Which island in the Caribbean Sea was nearly purchased by the United States in 1866 but Congress refused to approve the deal?
- Barbados
- Martinique
- St. Thomas
- Puerto Rico
Correct Answer: St. Thomas
Correct Answer Explanation: The strategic location of St. Thomas as a potential coaling station for US naval ships made it desirable for the United States. However, political opposition in Congress led to the deal falling through.
What is the name of the warm ocean current that flows northward along the east coast of North America?
- The Humboldt Current
- The Gulf Stream
- The California Current
- The Kuroshio Current
Correct Answer: The Gulf Stream
Correct Answer Explanation: The Gulf Stream originates in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, significantly impacting the climate of the eastern United States.
Which prominent crop, introduced to the West Indies by Columbus and his followers, became a major economic driver in the region?
- Coffee
- Tobacco
- Sugar cane
- Cotton
Correct Answer: Sugar cane
Correct Answer Explanation: Sugar cane, adaptable to the climate and soil of the islands, led to widespread cultivation and economic significance, particularly in St. Thomas.
What major event in 1848 had a significant impact on the sugar industry on St. Thomas?
- The discovery of gold
- The outbreak of a devastating hurricane
- The emancipation of slaves
- The introduction of new machinery
Correct Answer: The emancipation of slaves
Correct Answer Explanation: The emancipation of slaves in 1848 disrupted the sugar industry, leading to a decline in production and St. Thomas transitioning to a transhipment hub.
Despite being known for sharks, why do they seem to not attack the native black divers around St. Thomas?
- The sharks are afraid of the divers’ strong swimming skills
- The waters around St. Thomas are unusually calm, reducing shark activity
- The sharks prefer to hunt other types of fish
- The reason is unknown and remains a mystery
Correct Answer: The reason is unknown and remains a mystery
Correct Answer Explanation: This phenomenon is not fully understood and contrasts with the danger posed to white swimmers in the same waters.
Which island, known for its unique blend of French and Caribbean culture, is the birthplace of Empress Josephine, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte?
- St. Thomas
- Barbados
- Martinique
- Puerto Rico
Correct Answer: Martinique
Correct Answer Explanation: Empress Josephine’s remarkable life and connection to Napoleon Bonaparte are a key part of Martinique’s history.
What is the name of the deadly poisonous snake found in Martinique and St. Lucia?
- The boa constrictor
- The fer-de-lance
- The rattlesnake
- The coral snake
Correct Answer: The fer-de-lance
Correct Answer Explanation: The fer-de-lance’s venom can be fatal but is preyed upon by a larger, harmless snake called the cribo, as well as by domestic cats.
Which English colony in the West Indies, known for its sugar cane production and rum distilleries, has a population density exceeding one thousand people per square mile?
- Jamaica
- Trinidad
- Barbados
- Bermuda
Correct Answer: Barbados
Correct Answer Explanation: This makes it one of the most populated islands in the Caribbean Sea, reflecting its historical importance and economic success.
What is the name of the unique establishment in Bridgetown, Barbados, that serves as a newsstand, café, library, and ice factory?
- The “Ice House”
- The “Sugar Mill”
- The “Rum Barrel”
- The “Grand Bazaar”
Correct Answer: The “Ice House”
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Ice House” represents the diverse needs of the community and serves as a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
What is the name of the largest river in the world by volume, which rises in the Peruvian Andes and flows eastward to the Atlantic Ocean?
- The Nile River
- The Yangtze River
- The Amazon River
- The Mississippi River
Correct Answer: The Amazon River
Correct Answer Explanation: It is a vital waterway for transportation and trade throughout the Amazon basin, playing a crucial role in the region’s economy and ecosystem.
What is the name of the large river island situated at the mouth of the Amazon River, known for its lush vegetation, wildlife, and indigenous population?
- Marajo Island
- Trinidad Island
- Hispaniola
- Puerto Rico
Correct Answer: Marajo Island
Correct Answer Explanation: It is one of the largest river islands in the world and a testament to the vastness of the Amazon River system.
Which city, located at the mouth of the Amazon River, is a major port for the export of raw rubber, coffee, and other products?
