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Southern United States Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Southern United States: History, Culture, and Demographics

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The Southern United States: History, Culture, and Demographics Study Guide

Defining the South: Geography and Demographics

The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Southern United States as one of its four census regions, bordered to the north by the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Southern United States as one of its four census regions, specifically stating its northern border with the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.

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The 18th-century Mason–Dixon line, the Mississippi River, and the 36°30′ parallel were historical geographical markers defining the South.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, the South was defined by the Mason–Dixon line, the Ohio River, and the 36°30′ parallel, not the Mississippi River.

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Despite increased alignment with the Northeastern United States, the U.S. Census Bureau still formally includes Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia within the Southern region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau formally includes Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia in the Southern region, despite their increasing cultural, economic, and political alignment with the Northeastern United States.

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The Southern United States is the slowest-growing region in the country in the 21st century.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 21st century, the Southern United States is the fastest-growing region in the country, not the slowest.

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The Southern United States is primarily characterized by a single, uniform arid climate zone across the entire region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Southern United States is a diverse meteorological region featuring numerous climatic zones, including temperate, sub-tropical, tropical, and arid, and is not characterized by a single, uniform arid climate.

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Bayous, swamplands, and southern pine forests are common natural environments in the South, along with unique flora like magnolia and rhododendron.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bayous, swamplands, and southern pine forests are indeed common natural environments in the South, alongside unique flora such as magnolia and rhododendron.

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The U.S. Census Bureau includes fifteen states and the District of Columbia in the Southern region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau includes sixteen states and the District of Columbia in the Southern region, not fifteen states.

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The East South Central states, as defined by the Census Bureau, include Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Answer: True

Explanation: The East South Central states, as defined by the Census Bureau, include Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

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The 'Deep South' typically includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Deep South' typically includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, which geographical features border the Southern United States to its north?

Answer: The Midwestern and Northeastern United States

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Southern United States as bordered to its north by the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.

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Which of the following was NOT a historical geographical marker used to define the South before the Civil War?

Answer: The Missouri River

Explanation: Historically, the South was defined by the Mason–Dixon line, the Ohio River, and the 36°30′ parallel. The Missouri River was not a primary historical geographical marker for the South.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a subregion within the Southern United States?

Answer: The Gulf Coast

Explanation: The subregions listed within the Southern United States include the Southeast, South Central, Upper South, and Deep South. The Gulf Coast is a geographical area but not formally listed as a distinct subregion in the provided context.

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Which of the following areas, despite shifting cultural and economic alignments, is still formally included in the Southern region by the U.S. Census Bureau?

Answer: Northern Virginia

Explanation: Despite increasing alignment with the Northeastern United States, the U.S. Census Bureau formally includes Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia within the Southern region.

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What is the status of the Southern United States regarding population growth in the 21st century?

Answer: It is the fastest-growing region in the country

Explanation: In the 21st century, the Southern United States is the fastest-growing region in the country.

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Which of the following is listed as a unique flora found in the Southern United States?

Answer: Palm

Explanation: Palm is listed as a unique flora found in the Southern United States, alongside magnolia, rhododendron, cane, and oak.

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How many states and federal districts are included in the Southern region, according to the U.S. Census Bureau?

Answer: Sixteen states and the District of Columbia

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau includes sixteen states and the District of Columbia in the Southern region.

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Which of the following states is part of the West South Central division, according to the Census Bureau?

Answer: Texas

Explanation: According to the Census Bureau, Texas is part of the West South Central division, along with Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

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Which state is typically included in the 'Deep South' according to the source?

Answer: South Carolina

Explanation: South Carolina is typically included in the 'Deep South,' along with Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

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Early History and Colonial Development

The institution of slave labor from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s profoundly influenced the South's development, contributing to a large African American population and support for states' rights.

Answer: True

Explanation: The institution of slave labor from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s profoundly influenced the South's historical and cultural development, leading to a large African American population and fostering support for states' rights.

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The Mississippian culture was a complex, mound-building Native American culture that flourished in the Southeastern United States from approximately 800 AD to 1500 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mississippian culture was indeed a complex, mound-building Native American culture that flourished in the Southeastern United States from approximately 800 AD to 1500 AD.

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Christopher Columbus was one of the European explorers who encountered and described the Mississippian culture.

Answer: False

Explanation: European explorers who encountered and described the Mississippian culture included Pánfilo de Narváez, Hernando de Soto, and Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, but not Christopher Columbus.

