A Journal of the Expedition to Carthagena, with Notes Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

Which British admiral led the naval forces during the 1741 expedition to Carthagena?

Admiral Vernon
Admiral Nelson
Admiral Drake
Admiral Rodney

Correct Answer: Admiral Vernon

Correct Answer Explanation: Admiral Vernon was the British admiral who led the naval forces during the 1741 expedition to Carthagena. He played a controversial role in the campaign, with some arguing that he did not provide adequate support to the army.

What was the name of the Spanish fortress that defended the entrance to the harbor of Carthagena?

Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica Castle
Castillo Grande
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Boca Chica Castle

Correct Answer Explanation: Boca Chica Castle was a Spanish fortress that defended the entrance to the harbor of Carthagena. The British captured it on March 9, 1741, after heavy bombardment by their warships.

Which major battle was a costly failure for the British, resulting in heavy casualties and demoralizing their forces?

The Battle of Boca Chica
The Battle of Fort St. Lazar
The Battle of La Quinta
The Battle of Castillo Grande

Correct Answer: The Battle of Fort St. Lazar

Correct Answer Explanation: The attack on Fort St. Lazar on April 9, 1741, was a costly failure for the British. The attack was poorly planned and the British troops suffered heavy casualties, including the death of Colonel Grant.

What disease ravaged the British troops during the expedition, contributing to their eventual withdrawal?

Smallpox
Malaria
Yellow fever
Cholera

Correct Answer: Yellow fever

Correct Answer Explanation: Yellow fever was a major disease that plagued the British troops during the expedition. The tropical heat and humidity made the disease particularly deadly, and it contributed significantly to the British casualties.

How many British soldiers participated in the expedition to Carthagena in 1741?

5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000

Correct Answer: 10,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Over 10,000 British troops participated in the expedition to Carthagena in 1741. This was a significant force, but the expedition ultimately failed due to a combination of factors, including disease, heavy casualties, and lack of supplies.

What was the name of the British general who led the land forces during the expedition?

General Wolfe
General Wentworth
General Braddock
General Cornwallis

Correct Answer: General Wentworth

Correct Answer Explanation: General Wentworth was the British general who led the land forces during the expedition to Carthagena. He worked closely with Admiral Vernon, but the two leaders were often at odds over strategy and tactics.

What was the primary reason for the British expedition to Carthagena in 1741?

To secure a strategic base in the Caribbean
To capture Spanish gold and treasure
To gain control of the Panama Canal
To establish a British colony in South America

Correct Answer: To secure a strategic base in the Caribbean

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena in 1741 was primarily aimed at securing a strategic base in the Caribbean. This would have given them a valuable outpost from which to launch further attacks on Spanish colonies and trade routes.

What is the name of the main harbor of Carthagena?

Boca Chica
La Quinta
The Surgidero
The Lagoon

Correct Answer: The Surgidero

Correct Answer Explanation: The Surgidero is the main harbor of Carthagena. The British attempted to capture it, but they were ultimately unsuccessful due to the strong Spanish defenses.

What was the name of the Spanish battery located on the Barradera side of the entrance to the harbor?

Barradera Battery
Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica

Correct Answer: Barradera Battery

Correct Answer Explanation: The Barradera Battery was a Spanish battery located on the Barradera side of the entrance to the harbor. It played a key role in defending Carthagena from British attack.

What is a coupure?

A type of cannon used in siege warfare
A trench or ditch dug to disrupt enemy movements
A protective earthen rampart
A siege tower used to breach walls

Correct Answer: A trench or ditch dug to disrupt enemy movements

Correct Answer Explanation: A coupure is a trench or ditch dug to disrupt enemy movements or communications. It was a common tactic used in siege warfare to create obstacles and prevent enemy forces from approaching fortifications.

What is a fascine?

