What year did John Deere invent the steel plow?
- 1835
- 1837
- 1840
- 1842
Correct Answer: 1837
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere invented the steel plow in 1837, revolutionizing farming in the American prairies.
Where was John Deere’s steel plow invented?
- Grand Detour, Illinois
- Moline, Illinois
- Davenport, Iowa
- Chicago, Illinois
Correct Answer: Grand Detour, Illinois
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere’s steel plow was invented in Grand Detour, Illinois, where he had partnered with Leonard Andrus to build and sell plows.
What was the primary material used in the moldboard of John Deere’s first steel plows?
- Steel
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Wood
Correct Answer: Wrought iron
Correct Answer Explanation: While it’s often thought that Deere’s first plows were made entirely of steel, they were actually constructed with a wrought iron moldboard. This was due to the scarcity and high cost of steel at the time.
What was the key innovation in the steel share of John Deere’s plow that made it so effective?
- A curved shape
- A pointed design
- A hardened steel alloy
- A smooth, polished surface
Correct Answer: A hardened steel alloy
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere’s steel plow featured a durable, hardened steel share that was crucial for effectively cutting through the tough, root-filled prairie sod. This was a key feature that allowed farmers to successfully cultivate the Midwest’s fertile prairies.
What was the major problem faced by early farmers in the American prairies that John Deere’s steel plow helped solve?
- Lack of irrigation
- Pests and diseases
- The difficulty of breaking through tough sod
- Limited access to fertilizer
Correct Answer: The difficulty of breaking through tough sod
Correct Answer Explanation: Early farmers in the American prairies faced significant challenges in breaking through the dense, root-filled sod. The steel plow’s hardened steel share and smooth moldboard allowed farmers to effectively cut through the sod, making farming in the prairies more efficient and productive.
What was the primary reason for the adoption of steel moldboards in plows after the initial years of using wrought iron?
- The decrease in the cost of steel
- The development of new farming techniques
- The desire for a more aesthetically pleasing plow
- The discovery of a new type of steel
Correct Answer: The decrease in the cost of steel
Correct Answer Explanation: As steel became more readily available and affordable, it gradually replaced wrought iron in the production of plow moldboards. This shift was driven by the increased availability and lower cost of steel, making it a more practical choice for manufacturing plows.
What role did the polished surface of the moldboard play in the success of John Deere’s steel plow?
- It allowed the plow to run smoother in the ground.
- It prevented soil from clinging to the moldboard.
- It helped to distribute the weight of the plow more evenly.
- It made the plow easier to clean.
Correct Answer: It prevented soil from clinging to the moldboard.
Correct Answer Explanation: The smooth, polished surface of the moldboard was crucial to the success of John Deere’s steel plow. It prevented soil from sticking to the moldboard, reducing friction and allowing the plow to operate more efficiently.
What was the name of the partner who collaborated with John Deere to build and sell plows in Grand Detour, Illinois?
- Leonard Andrus
- Cyrus McCormick
- James Oliver
- John Lane
Correct Answer: Leonard Andrus
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere partnered with Leonard Andrus in Grand Detour, Illinois, to build and sell plows. Their partnership marked the beginning of John Deere’s journey in revolutionizing American agriculture.
What significant development in the 19th century marked a turning point in the availability of steel for agricultural tools?
- The invention of the Bessemer process
- The discovery of new iron ore deposits
- The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
- The introduction of steam-powered rolling mills
Correct Answer: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
Correct Answer Explanation: The rolling of the first slab of cast plow steel in the United States in 1846 was a crucial turning point, increasing the availability of steel for agricultural tools like plows. This development led to the widespread adoption of steel in plow construction.
In what year did John Deere relocate his plow factory to Moline, Illinois?
- 1847
- 1850
- 1857
- 1860
Correct Answer: 1847
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere moved his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847, taking advantage of better transportation facilities and a more strategic location to expand his business and reach a wider market.
What was the approximate annual production of plows at Deere’s factory in Moline, Illinois, by 1857?
- 1,000
- 5,000
- 10,000
- 15,000
Correct Answer: 10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: By 1857, Deere’s factory in Moline was producing an impressive 10,000 plows annually, demonstrating the widespread success of his invention and the growing demand for his steel plows.
What type of surface was crucial to the success of Deere’s steel plow, contributing to its ability to cut through tough sod and prevent soil from clinging?
