- 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) Henry Ford
B) Andrew Carnegie
C) Thomas Edison
D) John A. Roebling
- 2. What was the primary engineering focus of 'The Great Bridge'?
A) The Brooklyn Bridge
B) Golden Gate Bridge
C) London Bridge
D) Tower Bridge
- 3. In what city is the Brooklyn Bridge located?
A) Boston
B) New York City
C) Philadelphia
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) 1875
B) 1883
C) 1890
D) 1901
- 6. How long did the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge take?
A) 14 years
B) 10 years
C) 20 years
D) 8 years
- 7. How many people died during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) 15
B) 50
C) 27
D) 10
- 8. What type of bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge classified as?
A) Beam bridge
B) Arch bridge
C) Suspension bridge
D) Truss bridge
- 9. What was the initial public reaction to the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) Indifference
B) A mix of awe and skepticism
C) Widespread panic
D) Complete approval
- 10. How did David McCullough approach the narrative in 'The Great Bridge'?
A) As a technical manual
B) As a novel
C) As a historical narrative
D) As a poetry collection
- 11. What year did construction of the Brooklyn Bridge begin?
A) 1850
B) 1883
C) 1875
D) 1869
- 12. Which river does the Brooklyn Bridge span?
A) Mississippi River
B) East River
C) Chicago River
D) Hudson River
- 13. What was a major challenge faced during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) Flooding
B) Worker strikes
C) Caissons disease
D) Lack of materials
- 14. Which architectural style is the Brooklyn Bridge designed in?
A) Baroque
B) Neo-Gothic
C) Renaissance
D) Modernist
- 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 caissons
B) The towers
C) The roadbed
D) The walkway
- 17. How tall are the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) 250 feet
B) 300 feet
C) 200 feet
D) 276.5 feet
- 18. How many main cables support the Brooklyn Bridge?
A) Four
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five
- 19. Which President visited the Brooklyn Bridge shortly after it was completed?
A) Ulysses S. Grant
B) Chester A. Arthur
C) Grover Cleveland
D) Theodore Roosevelt
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