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Study Guide: The Life and Legend of Blackbeard

Cheat Sheet:
The Life and Legend of Blackbeard Study Guide

Origins and Identity

Edward Teach was most famously known by the alias 'Captain Kidd'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Edward Teach was most famously known by the alias Blackbeard. Captain Kidd was a distinct historical figure.

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Contemporary records show only one spelling for Blackbeard's surname: Thatch.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contemporary records document multiple spellings for Blackbeard's surname, including Thatch, Thach, Thache, Thack, Tack, Thatche, and Theach.

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Blackbeard is believed to have been born in London, England.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blackbeard is believed to have been born in Bristol, England, a significant maritime center during his era.

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Blackbeard's ability to read and write suggests he may have come from a respectable family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The capacity for literacy, evidenced by his possession of a letter from Tobias Knight, suggests that Blackbeard may have originated from a family with some level of social standing or education.

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What was Edward Teach's most famous alias?

Answer: Blackbeard

Explanation: Edward Teach was most famously known by the alias Blackbeard.

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Which of the following is NOT among the surname spellings of Blackbeard found in contemporary records?

Answer: Blackwood

Explanation: Contemporary records list spellings such as Thatch, Thach, Thache, Thack, Tack, Thatche, and Theach. 'Blackwood' is not among these documented variations.

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Where is Blackbeard believed to have been born?

Answer: Bristol, England

Explanation: Blackbeard is believed to have been born in Bristol, England.

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What evidence suggests Blackbeard might have come from a respectable family?

Answer: He possessed a letter addressed to him by Tobias Knight and could read and write.

Explanation: Blackbeard's ability to read and write, evidenced by a letter addressed to him by Tobias Knight, suggests a potential background of respectability or education.

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Piratical Career and Tactics

Charles Johnson claimed Blackbeard served as a sailor on privateer ships during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to Charles Johnson's historical account, Blackbeard served as a sailor on privateer vessels operating out of Jamaica during the War of the Spanish Succession.

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Blackbeard's flagship was originally named 'La Concorde'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, was originally a French slave ship named 'La Concorde' before he captured and renamed it.

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Blackbeard's nickname originated from his habit of wearing a thick, black beard braided into pigtails.

Answer: True

Explanation: The nickname 'Blackbeard' directly derived from his distinctive, long, black beard, which he reportedly styled and braided.

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Blackbeard used lit slow matches under his hat primarily to light his pipe during battles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The lit slow matches Blackbeard reportedly wore under his hat were intended to create a more terrifying and intimidating appearance for his adversaries, not to light his pipe.

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In May 1718, Blackbeard blockaded the port of Charles Town, South Carolina, demanding gold.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Blackbeard did blockade Charles Town in May 1718, his demand was for medical supplies, not gold.

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The slow matches Blackbeard wore under his hat were intended to signal his crew.

Answer: False

Explanation: The slow matches were reportedly used by Blackbeard to create a more frightening appearance during combat, not for signaling his crew.

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Blackbeard's appearance included knee-length boots and a wide hat, contributing to his terrifying persona.

Answer: True

Explanation: Descriptions of Blackbeard's appearance often include elements such as knee-length boots and a wide hat, which, along with his beard and other accoutrements, contributed to his fearsome image.

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Blackbeard's reliance on his fearsome image rather than excessive violence suggests a calculating approach to his career.

Answer: True

Explanation: The observation that Blackbeard prioritized his fearsome reputation over actual brutality indicates a strategic and calculating approach to his piratical activities.

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Blackbeard reportedly flew only a black flag featuring a skull.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blackbeard reportedly flew multiple flags, including a black flag with a skull and a blood-red flag, both intended to intimidate his targets.

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According to Charles Johnson, what was Blackbeard's background before becoming a pirate?

Answer: He served as a sailor on privateer ships during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Explanation: Charles Johnson's account states that Blackbeard served as a sailor on privateer ships during the War of the Spanish Succession.

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How did Blackbeard acquire his flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge?

Answer: He captured a French slave ship named La Concorde and renamed it.

