Name_________________
Date__________
Fourth Nine Weeks Test
8th Grade Social Studies
Multiple Choice
Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
____ 1. Which of the following geographic features of the city of Columbia explains why it was
named the capital of South Carolina in 1790?
a. Columbia is centrally located, which helped ease tensions between the Lowcountry and
the Upstate.
b. The original capital of Charleston was close to the ocean, and citizens feared that it
would be destroyed by a hurricane. Columbia is safer because it is further inland.
c. The terrain in Columbia is easier to travel and much less rugged than the terrain of the
original capital in Charleston.
d. Columbia was on e of the first areas of South Carolina to be explored and settled,
making the natural choice for the capital city.
____ 2.
The Yamassee Native American Tribe settled in South Carolina in the late 1600s after leaving
their home state of Florida (they returned several decades later).
Which of the following best explains why the Yamassee were forced to come to South
Carolina from Florida in the 17th century.
a. The Yamassee were a pacifist tribe, and came to South Carolina to avoid fighting
against other Native American tribes in Florida.
b. The Yamassee were hunter-gatherers, and came to South Carolina in search of food.
c. The Spanish settlers in Florida forced the Yamassee out of the area.
d. The Yamassee found that the climate in South Carolina is much milder than it is in
Florida.
____ 3.
Much of the labor in the early settlements was provided by indentured servants. These were
young men who had to work without pay until they settled a certain debt. What was the debt
that the indentured servants were working to repay?
a. They needed to pay for their passage across the Atlantic, which brought them to the
New World from Europe.
b. They needed to pay for their own piece of land, which the King of England divided into
c.
d.
equal sections for the colonists.
They needed to pay for certain crimes that they had committed, which is why they were
originally shipped to the New World from Europe.
They needed to pay for their introduction into Elite society, which was usually reserved
for those born into wealthy families.
Page 1
____ 4.
_____ The _____ Compromise counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for
representation in the United States House of Representatives.
a) Three-Fifths
b) Missouri
c) Great
d) Gadsden
____ 5.
European nations established colonies in the New World because they were relying on an
economic system known as mercantilism. Which of the following "rules of thumb" provides
the best summary of the theory of mercantilism?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 6.
don't ever trade with nation's that are economic competitors
the bigger the population, the stronger the economy
human labor is cheaper than raw materials
it's best to import raw materials and export finished products
Beginning in 1715, the Yamassee Indians began a series of violent attacks on the European
settlers in South Carolina. These attacks continued for over two years.
Which of the following describes the immediate impact of the Yamassee War?
a. It forced over half of the population in South Carolina to move away from the Low
b.
c.
d.
____ 7.
Country to the Upstate (where there were no Native American tribes).
It prompted South Carolinians to be critical of the Lord Proprietors for not offering
protection from Native Americans (the colonists pushed for a Royal Government
instead).
It created permanent tension between the colonists and all Native American tribes in
South Carolina (because the other major Native American tribes in the colony came to
the aid of the Yamassee).
A number of new Native American tribes relocated to the colony of South Carolina (the
confidence of Native Americans grew after the great victory).
The term Triangular Trade is often used to describe the world economy during the 18th
century. The three areas involved in this triangular trade were America and the Caribbean,
Europe, and West Africa.
Which of the following describes the usual flow of the trading?
a. Slaves were shipped from America to Europe; raw materials were shipped from Europe
to the slaves in Africa; the slaves manufactured goods that were shipped to America.
b. Slaves were shipped from Africa to America, where they worked in the fields. The
c.
d.
crops and the slaves were shipped to Europe, and the slaves were traded for new slaves
in Africa.
Raw goods were shipped from America to Europe; European rum and textiles went to
Africa in exchange for slaves; the slaves were shipped to America and the Caribbean.
Ships carrying raw materials from Europe went to Africa to pick up slaves; everything
was shipped to America, where goods were manufactured and shipped back to Europe.
Page 2
____ 8.
South Carolina's Lowcountry was known for its high standard of living during the 18th
century. However, despite the wealth, there were not many schools for the rich to send their
children.
How was this problem overcome?
a. The wealthy sent their children on a "tour" of the American colonies, where they were
accompanied by a "traveling teacher."
b. The wealthy sent their children to Columbia and the Upstate of South Carolina to attend
school.
c. The wealthy used slaves to teach their children how to read and write.
d. The wealthy hired private tutors or sent their children to Europe to go to school.
____ 9.
The French and Indian War was fought throughout the American colonies during the mid1700s. Which of the following explains why the conflict is named the "French and Indian"
War?
a. Because the war was also fought in Europe, where the nations of France and India faced
off against one another.
b. Because the majority of the battles were between French and Indian soldiers.
c. Because American and British soldiers combined to fight against French and Indian
soldiers.
d. Because the main ally of the American colonists were the French, and the main ally of
the British were the Indians.
