Chasing That Golden Horseshoe

  Initial Research

Here are 20 completion test questions based on the provided sources and our conversation history, without the answer key:

1. Union loyalists in the context of these sources primarily resided in __________.
2. Many Union loyalists in western Virginia desired to __________ despite Virginia's secession.
3. A key geographical feature that historically separated the interests of eastern and western Virginia was the __________.
4. During the Virginia convention on secession, __________ delegates from what is now West Virginia voted to remain with the Union.
5. The First Wheeling Convention took place in __________.
6. At the First Wheeling Convention, __________ first called for the creation of a new state, "New Virginia".
7. The __________ was based in Wheeling and recognized by the Union.
8. __________ played a crucial role in planning for the western counties to remain loyal to the Union and became the head of the Reorganized Government of Virginia.
9. An estimated __________ western Virginians voted against the Ordinance of Secession.
10. Union loyalists in western Virginia were considered to be committing __________ against the state of Virginia by those who supported the Confederacy.
11. Pierpont initially urged __________ regarding John Carlile's early call for a new state.
12. The primary and immediate motivation for the initial call for a new state was the strong desire to __________.
13. In 1860, western Virginia had a significantly __________ number of slaves compared to eastern Virginia.
14. The Civil War in 1861 was driven by irreconcilable differences over __________, states' rights, and southern interests.
15. The 1860 election of __________ was a major catalyst for secession.
16. __________ was the first state to secede from the Union in response to Lincoln's election.
17. The primary goal of the First Wheeling Convention was to determine a __________ for northwestern Virginia if secession was ratified.
18. Long-standing tensions between eastern and western Virginia existed regarding issues such as __________ and representation.
19. Approximately __________ Union soldiers came from what is now West Virginia.
20. At the Second Wheeling Convention, __________ presided and his opening declaration signaled the intent to institute a government for themselves.

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 Citations:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKrgJt1ALM8

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 Here is a 50-question multiple-choice test with an answer key, drawing on the information in the sources and our conversation history.

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

Questions:

1. Union loyalists during the Secession were primarily located in which part of Virginia? a) Eastern Virginia b) Northwestern Virginia c) Southern Virginia d) Central Virginia

2. What was a primary desire of the Union loyalists in western Virginia? a) To join the Confederacy b) To remain part of the United States c) To form an independent nation d) To negotiate with the Confederacy

3. According to the sources, where was the strongest base of Union loyalty in western Virginia? a) Parkersburg b) Charleston c) Wheeling and the northern panhandle d) Fairmont

4. What was a significant factor contributing to Unionist sentiment in western Virginia? a) Strong economic ties to the Confederacy b) A large number of slaveholders c) Differing interests from eastern Virginia d) A desire for closer relations with the South

5. Compared to eastern Virginia, how was the reliance on slavery in western Virginia? a) More economically vital b) Equally economically vital c) Less economically vital d) Non-existent

6. How many delegates from what is now West Virginia voted against secession at the Virginia convention? a) 9 b) 15 c) 29 d) 40

7. Approximately how many western Virginians are estimated to have voted against the Ordinance of Secession? a) 10,000 b) 20,000 c) 35,000 d) 50,000

8. What was the name of the first convention organized by Union loyalists in western Virginia after secession? a) Richmond Convention b) Charleston Convention c) First Wheeling Convention d) Fairmont Convention

9. Who first called for the creation of a new state, "New Virginia," during the First Wheeling Convention? a) Francis Pierpont b) Waitman T. Willey c) Arthur Boreman d) John Carlile

10. Who became the head of the Reorganized Government of Virginia based in Wheeling? a) John Carlile b) Waitman T. Willey c) Francis Pierpont d) Arthur Boreman

11. Approximately how many Union soldiers came from what is now West Virginia? a) 5,000 b) 10,000 c) 20,000 d) 30,000

12. What challenge did Union loyalists in western Virginia face from those who supported the Confederacy? a) Financial incentives to join the South b) Being considered to be committing treason c) Lack of political organization d) Support for their cause from eastern Virginia

13. What was a significant action taken by Francis Pierpont initially to remain with the Union? a) Immediately calling for a new state b) Forming a Union army in the west c) Meticulously examining the U.S. Constitution d) Traveling to Washington D.C. to seek federal intervention