Explanation: Blackbeard captured the French slave ship La Concorde, refitted it with cannons, and renamed it the Queen Anne's Revenge, establishing it as his flagship.

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What physical characteristic contributed most directly to Blackbeard's nickname?

Answer: His long, black beard

Explanation: Blackbeard's distinctive nickname originated from his notably thick and black beard, which he reportedly styled elaborately.

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What tactic did Blackbeard employ during battle to enhance his fearsome appearance?

Answer: Sticking lit slow matches under his hat.

Explanation: Blackbeard reportedly used lit slow matches tucked under his hat during battles to create a terrifying and intimidating visual effect.

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In May 1718, Blackbeard blockaded which port city?

Answer: Charles Town, South Carolina

Explanation: In May 1718, Blackbeard blockaded the port of Charles Town, South Carolina.

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What did Blackbeard demand from the colonial government during the Charles Town blockade?

Answer: Medical supplies.

Explanation: During the blockade of Charles Town, Blackbeard demanded medical supplies from the colonial government.

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What was the purpose of the lit slow matches Blackbeard reportedly wore under his hat?

Answer: To create a more frightening and intimidating appearance.

Explanation: The lit slow matches worn under Blackbeard's hat were intended to enhance his fearsome appearance and intimidate his opponents.

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Downfall and Death

The Queen Anne's Revenge ran aground and was damaged in Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Queen Anne's Revenge met its end when it ran aground on a sandbar in Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, in June 1718, sustaining significant damage.

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Lieutenant Robert Maynard tracked Blackbeard using a single large warship.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lieutenant Robert Maynard pursued Blackbeard using two commandeered sloops, the Jane and the Ranger, not a single large warship.

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During the final confrontation, Blackbeard was captured alive by Lieutenant Maynard's crew.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blackbeard was killed during the final confrontation with Lieutenant Maynard's crew at Ocracoke Inlet; he was not captured alive.

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After his death, Blackbeard's head was displayed on a pole at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his death, Blackbeard's head was severed and displayed on a pole at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay as a deterrent.

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The Battle of Ocracoke Inlet in 1718 marked the capture of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Ocracoke Inlet in 1718 resulted in the death of Blackbeard himself; the Queen Anne's Revenge had already run aground and was damaged prior to this engagement.

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The ship 'Adventure' was likely taken by Lieutenant Maynard's forces after Blackbeard's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Blackbeard's demise, the sloop 'Adventure,' which he commanded, was likely seized by Lieutenant Maynard's crew.

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What incident caused significant damage to the Queen Anne's Revenge in June 1718?

Answer: Running aground on a sandbar in Beaufort Inlet.

Explanation: In June 1718, the Queen Anne's Revenge ran aground on a sandbar in Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, sustaining significant damage.

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What vessels did Lieutenant Robert Maynard use to track Blackbeard?

Answer: Two commandeered sloops, the Jane and the Ranger

Explanation: Lieutenant Robert Maynard tracked Blackbeard using two commandeered sloops, named the Jane and the Ranger.

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How did Blackbeard die?

Answer: He was killed in a hand-to-hand fight with Lieutenant Maynard.

Explanation: Blackbeard was killed during a fierce battle with Lieutenant Robert Maynard's crew at Ocracoke Inlet.

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What happened to Blackbeard's head after his death?

Answer: It was displayed on the bowsprit of Maynard's sloop and later on a pole.

Explanation: After Blackbeard's death, his head was severed and displayed on the bowsprit of Maynard's sloop, and subsequently placed on a pole at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay.

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Historical Records and Legacy

Blackbeard's loot, consisting of valuable goods, was valued at approximately £2,238.

Answer: True

Explanation: The goods seized from Blackbeard's ship were sold at auction, yielding approximately £2,238.

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Economist Peter Leeson views pirates like Blackbeard as romanticized barbarians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Economist Peter Leeson posits that pirates like Blackbeard should be viewed as shrewd businessmen employing reputation as a strategic tool, rather than romanticized barbarians.

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Captain Charles Johnson's book is the primary source for much of the information about Blackbeard.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Charles Johnson's 'A General Historie of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates' (1724) is considered the principal source for much of the historical information regarding Blackbeard.

