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Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

1. Tobin starts a catering company of his own and earns a substantial profit in the first year itself. His total earnings are
more than what he used to earn as a salaried person. Which of the following advantages of entrepreneurship is highlighted
in the given scenario?
a. Independence
b. Survival
c. Greater financial success
d. Greater flexibility
ANSWER: c
2. Wendy quit her job as the regional manager of Rubicon Inc., a multinational company, and started her own fashion
boutique. Within two years, she began earning more than what she earned during her tenure at Rubicon. Which of the
following advantages of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Survival
b. Greater flexibility
c. Independence
d. Greater financial success
ANSWER: d
3. The primary reason people choose to become entrepreneurs is to:

a. avoid difficult challenges.
b. avoid uncertainty.
c. earn more money.
d. develop evolutionary business models.
ANSWER: c
4. Which of the following categories of people is most likely to step into entrepreneurship?
a. People who have minimal knowledge about the use of technology
b. People who have trouble being subordinates because of their personalities
c. People who are skeptical about taking financial risks
d. People who lack the characteristic of self-reliance
ANSWER: b
5. Richard, an employee in an investment firm, was dissatisfied with the way his superiors handled business dealings. For
that reason, he quit his job and started his own business so that he is able to make all management decisions without
interference from anyone. Which advantage of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Greater financial success
b. Independence
c. Uniformity
d. Greater challenge
ANSWER: b
6. Maude worked as a lead animator in an animation company. However, she could not exercise her freedom while
working on projects because she was bound by the decisions made by the company. Fed up with this, Maude quit her job
and started an independent animation firm where she accepts only those projects that allow her a free rein in terms of
creativity. In the given scenario, Maude most likely started her own firm because it offered _____.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1

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a. independence
b. uniformity
c. greater challenge
d. greater financial success
ANSWER: a
7. Which of the following is an appealing benefit that entrepreneurs enjoy?

a. The ability to set their own hours
b. The guarantee of a fixed income
c. Minimal workload
d. Minimal risk
ANSWER: a
8. Suresh quits his nine-to-five job at a multinational company and starts his own event management company. In his new
company, he does not practice a nine-to-five work regime. Instead, he organizes meetings with clients by making
appointments that favor his schedule. Which of the following advantages of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given
scenario?
a. Greater challenge
b. Survival
c. Greater financial success
d. Flexibility
ANSWER: d
9. Who among the following is the most appropriate person to start his or her own venture?
a. Gita, who has been an event manager for five years but discontinues her job as she wants to spend enough
time with her one-year-old child
b. Linda, who has been working as an assistant manager for over a year but cannot make decisions on her own
c. Mira, who is intolerant of uncertainty and becomes emotionally depressed at the sign of any form of financial
distress in her family
d. Laura, who is against approaching others for funds and only has enough savings to keep her business afloat for
one year
ANSWER: a
10. Neman, a single parent, quit his job and started a small independent business because he was unable to give adequate
attention to his child. Being an entrepreneur gives him the freedom to give undivided attention to his child without
jeopardizing his work. Which of the following advantages of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given scenario?
b. Flexibility
c. Greater challenge
d. Survival
ANSWER: b
11. Technological tools such as the Internet and email have:

a. decreased the importance of entrepreneurship in the national economy.
b. made it easy for small business owners to manage their firms on the go.
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c. made it harder for small businesses to compete against large businesses.

d. increased the number of legal regulations that small businesses should comply to.
ANSWER: b
12. Jenifer owns a bakery that specializes in preparing extravagant wedding cakes. She is a sought-after baker because of
the quality and finesse of her products. Jenifer believes that the pressure of living up to the expectations of her customers
and delivering quality products always keeps her on the edge and helps her to deliver her best. Which of the following
advantages of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Challenge
b. Independence
c. Survival
d. Flexibility
ANSWER: a
13. Paul worked as an artisan at a furniture company where a set of artisans were required to produce a specific part of a
product, and the product was later assembled. Paul quit his job and started a small furniture business where he crafts
unique products based on the demands of his customers. He feels that the constant need to adapt and outperform himself
keeps him focused and motivated to improve his craft. Which advantage of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the given
scenario?
b. Survival
c. Greater tractability
d. Challenge
ANSWER: d
14. In the event that a large company has to downsize, the middle-aged workers who are laid off find it difficult to find
new jobs. When such workers decide to start their own businesses, they:
a. become welfare recipients.
b. are called necessity entrepreneurs.
c. become post-retirement workers.
d. are called baby boomers.
ANSWER: b
15. Raoul is an illiterate who does not have proper skills for any job. As a result, he is unable to find permanent
employment. As a last resort, Raoul starts a diner in his home to earn a regular income for his family. In the given
scenario, Raoul most likely started the diner because it offered _____.
a. greater flexibility
b. a challenge
c. a chance of survival
d. independence
ANSWER: c
16. Who among the following people is most likely to become a necessity entrepreneur?
a. A person who has recently graduated from college and has no work experience
b. A person who has recently been promoted to a managerial position

