In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential proclamation declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be freed. What was this proclamation called?
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Emancipation Proclamation
- The Bill of Rights
- The Gettysburg Address
Correct Answer: The Emancipation Proclamation
Correct Answer Explanation: The Emancipation Proclamation was a crucial document in the fight against slavery in the United States, marking a significant step toward ending the institution.
Which inventor held over 60 patents, including several for telegraphic and telephonic instruments, and is considered a pioneer in electrical engineering?
- Elijah McCoy
- Granville T. Woods
- Jan Matzeliger
- William B. Purvis
Correct Answer: Granville T. Woods
Correct Answer Explanation: Granville T. Woods was a prolific inventor who made significant contributions to the advancement of electrical technologies, especially in communication and transportation.
What invention by Jan Matzeliger revolutionized the shoe industry and laid the foundation for the United Shoe Machinery Company?
- The shoe-making machine
- The self-oiling cup
- The steam trap
- The zigzag fence
Correct Answer: The shoe-making machine
Correct Answer Explanation: Jan Matzeliger’s shoe-making machine was a groundbreaking invention that automated the process of attaching soles to shoes, dramatically increasing shoe production and contributing to the growth of the shoe industry.
Which inventor specialized in musical instruments, particularly the piano, and held patents for automatic piano-playing mechanisms?
- Joseph Hunter Dickinson
- Henry Creamer
- William Douglass
- Charles V. Richey
Correct Answer: Joseph Hunter Dickinson
Correct Answer Explanation: Joseph Hunter Dickinson was a talented inventor who made notable contributions to the development of musical instruments, specifically the piano, by improving its technology and introducing innovative features.
What device, invented by Elijah McCoy, revolutionized industrial practices by enabling continuous lubrication of machinery without stopping the machine?
- The steam trap
- The self-oiling cup
- The trolley wheel
- The incubator
Correct Answer: The self-oiling cup
Correct Answer Explanation: Elijah McCoy’s invention of the self-oiling cup was a significant breakthrough in machinery maintenance, eliminating the need to stop machines for lubrication and increasing efficiency in industrial settings.
What was the name of the first two patents granted to a Black inventor in 1834 and 1836, both for corn harvesters?
- Henry Blair
- William B. Purvis
- Benjamin Banneker
- Granville T. Woods
Correct Answer: Henry Blair
Correct Answer Explanation: Henry Blair, a Black inventor from Maryland, was granted two patents in the 1830s for corn harvesters, showcasing his early contributions to agricultural technology.
What is the term for an outdated term for a person of mixed African and European ancestry?
- Mulatto
- Bric-à-brac
- Zigzag
- Incubator
Correct Answer: Mulatto
Correct Answer Explanation: “Mulatto” was a term used in the past to describe individuals with mixed African and European ancestry, but it is now considered outdated and offensive.
What did Henry Ward Beecher, a well-known figure in popular thought, believe about the African race?
- That it could contribute significantly to civilization
- That it was a separate and distinct species
- That it could be erased without loss to civilization
- That it had a unique cultural heritage
Correct Answer: That it could be erased without loss to civilization
Correct Answer Explanation: Henry Ward Beecher’s view reflected the racist ideologies prevalent in his time, suggesting that the African race was not essential to the advancement of civilization.
What was the first complete shoe-making machine invented by Jan Matzeliger initially considered?
- A revolutionary breakthrough
- A perfect and flawless invention
- An imperfect machine
- A commercially successful product
Correct Answer: An imperfect machine
Correct Answer Explanation: Jan Matzeliger’s shoe-making machine, though a groundbreaking invention, was initially considered imperfect due to its limitations. It was later improved upon by other inventors, leading to its widespread adoption in the shoe industry.
Which of the following is NOT a field in which Black inventors have made significant contributions?
- Telecommunications
- Agricultural technology
- Aeronautics
- Fashion design
Correct Answer: Fashion design
Correct Answer Explanation: While Black people have contributed significantly to fashion throughout history, “The Colored Inventor (1913)” focuses on contributions to technology and other fields.
What is the largest and richest corporation of its kind in the world, which grew out of Jan Matzeliger’s shoe-making machine invention?