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Blackbeard was considered one of the most successful pirates in terms of wealth accumulation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite his notoriety, Blackbeard was not among the most successful pirates in terms of accumulated wealth; other pirates reportedly amassed significantly larger fortunes.

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There is extensive archaeological evidence confirming the existence of Blackbeard's buried treasure hoard.

Answer: False

Explanation: There is no concrete archaeological evidence confirming the existence of a buried treasure hoard belonging to Blackbeard; this concept is largely considered mythical.

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Artifacts believed to be from the Queen Anne's Revenge were discovered off the coast of Florida.

Answer: False

Explanation: Artifacts believed to be from the Queen Anne's Revenge were discovered off the coast of North Carolina, not Florida.

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Blackbeard's image has been perpetuated primarily through historical academic journals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blackbeard's image and legend have been perpetuated predominantly through literature, films, and television series, rather than primarily through academic journals.

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A legal dispute arose over copyright violations concerning footage of the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck.

Answer: True

Explanation: A legal dispute, culminating in the Allen v. Cooper case, arose concerning North Carolina's use of footage from the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck, involving copyright claims and the state's 'Blackbeard's Law'.

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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against North Carolina in the Allen v. Cooper case regarding shipwreck footage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of North Carolina in the Allen v. Cooper case, upholding the state's right to use the shipwreck footage.

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Charles Johnson's book significantly downplayed Blackbeard's notoriety.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Johnson's book is known for vividly detailing and often sensationalizing the exploits of pirates, thereby significantly contributing to, rather than downplaying, Blackbeard's notoriety.

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There are verified accounts of Blackbeard murdering many of his captives.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite his fearsome reputation, there are no verified historical accounts indicating that Blackbeard murdered or harmed his captives.

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'Blackbeard's Law' declared all materials related to shipwrecks in North Carolina's custody to be private property.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Blackbeard's Law' in North Carolina declared materials related to shipwrecks in state custody to be public records, not private property.

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The article confirms that William Kidd is the only known pirate to have buried treasure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material indicates that William Kidd is cited as the only known pirate to have buried treasure, challenging the common myth of widespread pirate treasure burial.

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Robert Newton's portrayal of Blackbeard popularized the stereotypical pirate voice.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Newton's performance as Blackbeard in the 1952 film 'Blackbeard the Pirate' is widely credited with popularizing the archetypal pirate voice in popular culture.

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The *Queen Anne's Revenge* shipwreck discovery provided little tangible evidence of Blackbeard's activities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The discovery of the *Queen Anne's Revenge* shipwreck provided substantial and tangible archaeological evidence related to Blackbeard's activities and the era.

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Nautilus Productions won their copyright claim against North Carolina in the Allen v. Cooper case.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nautilus Productions did not win their copyright claim; the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of North Carolina in the Allen v. Cooper case.

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What was the approximate value of Blackbeard's loot when sold at auction?

Answer: £2,238

Explanation: The loot recovered from Blackbeard's ship was sold at auction for approximately £2,238.

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According to economist Peter Leeson, how should pirates like Blackbeard be viewed?

Answer: As shrewd businessmen using reputation as a strategy.

Explanation: Economist Peter Leeson suggests that pirates like Blackbeard should be viewed as shrewd businessmen who strategically employed their fearsome reputation.

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Which book is considered the primary source for much of the information known about Blackbeard?

Answer: A General Historie of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates.

Explanation: Captain Charles Johnson's 'A General Historie of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates' is the primary source for much of the information concerning Blackbeard.

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Despite his infamy, was Blackbeard considered a highly successful pirate in terms of wealth accumulation?

Answer: No, other pirates reportedly amassed significantly larger fortunes.

Explanation: While infamous, Blackbeard was not considered among the most successful pirates in terms of wealth accumulation; other pirates reportedly amassed considerably greater fortunes.

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What is the status of Blackbeard's rumored treasure hoard?

Answer: There is no concrete evidence supporting its existence.

Explanation: There is no concrete evidence to substantiate the existence of Blackbeard's rumored treasure hoard; it is largely considered a myth.