14. What was the primary goal of Pierpont's initial "carefully worked-out plan"? a) To incite rebellion against the state of Virginia b) To keep northwestern Virginia within the Union c) To establish trade agreements with the North d) To negotiate peace with the Confederacy

15. What was Pierpont's initial stance on John Carlile's early call for a new state? a) Enthusiastically supportive b) Urging caution and preferring to wait c) Completely opposed d) Indifferent

16. In what event did Pierpont participate where delegates ultimately passed resolutions to urge people to vote against the Ordinance of Secession? a) Second Wheeling Convention b) Constitutional Convention of 1851 c) Richmond Secession Convention d) First Wheeling Convention

17. What was the primary motivation behind the initial call for a new state of "New Virginia"? a) To gain more political power within Virginia b) To establish a slave-free territory c) To avoid secession from the United States d) To improve economic relations with the South

18. According to John Carlile, what geographical feature historically separated the interests of eastern and western Virginians? a) The Blue Ridge Mountains b) The Shenandoah Valley c) The Allegheny Mountains d) The Coastal Plain

19. What were some of the historical grievances of western Virginia against the eastern part of the state? a) Over-representation in the state legislature b) Excessive investment in western infrastructure c) Issues such as taxation, representation, education, and transportation d) Lack of cultural differences

20. What sentiment was indicated by the crowd's enthusiastic response to Carlile's call for a "New Virginia" at the First Wheeling Convention? a) Support for immediate compromise with the Confederacy b) A desire to maintain the existing political structure of Virginia c) A strong sentiment for preserving the Union d) Indifference to the issue of secession

21. Who played a crucial role by presiding over the Second Wheeling Convention? a) Francis Pierpont b) John Carlile c) Waitman T. Willey d) Arthur Boreman

22. What was central to the discussions at the Second Wheeling Convention, according to the sources? a) Negotiating with the Confederate government b) Planning military action against the South c) Pierpont's plan to reorganize the government of Virginia d) Debating the abolition of slavery in the new state

23. Who issued the Clarksburg Resolutions, calling for a convention in Wheeling if secession was ratified? a) Francis Pierpont b) John Carlile c) Waitman T. Willey d) Arthur Boreman

24. What was Waitman T. Willey's initial reaction to Carlile's early proposal for a new state? a) Strongly supportive b) Considered it "altogether unwise" c) Publicly endorsed it d) Remained neutral

25. The formation of a Confederate cavalry unit by whom in western Virginia highlighted the deep divisions in the region? a) Francis Pierpont b) John Carlile c) Waitman T. Willey d) Albert Gallatin Jenkins

26. In 1860, approximately how many slaves were held in western Virginia? a) 450,000 b) Less than 1,000 c) Between 18,000 and 19,000 d) Over 100,000

27. In western Virginia, what types of work were enslaved people often engaged in? a) Primarily large-scale plantation agriculture b) Only domestic service c) Farmers, craftsmen, and domestic servants d) Exclusively mining and industrial labor

28. According to the sources, what was the primary driving force behind the Civil War in 1861? a) Economic competition between the North and South b) Disputes over westward expansion c) Irreconcilable differences over slavery, states' rights, and southern interests d) Cultural clashes between urban and rural societies

29. What was the Republican Party's stance on the expansion of slavery, which caused concern in the South? a) Strong support for its expansion b) Ambiguous and unclear c) Opposition to its further expansion d) Gradual emancipation in existing states

30. Southern leaders feared that the election of Abraham Lincoln would eventually lead to what regarding slavery? a) Its expansion into all territories b) Increased profitability and security c) The federal government legislating it out of existence d) A national referendum on its legality

31. The concept of what was a key area of disagreement between the North and South, with the South emphasizing the autonomy of individual states? a) Federal taxation b) Interstate commerce c) States' rights d) Foreign policy

32. What event is consistently presented as a central and critical cause of the Civil War in the sources? a) Industrial Revolution b) Nullification Crisis c) Slavery d) Tariffs

33. The formation of what was a direct consequence of the irreconcilable differences between the North and South? a) The Whig Party b) The Free Soil Party c) The Confederate States of America d) The Union League

