- 1. Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, served from March 1849 until his untimely death in July 1850, becoming one of the shortest-serving presidents in American history. Born on November 24, 1784, in Virginia, Taylor came from a prominent family and was raised on a large plantation. He had little formal education but received military training, eventually rising through the ranks to become a major general in the United States Army. Taylor gained national fame for his leadership during the Mexican-American War, particularly in successful battles such as Palo Alto and Buena Vista, which established him as a national hero. In the election of 1848, he was nominated as the Whig Party's candidate and won the presidency without ever having held political office before, largely due to his military reputation. As president, Taylor faced the contentious issue of slavery's expansion into new territories following the Mexican-American War, a topic that divided the nation and would lead to increasing tensions between the North and South. A moderate on the issue, he advocated for the admission of California as a free state and opposed the extension of slavery, which put him at odds with many Southern leaders. His presidency was cut short when he died suddenly in July 1850, likely from food poisoning, after attending a Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C. Taylor's death brought about a significant shift in U.S. politics, as his vice president, Millard Fillmore, took office amid rising tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Despite his brief term, Taylor's impact on the political landscape and the discussion surrounding slavery remains a notable aspect of his historical legacy.
When was Zachary Taylor born?
A) 1784
B) 1801
C) 1755
D) 1822
- 2. In which state was Zachary Taylor born?
A) Virginia
B) Ohio
C) Texas
D) New York
- 3. In what war did Zachary Taylor gain national prominence?
A) Mexican-American War
B) American Revolutionary War
C) Civil War
D) World War II
- 4. What was Zachary Taylor's military rank during the Mexican-American War?
A) Lieutenant
B) Colonel
C) Captain
D) Major General
- 5. What political party was Zachary Taylor affiliated with?
A) Republican
B) Federalist
C) Whig
D) Democratic
- 6. What was Zachary Taylor's military title before becoming President?
A) Admiral
B) Commander
C) Lieutenant
D) General
- 7. Which territory was admitted to the Union during Zachary Taylor's presidency?
A) California
B) Texas
C) Iowa
D) Arizona
- 8. Who served as Zachary Taylor's Vice President?
A) Andrew Jackson
B) Martin Van Buren
C) Millard Fillmore
D) John Adams
- 9. Which river did Zachary Taylor famously cross during the Mexican-American War?
A) Ohio
B) Missouri
C) Rio Grande
D) Mississippi
- 10. What nickname did Zachary Taylor acquire after his victories in the Mexican-American War?
A) Father of His Country
B) The Great Emancipator
C) Old Rough and Ready
D) Honest Abe
- 11. Which famous battle did Zachary Taylor lead the American forces to victory in during the Mexican-American War?
A) Battle of Gettysburg
B) Battle of San Jacinto
C) Battle of Buena Vista
D) Battle of Little Bighorn
- 12. Which state did Zachary Taylor represent as a military governor following the Mexican-American War?
A) Florida
B) Louisiana
C) California
D) Texas
- 13. In what year did Zachary Taylor become the 12th President of the United States?
A) 1860
B) 1849
C) 1852
D) 1836
- 14. Who preceded Zachary Taylor as President of the United States?
A) Martin Van Buren
B) James K. Polk
C) John Quincy Adams
D) Andrew Jackson
- 15. What was the major domestic issue faced during Zachary Taylor's presidency?
A) Taxation
B) Slavery
C) Women's Rights
D) Immigration
- 16. Which of the following states was not part of the Mexican Cession acquired during Zachary Taylor's presidency?
A) California
B) Florida
C) Nevada
D) Utah
- 17. Where is Zachary Taylor buried?
A) Louisville, Kentucky
B) Monticello, Virginia
C) Springfield, Illinois
D) Arlington, Virginia
|