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What significant archaeological discovery has been made related to Blackbeard's ship?

Answer: The recovery of artifacts from the wreckage of the Queen Anne's Revenge.

Explanation: In 1996, artifacts were recovered from the wreckage believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, providing significant archaeological evidence.

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How has Blackbeard's image and story been perpetuated in popular culture?

Answer: Through literature, films, and television series.

Explanation: Blackbeard's legend has been widely perpetuated through various forms of popular culture, including literature, films, and television series.

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What legal issue arose concerning videos of the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck?

Answer: North Carolina uploaded videos without permission, leading to a copyright lawsuit.

Explanation: A legal dispute arose when North Carolina posted videos of the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck without permission, leading to a copyright infringement lawsuit.

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In the Allen v. Cooper case, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding North Carolina's use of shipwreck footage?

Answer: They ruled in favor of North Carolina, upholding the state's right to use the footage.

Explanation: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of North Carolina in Allen v. Cooper, affirming the state's right to use the shipwreck footage and effectively limiting copyright claims against states.

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What common misconception about pirate treasure does the article address?

Answer: That pirates always buried their treasure.

Explanation: The article addresses the misconception that pirates frequently buried their treasure, noting that evidence for this practice is scarce and largely mythical.

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Robert Newton's portrayal of Blackbeard in the 1952 film is credited with popularizing which aspect of pirate representation?

Answer: The stereotypical pirate voice (West Country accent).

Explanation: Robert Newton's performance as Blackbeard in the 1952 film 'Blackbeard the Pirate' is credited with popularizing the stereotypical pirate voice, characterized by a West Country accent.

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What did the text suggest about Blackbeard's actual level of violence towards captives?

Answer: There are no verified accounts of him harming captives.

Explanation: Despite his fearsome reputation, the historical record contains no verified accounts of Blackbeard harming or murdering his captives.

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What was the significance of the *Queen Anne's Revenge* shipwreck discovery?

Answer: It provided tangible archaeological evidence of Blackbeard's activities.

Explanation: The discovery of the *Queen Anne's Revenge* shipwreck provided significant tangible archaeological evidence related to Blackbeard's life and activities.

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Context of Piracy

New Providence island was unsuitable for pirates due to its deep harbor accommodating Royal Navy vessels.

Answer: False

Explanation: New Providence island was highly suitable for pirates precisely because its harbor was too shallow for larger Royal Navy vessels, offering a strategic advantage and safe haven.

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Historically, the English government often viewed privateers unfavorably and suppressed their activities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, the English government often viewed privateers favorably, sometimes encouraging their activities as a form of state-sanctioned warfare and a reserve naval force.

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Woodes Rogers' actions in 1718 effectively ended the 'pirate republic' in the West Indies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Woodes Rogers' efforts in 1718 to suppress piracy and establish order, particularly in Nassau, marked the effective end of the period known as the 'pirate republic'.

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The decline of the Golden Age of Piracy made it easier for pirates like Blackbeard to operate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The decline of the Golden Age of Piracy, marked by increased naval power and reduced safe havens, made it more difficult, not easier, for pirates to operate.

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Increased naval power of the British Empire was a key factor in the decline of piracy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The expansion of naval power by empires such as Great Britain played a significant role in suppressing piracy and contributing to its decline.

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Why was New Providence island a suitable base for pirates like Blackbeard?

Answer: Its shallow harbor protected pirate ships from larger Royal Navy vessels.

Explanation: New Providence island offered a suitable base for pirates due to its shallow harbor, which deterred larger Royal Navy vessels, and its proximity to busy shipping lanes.

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Historically, how did the English government view privateers?

Answer: As a reserve naval force, sometimes encouraged.

Explanation: The English government historically viewed privateers as a valuable reserve naval force, sometimes encouraging their activities.

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What was the primary reason for the decline of piracy in the West Indies after the early 18th century?

Answer: The end of the pirate republic, lack of markets, and increased naval power.

Explanation: The decline of piracy in the West Indies was primarily attributed to the suppression of the 'pirate republic,' the diminishing availability of markets for stolen goods, and the increased naval power of European empires.

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