34. What event ultimately pushed Virginia to secede after initial hesitation? a) The election of Jefferson Davis b) The Crittenden Compromise failure c) The bombardment of Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops d) A direct order from other Southern states

35. According to the sources, what intensified Southern fears about the future of slavery, leading directly to secession? a) The Dred Scott Decision b) The Kansas-Nebraska Act c) The 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln d) John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry

36. What was the immediate trigger for the first wave of secession after Lincoln's election? a) Virginia's secession b) Tennessee's secession c) North Carolina's secession d) South Carolina's secession

37. How did most of western Virginia vote in the 1860 presidential election regarding candidates' stance on slavery? a) Overwhelmingly for anti-slavery candidates b) Largely abstained from voting c) Mostly supported candidates believed not to interfere with slavery (Bell and Breckinridge) d) Strongly supported the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln

38. What was the primary goal of the First Wheeling Convention? a) To immediately declare the formation of a new state b) To negotiate with the seceding states c) To determine a political course for northwestern Virginia if secession was ratified d) To organize military resistance against Confederate forces

39. What key action did the First Wheeling Convention take regarding the Ordinance of Secession? a) Immediately ratified it for western Virginia b) Called for a military response to enforce it c) Passed resolutions urging people to vote against it d) Declared neutrality on the issue

40. What did the resolutions passed at the First Wheeling Convention stipulate should happen if secession passed? a) Immediate armed resistance b) Appeal to the Supreme Court c) Another convention would be held in Wheeling d) Western Virginia would automatically become a US territory

41. What was the underlying basis for western Virginia's Unionist sentiment? a) Strong support for the institution of slavery b) Complete agreement with the political and economic policies of eastern Virginia c) Differing regional interests, the nature of slavery in the west, and loyalty to the United States d) A desire to join a different Union of states

42. What served as a significant geographic and cultural divider between eastern and western Virginia? a) The Shenandoah River b) The Piedmont Plateau c) The Allegheny Mountains d) The Chesapeake Bay

43. In what areas did western Virginia feel disenfranchised by the eastern-dominated state government? a) Foreign policy and national defense b) Postal service and federal courts c) Taxation, representation, education, transportation, and internal improvements d) Religious affairs and social customs

44. How did the nature of work for enslaved people sometimes differ between western and eastern Virginia? a) Western slaves only worked in domestic roles. b) Eastern slaves often had more autonomy. c) Whites and slaves frequently worked together in the west d) There was no difference in the nature of work.

45. What was a key factor in western Virginians' potential lesser ideological commitment to preserving slavery compared to the east? a) Outright abolitionist sentiment in the west b) Federal laws prohibiting slavery in the west c) Their lesser economic reliance on the institution d) Complete social integration between races

46. How did the number of western Virginia delegates voting against secession compare to those supporting it? a) Roughly equal b) Significantly more supporting secession c) Significantly more opposing secession d) All delegates unanimously supported staying in the Union.

47. The Wheeling Conventions were a direct outcome of what sentiment in western Virginia? a) Support for the Confederacy b) Indifference to the secession crisis c) Unionist sentiment d) A desire for international recognition

48. What was a primary cause of the long-standing tensions between eastern and western Virginia? a) Religious differences b) Uniformity of economic interests c) Disparities in taxation and representation d) Agreement on the issue of slavery

49. What statement by Arthur Boreman at the Second Wheeling Convention clearly signaled the intent to establish a separate political entity? a) A call for peaceful negotiation with Richmond. b) An appeal for federal aid to suppress rebellion within western Virginia. c) "We come here to carry out and execute, and it may be, to institute a government for ourselves." d) A declaration of loyalty to the existing government of Virginia.

50. The creation of West Virginia can be described as arising from what? a) A unanimous decision by all Virginians. b) A peaceful negotiation between the North and South. c) Conflicting loyalties and regional distinctions heavily influenced by slavery. d) A direct mandate from the federal government before the war.

