river were understood." What could John M. Barry mean by this?

9. Although the blacks are traditionally known for harvesting cotton, LeRoy Percy does not seek their help to avoid any racial tensions. Instead, Percy imports thousands of Italians and racial problems still emerge. Why does this happen?

10. Much of the Delta region is underwater from the failure of levees, yet the people of Greenville still have faith in their protection levee. What happens to their levee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This nonfiction reenactment is full of history, hardship and culture. What points can be depicted from the novel? Why are these topics important in the novel? What events really emphasize each topic?

Essay Topic 2

During the Flood of 1927, many different "committees" were formed. Why were numerous committees established? From what social class were the chairmen selected? Were all the committees necessary?

Essay Topic 3

Weather was a major contribution to the historical events that occurred during 1927. What part did weather have in this nonfiction book? Why was weather so important? What did the people believe about weather during the floods?

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