What was the primary export from Cuba in the mid-19th century?
- Coffee
- Tobacco
- Sugar
- Gold
Correct Answer: Sugar
Correct Answer Explanation: Cuba’s main exports in the mid-19th century were sugar, coffee, and tobacco. Sugar was the most significant export, generating substantial wealth for the island.
The author encountered “chapoté” during his travels. What is “chapoté”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of dance
- A type of asphaltum
Correct Answer: A type of asphaltum
Correct Answer Explanation: “Chapoté” is a type of asphaltum found bubbling in lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The author observed this phenomenon and used it to support his theory about the origin of the Gulf Stream.
What is the “Moro Castle”?
- A type of ship
- A type of weapon
- A type of building
- A type of animal
Correct Answer: A type of building
Correct Answer Explanation: The Moro Castle is a fortress located in Havana, Cuba. It was considered “the Gibraltar of America” due to its strategic location and strength.
Who was General Tacon?
- A Spanish general who ruled Cuba
- A Mexican general who ruled Veracruz
- An American general who fought in the Mexican-American War
- A French general who fought in the Mexican Revolution
Correct Answer: A Spanish general who ruled Cuba
Correct Answer Explanation: General Tacon was the Spanish governor-general of Cuba in the 1830s and 1840s. His administration focused on improving security and order in Havana, transforming the city from a lawless place to a more controlled environment.
What is the “Tacon Theatre”?
- A theatre built by General Tacon
- A theatre built by a wealthy Cuban merchant
- A theatre built by a Spanish aristocrat
- A theatre built by a group of actors
Correct Answer: A theatre built by a wealthy Cuban merchant
Correct Answer Explanation: The Tacon Theatre in Havana was built by a Cuban merchant named Marti, who was granted a monopoly for its construction after helping the government. It was a grand theatre that could hold thousands of spectators.
Which of these was NOT a city the author visited in Mexico?
- Veracruz
- Tampico
- Mexico City
- Havana
Correct Answer: Havana
Correct Answer Explanation: The author traveled through Cuba and Mexico, visiting Havana in Cuba and Veracruz and Tampico in Mexico. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, but the author did not visit it during this journey.
What did the author discover amidst the ancient ruins in Mexico?
- The remains of a large pyramid
- A large statue of a human head
- The tomb of an Aztec king
- The remains of a Spanish colonial settlement
Correct Answer: A large statue of a human head
Correct Answer Explanation: The author discovered several ancient ruins in Mexico, including colossal heads, a “Sphinx,” and other intriguing relics. These discoveries led him to believe that the ancient civilizations in Mexico were far older than previously thought.
What is the “Rancheros”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of dance
- A group of people
Correct Answer: A group of people
Correct Answer Explanation: “Rancheros” are Mexican-Indian people who work as cattle herders. They are known for their independence and skills in handling livestock.
What is the “Milpa”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of dance
- A type of farm
Correct Answer: A type of farm
Correct Answer Explanation: “Milpa” refers to a small farm, often worked by indigenous people in Mexico. It is typically used for growing crops like corn, beans, and squash.
Who are the “Arrieros”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of dance
- A group of people
Correct Answer: A group of people
Correct Answer Explanation: “Arrieros” are muleteers who are known for their honesty and trustworthiness. They are responsible for transporting goods throughout Mexico, using mules to carry heavy loads.
What is “Aguardiente”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of drink
- A type of dance
Correct Answer: A type of drink
Correct Answer Explanation: “Aguardiente” is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage, often made from sugarcane. It is common in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
What is the “Rebosas”?
- A type of food
- A type of animal
- A type of dance
- A type of garment
Correct Answer: A type of garment
Correct Answer Explanation: “Rebosas” are narrow scarves worn by women in Mexico and Cuba. They are often worn over the head and shoulders, providing protection from the sun and adding a touch of elegance to their attire.
The author encountered a group of bandits who, instead of attacking him, invited him to share a meal. What did the author call them?