- The United Shoe Machinery Company
- The North Congregational Society
- The US Patent Office
- The Census Bureau
Correct Answer: The United Shoe Machinery Company
Correct Answer Explanation: The United Shoe Machinery Company, founded on the principles of Jan Matzeliger’s invention, became a dominant force in the shoe industry, employing thousands of people and holding a vast portfolio of patents.
What did the North Congregational Society in Lynn, Massachusetts, do with the stock that Jan Matzeliger had bequeathed to them?
- Donate it to a local charity
- Invest it in the United Shoe Machinery Company
- Sell it and use the proceeds to pay off their debt
- Hold onto it as a memorial to Matzeliger
Correct Answer: Sell it and use the proceeds to pay off their debt
Correct Answer Explanation: The North Congregational Society, the recipient of Jan Matzeliger’s bequest, ultimately sold his stock and used the proceeds to pay off their debt, highlighting the challenges of managing inherited assets.
What is the name of the device for registering telephone calls and detecting unauthorized use, which Charles V. Richey obtained patents for?
- The trolley wheel
- The steam trap
- The telephone recorder
- The incubator
Correct Answer: The telephone recorder
Correct Answer Explanation: Charles V. Richey, a Black inventor, obtained several patents, including one for a device that would register telephone calls and detect unauthorized use, demonstrating his contributions to communication technology.
What type of fence, introduced to the United States by African slaves, is known for its alternating angles, providing added strength?
- The zigzag fence
- The picket fence
- The chain-link fence
- The palisade fence
Correct Answer: The zigzag fence
Correct Answer Explanation: The zigzag fence, introduced by enslaved Africans, was a practical invention that provided added strength and stability to fences, showcasing their ingenuity and contributions to everyday life.
What was the name of the first Black astronomer in the United States who constructed a clock with crude tools and no knowledge of other timepieces except a watch and sundial?
- Henry Blair
- Granville T. Woods
- Benjamin Banneker
- Elijah McCoy
Correct Answer: Benjamin Banneker
Correct Answer Explanation: Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught astronomer and inventor, is recognized for his remarkable clock-making skills, demonstrating his ingenuity and contributions to the field of horology.
How many Black inventors have been verified as holding patents, according to “The Colored Inventor (1913)”?
- Nearly 800
- Over 1,000,000
- Nearly 10,000,000
- Over 2,500
Correct Answer: Nearly 800
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights that nearly 800 patents have been verified as belonging to Black inventors, showcasing the extent of their contributions to innovation despite systemic barriers.
What was the response of a practicing attorney from Tennessee when asked about Black inventors?
- He was surprised and interested in learning more.
- He was skeptical and dismissed the idea as a joke.
- He was enthusiastic about the achievements of Black inventors.
- He was aware of many successful Black inventors.
Correct Answer: He was skeptical and dismissed the idea as a joke.
Correct Answer Explanation: The attorney’s response reflected the prevailing prejudice and ignorance of the time, demonstrating how widespread misconceptions about Black people’s capabilities persisted.
Which of the following is NOT a key finding presented in “The Colored Inventor (1913)”?
- Black inventors have played a significant role in American innovation.
- There is a lack of accurate information about Black inventions due to a lack of racial categorization within the Patent Office records.
- The text aims to inspire hope for greater recognition and inclusivity for Black inventors.
- The text argues that Black people are incapable of innovation.
Correct Answer: The text argues that Black people are incapable of innovation.
Correct Answer Explanation: The text’s central argument is the opposite – it aims to challenge the prevailing misconceptions about Black people’s capability for innovation. It seeks to provide evidence of Black ingenuity and contributions to various fields.
Which of the following inventions is NOT mentioned in “The Colored Inventor (1913)” as having been contributed by Black inventors?
- The shoe-making machine
- The self-oiling cup
- The steam trap
- The incubator
Correct Answer: The incubator
Correct Answer Explanation: While the book explores various inventions, it does not specifically mention the incubator as being developed by a Black inventor.
What is the name of the device that automatically removes condensate from steam systems?
- The steam trap
- The trolley wheel
- The zigzag fence
- The self-oiling cup
Correct Answer: The steam trap
Correct Answer Explanation: The steam trap is a crucial component in steam systems, automatically removing condensate to ensure efficient operation.