Answer Key:

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. c
6. c
7. c
8. c
9. d
10. c
11. c
12. b
13. c
14. b
15. b
16. d
17. c
18. c
19. c
20. c
21. d
22. c
23. b
24. b
25. d
26. c
27. c
28. c
29. c
30. c
31. c
32. c
33. c
34. c
35. c
36. d
37. c
38. c
39. c
40. c
41. c
42. c
43. c
44. c
45. c
46. c
47. c
48. c
49. c
50. c

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 Quick Study Guide to This Test

Based on the sources you provided, here's an explanation of the key concepts and information presented:

The sources primarily focus on the Union loyalists in western Virginia during the secession crisis of 1861 and the factors leading to the eventual formation of West Virginia. They delve into the motivations behind Unionism in the west, the key individuals involved, the differing views on slavery, and the impact of the 1860 election and Virginia's secession on the region.

Here's a breakdown of the main themes and concepts explained in the sources:

• Union Loyalists in Western Virginia: These were individuals residing predominantly in northwestern Virginia who desired to remain part of the United States despite Virginia's secession. Their strongest support was in the northern panhandle, including Wheeling.

  • Motivations for Loyalty: These included a belief in the U.S. government, long-standing cultural, economic, historical, and geographical differences between eastern and western Virginia, a lesser reliance on slavery in the west, and opposition to the act of secession itself.
  • Actions and Organization: Union loyalists voted against secession, held conventions in Wheeling (the First Wheeling Convention where John Carlile first called for a new state, "New Virginia"), established the Reorganized Government of Virginia led by Francis Pierpont, and provided approximately 20,000 soldiers for the Union army.
  • Challenges and Opposition: They faced threats and were considered traitors by secessionists, experienced displacement, and dealt with internal disagreements and the reality of a deeply divided region with significant Confederate sympathies.

• Francis Pierpont's Unionist Strategy: Pierpont played a crucial role in the Unionist movement.

  • He meticulously examined the U.S. Constitution to find a way for western counties to remain loyal.
  • He developed a "carefully worked-out plan" to keep northwestern Virginia in the Union.
  • He advocated for Union loyalty alongside others like John Carlile.
  • He initially urged caution regarding the immediate formation of a new state, preferring to await the outcome of the secession referendum.
  • He actively participated in the First Wheeling Convention, where resolutions against secession were passed.

• The Initial Call for a New State ("New Virginia"): This was primarily motivated by the desire to avoid secession from the United States and to establish a separate political entity from the rest of Virginia.

  • John Carlile prominently made this call at the First Wheeling Convention.
  • Key motivations included opposition to secession, recognition of geographical and cultural differences (Carlile cited the Allegheny Mountains as a barrier), historical grievances between east and west, strong sentiment for Unionism, and fear of Confederate control.

• Key Individuals in West Virginia's Formation: Several individuals played significant roles.

  • Francis Pierpont: Provided strategic and political leadership for the reorganized Unionist government of Virginia.
  • John Carlile: Served as a passionate early advocate for the immediate creation of a new state.
  • Waitman T. Willey: Initially cautious about immediate statehood but eventually supported separation.
  • Arthur Boreman: Presided over the Second Wheeling Convention, signaling the intent to form a new government.
  • Albert Gallatin Jenkins: A Confederate supporter whose actions highlighted the deep divisions.

• Western Virginia: Slavery and Regional Divergence: Western Virginia held a different view on slavery compared to eastern Virginia because slavery was not as economically vital to the region.

  • There was a lower number of slaves in the west.
  • Slaves had a different economic role, often working in more diverse capacities.
  • Sometimes, there were more amicable relationships between owners and enslaved people due to shared labor.
  • While western Virginians generally did not outright oppose slavery, their lesser economic reliance on it contributed to their willingness to remain with the Union.

• Causes of the American Civil War: The war was driven by irreconcilable differences over slavery, states' rights, and southern interests.

  • Slavery was a central point of contention due to moral, legal, economic, and social differences between the North and South. The election of Lincoln, who opposed the expansion of slavery, heightened Southern fears.
  • States' rights, particularly the perceived right to secede, was another key disagreement.
  • Southern interests encompassed the economic reliance on slave labor and the fear of federal interference.

• The 1860 Election: Catalyst for Secession and West Virginia: The election of Abraham Lincoln was a major catalyst for secession and the formation of West Virginia.