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c. A person who experiences discrimination in the standard workplace

d. A person who avoids challenges and financial risks
ANSWER: c
17. Felix lost his job at an investment firm because of downsizing during a period of recession. To keep himself
financially stable, he opened a food truck that became a huge success. Which of the following advantages of
entrepreneurship initially motivated Felix to start the food truck?
a. Survival
b. Independence
c. Flexibility
d. Challenge
ANSWER: a
18. Michael is a middle-aged professional who lost his job five months ago when his former employer downsized. He has
actively been looking for work ever since but has not been able to find a job that utilizes his abilities or offers an income
similar to his previous position. He is beginning to realize that the only way for him to survive his current situation is to
start his own business. In this scenario, Michael will most likely become a(n) _____.
a. venture capitalist
b. angel investor
c. necessity entrepreneur
d. baby boomer worker
ANSWER: c
19. Xavi develops a cell phone battery that can be charged by a solar panel and can run efficiently for up to three hours.
His friends point out that it would be difficult to get cell phone manufacturers to adopt this new technology and that it
could take a long time for people to start relying on it. However, Xavi is convinced that he can make his idea popular and
successful. He plans to start a new company called EnerMob Inc. that would promote and sell the cell phone battery to the
public. In this scenario, which of the following entrepreneurial characteristics is Xavi demonstrating?
a. Vision
b. Hindsight
c. Retrospection
d. Reflection
ANSWER: a
20. James is always keen on putting his ideas into action regardless of the outcome. He perfects his craft by trying out
different possibilities. If he is dissatisfied with the result, he tries out a different method but does not give up. Which
entrepreneurial characteristic is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Docility
b. Self-reliance
c. Vision
d. Conformity
ANSWER: c
21. Ophelia opened a boutique that specializes in creating custom trousseaux for brides. She conceived the idea in her
senior year at school, and despite receiving criticism for the idea, she went ahead and opened the boutique. Which
Name: Class: Date:
a. Self-reliance
b. Vision
c. Energy
d. Conformity
ANSWER: b
22. Charles owns a restaurant that is thematically modeled into representing the pop culture of the 1980s. While setting up
the restaurant, Charles took care of everything himself, from interior decoration to menu and music. He even got the
permit for the restaurant himself. Which entrepreneurial characteristic is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Conformity
b. Subservience
c. Vision
d. Self-reliance
ANSWER: d
23. Melissa runs a small restaurant that specializes in serving continental cuisine. Every Sunday, she visits the farmers'
market to buy the ingredients for her dishes. She handpicks each item to maintain the quality of her food. Which
a. Vision
b. Self-reliance
c. Docility
d. Confidence
ANSWER: b
24. In the context of entrepreneurs, which of the following statements is a difference between an internal locus of control
and an external locus of control?
a. An internal locus of control is an entrepreneurial trait, whereas an external locus of control is not.
b. An internal locus of control does not involve self-reliance, whereas an external locus of control does.
c. An internal locus of control involves personal responsibility, whereas an external locus of control does not.
d. An internal locus of control is not applicable in market niches, whereas an external locus of control is.
ANSWER: c
25. _____ is a deep-seated sense that forces other than the individual are responsible for what happens in his or her life.
a. An external locus of control
b. Tolerance of uncertainty
c. An internal locus of control
d. Tolerance of failure
ANSWER: a
26. People with an external locus of control:

a. are extremely self-reliant.
b. are more likely to take responsibility for their own failures.
c. feel that they have complete control over their lives.
d. feel buffeted by forces such as random luck.

Name: Class: Date:
ANSWER: d
27. Which of the following statements is true of people with an external locus of control?
a. They are extremely self-reliant.
b. They validate their own efforts.
c. They take complete control of their lives.
d. They feel buffeted by the actions of others.
ANSWER: d
28. Samuel has an innovative idea for better disposal of garbage. Hence, he starts a business to implement this idea that he
believes will succeed. He is also aware of the risks involved in starting the business. However, Samuel puts in only six
hours a day into building his business. Some days, he finds it difficult to put in any time at all. Which of the following
entrepreneurial characteristics does Samuel lack?
a. Energy
b. Confidence
c. Tolerance of uncertainty
d. Self-reliance
ANSWER: a
29. Lester owns a small law firm and has a 10-hour workday. Despite keeping long hours, he is open to working on
weekends and holidays if required. He also responds to late-night calls from clients. Which of the following
entrepreneurial characteristics is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Energy
b. Confidence
c. Vision
d. Self-reliance
ANSWER: a
30. Lowell runs a unisex salon and has six 10-hour workdays. If a customer requests him to stay open on the seventh day,
he always obliges. He also provides home services if requested. Which entrepreneurial characteristic is most likely
highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Self-reliance
b. Confidence
c. Energy
d. Vision
ANSWER: c
31. Howard is a young entrepreneur who has invested in creating a new form of social media. He is sure of his idea and
believes that it will be successful in the long run. However, he is careful not to be overoptimistic about it and works on
other ideas as well. In the given scenario, which of the following statements is true of Howard?
a. He has an external locus of control.
b. He is docile.
c. He is a conformist.
d. He is confident but not overconfident regarding his abilities.
ANSWER: d
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32. Jenna left her job as an analyst in a reputed company to start her own event management company at a time when
event management was not in vogue. She was bold enough to take this step despite knowing the amount of risk involved.
Which entrepreneurial characteristic is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Self-reliance
b. Confidence
c. Energy
d. Conformity
ANSWER: b
33. Which of the following is a characteristic of successful entrepreneurs?