____ 10. As more settlers flocked to the Back Country during the 1760s, concerned citizens launched
the Regulator Movement. What was the purpose of this movement?
a. To create a way for new settlers to quickly and easily communicate and do business
with colonists in the Lowcountry.
b. To put an end to crime and disorder in the area, and establish the control of government.
c. To monitor the heavy immigration in the area and make sure that new settlers did not
have smallpox or other dangerous diseases.
d. To form an organized military to defend against the Native Americans.
____ 11. When the Stamp Act was passed in 1765, Christopher Gadsden led a group of Rebels in
Charleston who protested the tax and other abuses of the British Parliament. The name of
Gadsden's group was:
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 12.
a)
b)
c)
The House of Burgesses
Sons of Liberty
The Continental Congress
Daughters of the American Revolution
One of the main causes of the Revolutionary War was:
settlers moving into Native American lands.
British soldiers opening fire on French fur traders.
land disputes in the Ohio River Valley area.
Page 3
d) taxation without representation.
____ 13. Very early in the American Revolution, South Carolinians were able to gain a major victory
over the British Army at Sullivan's Island. Aside from being a major morale boost for the
Americans, why was this battle so important?
a. It convinced the British not to invade South Carolina, and the important city of
b.
c.
d.
Charleston was safe for the rest of the war.
It gave George Washington time to form a standing army. If the British had taken Fort
Sullivan, they would have marched across the continent with no opposition.
It motivated the people of South Carolina to rally behind the cause. Prior to the battle,
the vast majority of South Carolinians supported the British.
It prevented the British from capturing Charleston, the most important city south of
Philadelphia. If they had captured it, the Americans would have certainly lost the war.
____ 14. South Carolina native John Calhoun first became a national figure when he became one of the
leading War Hawks in the United States congress. The term "War Hawk" described which
of the following groups?
a. Dedicated Federalists who interfered with Republican campaigns to keep them out of
b.
c.
d.
political office.
War veterans who had entered into politics after their military careers had ended.
Men who opposed war at all costs, even if it meant being forced to make a payment to
enemy nations to keep the peace.
Eager young Republicans who pushed for war against England prior to the War of 1812.
____ 15. During the Antebellum Period, most of the farmers in South Carolina had a similar outlook
on life, especially the wealthy plantation owners. Which of the following describes the
attitude of these farmers?
a. They believed that farming was a dying trade, and that industry was the wave of the
b.
c.
d.
future.
They believed that agriculture could be profitable, but only if farmers stopped growing
cotton and focused on growing rice.
They believed that farming was a respectable living, but only if it was done without the
use of slave labor.
They believed that working in agriculture was the most admirable profession, and they
did not want to introduce industry to South Carolina.
____ 16. During the early 1800s, there were great improvements made in public education across
America. Which of the following is true about public education in South Carolina from 1820
to 1860?
a. Public education was very scarce, and almost no children in the rural community
received more than an elementary school education.
b. Public education was common across the state, and all children under the age of 16 were
enrolled in school.
c. Public education was common for children living on small farms, but the children living
Page 4
on large plantations did not go to school because there was too much work to be done.
d. Public education was not necessary because the majority of South Carolinians were
wealthy and could afford to send their children to private school.
____ 17. John C. Calhoun wrote a pamphlet to protest the Tariff of 1828.
This pamphlet was called:
a.
b.
c.
d.
The South Carolina Exposition and Protest
Wilmot Proviso
Manifest Destiny
Compromise of 1850
____ 18. Without the leadership of John Calhoun (he died in 1850), political leaders in South Carolina
engaged in a power struggle in the decade before the Civil War. Men such as Robert
Barnwell Rhett became known as the "fire-eaters," which meant that they wanted to:
a. secede from the Union immediately, regardless of the consequences.
b. negotiate with the Union, even if it meant "eating their own words."
c. secede from the Union only if they could convince the other Southern states to secede at
d.
the same time.
build an extremely strong military before going to war with the Union.
____ 19. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina issued this document to formally declare its
intention to break apart from the Union prior to the Civil War:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Constitution of the Confederate States
Ordinance of Nullification
Ordinance of Secession
Reconstruction Amendments
____ 20. A "total war" is a war that involves both soldiers and civilians. Which of the following is
the best example of the Civil War being a total war?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The first shots at Fort Sumter
The construction of a prison stockade in Florence
The battle of the CSS Hunley submarine
Sherman's "March to the Sea"
____ 21. During the final months of the Civil War, Union General William Sherman marched his
troops through South Carolina and destroyed everything in his path. Which of the following
goals was General Sherman most likely trying to accomplish?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He wanted to use South Carolina as a warning to the other southern states.