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Most voluntary immigrants to the Southern British colonies in the 17th century were of French origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: Most voluntary immigrants to the Southern British colonies in the 17th century were of English origin, not French.

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The Charter of Carolina was granted by King Charles II in 1663 for land north of Virginia and south of Spanish Florida.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Charter of Carolina was granted by King Charles II in 1663 for land south of the British Colony of Virginia and north of Spanish Florida.

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The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693, is the oldest university in the South and educated U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693 in Virginia, is the oldest university in the South and educated U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.

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Southern colonies largely opposed the Patriot cause during the American Revolutionary War, providing no significant leaders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Southern colonies embraced the Patriot cause during the American Revolutionary War, providing key leaders such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

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The American Revolution had no significant impact on slavery in the South, as the institution remained unchanged.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Revolution delivered a shock to slavery in the South, as thousands of slaves gained freedom and some slaveholders manumitted their slaves, leading to a significant increase in the free Black population.

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According to the source, which historical factor profoundly influenced the development of the Southern United States from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s?

Answer: The institution of slave labor

Explanation: The institution of slave labor profoundly influenced the historical and cultural development of the Southern United States from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s.

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Approximately when does the first well-dated evidence of human occupation appear in the Southern United States?

Answer: 9500 BC

Explanation: The first well-dated evidence of human occupation in the Southern United States dates back to approximately 9500 BC, with the appearance of Paleo-Indians.

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What was a key characteristic of the Mississippian culture that flourished in the Southeastern United States?

Answer: They were a complex, mound-building Native American culture with extensive trading routes

Explanation: The Mississippian culture was a complex, mound-building Native American culture that flourished in the Southeastern United States, characterized by elaborate and extensive trading routes.

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Which European explorer encountered and described the Mississippian culture in 1540?

Answer: Hernando de Soto

Explanation: Hernando de Soto encountered and described the Mississippian culture in 1540.

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What was a primary reason for the massive population decline of Native Americans following the arrival of European settlers in the South?

Answer: The unintentional spread of diseases to which natives had no immunities

Explanation: A primary reason for the massive population decline of Native Americans following the arrival of European settlers in the South was the unintentional spread of diseases to which indigenous populations had no immunities.

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What was the primary origin of most voluntary immigrants to the Southern British colonies in the 17th century?

Answer: English

Explanation: The primary origin of most voluntary immigrants to the Southern British colonies in the 17th century was English.

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What was the primary role of indentured servants in the early English settlement of the South?

Answer: They worked to pay off their passage to the colonies

Explanation: The primary role of indentured servants in the early English settlement of the South was to work to pay off the cost of their passage to the colonies.

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Which European power, in addition to the British, established settlements in Florida in the 16th century?

Answer: Spanish

Explanation: In addition to the British, the Spanish established settlements in Florida in the 16th century.

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In what year did King Charles II grant the Charter of Carolina?

Answer: 1663

Explanation: King Charles II granted the Charter of Carolina in 1663.

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What was the first cash crop of Virginia, and what was one of its agricultural implications?

Answer: Tobacco, which quickly exhausted the soil

Explanation: Tobacco was the first cash crop of Virginia, and its cultivation quickly exhausted the soil, necessitating the clearing of new fields.

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Which group was the largest non-English immigrant group from the British Isles to settle in the Southern backcountry before the American Revolution?

Answer: Ulster Scots (Scotch-Irish)

Explanation: The largest non-English immigrant group from the British Isles to settle in the Southern backcountry before the American Revolution were the Ulster Scots, also known as the Scotch-Irish.

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Which Southern university is the oldest and educated U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe?

Answer: College of William & Mary

Explanation: The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693, is the oldest university in the South and educated U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.

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The Barbados Slave Code of 1661 served as the foundational basis for slave codes in which British American colonies?

Answer: Province of Carolina and Province of Georgia

Explanation: The Barbados Slave Code of 1661 served as the foundational basis for slave codes adopted in the British American colonies of the Province of Carolina and the Province of Georgia.

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What was the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in October 1781?

Answer: British General Cornwallis surrendered his army to American and French forces.

Explanation: The Battle of Yorktown in October 1781 resulted in British General Cornwallis surrendering his entire army to American and French forces, effectively ending the North American part of the American Revolutionary War.

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Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction

During the Civil War, 'Border States' were southern slave states that fully seceded from the U.S. and joined the Confederacy.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Civil War, 'Border States' were southern slave states that did not fully secede from the U.S. or only partially seceded, and did not join the Confederacy.