a. Tolerance of uncertainty
b. Superciliousness
c. Apathy
d. Intolerance of failure
ANSWER: a
34. Which of the following statements is true of entrepreneurs who are tolerant of uncertainty?
a. They do not accept financial risk willingly.
b. They view the world in shades of gray.
c. They never stake their reputation on the success of an unproven product.
d. They are not self-reliant but are extremely confident.
ANSWER: b
35. Priscilla is a trader of silver and diamond jewelry. Due to a recessionary trend in the industry, her business has not
been making any profits for a few months. As the end of this economic trend cannot be easily ascertained, she decides to
get her house mortgaged so that she can add a new line of business of trading in semi-precious stones. This financial risk
appetite of Priscilla illustrates her _____ as an entrepreneur.
a. high energy levels
b. tolerance of uncertainty
c. tolerance of failure
d. deep visionary sense
ANSWER: b
36. Which of the following statements is true of entrepreneurs who possess tolerance of failure?
a. They do not accept financial risk willingly.
b. They tend to view nonsuccess as a chance to learn.
c. They never stake their reputation on the success of an unproven product.
d. They often name themselves losers when they fail.
ANSWER: b
37. Julian wants to open a bakery. He uses his savings and borrows some funds from his family to start his business. In the
given scenario, Julian uses _____ to fund his business.
a. venture capital
b. crowdfunding
c. commercial loans
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d. personal resources
ANSWER: d
38. Ruben owns an astronomy-themed restaurant. The entire restaurant resembles a planetarium. He has also installed a
projector that transforms the ceiling into a night sky. Ruben used most of his savings to fund this venture and also
borrowed funds from his friends and family. In the given scenario, Ruben used _____ to fund his business.
a. crowdfunding
b. commercial loans
c. personal resources
d. venture capital
ANSWER: c
39. According to small business experts, while raising start-up funds from friends and relatives, it is:
a. acceptable to not repay them.
b. essential to involve them in company dealings.
c. acceptable to not document the financing.
d. essential to keep the relationship as professional as possible.
ANSWER: d
40. Mabel has a business idea of starting a store that would only sell hair products. Although she needs to raise capital to
start her business, she does not want to share the ownership of her firm with anyone else. With a good appetite for risk,
which of the following financing resources would be most ideal for her to start her business?
a. Personal credit cards
b. Angel investors
c. Venture capital firms
d. Microloan program from the U.S. Small Business Administration
ANSWER: a
41. Small business start-ups are likely to find that getting commercial loans are:
a. difficult because lenders are reluctant to give loans to firms that do not have a track record.
b. one of the most flexible ways of obtaining financing because local bankers are usually eager to establish
relationships with new companies.
c. the most difficult because start-ups require higher financing than what banks can offer.
d. the best way to obtain all the financing they need as lenders usually get an ownership stake in the companies.
ANSWER: a
42. Runion Bank is well-known for providing funds to start-ups. The bank lends money to an entrepreneur at an interest
rate of 5%, which is to be repaid only after the business earns a sizable profit. If the business fails, then only the primary
amount needs to be returned. In the given scenario, which of the following statements is true of Runion Bank?
a. It is a venture capital firm.
b. It is an angel investor.
c. It provides loans to entrepreneurs.
d. It helps entrepreneurs in the process of crowdfunding.
ANSWER: c

Name: Class: Date:

43. Lois wants to start an art gallery. However, because of lack of adequate funds, she decides to borrow money from a
bank. The bank is hesitant to give money to Lois because it cannot verify whether her business would be able to earn
enough profit to repay the borrowed amount within the stipulated period. However, after a thorough research, the bank
grants her the money. In the given scenario, Lois uses _____ to fund her business.
a. crowdfunding
b. a loan
c. venture capital
d. a credit card
ANSWER: b
44. In the context of funding options for small businesses, the _____ assists entrepreneurs by partially guaranteeing loans
from local commercial lenders.
a. Federal Reserve
b. Patent and Trademark Office
c. U.S. Small Business Administration
d. Department of the Treasury
ANSWER: c
45. In the context of funding options for small businesses, which of the following offers a potential funding source for
new business start-ups?
a. Peer-to-peer lending
b. A buy-sell agreement
c. A treasury bill
d. Token money
ANSWER: a
46. _____ is the process of funding ventures by raising money from a large number of investors via the Internet.
a. Microloan programing
b. Crowdfunding
c. Activity-based costing
d. Backscratching
ANSWER: b
47. In the context of protecting your start-up, _____ means using metrics, creative strategies, and state-of-the-art
technology to accelerate the advancement of your brand, service, or product far beyond the norm.
a. growth hacking
b. crowdfunding
c. activity-based costing
d. backscratching
ANSWER: a
48. In the context of protecting your start-up, which of the following statements is true of growth hackers?
a. They know their customers inside and out.
b. They restrict the creation of blogs.
c. They prevent customers from participating in conversations related to a brand.
Name: Class: Date:
d. They do not believe in testing different strategies.

ANSWER: a
49. Maurice wants to make a documentary film on the unequal distribution of money in the world and its effect on
different social classes. Instead of approaching a production house, he creates a website for the project where he pitches
his idea through a short video and requests the viewers to donate any amount of money to cover the production cost. In the
given scenario, which of the following is Maurice using to get the capital for his film?
a. A venture capital firm
b. An angel investor
c. Crowdfunding
d. Seed money
ANSWER: c
50. Which of the following is one of the largest crowdfunding sites in terms of traffic?
a. Futurelearn.com
b. Cesim.com
c. Gofundme.com
d. Businessinsider.com
ANSWER: c
51. Herbert gained most of the capital for his new start-up project by posting a small demonstration of his product on a
website that he created especially for the project. Many people showed genuine interest in his product and donated money
to help him launch it. In the given scenario, Herbert:
a. received money for his venture through crowdfunding.
b. received money for his venture from angel investors.
c. was able to fund his project through venture capital.
d. was able to fund his project through seed money.
ANSWER: a
52. In the context of various funding options for small businesses, which of the following statements is a difference
between angel investors and venture capital firms?
a. Angel investors fund only nonprofits, whereas venture capital firms do not fund nonprofits.
b. Angel investors include private organizations, whereas venture capital firms include only government
organizations.
c. Angel investors focus on start-ups in their later stages, whereas venture capital firms focus on low-potential
start-ups.
d. Angel investors are wealthy individuals, whereas venture capital firms are companies.
ANSWER: d
53. Identify a true statement about angel investors.