- A rough surface
- A smooth surface
- A textured surface
- A patterned surface
Correct Answer: A smooth surface
Correct Answer Explanation: The smooth, polished surface of the moldboard was a key factor in the success of John Deere’s steel plow. It allowed the plow to cut through tough sod effectively and prevented soil from sticking to the moldboard, reducing friction and improving efficiency.
What was the approximate number of plows produced by John Deere and Leonard Andrus in 1840?
- 10
- 40
- 75
- 100
Correct Answer: 40
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere and Leonard Andrus produced 40 plows in 1840, reflecting the growing demand for their innovative steel plows and the early success of their partnership.
What significant event in 1846 marked a turning point in the production and availability of steel for agricultural tools in the United States?
- The invention of the steel plow
- The first use of wrought iron in plow moldboards
- The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
- The discovery of new iron ore deposits
Correct Answer: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
Correct Answer Explanation: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States in 1846 was a pivotal moment, increasing the availability and affordability of steel for agricultural tools like plows. This shift made steel a more practical choice for plow construction, leading to the widespread adoption of steel moldboards.
What was the main reason John Deere moved his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847?
- To escape competition from other plow manufacturers
- To be closer to the source of raw materials
- To take advantage of better transportation facilities
- To be closer to his customers
Correct Answer: To take advantage of better transportation facilities
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere relocated his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847, primarily due to the availability of better transportation facilities. This strategic move allowed him to expand his business, reach a wider market, and increase production significantly.
What is the name of the curved metal part of a plow that turns the soil over?
- Share
- Landside
- Moldboard
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Moldboard
Correct Answer Explanation: The moldboard is the curved metal part of a plow that turns the soil over, a crucial element in the plow’s design and function.
What is the name of the cutting edge of a plow?
- Moldboard
- Landside
- Share
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Share
Correct Answer Explanation: The share is the cutting edge of a plow, responsible for breaking through the soil and allowing the moldboard to turn it over.
What is the name of the side of a plow that runs along the unplowed ground?
- Share
- Landside
- Moldboard
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Landside
Correct Answer Explanation: The landside is the side of the plow that runs along the unplowed ground, providing stability and ensuring that the plow moves in a straight line.
What is the name of the iron that has been hammered or rolled to improve its strength and ductility?
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Wrought iron
Correct Answer Explanation: Wrought iron is iron that has been hammered or rolled to improve its strength and ductility, making it a suitable material for plow moldboards in the early years of steel plow production.
What is the name of the iron that has been melted and poured into a mold to create a specific shape?
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Cast iron
Correct Answer Explanation: Cast iron is iron that has been melted and poured into a mold to create a specific shape. While it was initially used for plow moldboards, it was eventually replaced by wrought iron and then steel due to its limited durability and ability to handle tough prairie sod.
What is the name of the iron alloyed with carbon to increase its strength and hardness?
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Steel
Correct Answer Explanation: Steel is iron alloyed with carbon to increase its strength and hardness. Its superior durability made it a more suitable material for plow shares and eventually moldboards, revolutionizing farming in the American prairies.
What is the name of a large, flat area of grassland with few trees?
- Forest
- Meadow
- Prairie
- Tundra
Correct Answer: Prairie
Correct Answer Explanation: A prairie is a large, flat area of grassland with few trees, a characteristic landscape of the American Midwest where John Deere’s steel plow transformed farming.
What is the name of a layer of soil held together by roots?
- Silt
- Clay
- Sod
- Humus
Correct Answer: Sod
Correct Answer Explanation: Sod is a layer of soil held together by roots, a challenging element for early farmers in the American prairies that John Deere’s steel plow helped overcome.
What is the name of a small, knife-like blade attached to a plow to cut through sod?
- Share
- Clevis
- Moldboard
- Colter
Correct Answer: Colter
Correct Answer Explanation: A colter is a small, knife-like blade attached to a plow that cuts through sod, aiding in the efficient turning of the soil and making farming more effective.
What is the name of a metal fitting that connects a plow to the draft animal?
- Share
- Clevis
- Moldboard
- Colter
Correct Answer: Clevis
Correct Answer Explanation: A clevis is a metal fitting that connects a plow to the draft animal, ensuring that the plow is properly attached and can be pulled effectively by the animal.
What type of saw was unlikely to have been used by Deere in his early plows?
- A circular saw
- A hand saw
- A ripsaw
- A crosscut saw
Correct Answer: A circular saw
Correct Answer Explanation: While circular saws were being developed in the early 19th century, they were not common in sawmills, and it’s unlikely that Deere would have had access to or used one in the construction of his early plows.
