Question

question 9 of 10

which formerly enslaved man organized the first black american school in missouri before his election to the u.s. senate in 1875?

a. w. e. b. dubois
b. hiram rhodes revels
c. blanche bruce
d. robert smalls

Explanation:

Identify the historical figure

The question asks for a formerly enslaved man who organized the first Black American school in Missouri before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1875. This aligns with the Reconstruction Era and the rise of African American Leadership in federal politics.

Evaluate the historical candidates

• W. E. B. Du Bois: Born free in Massachusetts in 1868, he was not formerly enslaved and did not serve in the U.S. Senate.
• Hiram Rhodes Revels: Born free in North Carolina, he was elected to the U.S. Senate representing Mississippi in 1870, not 1875.
• Blanche Bruce: Born into slavery in Virginia, he escaped during the Civil War, moved to Missouri, and established the first school for Black children in Hannibal, Missouri. He was later elected to the U.S. Senate representing Mississippi in 1875.
• Robert Smalls: Born into slavery, famous for escaping on the CSS Planter, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives, not the Senate.

Confirm the correct option

Blanche K. Bruce is the only individual who fits all the criteria: formerly enslaved, organized the first Black school in Missouri, and elected to the U.S. Senate in 1875.

Answer:

• (A) W. E. B. DuBois
• (B) Hiram Rhodes Revels
• (C) Blanche Bruce (Correct answer)
• (D) Robert Smalls