How many people did the United Shoe Machinery Company employ?
- 200
- 21
- 4,200
- 10,860
Correct Answer: 4,200
Correct Answer Explanation: The United Shoe Machinery Company, a major corporation founded on Jan Matzeliger’s shoe-making machine invention, employed a substantial workforce of 4,200 people, reflecting its significant impact on the industry.
What was the name of the company with which Joseph Hunter Dickinson was identified?
- The United Shoe Machinery Company
- The North Congregational Society
- The US Patent Office
- One of the largest piano manufacturing corporations in the world
Correct Answer: One of the largest piano manufacturing corporations in the world
Correct Answer Explanation: Joseph Hunter Dickinson was associated with one of the leading piano manufacturing companies, showcasing his expertise and contributions to the music industry.
Who is credited with introducing the zigzag fence to the United States?
- Benjamin Banneker
- Granville T. Woods
- Elijah McCoy
- African slaves
Correct Answer: African slaves
Correct Answer Explanation: African slaves are credited with introducing the zigzag fence to the United States, highlighting their practical knowledge and ingenuity in everyday life.
What was the purpose of “The Colored Inventor: A Record of Fifty Years”?
- To highlight the prejudice faced by Black inventors
- To showcase the accomplishments of Black inventors
- To explain the process of obtaining patents
- To promote the work of the US Patent Office
Correct Answer: To showcase the accomplishments of Black inventors
Correct Answer Explanation: The text’s main purpose was to highlight the contributions of Black inventors to American innovation, challenging misconceptions and promoting recognition of their achievements.
What is the name of the device that provides a controlled environment for hatching eggs?
- The incubator
- The steam trap
- The trolley wheel
- The zigzag fence
Correct Answer: The incubator
Correct Answer Explanation: The incubator is a device that provides a controlled environment for hatching eggs, contributing to poultry farming and other applications.
What does the text “The Colored Inventor (1913)” argue about Black people’s ability to innovate?
- That they lack the capacity for innovation.
- That they are inherently more innovative than other races.
- That they have historically played a significant role in innovation despite facing systemic barriers.
- That they have not made any meaningful contributions to innovation.
Correct Answer: That they have historically played a significant role in innovation despite facing systemic barriers.
Correct Answer Explanation: The text challenges the prevailing misconceptions about Black people’s capability for innovation, arguing that they have made significant contributions to various fields despite facing systemic barriers.
Which of the following is NOT a significant detail mentioned in “The Colored Inventor (1913)”?
- The Emancipation Proclamation granted physical freedom to slaves and their descendants.
- A candidate for Congress in Maryland stated that no Black person had ever reached the dignity of an inventor.
- There is no racial classification in the Patent Office records.
- There is a widespread belief that Black people are incapable of innovation.
Correct Answer: There is no racial classification in the Patent Office records.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the text highlights the difficulty of determining the exact number of patents granted to Black inventors due to the lack of racial categorization in the Patent Office records, this is not a significant detail mentioned in the text.
What does the text “The Colored Inventor (1913)” emphasize about the role of invention?
- That invention is a purely individual endeavor.
- That invention is a process driven by privilege and opportunity.
- That invention is a key driver of progress and shapes our world.
- That invention is a secondary factor in the advancement of society.
Correct Answer: That invention is a key driver of progress and shapes our world.
Correct Answer Explanation: The text emphasizes the transformative power of invention, highlighting its role in driving progress and shaping our world, from agriculture to communication and transportation.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained over a dozen patents, including a device for registering telephone calls and detecting unauthorized use?
- Granville T. Woods
- Charles V. Richey
- Elijah McCoy
- William B. Purvis
Correct Answer: Charles V. Richey
Correct Answer Explanation: Charles V. Richey, a Black inventor, obtained several patents, including one for a device that would register telephone calls and detect unauthorized use, demonstrating his contributions to communication technology.
What is the name of the wheel that runs along an overhead wire, providing electrical power to a vehicle?
- The trolley wheel
- The steam trap
- The zigzag fence
- The self-oiling cup
Correct Answer: The trolley wheel
Correct Answer Explanation: The trolley wheel is a key component in electric streetcars and trolley buses, providing electrical power from overhead wires to the vehicle.