a. They are wealthy companies that invest in start-up businesses with high growth potential.
b. They invest in start-up businesses without requiring a share of ownership.
c. They look for companies that seem likely to grow at 5% to 10% per year.
d. They invest in promising start-up companies because they want to make money for themselves.
ANSWER: d
Name: Class: Date:
54. Robert wants to start an independent recording studio. In order to finance his start-up, Robert seeks help from Esther,
a successful business magnate. Esther agrees to fund Robert's venture as long as she receives a 20% share of the profits
made by Robert. In the given scenario, Robert receives the financial resources to start his business:
a. from a venture capital firm.
b. through crowdfunding.
c. though a commercial loan.
d. from an angel investor.
ANSWER: d
55. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who is well known for financing many successful start-ups. He has
earned a sizable amount of profit by providing capital to start-ups in return for a share of their profits. In the given
scenario, which of the following statements is true of Richard?
a. He provides venture capital to start-ups.
b. He provides commercial loans to start-ups.
c. He is a general partner.
d. He is an angel investor.
ANSWER: d
56. Which of the following funding options provides advice and guidance to start-up businesses along with the funds?
a. Crowdfunding
b. Venture capital
c. Treasury bills
d. Promissory notes
ANSWER: b
57. Which of the following statements is true of funding options for small businesses?
a. Only 40% of new business owners launch with commercial loans.
b. Only a tiny fraction of new businesses receive any venture capital money.
c. The U.S. Small Business Administration gives free money to start-up businesses.
d. Angel investors invest in start-ups without requiring a share of ownership.
ANSWER: b
58. Jacob is in urgent need of financing for his rapidly-growing online travel business Travelmunch. As Jacob does not
usually pay off his loans on time, his credit score is very low. He feels overwhelmed and thinks that it would be ideal if he
receives some guidance on how to run the business. Given his situation, which of the following key sources of funding
would be ideal for Jacob?
a. A commercial bank loan
b. A venture capital firm
c. An initial public offering
d. A U.S. Small Business Administration loan
ANSWER: b
59. Gemini Inc., a large conglomerate, offered Timothy's new logistics company the much required financial support in
exchange for a 40% ownership in the company. It also provided Timothy with an experienced group of people to help him

Name: Class: Date:

make crucial decisions for the company. In the given scenario, which of the following statements is true of Gemini Inc.?
a. It is an angel investor.
b. It is a venture capital firm.
c. It is a sole proprietor.
d. It provides commercial loans.
ANSWER: b
60. Nestor wants to open a new event management company. Deveon, a multinational company, agrees to fund his
business on the condition that Deveon be given 50% ownership in the company. In the given scenario, Deveon is most
likely a(n) _____.
a. commercial lender
b. sole proprietor
c. venture capital firm
d. angel investor
ANSWER: c
61. Loren LLC is a small bicycle store that competes effectively with much larger companies as its focus lies exclusively
on selling bicycles for senior citizens and patients with orthopedic ailments. The company has been successful as it has:
a. exploited a small but profitable market niche.
b. worked to undercut larger competitors.
c. attracted the best talent in the bicycle market.
d. acquired a patent for its bicycles.
ANSWER: a
62. Mauve starts a business that specializes in procuring and selling antique items. Her business caters specifically to
individuals who have high-income jobs and who like collecting unique artifacts. Mauve does not have much competition
and can decide the prices of her products without any external influence. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the
given scenario.
a. providing personal customer service
b. exploiting market niches
c. using technology
d. having lower overhead costs
ANSWER: b
63. Rahul owns a guitar store that is famous for customizing guitars. From choosing the wood for the body to the type of
pickups, everything can be selected by the customer. This feature attracts beginners and professionals alike to Rahul's
store. The specific nature of the business makes it unique and results in fewer competitors. This allows Rahul to choose
the prices for his services. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
a. exploiting market niches
b. having lower overhead costs
c. providing homogenous service
d. using technology
ANSWER: a
64. Vincent runs a small company that manufactures hand-stitched custom leather shoes for men. His products generally

Name: Class: Date:

attract young, wealthy entrepreneurs who care about their comfort and style. Being a unique business, it does not have
much competition and enjoys monopoly. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
a. using technology
c. exploiting market niches
d. providing homogenous service
ANSWER: c
65. Tina owns a workshop that specializes in making intricate wooden decorative items. She makes scale models of most
of the existing objects around the world. She faces virtually no competition in her business and thus enjoys a stable
growth. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
c. using technology
d. exploiting market niches
ANSWER: d
66. In the context of small business opportunities, which of the following statements is true of market niches?
a. They tend to have many competitors.
b. They fail to offer enough potential for small, specialized companies.
c. They tend to be quite attractive to small firms.
d. They are high-profile enough for large firms.
ANSWER: c
67. In the context of small business opportunities, because of their size, many small firms can:
a. offer personal customer service.
b. have a large span of control.
c. evade compliance with federal regulations.
d. offer health coverage to their employees at a lower cost than large firms.
ANSWER: a
68. Rudy, a food truck owner, has sizable followers on his website where he personally interacts with them and thanks
them for their support. He also lets his followers know his location and the menu for a day in advance. The opportunity of
_____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
a. having lower overhead costs
b. providing personal customer service
d. using technology
ANSWER: b
69. Nuno owns a recording studio with high-quality equipment. He allows artists to schedule sessions based on their
flexibility, and he also allows them to bring their own sound engineer and work with him or her to achieve the desired
result. As a result, his customers frequent his studio and recommend it to their friends and colleagues. The opportunity of
a. using technology
Name: Class: Date:

