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Jefferson Davis Trivia Quiz

Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederate States of America during the US Civil War.

A multiple-choice quiz by star_gazer. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
star_gazer

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
299,311

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
605

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Where was Jefferson Davis born? Hint

Fairview, Kentucky

Selma, Alabama

Richmond, Virginia

Atlanta, Georgia

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Question 2 of 10

2. Once he became a young adult Jefferson Davis attended a number of schools, eventually graduating from where? Hint

Virginia Military Institute

Georgetown University

The Citadel

West Point Military Academy

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Question 3 of 10

3. After eight years of living as a recluse, grieving his young wife's death, Jefferson Davis was elected in Mississippi. To which post or institution was he elected? Hint

The US Senate

The US House

Governor

State Senate

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Question 4 of 10

4. In 1846 Jefferson Davis was recognized for his bravery and leadership in battle. Which President offered to make him a US General? Hint

Zachery Taylor

Franklin Pierce

James Buchanon

James K. Polk

5. When Jefferson Davis returned to the US Senate turmoil filled the Capitol as various men, from Southern and Northern states, argued about the future of slavery in our nation. Davis was highly respected, having just served as the Secretary of War. He often would express a strong belief. What was it? Hint

Slavery must remain or the South would leave the Union.

He was against slavery but would be loyal to Mississippi.

Compromise on slavery was the most prudent path.

States' rights must be upheld regardless of slavery.

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Question 6 of 10

6. After Lincoln's election the Mississippi legislature voted for secession from the Union on January 9, 1861. Although he disagreed with this vote Davis respected the decision of his state, resigned his U.S. Senate seat and returned home. Ironically, Davis was then elected President of the Confederacy. Where was the first capital of the Confederate States? Hint

Richmond, Virginia

Montgomery, Alabama

Charleston, South Carolina

Atlanta, Georgia

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Question 7 of 10

7. As one of his first acts, Davis organized a Peace Commision to visit the Union government and offer to pay the Southern debt. But then, in a paradoxical manner, Davis approved the bombardment of Fort Sumnter in South Carolina. This dashed the hopes of a peaceful agreement to seperate the South; however, it did attract those Southern States that had previously been hesitant to join the Confederacy. How long was the term that Davis was elected to? Hint

Eight years.

Four years.

Six years.

Two years.

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Question 8 of 10

8. The Battle at Gettysburg was the bloodiest in US history. Although both the North and the South fought valiantly, the Union forces proved too much for the Confederacy. At the end of the battle General Lee made a request to Jefferson Davis which Davis chose to refuse. What was it? Hint

To relieve General Lee of his military role.

To restart peace negotiations with the Union.

To attempt to take Philadelphia.

To reorganize many of the officers within the South.

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Question 9 of 10

9. The Union continued to defeat the Confederacy and on April 9, 1865 General Lee surrendered to General Grant. Then, on May 5th of the same year Jefferson Davis met with his Cabinet for the last time to formally dissolve it. Where did this take place? Hint

Danville, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia

Washington, Georgia

Greensboro, South Carolina

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Question 10 of 10

10. On May 10, 1865 Jefferson Davis was captured by Union forces in Irwinville, Georgia. For two years he was a prisoner in Fort Monroe, Virginia. Sadly, this honorable man was also kept in irons for how many days? Hint

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Where was Jefferson Davis born?

Answer: Fairview, Kentucky

Davis was born on June 3, 1808, less then a year before Abraham Lincoln's birth and only one hundred miles from Lincoln's place of birth.

While Davis was still an infant his family moved to Mississippi.

2. Once he became a young adult Jefferson Davis attended a number of schools, eventually graduating from where?

Answer: West Point Military Academy

Upon becoming an officer in the US Army Jeff Davis was assigned to the frontier, where he worked under the leadership of Zachery Taylor. Davis eventually married Taylor's daughter, though Taylor was against the marriage. Sadly, however, his new wife fell ill and died three months after they were married.

3. After eight years of living as a recluse, grieving his young wife's death, Jefferson Davis was elected in Mississippi. To which post or institution was he elected?

Answer: The US House

He began his House service only to resign it so to serve in the Mexican American war. There he distinguished himself showing great courage and leadership in battle. After being injured he returned home.

4. In 1846 Jefferson Davis was recognized for his bravery and leadership in battle. Which President offered to make him a US General?

Answer: James K. Polk

Jefferson Davis declined the offer from James K. Polk because he believed that generals should be appointed by the states only, not by the President. Once he returned home the Mississippi governor asked him to fill out the remaining term of Senator Jesse Speight who had died in 1847, and Davis accepted.

In 1853 the newly elected President Pierce made Jefferson Davis the US Secretary of War. At the end of Pierce's term, Jefferson Davis returned to the US Senate in 1857 after running a successful Mississippi campaign.

Answer: States' rights must be upheld regardless of slavery.

Since he had served as Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis knew that the North was much stronger than the South in terms of military power. Davis also believed that the North would not allow the South to leave the Union peacefuly. Yet Davis still strongly insisted in each state's own sovereign power, even while being a loud opponent of secession.

Answer: Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery was the capital of Alabama and therefore served as the seat of the young Confederacy. In May, 1861 Virginia joined the Confederate States and the Southern capital was moved to Richmond, Virginia that same month.

Answer: Six years.

The inauguration of Davis took place on February 22, 1862. In June of that year he made Robert E. Lee the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia which was the most important military post in the Confederacy. Although not expected to pose much of a threat, the South did very well in many battles against the North. Eventually the South crossed the Mason Dixon line in the Summer of 1863 and moved to a show down against the Union in Gettysburg.

Answer: To relieve General Lee of his military role.

General Lee blamed the South's defeat at Gettysburg on himself. As a man of humility he no longer thought he was worthy to lead the Southern armies. However, Jefferson Davis had such an admiration for Lee that he was sure that without Lee's leadership the South did not stand a chance.

Answer: Washington, Georgia

Washington, Georgia is the first town in the US to be named after George Washington, having been given that name in 1780. Also there are legends that the lost Confederate gold is buried somewhere in this town.

Answer: 3

When released, Davis traveled and wrote about his experiences. He was again elected to the Senate in 1875 but was barred from serving by the 14th admendment. He passed away on December 9, 1889 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. In 1978 President Jimmy Carter removed the prevention of Jefferson Davis serving in US Federal Office so to honor this great American.

Source: Author star_gazer

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