- 1. The Great Bridge by David McCullough is an enthralling narrative that chronicles the ambitious construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in American history. McCullough delves deep into the lives of the individuals behind this monumental project, particularly focusing on the visionary engineer John A. Roebling and his son, Washington Roebling, who faced insurmountable challenges and personal tragedies while trying to realize their father's dream of connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The book vividly paints a picture of the 19th-century America filled with ambition and innovation, offering insights into the engineering feats and the public fascination surrounding the bridge's construction. McCullough's writing is both detailed and accessible, contextualizing the sociopolitical climate of the era, including the struggles of labor, the engineering breakthroughs of the time, and the determination required to overcome obstacles such as financing and the demands from a skeptical public. The narrative not only celebrates the bridge as a triumph of human ingenuity but also as a symbol of progress and unity that continues to inspire generations.
Who is the primary subject of 'The Great Bridge'?
A) Thomas Edison
B) John A. Roebling
C) Andrew Carnegie
D) Henry Ford
- 2. What was the primary engineering focus of 'The Great Bridge'?
A) The Brooklyn Bridge
B) Golden Gate Bridge
C) Tower Bridge
D) London Bridge
- 3. In what city is the Brooklyn Bridge located?
A) Philadelphia
B) Boston
C) New York City
D) Chicago
- 4. Who took over the project after Roebling's death?
A) Washington Roebling
B) John S. Williams
C) Emily Roebling
D) Frederick Law Olmsted
- 5. What year was the Brooklyn Bridge completed?
A) 1890
B) 1901
C) 1875
D) 1883
- 6. How long did the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge take?
A) 10 years
B) 14 years
C) 8 years
D) 20 years
- 7. How many people died during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) 15
B) 50
C) 10
D) 27
- 8. What type of bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge classified as?
A) Truss bridge
B) Arch bridge
C) Beam bridge
D) Suspension bridge
- 9. What was the initial public reaction to the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) A mix of awe and skepticism
B) Widespread panic
C) Indifference
D) Complete approval
- 10. How did David McCullough approach the narrative in 'The Great Bridge'?
A) As a historical narrative
B) As a novel
C) As a poetry collection
D) As a technical manual
- 11. What year did construction of the Brooklyn Bridge begin?
A) 1869
B) 1850
C) 1875
D) 1883
- 12. Which river does the Brooklyn Bridge span?
A) Hudson River
B) Chicago River
C) Mississippi River
D) East River
- 13. What was a major challenge faced during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) Lack of materials
B) Flooding
C) Worker strikes
D) Caissons disease
- 14. Which architectural style is the Brooklyn Bridge designed in?
A) Baroque
B) Modernist
C) Neo-Gothic
D) Renaissance
- 15. What was used to help workers breathe in the caissons?
A) Nitrogen
B) Compressed air
C) Oxygen tanks
D) Helium
- 16. Which section of the bridge is particularly famous for its views?
A) The roadbed
B) The towers
C) The caissons
D) The walkway
- 17. How tall are the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) 200 feet
B) 250 feet
C) 300 feet
D) 276.5 feet
- 18. How many main cables support the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) Four
B) Two
C) Five
D) Three
- 19. Which President visited the Brooklyn Bridge shortly after it was completed?
A) Grover Cleveland
B) Ulysses S. Grant
C) Theodore Roosevelt
D) Chester A. Arthur
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