  • Southern leaders feared federal interference with slavery.
  • It signaled the perceived end of compromise regarding slavery.
  • It was the immediate trigger for the secession of South Carolina and other Southern states.
  • It put pressure on Virginia to secede, despite initial hesitation.
  • It highlighted the deep divisions within Virginia, as western Virginians reacted differently to Lincoln's election than their eastern counterparts, ultimately leading to separation.

• First Wheeling Convention: Responding to Virginia Secession: The primary goal was to determine a political course for northwestern Virginia if Virginia voters ratified secession.

  • Delegates aimed to figure out how to respond to potential secession they opposed.
  • They passed resolutions urging people to vote against secession and planned for a future convention if it passed.
  • John Carlile proposed the creation of "New Virginia".

• Western Virginia Unionism: Motivations and Origins: This sentiment arose from differing regional interests, the distinct nature of slavery in the west, and a strong loyalty to the United States.

  • Long-standing disparities in various aspects of governance and infrastructure created a sense of separation from eastern Virginia.
  • The lesser economic importance of slavery in the west influenced allegiances.
  • A strong belief in the principles of the Union was a key motivator.
  • Opposition to Virginia's secession was significant, demonstrated by the votes of western delegates.
  • The Wheeling Conventions were a direct result of this Unionist sentiment.

• West Virginia: Divergent Views and Statehood: Differing viewpoints, stemming from regional distinctions and conflicting loyalties over slavery and the Union, were crucial to West Virginia's creation.

  • Regional differences in culture, economy, history, and geography existed.
  • Views on slavery differed significantly between east and west.
  • Conflicting loyalties to the Union and Confederacy emerged during the Civil War, with prominent figures on both sides in western Virginia.
  • The Wheeling Conventions were a direct consequence of these divergent views, leading to the reorganization of a Unionist government and the eventual formation of a new state.

• Western Virginia Slavery: Regional Differences: Slavery in western Virginia differed from the east in economic importance, scale of slaveholding, nature of work, and sometimes in the relationships between owners and the enslaved. However, it's crucial to remember that enslaved people were still considered legal property.

By understanding these interconnected themes, a comprehensive picture of the factors leading to the Unionist movement in western Virginia and the eventual establishment of West Virginia emerges from the sources.

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 20 Question Completion Guide

 Here are 20 completion test questions based on the provided sources, along with an answer key and explanations for each:

1. Union loyalists in the context of these sources primarily resided in northwestern Virginia.

   • Answer Key: northwestern Virginia
   • Explanation: The sources consistently state that the strongest base of Union loyalty was in northwestern Virginia, particularly in the northern panhandle where Wheeling is located.

2. Many Union loyalists in western Virginia desired to remain part of the United States despite Virginia's secession.

   • Answer Key: remain part of the United States
   • Explanation: The core desire of the Union loyalists was to not follow the rest of Virginia into the Confederacy.

3. A key geographical feature that historically separated the interests of eastern and western Virginia was the Allegheny Mountains.

   • Answer Key: Allegheny Mountains
   • Explanation: John Carlile explicitly cited the Allegheny Mountains as a "formidable barrier" that contributed to the differing interests of the two regions.

4. During the Virginia convention on secession, 29 delegates from what is now West Virginia voted to remain with the Union.

   • Answer Key: 29
   • Explanation: The sources highlight that a significant number of delegates from the western part of the state opposed secession.

5. The First Wheeling Convention took place in May 1861.

   • Answer Key: May 1861
   • Explanation: The sources specify the timing of the initial convention organized by Unionists.

6. At the First Wheeling Convention, John Carlile first called for the creation of a new state, "New Virginia".

   • Answer Key: John Carlile
   • Explanation: Carlile is identified as the individual who initially proposed the idea of a separate state.

7. The Reorganized Government of Virginia was based in Wheeling and recognized by the Union.

   • Answer Key: Reorganized Government of Virginia
   • Explanation: This government was established by Unionists in the west as a way to maintain loyalty to the United States.

8. Francis Pierpont played a crucial role in planning for the western counties to remain loyal to the Union and became the head of the Reorganized Government of Virginia.

   • Answer Key: Francis Pierpont
   • Explanation: Pierpont is consistently portrayed as a key leader in the Unionist movement in western Virginia.