What year did Deere’s factory produce 10,000 plows?
- 1847
- 1850
- 1857
- 1860
Correct Answer: 1857
Correct Answer Explanation: By 1857, Deere’s factory in Moline was producing an impressive 10,000 plows annually, demonstrating the widespread success of his invention and the growing demand for his steel plows.
What was the primary material used in Deere’s first plows?
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Wood
Correct Answer: Wrought iron
Correct Answer Explanation: While it’s often thought that Deere’s first plows were made entirely of steel, they were actually constructed with a wrought iron moldboard. This was due to the scarcity and high cost of steel at the time.
What innovation was key to the effectiveness of Deere’s steel plow?
- The use of a circular saw
- The polished surface of the moldboard
- The hardened steel alloy share
- The use of a colter
Correct Answer: The hardened steel alloy share
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere’s steel plow featured a durable, hardened steel share that was crucial for effectively cutting through the tough, root-filled prairie sod. This was a key feature that allowed farmers to successfully cultivate the Midwest’s fertile prairies.
What specific challenge faced by early farmers in the American prairies did John Deere’s steel plow help solve?
- Lack of irrigation
- Pests and diseases
- The difficulty of breaking through tough sod
- Limited access to fertilizer
Correct Answer: The difficulty of breaking through tough sod
Correct Answer Explanation: Early farmers in the American prairies faced significant challenges in breaking through the dense, root-filled sod. The steel plow’s hardened steel share and smooth moldboard allowed farmers to effectively cut through the sod, making farming in the prairies more efficient and productive.
What was the main reason for the adoption of steel moldboards in plows after the initial years of using wrought iron?
- The decrease in the cost of steel
- The development of new farming techniques
- The desire for a more aesthetically pleasing plow
- The discovery of a new type of steel
Correct Answer: The decrease in the cost of steel
Correct Answer Explanation: As steel became more readily available and affordable, it gradually replaced wrought iron in the production of plow moldboards. This shift was driven by the increased availability and lower cost of steel, making it a more practical choice for manufacturing plows.
What role did the polished surface of the moldboard play in the success of John Deere’s steel plow?
- It allowed the plow to run smoother in the ground.
- It prevented soil from clinging to the moldboard.
- It helped to distribute the weight of the plow more evenly.
- It made the plow easier to clean.
Correct Answer: It prevented soil from clinging to the moldboard.
Correct Answer Explanation: The smooth, polished surface of the moldboard was crucial to the success of John Deere’s steel plow. It prevented soil from sticking to the moldboard, reducing friction and allowing the plow to operate more efficiently.
What was the name of the partner who collaborated with John Deere to build and sell plows in Grand Detour, Illinois?
- Leonard Andrus
- Cyrus McCormick
- James Oliver
- John Lane
Correct Answer: Leonard Andrus
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere partnered with Leonard Andrus in Grand Detour, Illinois, to build and sell plows. Their partnership marked the beginning of John Deere’s journey in revolutionizing American agriculture.
What significant development in the 19th century marked a turning point in the availability of steel for agricultural tools?
- The invention of the Bessemer process
- The discovery of new iron ore deposits
- The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
- The introduction of steam-powered rolling mills
Correct Answer: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
Correct Answer Explanation: The rolling of the first slab of cast plow steel in the United States in 1846 was a crucial turning point, increasing the availability of steel for agricultural tools like plows. This development led to the widespread adoption of steel in plow construction.
In what year did John Deere relocate his plow factory to Moline, Illinois?
- 1847
- 1850
- 1857
- 1860
Correct Answer: 1847
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere moved his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847, taking advantage of better transportation facilities and a more strategic location to expand his business and reach a wider market.
What was the approximate annual production of plows at Deere’s factory in Moline, Illinois, by 1857?
- 1,000
- 5,000
- 10,000
- 15,000
Correct Answer: 10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: By 1857, Deere’s factory in Moline was producing an impressive 10,000 plows annually, demonstrating the widespread success of his invention and the growing demand for his steel plows.
What type of surface was crucial to the success of Deere’s steel plow, contributing to its ability to cut through tough sod and prevent soil from clinging?
- A rough surface
- A smooth surface
- A textured surface
- A patterned surface
Correct Answer: A smooth surface
Correct Answer Explanation: The smooth, polished surface of the moldboard was a key factor in the success of John Deere’s steel plow. It allowed the plow to cut through tough sod effectively and prevented soil from sticking to the moldboard, reducing friction and improving efficiency.