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After 1800, tobacco became the dominant crop in the lower South, facilitated by the invention of the steam engine.

Answer: False

Explanation: After 1800, cotton became the dominant crop in the lower South, largely facilitated by the invention of the cotton gin, not the steam engine.

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By 1840, New Orleans was the wealthiest city in the country and the largest in population, primarily due to its industrial output.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1840, New Orleans was the wealthiest city in the country and the third largest in population, primarily due to international trade facilitated by the Mississippi River, not industrial output.

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The Indian removal policy between 1830 and 1850 was primarily driven by Native Americans' voluntary relocation to Oklahoma for better economic opportunities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Indian removal policy between 1830 and 1850 involved the forcible removal of Native Americans from their home states to Oklahoma, driven by the desire for their lands for agricultural expansion, not voluntary relocation for economic opportunities.

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The Confederate economy collapsed during the Civil War primarily due to its robust industrial base being targeted by Union forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Confederate economy collapsed during the Civil War primarily due to a lack of resources for a prolonged conflict, failed attempts to finance the war, the Union blockade, and the collapse of its small railroad system, not a robust industrial base targeted by Union forces.

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'Black codes' were laws passed during Reconstruction to protect the civil rights of African Americans.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Black codes' were laws passed by most Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the freedom of African Americans and compel them to work in a low-wage labor economy, not to protect their civil rights.

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According to the source, which of the following states was NOT among the original Thirteen Colonies but was considered part of the 'Old South' as a slave state before 1860?

Answer: Texas

Explanation: Texas was not among the original Thirteen Colonies but was considered part of the 'Old South' as a slave state before 1860.

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Which of the following states was considered a 'Border State' during the American Civil War?

Answer: West Virginia

Explanation: West Virginia was considered a 'Border State' during the American Civil War, along with Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware.

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The Jim Crow Era and Civil Rights Movement

After the Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws established a segregated system of separate schools and public facilities that persisted until the 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jim Crow laws established a segregated system of separate schools and public facilities that persisted until the 1960s, not the 1980s.

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From the Reconstruction era until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, scholars characterized all areas of the Southern United States as authoritarian enclaves.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholars characterized *pockets* of the Southern United States, not all areas, as authoritarian enclaves from the Reconstruction era until the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Which of the following was a lasting effect of racism in the South following the Civil War and Reconstruction, according to the source?

Answer: A segregated system of separate schools and public facilities established by Jim Crow laws.

Explanation: Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, a lasting effect of racism in the South was the establishment of a segregated system of separate schools and public facilities by Jim Crow laws, which persisted until the 1960s.

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How have scholars characterized certain areas of the Southern United States from the Reconstruction era until the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Answer: As authoritarian enclaves

Explanation: Scholars have characterized pockets of the Southern United States as 'authoritarian enclaves' from the Reconstruction era until the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Modern South: Economy, Politics, and Culture

The Southern United States is known for a distinct culture that includes unique customs, fashion, architecture, musical styles, and cuisines.

Answer: True

Explanation: The South is known for its distinct culture, which encompasses unique customs, fashion, architecture, musical styles, and cuisines, setting it apart from other U.S. regions.

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The 'Bible Belt' is an area in the South known for high Protestant church attendance, particularly evangelical denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Bible Belt' is an area within the Southern United States characterized by high Protestant church attendance, especially among evangelical denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention.

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World War II had a minimal impact on the Southern economy, as federal investment was primarily directed to Northern industrial centers.

Answer: False

Explanation: World War II dramatically changed the Southern economy, as the federal government invested heavily in new industries and military bases within the South, leading to significant economic growth and social changes.

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Research Triangle Park in North Carolina is the world's largest research park, and it is located in the Southern United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research Triangle Park in North Carolina is indeed the world's largest research park and is located in the Southern United States.

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Bank of America and Truist Financial are major banking corporations headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, within the Southern region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bank of America and Truist Financial are major banking corporations headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is located within the Southern region.

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Where is liberalism mostly predominant within the Southern United States, according to the source?

Answer: Areas with a Black majority or in urban areas

Explanation: Liberalism is mostly predominant in areas with a Black majority or in urban areas within the Southern United States.

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What religious characteristic defines the 'Bible Belt' in the Southern United States?

Answer: High Protestant church attendance, especially evangelical churches

Explanation: The 'Bible Belt' in the Southern United States is characterized by high Protestant church attendance, particularly among evangelical denominations.

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