c. providing personal customer service
ANSWER: c
70. Bertha runs a fashion boutique. She prefers to personally interact with her customers to gauge the styles that would
suit their personality. Her customers also prefer talking to her in person to share their preferences in colors, designs,
styles, and fabric as they value her suggestions. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
b. using technology
d. providing personal customer service
ANSWER: d
71. Luis runs a bakery that offers only takeaway service. His customers visit his residence and watch him prepare their
order. They also get an opportunity to bring their cake designs and help Luis prepare the desired cake. As a result, he
knows most of his customers well. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
c. using technology
ANSWER: a
72. In the context of opportunities and threats, overhead costs for small businesses:
a. tend to be much higher than large businesses.
b. are about the same as big companies.
c. are often lower than big companies.
d. tend to decrease as they grow bigger in size.
ANSWER: c
73. When entrepreneurs of small firms start serving a variety of roles, from CEO to customer service rep, such firms:
a. have a large span of control.
b. are able to offer health coverage to their employees at a lower cost than large firms.
c. have lower overhead costs.
d. are able to evade compliance with federal regulations.
ANSWER: c
74. Robert started his company in his parents' garage because he could not afford to rent an office space. Most of his
finances were spent on procuring the essential items to set up his company. As a result, he was able to save funds for the
future. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
b. using technology
c. having lower overhead costs
ANSWER: c
Name: Class: Date:
75. Olivia runs a spa for women. She employs only two helpers and one receptionist. This enables her to focus most of her
resources on procuring products required to provide comfort and high-quality services to customers. The opportunity of
b. using technology
ANSWER: d
76. James employs an apprentice in his guitar store who gets firsthand knowledge of craftsmanship and the process
involved in becoming a professional luthier. This allows James to have a reliable hand who can assist him in his work
without requiring him to hire a professional luthier. It also enables him to use his financial resources on procuring high-
quality materials to make the guitars. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
c. using technology
ANSWER: a
77. Rachel runs a fashion boutique. She employs five seamstresses to help her in her work. She gives them flexible work
hours and usually allows them to work from their respective homes. However, Rachel does not provide health-care
facilities to her employees, and instead, she uses the financial resources to buy high-quality fabrics. The opportunity of
b. using technology
ANSWER: c
78. Michael wants to launch a new product. He creates a website specifically for this on the Internet and uploads a short
video demonstration of his product on the website. He also appeals to the viewers to make donations to help him start
production. People respond well to his idea and help him collect enough financial resources to start his business. The
opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
a. exploiting a market niche
b. providing personal customer service
d. using technology
ANSWER: d
79. Herbert uses prominent social media websites to promote his newly opened restaurant. He constantly posts
promotional offers and provides coupons that customers can redeem to avail discounts when they dine in the restaurant.
The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
b. using technology
c. having lower labor costs
Name: Class: Date:

ANSWER: b
80. Angela runs a fashion boutique for women. Her customers can use an online editing software to create a rough image
of the design and style they want Angela to use. The opportunity of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
a. using technology
c. providing homogenous service
ANSWER: a
81. Caroline owns an online jewelry store. She has developed a smartphone application for her business that allows her
customers to take their pictures and try out virtual jewelry over those pictures before placing the orders. The opportunity
of _____ is highlighted in the given scenario.
c. using technology
ANSWER: c
82. Which of the following is a threat that a small business is most likely to face?
a. Unavailability of technology
b. Incompetent customer service
c. High risk of failure
d. High overhead costs
ANSWER: c
83. Ronit has been involved in many start-up projects. However, none of his ventures have been successful because of
severe competition in the market and personal issues such as poor health and lack of dedication. Which of the following
threats is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Too little money
b. Lack of knowledge
c. High risk of failure
d. Bigger regulatory burden
ANSWER: c
84. Brian had started a new business venture using majority of his savings. However, his divorce affected him monetarily
because of which he had to shut down his business. Which of the following threats is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Bigger regulatory burden
b. High risk of failure
c. Too little money
d. Lack of knowledge
ANSWER: b
85. Margie dropped out of college to pursue her passion for cooking. With personal resources to fund her initial capital,
Name: Class: Date:

she started a food truck in one of the busiest streets of her hometown. After a month of running the food truck, Margie
realized that she was not getting enough customers because there were several other similar food trucks in the area. In this
scenario, which of the following threats did Margie's business face?
a. Narrow market niche
b. Weak internal locus of control
c. Lack of knowledge and experience
d. Lack of funds
ANSWER: c
86. Mohit is very passionate about music and opens a recording studio of his own. However, he does not know much
about running a business and within a short period, starts running into losses. Therefore, he shuts down the business.
Which of the following threats is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Too little money
b. Higher health insurance costs
c. Bigger regulatory burden
ANSWER: d
87. Rosa has several creative ideas for organizing events and starts an event management company. However, with little
knowledge about running a business, she is unable to handle the finance and marketing sides of the business. As a result,
she faces huge losses and eventually shuts down the company. Which of the following threats is highlighted in the given
scenario?
a. Lack of knowledge
b. Too little money
c. Bigger regulatory burden
d. Higher health insurance costs
ANSWER: a
88. Timothy wanted to start a coffeehouse. However, he could not buy a space to start his business because of lack of
funds. Which of the following threats is highlighted in the given scenario?
a. Bigger regulatory burden
b. High risk of failure
c. Too little money
ANSWER: c
89. David wants to open a new gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment and qualified trainers. However, he can only
afford either of the two. He decides to get the equipment first to start the gym. However, without qualified trainers to
operate the equipment, David loses his customers and is forced to shut down the gym. Which of the following threats is
most likely highlighted in the given scenario?
a. High risk of failure
b. Too little money
c. Lack of knowledge
d. Bigger regulatory burden
ANSWER: b

Name: Class: Date:

90. Which of the following is an intimidating obstacle that small businesses face?
a. Complications in technology
b. High health insurance costs
c. High overhead costs
d. Lack of personal customer service
ANSWER: b
91. Deborah dreams of owning a pub in the heart of the city that she lives in. Deborah has the music, ideas, and menu in
place, and the funds required to start the pub. Which of the following suggestions is most likely to help Deborah realize
her dream?
a. Deborah should buy a pub that is already established.
b. Deborah should start from scratch.
c. Deborah should buy a franchise of a well-known pub.
d. Deborah should sell her ideas to wealthy pub owners.
ANSWER: b
92. Which of the following is an advantage of starting a business from scratch?

a. You do not have to deal with a prior owner's bad decisions.
b. Your concept, organizational structure, and operating practices are already in place.
c. Relationships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are already established.
d. Getting financing and credit is less challenging.
ANSWER: a
93. Which of the following is a disadvantage of starting a business from scratch?

