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Chain Gangs in the USA Trivia Quiz

Chain gang prison labor in the United States was once prominent. In the post Civil War South, chain gangs served to replace the labor base of slavery. Today, chain gangs are back, and as controversial as ever.

A multiple-choice quiz by xackery12. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
xackery12

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
281,246

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
488

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In 1995, which state was the first to bring back chain gang prison labor programs in the US? Hint

Arizona

Georgia

Utah

Alabama

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Question 2 of 10

2. What was the official name of the first revived chain gang program? Hint

The Chained Labor Force

The Alternative Thinking Unit

The Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Unit

The Recidivism Reduction Program

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Question 3 of 10

3. What site in the US was the first to have a female chain gang and a juvenile chain gang? Hint

Monongalia County, West Virginia

Gainesville, Florida

Maricopa County, Arizona

Huntsville, Texas

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Question 4 of 10

4. What book by Robert Elliot Burns, published in 1932, exposed the injustices of the chain gangs, thus causing states to 'reconsider this practice.' Hint

'American Chain Gang'

'I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang'

'Cool Hand Luke'

'The Defiant Ones'

5. 'American Chain Gang' (2004) documents the lives of the male and female inmates and officers before, during and after their release. Which of these statements about the production of the film is true? Hint

The crew were nearly attacked by inmates during the officers' shift change.

One of the inmates featured was brutally murdered

The officers of the prison in Alabama asked director Xackery Irving and his crew to leave after five weeks of shooting

All of these are true

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Question 6 of 10

6. The title for 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' comes from what other work? Hint

From Shakespeare's 'Love's Labour Lost'

From the film entitled 'Sullivan's Travels'

From a work song from the 1920s southern chain gangs

From the imagination of Joel and Ethan Coen

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Question 7 of 10

7. In 1995, what group sued to have chain gangs abolished? Hint

American Civil Liberties Union

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Ku Klux Clan

United Quakers Forum

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Question 8 of 10

8. For which function or task were chain gangs in the United States NOT used? Hint

Burial detail of the indigent

Clearing timber from swamplands

Leased labor for coal mines

Land mine disposal on military bases

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Question 9 of 10

9. The 1967 film 'Cool Hand Luke' was nominated for several academy awards. Which of the awards listed did it actually receive? Hint

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (George Kennedy)

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Donn Pearce and Frank Pierson)

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Paul Newman)

Best Direction (Stuart Rosenberg)

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Question 10 of 10

10. What punishment was given to Alabama chain gang prisoners if they refused or where unable to participate in their assigned labor? Hint

Arms cuffed to a hitching rail

Refused food for 12 hours

Forced to stand over jagged rocks and bricks

Loss of parole opportunities

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In 1995, which state was the first to bring back chain gang prison labor programs in the US?

Answer: Alabama

Followed closely by Florida and Arizona. Limestone Correctional Facility, near Huntsville, was the first site of this revived prison practice.

2. What was the official name of the first revived chain gang program?

Answer: The Alternative Thinking Unit

Governor Fob James of Alabama made it a campaign promise in 1994 that he would return chain gangs to the roads and streets of his state.

3. What site in the US was the first to have a female chain gang and a juvenile chain gang?

Answer: Maricopa County, Arizona

Sheriff Joe Arpaio wanted to be the first in the US to bring chain gangs back, but was beaten to the punch by Alabama Prison Commisioner Ron Jones.

4. What book by Robert Elliot Burns, published in 1932, exposed the injustices of the chain gangs, thus causing states to 'reconsider this practice.'

Answer: 'I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang'

Paul Muni starred in the film version directed by Mervyn LeRoy entitled 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang.' Great film with one of the most chilling last lines in a film.

'American Chain Gang' is a documentary about prisoners and officers in 1990s chain gangs. 'The Defiant Ones' stars Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. ' Cool Hand Luke', one of the greatest films about prisoners, stars Paul Newman.

Answer: All of these are true

The film was shot in Alabama and Arizona.

6. The title for 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' comes from what other work?

Answer: From the film entitled 'Sullivan's Travels'

The title is the name of the film that comedy director Sullivan wants to direct. The studio won't let him, so he goes on an adventure to find out what poverty is really like.

7. In 1995, what group sued to have chain gangs abolished?

Answer: Southern Poverty Law Center

They sued Alabama to end their practice. Alabama sidestepped the case by having their inmates go from five inmates to a single chain to one inmate to a set of shackles. Both sides claimed victory.

8. For which function or task were chain gangs in the United States NOT used?

Answer: Land mine disposal on military bases

The conditions of the original chain gangs of the 1800s and early 1900s were notoriously cruel and inhumane. Many inmates suffered horrible conditions with no heating in cold weather or medical care.

9. The 1967 film 'Cool Hand Luke' was nominated for several academy awards. Which of the awards listed did it actually receive?

Answer: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (George Kennedy)

It was the only Oscar the film received. Stuart Rosenberg won best director from the DGA. Paul Newman won a Golden Laurel award for best actor.

10. What punishment was given to Alabama chain gang prisoners if they refused or where unable to participate in their assigned labor?

Answer: Arms cuffed to a hitching rail

Inmates could be hitched there all day and sometimes refused water while standing in the hot sun.

Source: Author xackery12

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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