A bundle of brushwood used for reinforcement
A type of siege weapon
A type of ship used in naval warfare
A type of ammunition

Correct Answer: A bundle of brushwood used for reinforcement

Correct Answer Explanation: A fascine is a bundle of brushwood used for reinforcement or construction of fortifications. It was a common building material used by armies in the 18th century.

What is an epaulement?

A type of siege weapon
A protective earthen rampart
A type of military uniform
A type of flag

Correct Answer: A protective earthen rampart

Correct Answer Explanation: An epaulement is a protective earthen rampart built to shield soldiers or artillery from enemy fire. It was a common defensive feature used in siege warfare.

What is a mortar?

A type of artillery that fires high-angle projectiles
A type of siege tower
A type of hand grenade
A type of ship used in naval warfare

Correct Answer: A type of artillery that fires high-angle projectiles

Correct Answer Explanation: A mortar is a type of artillery that fires high-angle projectiles. It was particularly effective for attacking fortified positions and walls.

What is a cohorn?

A small mortar used for close-range bombardment
A type of siege weapon
A type of military uniform
A type of flag

Correct Answer: A small mortar used for close-range bombardment

Correct Answer Explanation: A cohorn is a small mortar used for close-range bombardment. It was often used to attack enemy trenches and fortifications.

What is an embrasure?

A type of siege weapon
A type of military uniform
An opening in a fortification through which artillery is fired
A type of flag

Correct Answer: An opening in a fortification through which artillery is fired

Correct Answer Explanation: An embrasure is an opening in a fortification through which artillery is fired. It allowed gunners to aim their cannons and mortars while remaining protected from enemy fire.

What is a platform?

A type of siege weapon
A raised structure designed to support artillery
A type of military uniform
A type of flag

Correct Answer: A raised structure designed to support artillery

Correct Answer Explanation: A platform is a raised structure designed to support artillery. It provided a stable base for cannons and mortars, allowing them to be fired with greater accuracy.

How many British troops were able to land at La Quinta, a key landing site for the expedition?

1,000
2,000
3,200
4,340

Correct Answer: 4,340

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were only able to land about 4,340 men at La Quinta, significantly less than the 5,000 they requested. This shortfall contributed to the difficulties faced by the British forces during the expedition.

What was the name of the British ship that was lost during the expedition?

The Galicia
The Victory
The Prince
The Dreadnought

Correct Answer: The Galicia

Correct Answer Explanation: The Galicia was a British ship that was lost during the expedition. It was bombarded by the Spanish and sank, resulting in the loss of over 100 men.

What was the name of the Spanish fort that the British troops were initially unsuccessful in capturing?

Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Fort St. Lazar

Correct Answer Explanation: Fort St. Lazar was a key Spanish fortification that the British troops were initially unsuccessful in capturing. The attack on the fort was a costly failure for the British, resulting in heavy casualties.

How many men did the British lose in the assault on Fort St. Lazar?

Correct Answer: 638

Correct Answer Explanation: The British lost 179 men killed and 459 wounded in the assault on Fort St. Lazar, for a total of 638 casualties.

What was the main factor that led to the British withdrawal from Carthagena?

A lack of supplies
Disease
Heavy casualties
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The British withdrawal from Carthagena was caused by a combination of factors, including a lack of supplies, disease, and heavy casualties. The harsh conditions and the fierce Spanish resistance proved too much for the British forces to overcome.

What was the approximate number of Spanish troops garrisoned at Carthagena during the expedition?

1,000
2,000
4,000
6,000

Correct Answer: 4,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish garrison at Carthagena numbered around 4,000 men. This outnumbered the British forces, and they were also well-fortified and prepared to defend their colony.

What was the name of the Spanish fort that the British captured with little resistance?

Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Castillo Grande

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were able to capture Castillo Grande with little resistance. This was a key victory for the British, as it gave them control of a strategically important location.

How many British troops remained fit for duty by the time of the retreat?