a. It takes sheer sweat equity to build a customer base.
b. The entrepreneur incurs high overhead costs.
c. It results in incompetent customer service.
d. There is no scope for creativity.
ANSWER: a
94. Which of the following statements is true of starting a business from scratch?
a. It is hard to get credit from both lenders and suppliers.
b. It results in high overhead costs.
c. The ongoing percent-of-sales royalty fee can be very high.
d. There is no scope for creativity.
ANSWER: a
95. Buying an established business is a better plan than starting your business from scratch because:
a. you have more creative freedom.
b. you can choose your stakeholders.
c. the organizational structure is in place.
d. the chance of first-year failure is zero.
ANSWER: c

Name: Class: Date:

96. Which of the following statements is true of buying an established business?
a. There is more creative freedom than when starting a business from scratch.
b. Relationships with customers have to be established.
c. Getting financing and credit is less challenging than when starting a business from scratch.
d. The chance of first-year failure is zero.
ANSWER: c
97. Natalie is a professional baker who dreams of owning her own cake business. She does not have any ideas or concepts
for starting a cake shop, but her wealthy uncle is ready to fund her initial capital. Natalie's risk appetite is low and she
wants to run a business that has less than 10 percent chances of first-year failure. Which of the following could be the best
solution for Natalie to pursue her dream of owning a cake shop?
a. Starting her own cake shop from scratch
b. Buying an established cake shop in town
c. Buying a cake shop franchise
d. Enrolling in a business school
ANSWER: c
98. Which of the following is a drawback of buying a franchise?

a. Half of the franchisees of a brand fail in their first year of operations.
b. If the national brand suffers, so does the business.
c. The concept, organizational structure, and operating practices may be wrong.
d. The buyer has to finance the operation of the franchise.
ANSWER: b
99. When buying a franchise, _____.

a. the first-year failure rate is very high
b. the initial purchase price can be steep
c. it can be hard to get credit from suppliers
d. it takes sheer sweat equity to build a customer base
ANSWER: b
100. In the context of becoming a successful small business owner, which of the following is a good rule to follow?
a. Developing a business owner's directory after consulting a recent business management graduate
b. Approaching venture capital firms to seek funds instead of going to personal financing resources
c. Delaying business promotion until you have recovered all the investments
d. Getting roughly three years of experience working for someone else in the field that interests you
ANSWER: d
101. Ethan is in the process of launching his new business venture that specializes in electronic waste recycling. During
this period, he has been in constant touch with Lois Inc., who has seen success in this niche market. In this scenario,
which of the following entrepreneurial development strategies is Ethan utilizing?
a. Developing a business plan
b. Accessing the U.S. Small Business Administration resources
c. Fueling innovation
d. Learning from others
Name: Class: Date:
ANSWER: d
102. Which of the following pieces of information is found in the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) resources?
a. Health tips for entrepreneurs
b. Industry-specific statistics
c. Updates on multibillion-dollar business regulations
d. Tips on making a company public
ANSWER: b
103. _____ are local offices—affiliated with the U.S Small Business Administration—that provide comprehensive
management assistance to current and prospective small business owners.
a. Small Business Development Centers
b. Small Business Incubation Offices
c. Small Business Advancement Stations
d. Small Business Creation Sites
ANSWER: a
104. The Small Business Administration (SBA) supports the _____, which provides free, comprehensive counseling for
small businesses from qualified volunteers.
a. Service Corps of Retired Executives
b. Center for Strategic and International Studies
c. American Veterans Center
d. Humane Society of the United States
ANSWER: a
105. A _____ is a formal document that describes a business concept, outlines core business objectives, and details
strategies and timelines for achieving those objectives.
a. business warrant
b. business resource
c. business directory
d. business plan
ANSWER: d
106. In the context of the various strategies that can help a small business owner succeed, a _____ provides an invaluable
way to keep an entrepreneur and his or her team focused on success; it is also absolutely crucial for obtaining outside
funding.
a. business warrant
b. business resource
c. business directory
d. business plan
ANSWER: d
107. Which of the following statements is true of a business plan?

a. It should not consider the competition.
b. It should be finalized before approaching personal funding sources.
Name: Class: Date:
c. It includes an executive summary, which is at least 10 pages long.

d. It is absolutely crucial for obtaining outside funding.
ANSWER: d
108. In the context of the statistics provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), _____.
a. small businesses comprise 15.5% of all businesses in the United States
b. the opening of new businesses has accounted for over 40% of net new jobs in the U.S. economy over the past
two decades
c. small businesses comprise 49.5% of all businesses in the United States
d. the opening of new businesses has accounted for over 80% of net new jobs in the U.S. economy over the past
two decades
ANSWER: b
109. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to officially count as "small," _____.
a. a business should have at least 500 employees, excluding the self-employed
b. the average revenue of a business should range from $0.75 million to $28.5 million
c. the number of employees of a business should range from fewer than 50 to 100
d. the average revenue of a business should be between $30 million and $40 million
ANSWER: b
110. Beyond the sheer value of the goods and services they generate, small businesses make a powerful contribution to the
U.S. economy in terms of:
a. merging billion-dollar corporations.
b. powering the stock market.
c. creating new jobs.
d. accounting for all private sector output.
ANSWER: c
111. Which of the following is a powerful contribution made by small businesses to the U.S. economy?
a. Mergers of billion-dollar corporations
b. Powering the stock market
c. Vitalizing inner cities
d. Accounting for all private sector output
ANSWER: c
112. In the context of the U.S. economy, small businesses:

a. do not create a significant percentage of new jobs.
b. do not contribute significantly to gross domestic products.
c. are often the first to contract when times are tough.
d. have an insignificant impact on the state of the economy.
ANSWER: c
113. Small firms tend to be effective innovators for a number of reasons. Most importantly, their very reason for being
often ties to:
a. a brand-new idea.
Name: Class: Date:
b. a large span of control.

