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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. Why did armed St. Bernard Parish men visit the bankers of New Orleans?

2. How did waves effect the levees?

3. Who were the residents in Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes?

4. How were the results of Thompson's plan being predicted?

5. How did Humphrey feel about Ellet's suggestions about the river?

Short Essay Questions

1. As many cities along the Mississippi found themselves under tremendous amounts of water, what was the mood in the Midwest?

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

3. 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?

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. A racist governor is elected into office in Mississippi, yet it is still considered a safe place for the blacks to work. However, when waters begin to rise, black convicts are ordered to lay on the levee and use their bodies as sandbags. Does everyone follow Percy's influence to alleviate discrimination?

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

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

8. 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?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many decisions in this period of time were based upon politics and what would be best for the individual. Name at least 3 events in which a decision was made based on the desires of a politician. How did this decision affect the events of this time in history?

Essay Topic 2

How could the flooding in many of the cities been prevented? What was ignored by the politicians? What did the politicians focus on?

Essay Topic 3

World War I was occurring during the time of the flood. How did the war affect the Delta region during this time? Why was the war mentioned repeatedly throughout the book? Who did the war affect the greatest and why?

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