1,000
2,000
3,200
4,400

Correct Answer: 3,200

Correct Answer Explanation: Only about 3,200 British troops remained fit for duty by the time of the retreat. This was a significant loss of manpower, and it highlighted the devastating impact of disease and the harsh conditions.

How many twelve-pounder cannons did the British land at La Quinta?

Correct Answer: 12

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were able to land 12 twelve-pounder cannons and 3 three-pounders at La Quinta. This was a limited amount of artillery, and it hindered their ability to effectively engage the Spanish fortifications.

How many bombs were fired from the British mortar batteries at Fort St. Lazar?

Correct Answer: 200

Correct Answer Explanation: Over 200 bombs were fired from the British mortar batteries at Fort St. Lazar. These bombardments inflicted some damage on the Spanish defenses, but they were not enough to overcome the strong fortifications.

How many baulks did the British land at La Quinta for constructing their fortifications?

Correct Answer: 100

Correct Answer Explanation: The British landed over 100 baulks and 300 battery planks for constructing their fortifications. These materials were essential for building strong defensive positions, but the British were limited in their ability to build due to the difficult terrain and the lack of resources.

What was the name of the channel leading to the Surgidero that the British were able to open for their bomb vessels?

The Boca Chica
The Barradera
The Lagoon
The Passa-Cavallos

Correct Answer: The Passa-Cavallos

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were able to open a passage for their bomb vessels and two twenty-gun ships through the channel leading to the Surgidero. This was a strategic victory for the British, as it allowed them to bring their firepower closer to the Spanish fortifications.

How many galleons did the British use as a blockade in the channel leading to the Surgidero?

Correct Answer: 7

Correct Answer Explanation: The British used seven galleons as a blockade in the channel leading to the Surgidero. This was an attempt to prevent Spanish reinforcements from reaching the city and to disrupt their supply lines.

What was the main challenge the British faced in capturing Carthagena?

The Spanish resistance
Disease
Lack of supplies
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The British faced numerous challenges in capturing Carthagena. The Spanish resistance was fierce, disease ravaged their troops, and they lacked adequate supplies. These factors combined to make the expedition a costly failure.

What was the primary objective of the British expedition to Carthagena?

To capture the city and its valuable resources
To establish a British colony in South America
To disrupt Spanish trade in the Caribbean
To gain control of the Panama Canal

Correct Answer: To capture the city and its valuable resources

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena was primarily aimed at capturing the city and its valuable resources. This would have been a major blow to Spain and would have given the British control of a strategically important location in the Caribbean.

How many men did the British lose when the Galicia was bombarded?

Correct Answer: 56

Correct Answer Explanation: The British lost six men killed and 56 wounded when the Galicia was bombarded. This was a significant loss for the British navy, and it highlighted the dangers of naval warfare in the Caribbean.

What was the name of the conflict between Britain and Spain during which the expedition to Carthagena took place?

The War of the Spanish Succession
The War of Austrian Succession
The Seven Years’ War
The War of Jenkins’ Ear

Correct Answer: The War of Jenkins’ Ear

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition to Carthagena took place during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, a conflict between Britain and Spain that escalated into a wider war. The British were seeking to capture Spanish colonies in the New World, hoping to gain strategic advantage and valuable resources.

Which of these was NOT a major challenge faced by the British during the expedition?

The Spanish resistance
The harsh climate
The lack of supplies
The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer: The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish population of Carthagena was generally hostile to the British, and they did not offer any support to the invaders. This hostility made it difficult for the British to establish a foothold in the city.

Which of these was NOT a factor that contributed to the British failure at Carthagena?

The lack of cooperation between the army and navy
The superior strength of the Spanish forces
The spread of disease
The use of advanced military technology

Correct Answer: The use of advanced military technology

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena was not hampered by a lack of advanced military technology. They had access to the most modern artillery and siege weapons available at the time, but their failure was ultimately due to a combination of other factors.

Which of these was NOT a consequence of the British failure at Carthagena?