- Manaus
- Pará
- Rio de Janeiro
- Buenos Aires
Correct Answer: Pará
Correct Answer Explanation: It is known as the “Queen of the Amazon” due to its strategic location and economic importance.
Which city on the northeastern coast of Brazil is a significant port for the export of cotton, sugar, hides, and rice?
- Maranhão
- Bahia
- Pernambuco
- Salvador
Correct Answer: Maranhão
Correct Answer Explanation: It is also known for its educational institutions, including the Lyceum, which has produced prominent statesmen and professionals.
Which city on the northeastern coast of Brazil is known for its sugar production and its export trade, and is the third-largest city in Brazil?
- Salvador
- Recife
- Fortaleza
- Natal
Correct Answer: Recife
Correct Answer Explanation: It is also a major port of call for ships traveling between Europe and North America, reflecting its strategic importance in global trade.
What is the name of the oldest city in Brazil, once the capital, located on the eastern coast and known for its beautiful harbor, colonial architecture, and export trade?
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
- Salvador
- Recife
Correct Answer: Salvador
Correct Answer Explanation: It was once the capital of Brazil and played a significant role in the country’s colonial history, and continues to be a major economic and cultural center.
What is the name of the rocky promontory on the southeastern coast of Brazil, known for its strong ocean currents and its lighthouse, and a significant landmark for ships navigating the South Atlantic?
- Cape Horn
- Cape Frio
- Cape Agulhas
- Cape Verde
Correct Answer: Cape Frio
Correct Answer Explanation: It serves as a vital navigational point for ships traveling along the South Atlantic coast.
What is the capital of Brazil, known for its spectacular harbor and picturesque scenery, and the second-largest city in South America?
- Brasília
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
- Buenos Aires
Correct Answer: Rio de Janeiro
Correct Answer Explanation: It is a major commercial center, attracting tourists from around the world for its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
What is the name of the popular summer resort for the wealthy citizens of Rio de Janeiro, located in the Organ Mountain range, known for its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and Dom Pedro II’s summer palace?
- Petropolis
- Campos do Jordão
- Teresópolis
- Ouro Preto
Correct Answer: Petropolis
Correct Answer Explanation: It serves as a picturesque escape from the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, offering stunning views and a more relaxed atmosphere.
What was the approximate population of St. Thomas in 1892?
- 5,000
- 14,000
- 25,000
- 50,000
Correct Answer: 14,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of St. Thomas in 1892 was significantly smaller than other islands in the Caribbean, reflecting its transition from a major sugar producer to a transhipment hub.
What was the approximate tonnage of the steamship Vigilancia that Ballou traveled on?
- 1,000 tons
- 2,000 tons
- 4,000 tons
- 6,000 tons
Correct Answer: 4,000 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Vigilancia was a large steamship, reflecting the advancements in maritime technology and transportation during the 19th century.
How many times greater was the estimated volume of water in the Gulf Stream compared to the Mississippi River?
- 10 times
- 100 times
- 1,000 times
- 10,000 times
Correct Answer: 1,000 times
Correct Answer Explanation: The Gulf Stream is a massive and powerful ocean current, carrying a significant amount of water northward along the east coast of North America.
What was the estimated temperature range of the Gulf Stream during Ballou’s voyage?
- 60° to 70° Fahrenheit
- 70° to 80° Fahrenheit
- 80° to 90° Fahrenheit
- 90° to 100° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer: 70° to 80° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer Explanation: The Gulf Stream is a warm current, making the waters along its path significantly warmer than surrounding areas.
What was the approximate area of St. Thomas in square miles?
- 10 square miles
- 25 square miles
- 50 square miles
- 100 square miles
Correct Answer: 50 square miles
Correct Answer Explanation: St. Thomas is a relatively small island compared to other Caribbean islands, but its strategic location made it important for trade and navigation.
How did the value of St. Thomas’s imports in 1880 compare to the aggregate amount in 1870?
- They were significantly higher
- They were slightly higher
- They were slightly lower
- They were less than half the amount
Correct Answer: They were less than half the amount
Correct Answer Explanation: The decline in St. Thomas’s imports reflects the shift in its economy from sugar production to a transhipment hub.