c. a search for crowdfunders.
d. the presence of bureaucracy.
ANSWER: a
114. In the context of the U.S. economy, which of the following statements is true of small businesses?
a. They are less likely to develop revolutionary new ideas.
b. They have a wider span of control than large businesses.
c. They are often the last to contract when times are tough.
d. They often display a refreshing lack of bureaucracy.
ANSWER: d
115. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the most effective way to evaluate entrepreneurship
levels is by phase. A country's total early-phase entrepreneurship rate includes the:
a. percentage of adults who have been running their own business from three months to 3.5 years.
b. number of middle-aged workers who have turned into necessity entrepreneurs after being laid off from their
corporate jobs.
c. percentage of millennials who have decided to start their own venture after retirement.
d. number of adults who have proven their entrepreneurship capabilities despite repeated failures.
ANSWER: a
116. In low-income countries, a high percentage of entrepreneurs are considered _____.

a. necessity entrepreneurs
b. rational entrepreneurs
c. social entrepreneurs
d. voluntary entrepreneurs
ANSWER: a
117. Which of the following statements is true of necessity entrepreneurship in high-income countries?
a. The rate of necessity entrepreneurship is low.
b. The risks of necessity entrepreneurship are low.
c. Necessity entrepreneurship is a major contributor to the nation's economy.
d. Necessity entrepreneurship occurs when there are several sources of income.
ANSWER: a
118. The sense of urgency regarding entrepreneurship tends to fall when fear of failure is low. This most likely happens in
countries where:
a. there is a low level of employment protection.
b. a person is given financial support if he or she gets fired.
c. limited personal resources are available.
d. strict business regulations are set by the government.
ANSWER: b
119. The nation of Rhodasia has the lowest entrepreneurship rate globally. A new government, headed by President
Harold David Wengerd, aims to make the country's business environment more supportive toward burgeoning
Name: Class: Date:

entrepreneurs. Which of the following measures should be taken to increase the entrepreneurship rate in Rhodasia?
a. Increasing unemployment insurance available to employees
b. Eliminating complex regulations placed on businesses
c. Mandating that all businesses must provide employee health insurance
d. Initiating employment protection laws
ANSWER: b
120. A thriving cowboy culture encourages entrepreneurship. The term "cowboy culture" refers to a culture where:
a. strict regulations lead to the creation of joint ventures between large corporations and nonprofits.
b. standout individuals who break free of old ways attract attention and admiration in many of the countries with
high entrepreneurship rates.
c. it is mandatory for all businesses to provide health insurance to employees.
d. the employment protection laws established by the government motivate people to turn into necessity
entrepreneurs when the need arises.
ANSWER: b
121. In the context of launching a new venture, the prime age for entrepreneurship is late 40s to early 50s.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
122. For entrepreneurs, there is no correlation between dollars earned and hours worked.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
123. Some businessmen, called necessity entrepreneurs, launch their business because they believe it is their only
economic option.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
124. When entrepreneurs develop new products that we didn't even know we needed until we had them, they are showing
the entrepreneurial characteristic of vision.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
125. Self-reliance is a characteristic that most successful entrepreneurs possess.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
126. In the context of self-reliance, when things go well, people with an internal locus of control feel that the actions of
other people have led to their success.
Name: Class: Date:
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
127. In the context of self-reliance, people with an external locus of control rely more on their own efforts and less on the
actions of others.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
128. External locus of control is a deep-seated sense that the individual is personally responsible for what happens in his
or her life.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
129. Dominic feels that an incredible string of bad luck has affected his personal life. He also feels that his boss is
subjecting him to unfair treatment at work for no fault of his. Dominic's perceptions suggest that he has an internal locus
of control.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
130. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) gives free money to start-up businesses.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
131. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) gives interest-free loans to start-up businesses and fully guarantees
loans from local commercial lenders.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
132. The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) microloan program lends an average of $50,000 to start-up
businesses through community nonprofit organizations.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
133. Ted's new company is experiencing a steady decline in profit. He needs external financing to prevent his company's
profits from declining further. Considering the fact that he wants to exercise sole ownership and control over the firm for
as long as possible, Ted is likely to find angel investors who are interested in helping him meet his financial needs.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
Name: Class: Date:
134. Small businesses often have an advantage in foreign markets where customers want to deal directly with a company's
top management.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
135. Rudy owns a small metal fabrication business that employs 23 workers. As the owner of a small business, one of the
major advantages that Rudy enjoys while competing with larger firms is reduced burden of complying with government
regulations.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
136. Administrative costs for small health plans are much higher for large firms making it tougher for small firms to offer
coverage to their employees.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
137. An advantage of starting a business from scratch is that the entrepreneur has the freedom to use his or her own ideas
and concepts.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
138. An effective business plan is usually 25 to 50 pages long.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
139. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) shows that people living in high-income countries tend to be much
more willing to start their own businesses than people living low-income countries.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
140. Based on statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses comprise 49.9% of all businesses
in the United States.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
141. Based on statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses account for 78% of all
private sector employees.
a. True
Name: Class: Date:
b. False
ANSWER: False
142. For research purposes, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines small business as companies with up
to 1000 employees.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
143. In the context of the U.S. economy, small firms tend to be effective innovators because of the presence of
revolutionary new ideas.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
144. Small businesses generate 50% of total employment in American inner cities.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
145. In the context of small businesses and the economy of a country, entrepreneurship rates are significantly lower in
countries where it is hard to get fired.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
146. Describe any two basic qualities that define successful entrepreneurs.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. Two basic qualities that define successful entrepreneurs are tolerance of uncertainty and
tolerance of failure.
Tolerance of Uncertainty:
More often than others, entrepreneurs see the world in shades of gray, rather than simply black and white.
They tend to embrace uncertainty in the business environment, turning it to their advantage rather than shying
away. Uncertainty also relates to risk, and successful entrepreneurs tend to more willingly accept risk—
financial risk, for instance, such as mortgaging their home for the business, and professional risk, such as
staking their reputation on the success of an unproven product.
Tolerance of Failure:
Even when they fail, entrepreneurs seldom label themselves losers. They tend to view failure as a chance to
learn, rather than as a sign that they just can't do it (whatever "it" may be for them at any given moment).
Failure can actually be an effective springboard for achievement.
147. Peter decides to open a large store that sells organic farm products, but he is unsure about how to obtain the funding
he needs to get started. He calculates the start-up funding that he will need as $50,000. What type of funding would be
appropriate for this type of business? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of funding?
ANSWER: Answers will vary. Peter can get funding from personal resources. Most new firms typically tap personal
resources such as family, friends, and credit cards. According to Consumer Reports, 68 percent of total start-
up financing comes from personal resources. If individuals do borrow from family or friends, virtually every
small business expert recommends that they keep the relationship as professional as possible. If the business
fails, a professional agreement can preserve personal ties. And if the business succeeds, they will need top-
Name: Class: Date:
quality documentation of financing from family and friends to get larger-scale backing from outside sources.
Peter can get a credit card from his banker. A personal credit card can be especially handy—though highly
risky—financing resource. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly half of all start-ups are funded with
plastic. Credit cards do provide fast, flexible money, but if individuals do not pay their card companies fast,
they will find themselves socked with financing fees that can take years to pay off.
148. Identify and describe two opportunities and two threats pertaining to the success of small businesses.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. Most small businesses enjoy a number of advantages as they compete for customers. But
they also must defuse a range of daunting potential threats to succeed long term.
Opportunities:
Market Niches: Many small firms are uniquely positioned to exploit market niches. These sparsely occupied
spaces in the market tend to have fewer competitors because they simply aren't big enough—or high enough
profile—for large firms. They nonetheless offer more than enough potential for small, specialized companies.
Personal Customer Service: With a smaller customer base, small firms can develop much more personal
relationships with individual customers. The personal touch can be especially beneficial in some foreign
markets, where clients prize the chance to deal directly with top management.
Threats:
High Risk of Failure: Starting a new business involves risk—a lot of risk—but the odds improve significantly
if one makes it past the first five years.
Lack of Knowledge and Experience: People typically launch businesses because they either have expertise in a
particular area or because they have a breakthrough idea. In-depth knowledge in a specific area doesn't
necessarily mean expertise in running a business. Successful business owners must know everything from
finance to human resources to marketing.
149. Identify the core questions a business plan should address.