A significant loss of manpower
A blow to British morale
The capture of Cartagena by the British
A change in British military strategy

Correct Answer: The capture of Cartagena by the British

Correct Answer Explanation: The British failure at Carthagena resulted in a significant loss of manpower, a blow to British morale, and a change in British military strategy. It did not, however, lead to the capture of Cartagena by the British.

What was the name of the fort that protected the main harbor of Carthagena?

Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer Explanation: Castillo San Felipe was the main fort that protected the harbor of Carthagena. It was a formidable fortification that played a key role in defending the city from the British attack.

How many men were captured by the British during the expedition?

Correct Answer: 300

Correct Answer Explanation: The British captured over 300 Spanish prisoners during the expedition. This was a small victory for the British, but it did not have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the campaign.

What was the approximate cost of the expedition to the British government?

1 million pounds
2 million pounds
3 million pounds
4 million pounds

Correct Answer: 2 million pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition cost the British government millions of pounds. This was a significant financial investment, and the failure of the campaign represented a major loss for the British government.

Which of these was NOT a key factor in the success of the Spanish defense of Carthagena?

The strength of their fortifications
The size of their garrison
The effectiveness of their artillery
The support of the British population

Correct Answer: The support of the British population

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish defense of Carthagena was successful due to a combination of factors, including the strength of their fortifications, the size of their garrison, and the effectiveness of their artillery. The support of the British population was not a factor in their success.

What was the name of the island from which the British expedition set sail?

Cuba
Jamaica
Hispaniola
Puerto Rico

Correct Answer: Jamaica

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena set sail from Jamaica. This was a major British naval base in the Caribbean, and it provided a strategic starting point for the expedition.

What was the main source of information about the Carthagena expedition?

A diary kept by a British soldier
A letter written by a Spanish officer
A contemporary newspaper report
A journal kept by a British naval officer

Correct Answer: A journal kept by a British naval officer

Correct Answer Explanation: The main source of information about the Carthagena expedition is a journal kept by a British naval officer who participated in the campaign. This journal provides a firsthand account of the events, offering valuable insights into the challenges and the failures of the expedition.

How many battery planks did the British land at La Quinta?

Correct Answer: 300

Correct Answer Explanation: The British landed over 100 baulks and 300 battery planks for constructing their fortifications. This was a limited amount of building material, and it hindered their ability to build strong defensive positions.

Which of these was NOT a type of artillery used by the British during the expedition?

Cannons
Mortars
Cohorns
Gatling guns

Correct Answer: Gatling guns

Correct Answer Explanation: Gatling guns were not invented until the 19th century, and they were not used during the Carthagena expedition. The British used cannons, mortars, and cohorns, which were the standard artillery pieces of the time.

What was the name of the British warship that was used to bombard the Spanish fortifications?

HMS Prince
HMS Victory
HMS Dreadnought
HMS Galicia

Correct Answer: HMS Galicia

Correct Answer Explanation: HMS Galicia was a British warship that was used to bombard the Spanish fortifications. It played a key role in the initial stages of the expedition, but it was eventually lost to Spanish fire.

Which of these was NOT a factor that contributed to the spread of disease among the British troops?

The tropical climate
The lack of sanitation
The poor diet
The use of advanced medical technology

Correct Answer: The use of advanced medical technology

Correct Answer Explanation: The use of advanced medical technology was not a factor that contributed to the spread of disease among the British troops. In fact, the medical technology of the time was quite limited, and it was largely ineffective in preventing the spread of disease.

What was the main reason for the lack of cooperation between the British army and navy?

A difference in strategic goals
A rivalry between the two branches of the military
A lack of communication
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The lack of cooperation between the British army and navy was caused by a combination of factors, including a difference in strategic goals, a rivalry between the two branches of the military, and a lack of communication. This lack of cooperation significantly hindered the British efforts during the expedition.

What was the name of the British colonel who was killed during the attack on Fort St. Lazar?

