An American Plague: Chapter 1

What is the setting?

Answer explanation

The setting is Philadelphia in the summer of 1793.

Which of the five senses do the first two paragraphs address?

• sight

• sound

• smell

• touch

• taste

Why is there conflict between President Washington and the French government?

​ (a)   gave the United States ​ (b)   during the ​American Revolution . Washington knows the United States should ​reciprocate but does not believe the country has​ (c)   to help France.

• military aid
• sufficient military strength
• France
• General Cornwallis
• debt
• food and weapons

What are three reasons people felt a sense of impending trouble?

• Washington's proclamation of neutrality betryaed the French people.

• Some believed that a large number of pigeons meant the coming of sickness.

• Dr. Rush believed the heat and drought had an unhealthy influence on humans.

• Reverend Helmuth believed that people's sinful lifestyles would bring God's judgment.

• A large amount of rats were seen in the streets and sewers.

What is the inciting incident of this nonfiction narrative?

• An abundance of pigeons brought sickness.

• Mobs threatened to drag Washington out of his house.

• An increasing number of people shunned church and went to taverns.

• A French sailor died a few days after a worsening fever and violent seizures.