What was the approximate number of plows produced by John Deere and Leonard Andrus in 1840?
- 10
- 40
- 75
- 100
Correct Answer: 40
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere and Leonard Andrus produced 40 plows in 1840, reflecting the growing demand for their innovative steel plows and the early success of their partnership.
What significant event in 1846 marked a turning point in the production and availability of steel for agricultural tools in the United States?
- The invention of the steel plow
- The first use of wrought iron in plow moldboards
- The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
- The discovery of new iron ore deposits
Correct Answer: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States
Correct Answer Explanation: The first slab of cast plow steel rolled in the United States in 1846 was a pivotal moment, increasing the availability and affordability of steel for agricultural tools like plows. This shift made steel a more practical choice for plow construction, leading to the widespread adoption of steel moldboards.
What was the main reason John Deere moved his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847?
- To escape competition from other plow manufacturers
- To be closer to the source of raw materials
- To take advantage of better transportation facilities
- To be closer to his customers
Correct Answer: To take advantage of better transportation facilities
Correct Answer Explanation: John Deere relocated his plow factory to Moline, Illinois, in 1847, primarily due to the availability of better transportation facilities. This strategic move allowed him to expand his business, reach a wider market, and increase production significantly.
What is the name of the curved metal part of a plow that turns the soil over?
- Share
- Landside
- Moldboard
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Moldboard
Correct Answer Explanation: The moldboard is the curved metal part of a plow that turns the soil over, a crucial element in the plow’s design and function.
What is the name of the cutting edge of a plow?
- Moldboard
- Landside
- Share
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Share
Correct Answer Explanation: The share is the cutting edge of a plow, responsible for breaking through the soil and allowing the moldboard to turn it over.
What is the name of the side of a plow that runs along the unplowed ground?
- Share
- Landside
- Moldboard
- Clevis
Correct Answer: Landside
Correct Answer Explanation: The landside is the side of the plow that runs along the unplowed ground, providing stability and ensuring that the plow moves in a straight line.
What is the name of the iron that has been hammered or rolled to improve its strength and ductility?
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Wrought iron
Correct Answer Explanation: Wrought iron is iron that has been hammered or rolled to improve its strength and ductility, making it a suitable material for plow moldboards in the early years of steel plow production.
What is the name of the iron that has been melted and poured into a mold to create a specific shape?
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Cast iron
Correct Answer Explanation: Cast iron is iron that has been melted and poured into a mold to create a specific shape. While it was initially used for plow moldboards, it was eventually replaced by wrought iron and then steel due to its limited durability and ability to handle tough prairie sod.
What is the name of the iron alloyed with carbon to increase its strength and hardness?
- Wrought iron
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Malleable iron
Correct Answer: Steel
Correct Answer Explanation: Steel is iron alloyed with carbon to increase its strength and hardness. Its superior durability made it a more suitable material for plow shares and eventually moldboards, revolutionizing farming in the American prairies.
What is the name of a large, flat area of grassland with few trees?
- Forest
- Meadow
- Prairie
- Tundra
Correct Answer: Prairie
Correct Answer Explanation: A prairie is a large, flat area of grassland with few trees, a characteristic landscape of the American Midwest where John Deere’s steel plow transformed farming.
What is the name of a layer of soil held together by roots?
- Silt
- Clay
- Sod
- Humus
Correct Answer: Sod
Correct Answer Explanation: Sod is a layer of soil held together by roots, a challenging element for early farmers in the American prairies that John Deere’s steel plow helped overcome.
What is the name of a small, knife-like blade attached to a plow to cut through sod?
- Share
- Clevis
- Moldboard
- Colter
Correct Answer: Colter
Correct Answer Explanation: A colter is a small, knife-like blade attached to a plow that cuts through sod, aiding in the efficient turning of the soil and making farming more effective.
What is the name of a metal fitting that connects a plow to the draft animal?
- Share
- Clevis
- Moldboard
- Colter
Correct Answer: Clevis
Correct Answer Explanation: A clevis is a metal fitting that connects a plow to the draft animal, ensuring that the plow is properly attached and can be pulled effectively by the animal.
What type of saw was unlikely to have been used by Deere in his early plows?
- A circular saw
- A hand saw
- A ripsaw
- A crosscut saw
Correct Answer: A circular saw
Correct Answer Explanation: While circular saws were being developed in the early 19th century, they were not common in sawmills, and it’s unlikely that Deere would have had access to or used one in the construction of his early plows.