He wanted to cut off the Confederate Army's supply lines.
He wanted to get revenge on South Carolina for starting the Civil War.
He wanted to break the will of the South and give the Confederates no choice but to
Page 5
surrender.
____ 22. On February 16, 1865, Union General William Sherman and his troops reached the city of
Columbia, South Carolina. What was the fate of the city over the next few days?
a. Brave South Carolina soldiers fought off the Union invasion.
b. In an effort to limit the destruction of the South, Abraham Lincoln ordered that the city
c.
d.
be spared.
The Union troops marched through the city without stopping because their main target
was Charleston.
The city was burned to the ground by Union troops.
____ 23. The term "scalawag" refers to a small and useless animal. What types of people were
described as "scalawags" during the Reconstruction Era?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Southern Republicans who were sympathetic to the Northern politicians in the South.
Veterans of the Civil War who refused to return to civilian life in the South.
Newly freed slaves who were competing for jobs with the poor, white population.
Northern citizens who moved south to take advantage of the disorder and destruction.
____ 24. Which of the following describes racial relations in South Carolina during Reconstruction?
a. Racial relations got worse as African Americans gained more political power.
b. Because they had little education, most African Americans preferred that only upper
c.
d.
class white citizens vote on the important issues of South Carolina.
Racial tensions improved because the people were tired of the conflict of the Civil War.
The freed slaves quickly became a part of the democratic society with help from white
voters.
____ 25. Upon his death on April 12, 1888, Thomas Green Clemson donated a huge portion of his
land to the state of South Carolina. He wanted the state to build a college (which became
Clemson University) that was dedicated to the field of:
a.
b.
c.
d.
agriculture
textiles
civil rights
journalism
____ 26. In the late 1885, Benjamin Tillman gained instant popularity after giving a speech in
Bennettsville, South Carolina. Over the next decade, Tillman became one of the most
influential men in the state by supporting issues such as:
a. the construction of an industrial college, new textile mills, and laws that helped recruit
new industries to the state.
b. the end of segregation, more education for African Americans, and equal employment
c.
opportunities for all races.
the construction of an agricultural college, annual meetings for farmers, and new laws
that helped farmers get out of debt.
Page 6
d. a stronger state militia, more funding for the Citadel, and the recruitment of African
Americans into the military.
____ 27. One of the major issues of the Progressive Movement was the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Which of the following views on the subject was held by most Progressives during the early
1900s?
a. It should be illegal to sell alcoholic beverages because it leads to violence and
corruption.
b. Only homemade alcoholic beverages (or "moonshine") should be sold to prevent "Big
Business" from dominating the industry.
c. There should not be a "minimum drinking age" because it promotes the illegal sale of
alcoholic beverages on the blackmarket.
d. The government should not regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages.
____ 28. Which of the following developments during the "Roaring Twenties" had the most impact
on the people living near the beaches of South Carolina?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The popularity of jazz music.
The laws of Prohibition.
The growth of the tourism industry.
The rise of professional sports.
____ 29. What was the purpose of President Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal"?
a.
b.
c.
d.
To give the southern states a new image, and improve their relationship with the north.
To end racial tensions in the South.
To help small farmers purchase new equipment.
To create jobs and help the economy during the Great Depression.
____ 30. Which of the following statements is true about Franklin Roosevelt's time in office as
President of the United States?
a. Roosevelt was a very popular president, but he could only be elected twice because of
the two-term limit.
b. Roosevelt was elected to four terms, and served in office longer than any other
c.
d.
president.
Roosevelt's "New Deal" did not go over well with the American public, so he served
only one term in office.
Roosevelt was very possible, but he died in office after serving less than a full term.
____ 31. Which of the following was the greatest killer of Native Americans in South Carolina during
the 16th and 17th centuries?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Poor diet and living conditions
Wars between Natives and Europeans
Changing climate conditions in the state
New diseases brought by Europeans
Page 7
____ 32. In the 1560s, this Spanish town was established on the land that is present-day Parris Island,
South Carolina.
a.
b.
c.
d.
San Miguel
Santa Fe
St. Augustine
Santa Elena
____ 33. The first permanent English settlement in America was located in which of the following
colonies?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Virginia
Carolina
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
____ 34. A person bound to work for another person until his passage to the New World was paid was
known as:
a.
b.
c.
d.
a laborer.
an indentured servant.
a freeman.
a slave.