- Bandaleros
- Chapetones
- Arrieros
- Rancheros
Correct Answer: Bandaleros
Correct Answer Explanation: The author encountered a group of bandits called “Bandaleros.” Despite their reputation, they did not attack him but instead invited him to share a meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of society in the region.
What was the primary source of the author’s theory that the Gulf Stream did not originate in the Caribbean?
- The presence of “chapoté” in the Gulf of Mexico
- The direction of the prevailing winds in the Caribbean
- The observations of other travelers in the region
- The scientific theories of the time
Correct Answer: The presence of “chapoté” in the Gulf of Mexico
Correct Answer Explanation: The author observed “chapoté” (asphaltum) bubbling to the surface of lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. He believed that this asphaltum, which originated in the Gulf, was a key factor in the formation of the Gulf Stream.
What was the approximate population of Havana in the mid-19th century?
- 10,000
- 50,000
- 100,000
- 185,000
Correct Answer: 185,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Havana, the capital of Cuba, had a population of approximately 185,000 in the mid-19th century. This made it one of the largest cities in the Caribbean at the time.
What was the approximate annual export of sugar from Cuba in the mid-19th century?
- 650,000 pounds
- 650 million pounds
- 1 billion pounds
- 2 billion pounds
Correct Answer: 650 million pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Cuba exported about 650 million pounds of sugar annually in the mid-19th century. Sugar was a major source of wealth for the island and a significant commodity in international trade.
What was the approximate total population of Cuba in the mid-19th century?
- 500,000
- 1 million
- 2 million
- 5 million
Correct Answer: 1 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Cuba had a population of over 1 million in the mid-19th century. This included a mix of whites, slaves, and free colored persons.
What was the approximate annual revenue of Cuba in the mid-19th century?
- $1 million
- $5 million
- $12 million
- $25 million
Correct Answer: $12 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Cuba’s annual revenue in the mid-19th century was about $12 million. A significant portion of this revenue was sent to the Spanish government.
The author described a “Lady’s Room” in a Mexican rancho. What was it like?
- A luxurious bathroom with marble floors and a bathtub
- A simple room with a bed and a table
- An uncomfortable room with a dirt floor and a hole in the ground
- A room with a fireplace and a comfortable sofa
Correct Answer: An uncomfortable room with a dirt floor and a hole in the ground
Correct Answer Explanation: The author described the “Lady’s Room” in a Mexican rancho as an uncomfortable room with a dirt floor and a hole in the ground used for a toilet. This illustrates the lack of comfort often experienced by travelers in Mexico during this period.
What was the approximate population of Tampico, Mexico, in the mid-19th century?
- 1,000
- 6,000
- 12,000
- 20,000
Correct Answer: 6,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Tampico, a port city in Mexico, had a population of around 6,000 in the mid-19th century. It was a bustling center of trade and commerce.
What was the approximate circumference of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City)?
- 20 miles
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 200 miles
Correct Answer: 200 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital, was an impressive city with a circumference of over 200 miles. It was renowned for its magnificence, wealth, and advanced civilization.
How long could a single planting of sugarcane last?
- 5-10 years
- 10-15 years
- 15-20 years
- 20-25 years
Correct Answer: 15-20 years
Correct Answer Explanation: The author noted that a single planting of sugarcane could last for 15 to 20 years. This highlights the sustainability of sugarcane cultivation in the region.
How tall was a 9-year-old sugarcane plant that the author measured?
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 21 feet
- 30 feet
Correct Answer: 21 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The author measured a 9-year-old sugarcane plant that was 21 feet tall. This illustrates the impressive size that sugarcane plants could reach.
How long was the Tamissee River navigable?
- 10 leagues
- 20 leagues
- 30 leagues
- 40 leagues
Correct Answer: 40 leagues
Correct Answer Explanation: The author stated that the Tamissee River was navigable for about 40 leagues (approximately 120 miles). This made it a significant waterway for transportation and trade.
What is a “Volante”?