What was the estimated value of Alaska in 1892?
- $10 million
- $50 million
- $100 million
- $500 million
Correct Answer: $100 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, and its value was estimated to be significant, even though it was not yet fully explored and developed.
What was the approximate population of St. Pierre, Martinique, in 1892?
- 5,000
- 10,000
- 25,000
- 50,000
Correct Answer: 25,000
Correct Answer Explanation: St. Pierre was a major port city in Martinique, and its population reflected its economic importance.
How much larger was Martinique compared to St. Thomas, and what was its approximate population in 1892?
- Twice as large; 80,000 people
- Three times as large; 120,000 people
- Five times as large; 150,000 people
- Eight times as large; 175,000 people
Correct Answer: Eight times as large; 175,000 people
Correct Answer Explanation: Martinique was a significant island in the Caribbean, known for its sugar production and its rich cultural heritage.
What was the approximate circumference of the island of Barbados in miles?
- 25 miles
- 40 miles
- 55 miles
- 70 miles
Correct Answer: 55 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbados is a relatively small island, but its dense population and economic importance made it a significant player in the Caribbean.
What was the annual export of sugar from Barbados in 1892, measured in hogsheads?
- 20,000 hogsheads
- 40,000 hogsheads
- 60,000 hogsheads
- 80,000 hogsheads
Correct Answer: 60,000 hogsheads
Correct Answer Explanation: Sugar cane production was a major industry in Barbados, and its exports contributed significantly to the island’s economy.
What was the approximate population of Barbados in 1892, and what was its population density per square mile?
- 100,000 people; 500 people per square mile
- 125,000 people; 750 people per square mile
- 150,000 people; 900 people per square mile
- 172,000 people; 1,000 people per square mile
Correct Answer: 172,000 people; 1,000 people per square mile
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbados is known for its high population density, reflecting its historical importance and the concentration of its population in urban areas.
What was the aggregate value of Barbados’s export trade in 1892?
- $2 million
- $4 million
- $6 million
- $7 million
Correct Answer: $7 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbados was a significant exporter of sugar and other products, contributing to the island’s economic success.
How many barrels of flour did the Vigilancia transport from the United States to Brazil on one voyage?
- 5,000 barrels
- 10,000 barrels
- 15,000 barrels
- 20,000 barrels
Correct Answer: 20,000 barrels
Correct Answer Explanation: The Vigilancia was a large steamship capable of carrying significant cargo, reflecting the growing trade between the United States and South America.
For how many miles from its mouth is the Amazon River navigable?
- 500 miles
- 1,000 miles
- 1,500 miles
- 2,000 miles
Correct Answer: 2,000 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The Amazon River is a vital waterway for transportation and trade, and its extensive navigability made it a crucial part of the region’s economy and development.
What is the estimated total length of navigable waterways in the Amazon River system?
- 10,000 miles
- 15,000 miles
- 20,000 miles
- 24,000 miles
Correct Answer: 24,000 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The Amazon River system is vast and complex, with numerous tributaries and waterways that make it one of the most important river systems in the world.
How wide is the Plate River at Montevideo?
- 20 miles
- 30 miles
- 40 miles
- 60 miles
Correct Answer: 60 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The Plate River is a significant waterway in South America, and its width at Montevideo reflects its importance for transportation and trade.
What is the estimated size of the Plate River watershed in square miles?
- 500,000 square miles
- 750,000 square miles
- 1 million square miles
- 1.5 million square miles
Correct Answer: 1.5 million square miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The Plate River watershed encompasses a vast area, and its significance extends beyond its role in transportation and trade.
What was the estimated population of South America in 1892?
- 10 million
- 20 million
- 35 million
- 50 million
Correct Answer: 35 million
Correct Answer Explanation: South America was a rapidly growing continent in the 19th century, and its population was increasing as countries gained independence and developed their economies.
How many species of trees did Professor Agassiz find within an area of half a mile square in the Amazon Valley?
- 50 species
- 75 species
- 100 species
- 125 species
Correct Answer: 100 species
Correct Answer Explanation: The Amazon Valley is known for its biodiversity, and Professor Agassiz’s findings illustrate the richness of the region’s flora.