9. An estimated 35,000 western Virginians voted against the Ordinance of Secession.

   • Answer Key: 35,000
   • Explanation: The sources provide an estimate of the number of western Virginians who opposed secession through their vote.

10. Union loyalists in western Virginia were considered to be committing treason against the state of Virginia by those who supported the Confederacy.

    • Answer Key: treason
    • Explanation: The differing allegiances led to Unionists being viewed as disloyal by secessionists.

11. Pierpont initially urged caution regarding John Carlile's early call for a new state.

    • Answer Key: caution
    • Explanation: Pierpont preferred a more measured approach and wanted to see the outcome of the secession vote first.

12. The primary and immediate motivation for the initial call for a new state was the strong desire to avoid secession from the United States.

    • Answer Key: avoid secession from the United States
    • Explanation: The creation of "New Virginia" was seen as a way to remain within the Union.

13. In 1860, western Virginia had a significantly lower number of slaves compared to eastern Virginia.

    • Answer Key: lower
    • Explanation: The sources provide specific numbers illustrating the disparity in the enslaved population between the east and west.

14. The Civil War in 1861 was driven by irreconcilable differences over slavery, states' rights, and southern interests.

    • Answer Key: slavery
    • Explanation: Slavery is consistently presented as the central cause of the conflict.

15. The 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln was a major catalyst for secession.

    • Answer Key: Abraham Lincoln
    • Explanation: Southern fears following Lincoln's election directly led to the first wave of secession.

16. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in response to Lincoln's election.

    • Answer Key: first
    • Explanation: The sources clearly state South Carolina's role in initiating secession.

17. The primary goal of the First Wheeling Convention was to determine a political course for northwestern Virginia if secession was ratified.

    • Answer Key: political course
    • Explanation: The convention aimed to strategize a response to potential secession.

18. Long-standing tensions between eastern and western Virginia existed regarding issues such as taxation and representation.

    • Answer Key: taxation
    • Explanation: Financial and governmental representation were key areas of disagreement.

19. Approximately 20,000 Union soldiers came from what is now West Virginia.

    • Answer Key: 20,000
    • Explanation: The sources provide an estimate of the military support for the Union from the region.

20. At the Second Wheeling Convention, Arthur Boreman presided and his opening declaration signaled the intent to institute a government for themselves.

    • Answer Key: Arthur Boreman
    • Explanation: Boreman's role in the Second Wheeling Convention marked a significant step towards forming a new state.
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Basic Research

20 completion test questions based on the providedresided in __________.

1. Many Union loyalists in western Virginia desired to __________ despite Virginia's secession.
2. A key geographical feature that historically separated the interests of eastern and western Virginia was the __________.
3. During the Virginia convention on secession, __________ delegates from what is now West Virginia voted to remain with the Union.
4. The First Wheeling Convention took place in __________.
5. At the First Wheeling Convention, __________ first called f sources and our conversation history, without the answer key:
6. Union loyalists in the context of these sources primarily
7. or the creation of a new state, "New Virginia".
8. The __________ was based in Wheeling and recognized by the Union.
9. __________ played a crucial role in planning for the western counties to remain loyal to the Union and became the head of the Reorganized Government of Virginia.
10. An estimated __________ western Virginians voted against the Ordinance of Secession.
11. Union loyalists in western Virginia were considered to be committing __________ against the state of Virginia by those who supported the Confederacy.
12. Pierpont initially urged __________ regarding John Carlile's early call for a new state.
13. The primary and immediate motivation for the initial call for a new state was the strong desire to __________.
14. In 1860, western Virginia had a significantly __________ number of slaves compared to eastern Virginia.
15. The Civil War in 1861 was driven by irreconcilable differences over __________, states' rights, and southern interests.
16. The 1860 election of __________ was a major catalyst for secession.
17. __________ was the first state to secede from the Union in response to Lincoln's election.
18. The primary goal of the First Wheeling Convention was to determine a __________ for northwestern Virginia if secession was ratified.
19. Long-standing tensions between eastern and western Virginia existed regarding issues such as __________ and representation.
20. Approximately __________ Union soldiers came from what is now West Virginia.
21. At the Second Wheeling Convention, __________ presided and his opening declaration signaled the intent to institute a government for themselves.