Colonel Grant
Colonel Wolfe
Colonel Braddock
Colonel Cornwallis

Correct Answer: Colonel Grant

Correct Answer Explanation: Colonel Grant was a British officer who was killed during the attack on Fort St. Lazar. His death was a significant loss for the British, and it contributed to the overall failure of the expedition.

How many British soldiers were killed in the bombardment of the Galicia?

Correct Answer: 6

Correct Answer Explanation: The British lost six men killed when the Galicia was bombarded. This was a small loss compared to the overall casualties suffered during the expedition, but it highlighted the dangers of naval warfare.

What was the name of the British ship that was used as a blockade in the channel leading to the Surgidero?

HMS Victory
HMS Prince
HMS Dreadnought
HMS Galicia

Correct Answer: HMS Galicia

Correct Answer Explanation: HMS Galicia was a British warship that was used as a blockade in the channel leading to the Surgidero. It played a key role in preventing Spanish reinforcements from reaching the city, but it was eventually lost to Spanish fire.

Which of these was NOT a factor that contributed to the morale of the British troops during the expedition?

The spread of disease
The lack of supplies
The success of the attack on Fort St. Lazar
The leadership of General Wentworth

Correct Answer: The success of the attack on Fort St. Lazar

Correct Answer Explanation: The attack on Fort St. Lazar was a costly failure for the British, and it had a demoralizing effect on the troops. The spread of disease, the lack of supplies, and the leadership of General Wentworth all contributed to the low morale of the British forces.

What was the name of the Spanish fort that was captured by the British on March 9, 1741?

Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Boca Chica

Correct Answer Explanation: Boca Chica was a Spanish fort that was captured by the British on March 9, 1741. This was a significant victory for the British, as it gave them control of the entrance to the harbor.

What was the name of the British ship that was used to transport the sick and wounded troops back to Jamaica?

HMS Prince
HMS Victory
HMS Dreadnought
HMS Galicia

Correct Answer: HMS Galicia

Correct Answer Explanation: HMS Galicia was a British warship that was used to transport the sick and wounded troops back to Jamaica. This was a necessary measure, as the British forces were severely weakened by disease.

What was the main lesson learned from the British expedition to Carthagena?

The importance of naval power
The need for effective coordination between the army and navy
The dangers of tropical disease
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena highlighted the importance of naval power, the need for effective coordination between the army and navy, and the dangers of tropical disease. These lessons were crucial for the British military as they prepared for future campaigns.

Which of these was NOT a key factor in the British failure at Carthagena?

The lack of intelligence about the Spanish defenses
The use of unreliable guides
The difficult terrain
The strength of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer: The strength of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer Explanation: The strength of the Spanish forces was a key factor in the British failure at Carthagena. The Spanish were well-fortified and well-prepared to defend their colony.

Which of these was NOT a challenge faced by the British troops during the expedition?

The lack of supplies
The spread of disease
The support of the Spanish population
The difficult terrain

Correct Answer: The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish population was generally hostile to the British, and they did not offer any support to the invaders. This hostility made it difficult for the British to establish a foothold in the city.

How many British troops were wounded in the assault on Fort St. Lazar?

Correct Answer: 459

Correct Answer Explanation: The British lost 179 men killed and 459 wounded in the assault on Fort St. Lazar. This was a significant loss of manpower, and it highlighted the ferocity of the Spanish resistance.

What was the name of the Spanish fort that the British were initially tasked with capturing?

Boca Chica
Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Boca Chica

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were initially tasked with capturing Boca Chica, a Spanish fort that defended the entrance to the harbor. They successfully captured the fort on March 9, 1741, but their subsequent efforts to capture the city were unsuccessful.

What was the approximate number of Spanish troops that were stationed at Fort St. Lazar during the British attack?

Correct Answer: 300

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish had a garrison of about 300 men at Fort St. Lazar. This was a smaller force than the British, but they were well-fortified and they put up a fierce defense, resulting in heavy casualties for the British.