- A type of ship
- A type of carriage
- A type of weapon
- A type of dance
Correct Answer: A type of carriage
Correct Answer Explanation: A “Volante” is a two-wheeled carriage, common in Cuba, pulled by a horse or mule. It was a popular mode of transportation for those who could afford it.
What is a “Mestizo”?
- A person of mixed European and African ancestry
- A person of mixed European and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of mixed African and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of European ancestry only
Correct Answer: A person of mixed European and indigenous American ancestry
Correct Answer Explanation: A “Mestizo” is a person of mixed European and indigenous American ancestry. This term reflects the blending of cultures that occurred in colonial Latin America.
What is a “Mulatto”?
- A person of mixed European and African ancestry
- A person of mixed European and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of mixed African and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of European ancestry only
Correct Answer: A person of mixed European and African ancestry
Correct Answer Explanation: A “Mulatto” is a person of mixed European and African ancestry. This term reflects the history of slavery and racial mixing in the Americas.
What is a “Zambo”?
- A person of mixed European and African ancestry
- A person of mixed European and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of mixed African and indigenous American ancestry
- A person of European ancestry only
Correct Answer: A person of mixed African and indigenous American ancestry
Correct Answer Explanation: A “Zambo” is a person of mixed African and indigenous American ancestry. This term reflects the diverse racial and cultural makeup of the populations in Cuba and Mexico.
What are “Chapetones”?
- A group of indigenous people who fought against the Spanish
- A group of Spanish soldiers who conquered Cuba and Mexico
- Europeans or foreign residents in Mexico, often considered a privileged class
- A group of wealthy merchants in Havana
Correct Answer: Europeans or foreign residents in Mexico, often considered a privileged class
Correct Answer Explanation: “Chapetones” are Europeans or foreign residents in Mexico. They often held positions of power and wealth, placing them in a privileged class compared to the indigenous populations and mestizos.
What does the term “Rancho” refer to?
- A type of dance popular in Mexico
- A type of food commonly eaten in Cuba
- A type of building used for housing in the countryside
- A type of animal native to Mexico
Correct Answer: A type of building used for housing in the countryside
Correct Answer Explanation: A “Rancho” is a cattle farm or ranch, a common sight in Mexico. These ranches are often located in rural areas and serve as homes for the ranchers and their families.
What is a “Cargadores”?
- A group of musicians who perform traditional Mexican music
- A group of people who work as porters or carriers
- A type of animal used for transportation
- A type of weapon used by Spanish soldiers
Correct Answer: A group of people who work as porters or carriers
Correct Answer Explanation: “Cargadores” are porters or carriers, typically indigenous people, responsible for carrying heavy loads. They played an important role in the transportation of goods and materials in colonial Mexico.
What is the ancient civilization credited with introducing many scientific and artistic advancements to Mexico?
- The Aztecs
- The Olmecs
- The Toltecs
- The Mayans
Correct Answer: The Toltecs
Correct Answer Explanation: The Toltecs, who preceded the Aztecs, are credited with introducing many scientific and artistic advancements to Mexico. They were known for their impressive architecture, metalwork, and knowledge of astronomy.
What is the name of the ancient Aztec capital, which is now known as Mexico City?
- Teotihuacan
- Tenochtitlan
- Chichen Itza
- Monte Albán
Correct Answer: Tenochtitlan
Correct Answer Explanation: The ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco and was a remarkable city with advanced infrastructure, impressive architecture, and a thriving market. It is now the site of modern-day Mexico City.
Who were the rulers of the Aztec empire?
- The Mayans
- The Toltecs
- The Incas
- The Montezumas
Correct Answer: The Montezumas
Correct Answer Explanation: The Aztec empire was an absolute monarchy, ruled by a series of emperors known as the Montezumas. They held immense power and controlled a vast empire in central Mexico.
According to the author, where did the ancient American civilizations originate?
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- South America
Correct Answer: Asia
Correct Answer Explanation: The author believed that the ancient American civilizations originated in Asia, with evidence pointing to Tartary, China, or Japan. He based this theory on the similarities in cultural practices and artifacts found in both regions.