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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. How is Colonel Washington related to John A. Roebling?

2. Which river in Pennsylvania does John famously carry the canal across?

3. What is the name of Washington's wife?

4. In which of the following school subjects does Tweed excel?

5. What are the New York aldermen nicknamed in the 1850s?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the Rink Committee feel the need to form?

2. Why was John Roebling so devastated when his wife, Johanna, died?

3. How does John Roebling divide his estate after death?

4. How did John Roebling find himself moving to America?

5. What lessons on love did Washington learn while away from his family?

6. Which elements of the bridge's architecture would classify it as the largest suspension bridge in the world?

7. Which problems stopped the initial production of "The Rainbow Bridge" in the early-1800s?

8. Why did Washington and Emily move to Germany, and how did John feel about the move?

9. How is Brooklyn described, in comparison to Manhattan, at the time of the bridge building?

10. How does Roebling react to the scandal surrounding Kingsley's finances?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the course of their lives, the relationships between John Roebling's many sons went through a variety of changes. At some points the three were working well together, and at other points the three weren't speaking. Choose two moments of relational change between the brothers and explain the onset of that change. Then, explain why the relationship between the brothers changed so frequently, and what hidden jealousies they continued to have with one another, even into their old age.

Essay Topic 2

Roebling overcame a difficult childhood in order to find himself as a successful engineer in America. Describe the childhood Roebling grew up in, and what his aspirations were as a child. Then, briefly explain how Roebling found himself in America, and under what circumstances he became an engineer.

Essay Topic 3

Richard Tweed was a man with great influence in Manhattan during the time the bridge was being built. Briefly describe Tweed and his role in the community. Then, explain how Tweed affected the bridge's construction, and how he eventually fell from grace in the public eye.

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