____ 35. The trip that African slaves made across the Atlantic on wooden ships was called the:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Middle Passage
Exodus
Atlantic Passage
Long Goodbye
____ 36. During the French and Indian War, which tribe launched attacks against the white
population in the Carolinas?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Catawba
Seminoles
Santee
Cherokee Indians
____ 37. To persuade the state conventions to ratify, the supporters of the Constitution agreed to add a:
a. Nullification Clause
b. Preamble
c. Bill of Rights
Page 8
d. Vice-President
____ 38. When it was first written, many people opposed the Constitution of the United States
because they were:
a.
b.
c.
d.
were afraid the Constitution was too different and complex.
afraid the new government would be too powerful.
were afraid the new government would be too weak and ineffective.
were afraid of having a president instead of a king.
____ 39. During the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote which
famous patriotic song?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
God Bless America
Star-Spangled Banner
America the Beautiful
____ 40. The architect from South Carolina who designed the Washington Monument was:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Strom Thurmond
Ben Tillman
Wade Hampton
Robert Mills
____ 41. In 1822, Denmark Vesey's slave revolt was spoiled before it ever got started because:
a.
b.
c.
d.
there were too many white plantation owners to end the rebellion.
a slave told his master about the plot.
a compromise was reached.
the slaves refused to revolt.
____ 42. John Calhoun wrote the South Carolina Exposition and Protest in 1828 to protest the:
a.
b.
c.
d.
use of the veto
Spoils System
Tariff of Abominations
1824 presidential election
____ 43. A slave who was classified as a "field hand" was expected to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
work in the "Big House" and bring food and water to the slaves in the field.
work as the yard servant and gardener for the plantation.
do a full day's work in the field.
inform the plantation owner if any of the other slaves planned a revolt.
Page 9
____ 44.
As a result of the Tariff of 1832, John C. Calhoun supported
a) the abolition of slavery.
b) sectionalism.
c) an end to the slave trade.
d) nullification.
____ 45. Which of the following describes the stance that Abraham Lincoln took on slavery during the
1860 Presidential election?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He wanted to end slavery completely.
He believed that each state should be able to vote whether or not to allow slavery.
He refused to discuss the issue.
He was opposed to expanding slavery beyond the South.
____ 46. Strict punishment of Confederate veterans and financial assistance to African Americans were
policies pushed by which of the following group during the Reconstruction Era?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Moderate Democrats
Radical Democrats
Moderate Republicans
Radical Republicans
____ 47. Which of the following features of the South Carolina Constitution of 1895 had the most
impact on the majority of people in South Carolina?
a.
b.
c.
d.
It created a stronger Executive Branch of government.
It restricted the freedom of African Americans.
It supported industrial workers over agricultural workers.
It equalized the three branches of state government.
____ 48. The People's Party--or the Populist Party--appealed mainly to which of the following
groups?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Farmers
The Rich
Textile workers
African Americans
____ 49. In the early 1900s, more people started going to South Carolina's beaches because the state of
South Carolina did which of the following?
Page 10
a.
b.
c.
d.
Offered low fare cruises along the coast.
Lowered gasoline prices in the area to attract visitors.
Built new highways to the coast.
Published up-to-date maps of the area.
____ 50. Described in simple terms, the job of the Executive Branch of government is to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
research the law.
enforce the law.
make the law.
interpret the law.
Page 11
Answer Key:
Test Title: Fourth Nine Weeks Test
1
a
8-3.1
2
c
8-1.1
3
a
8-1.5
4
a
8-3.2
5
d
8-1.5
6
b
8-1.1
7
c
8-1.4
8
d
8-3.1
9
c
8-2.1
10
b
8-1.6
11
b
8-2.2
12
d
8-2.2
13
d
8-2.5
14
d
8-3.4
15
d
8-4.1
16
a
8-4.1
17
a
8-4.3
18
a
8-4.4
19
c
8-4.4
20
d
8-4.5
21
d
8-4.5
22
d
8-4.5
23
a
8-5.1
24
a
8-5.3
25
a
8-5.6
26
c
8-5.6
27
a
8-5.8
28
c
8-6.2
29
d
8-6.4
30
b
8-6.4
31
d
8-1.1
32
d
8-1.2
33
a
8-1.3
34
b
8-1.5
35
a
8-1.4
36
d
8-2.1
37
c
8-3.3
38
b
8-3.2
39
c
8-3.4
40
d
8-4.1
41
b
8-4.2
42
c
8-4.3
43
c
8-1.4
44
d
8-4.3
45
d
8-4.3
46
d
8-5.1
47
b
8-5.6
48
a
8-5.6
49
c
8-7.1
Page 12
50
b
8-3.3
Page 13