What was the name of the Spanish fort that the British captured after a heavy bombardment?

Castillo Grande
Fort St. Lazar
Boca Chica
Castillo San Felipe

Correct Answer: Boca Chica

Correct Answer Explanation: Boca Chica was a Spanish fort that the British captured after a heavy bombardment. The British used their warships to bombard the fort for several days, eventually forcing the Spanish to surrender.

Which of these was NOT a reason for the British failure to capture Carthagena?

The lack of cooperation between the army and navy
The spread of disease
The strength of the Spanish forces
The superior technology of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer: The superior technology of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer Explanation: The British were not hampered by the superior technology of the Spanish forces. They had access to the most modern artillery and siege weapons available at the time, but their failure was ultimately due to a combination of other factors, such as disease, a lack of supplies, and poor coordination between the army and navy.

Which of these was NOT a consequence of the British expedition to Carthagena?

A significant loss of manpower
A blow to British morale
The capture of Cartagena by the British
A change in British military strategy

Correct Answer: The capture of Cartagena by the British

Correct Answer Explanation: The British expedition to Carthagena did not result in the capture of Cartagena. The expedition was a costly failure, and it led to a significant loss of manpower, a blow to British morale, and a change in British military strategy.

Which of these was NOT a factor that contributed to the high number of casualties among the British troops?

The spread of disease
The harsh climate
The lack of supplies
The superior strength of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer: The superior strength of the Spanish forces

Correct Answer Explanation: While the superior strength of the Spanish forces did contribute to the difficulty of the expedition, it was not a primary factor in the high number of casualties. The spread of disease, the harsh climate, and the lack of supplies were the major contributing factors to the high number of casualties.

Which of these was NOT a factor in the lack of cooperation between the British army and navy?

The rivalry between the two branches of the military
The lack of communication
The difference in strategic goals
The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer: The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer Explanation: The support of the Spanish population was not a factor in the lack of cooperation between the British army and navy. The rivalry between the two branches of the military, the lack of communication, and the difference in strategic goals were the main contributing factors to the lack of cooperation.

What was the name of the British admiral who was responsible for the initial bombardment of Boca Chica?

Admiral Vernon
Admiral Nelson
Admiral Drake
Admiral Rodney

Correct Answer: Admiral Vernon

Correct Answer Explanation: Admiral Vernon was the British admiral who was responsible for the initial bombardment of Boca Chica. He played a key role in the capture of the fort, but he was also criticized for his role in the overall failure of the expedition.

How many baulks were lost by the British during the expedition?

Correct Answer: 100

Correct Answer Explanation: The British lost over 100 baulks and 300 battery planks during the expedition. These materials were essential for building strong defensive positions, but the British were limited in their ability to build due to the difficult terrain and the lack of resources.

Which of these was NOT a type of disease that affected the British troops during the expedition?

Yellow fever
Malaria
Cholera
Smallpox

Correct Answer: Cholera

Correct Answer Explanation: Cholera was not a major disease that affected the British troops during the expedition. The main diseases that ravaged the troops were yellow fever and malaria.

What was the name of the British general who was responsible for the failed assault on Fort St. Lazar?

General Wentworth
General Wolfe
General Braddock
General Cornwallis

Correct Answer: General Wentworth

Correct Answer Explanation: General Wentworth was the British general who was responsible for the failed assault on Fort St. Lazar. He had a difficult time managing the troops and working effectively with Admiral Vernon, which ultimately contributed to the expedition’s failure.

Which of these was NOT a factor that contributed to the British decision to withdraw from Carthagena?

The lack of supplies
The spread of disease
The strength of the Spanish forces
The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer: The support of the Spanish population

Correct Answer Explanation: The support of the Spanish population was not a factor in the British decision to withdraw from Carthagena. The lack of supplies, the spread of disease, and the strength of the Spanish forces all contributed to the decision to withdraw.

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