What is the name of the field that encompasses the science and technology of flight?
- Aeronautics
- Astronomy
- Horticulture
- Meteorology
Correct Answer: Aeronautics
Correct Answer Explanation: Aeronautics is the field of study and practice related to the design, construction, and operation of aircraft.
What is the name of the device that automatically removes condensate from steam systems?
- The steam trap
- The trolley wheel
- The zigzag fence
- The self-oiling cup
Correct Answer: The steam trap
Correct Answer Explanation: The steam trap is a crucial component in steam systems, automatically removing condensate to ensure efficient operation.
What is the name of the small decorative objects?
- Bric-à-brac
- Zigzag fence
- Trolley wheel
- Steam trap
Correct Answer: Bric-à-brac
Correct Answer Explanation: Bric-à-brac refers to small decorative objects, typically collected and displayed in homes or other settings.
Who was the inventor known for his work on paper bag machines and held patents for electric railways, fountain pens, and magnetic car-balancing devices?
- Elijah McCoy
- Granville T. Woods
- William B. Purvis
- Jan Matzeliger
Correct Answer: William B. Purvis
Correct Answer Explanation: William B. Purvis was a Philadelphia inventor who made significant contributions to various fields, including paper bag machines, electric railways, fountain pens, and magnetic car-balancing devices, showcasing his versatility and ingenuity.
How many patents did Elijah McCoy obtain?
- Over 60
- Nearly 40
- Over a dozen
- Seven
Correct Answer: Nearly 40
Correct Answer Explanation: Elijah McCoy, a Black inventor, obtained nearly 40 patents, demonstrating his significant contributions to the field of lubrication and machinery maintenance.
What is the name of the company that employs 4,200 people and has a working capital of $20,860,000?
- The United Shoe Machinery Company
- The North Congregational Society
- The US Patent Office
- The Census Bureau
Correct Answer: The United Shoe Machinery Company
Correct Answer Explanation: The United Shoe Machinery Company, a major corporation founded on Jan Matzeliger’s shoe-making machine invention, employed a substantial workforce and had a significant working capital, reflecting its impact on the industry.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained over a dozen patents, including a device for registering telephone calls and detecting unauthorized use?
- Granville T. Woods
- Charles V. Richey
- Elijah McCoy
- William B. Purvis
Correct Answer: Charles V. Richey
Correct Answer Explanation: Charles V. Richey, a Black inventor, obtained several patents, including one for a device that would register telephone calls and detect unauthorized use, demonstrating his contributions to communication technology.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained eight patents?
- George W. Murray
- Henry Creamer
- Andrew J. Beard
- William Douglass
Correct Answer: George W. Murray
Correct Answer Explanation: George W. Murray, a Black inventor, obtained eight patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained seven patents?
- Henry Creamer
- Andrew J. Beard
- William Douglass
- James Doyle
Correct Answer: Henry Creamer
Correct Answer Explanation: Henry Creamer, a Black inventor, obtained seven patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained six patents?
- William Douglass
- James Doyle
- Charles V. Richey
- Frank J. Ferrell
Correct Answer: William Douglass
Correct Answer Explanation: William Douglass, a Black inventor, obtained six patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained several patents?
- James Doyle
- Charles V. Richey
- Frank J. Ferrell
- William B. Purvis
Correct Answer: James Doyle
Correct Answer Explanation: James Doyle, a Black inventor, obtained several patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained over a dozen patents?
- Frank J. Ferrell
- Benjamin F. Jackson
- George W. Murray
- Andrew J. Beard
Correct Answer: Frank J. Ferrell
Correct Answer Explanation: Frank J. Ferrell, a Black inventor, obtained over a dozen patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.
What is the name of the inventor who obtained over a dozen patents?
- Benjamin F. Jackson
- George W. Murray
- Andrew J. Beard
- William Douglass
Correct Answer: Benjamin F. Jackson
Correct Answer Explanation: Benjamin F. Jackson, a Black inventor, obtained over a dozen patents, showcasing his contributions to various fields, highlighting the range of innovation within the Black community.