ANSWER: Answers will vary. A typical business plan is about 25–50 pages long and takes about six months to write.
While the specifics may change by industry, the basic elements of any business plan answer these core
questions:
• What service or product does your business provide, and what needs does it fill?
• Who are the potential customers for your product or service, and why will they purchase it from you?
• How will you reach your potential customers?
• Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?
• When can you expect to achieve profitability?
150. Explain the significance of small businesses in the U.S. economy.

ANSWER: Answers will vary. Beyond the sheer value of the goods and services small businesses generate, small
businesses make a powerful contribution to the U.S. economy in terms of creating new jobs, fueling
innovation, and vitalizing inner cities. While small businesses are quick to add new jobs, they're often the first
to contract when times are tough; instability comes with the territory. Small patenting firms produce about 16
times more patents per employee than their large-firm counterparts, and those patents are twice as likely to be
found among the top 1 percent of highest-impact patents. Small business comprises more than 99 percent of
inner-city business establishments. In addition to creating new jobs, small businesses generate 80 percent of
total employment in American inner cities, providing a springboard for economic development.

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CAPITOLO XVI.
LA FINE.
Quando giunse il momento, per Ernesto e per me, di recarci a

Washington, il papà non volle accompagnarci: si era appassionato
alla vita proletaria. Egli considerava il nostro misero rione come un
vasto laboratorio sociologico, e sembrava travolto in una
interminabile orgia di ricerche. Fraternizzava con gli operai, ed era
ammesso con intimità in numerose famiglie; inoltre faceva dei lavori
in pelle, essendo il lavoro manuale, per lui, una distrazione e, nello
stesso tempo, oggetto di osservazioni scientifiche. Vi prendeva
gusto e rincasava con le tasche piene di appunti, sempre pronto a
raccontare qualche nuova avventura. Era il tipo perfetto dello
scienziato.
Non era obbligato a lavorare, perchè Ernesto guadagnava, con le
sue traduzioni, tanto da mantenere tutti e tre; ma papà si ostinava a
voler conquistare il suo tipo d’ideale preferito che, a giudicare dalla
varietà delle metamorfosi professionali, doveva essere Proteo.
Non dimenticherò mai la sera in cui ci portò il suo inventario di
merciaio ambulante, venditore di lacci e bretelle, nè il giorno in cui
entrai per comperare della roba nella drogheria d’angolo e fui servita
da lui. Dopo ciò, seppi, senza troppa sorpresa, che era stato per
tutta una settimana, garzone nel bar di fronte a noi. Fu,
successivamente, guardia notturna, rivenditore ambulante di patate,
incollatore di cartellini in un negozio d’imballaggio, facchino in una
fabbrica di scatole di cartone, portatore d’acqua in una squadra
impiegata nella costruzione di una linea tranviaria; e seppi pure che
si era fatto accogliere nel Sindacato dei lavoratori di vasellame, poco
tempo prima che questo fosse sciolto.
Credo che fosse affascinato dall’esempio del vescovo, o, perlomeno,
dall’abito di lavoro di quello, perchè usava anch’egli un camiciotto di
cotone di poco prezzo, e un vestito di tela con una stretta cintura sui
fianchi. Della sua vita antica, conservò solo l’abitudine di cambiarsi
l’abito pel pranzo, o, meglio, per la cena.
Io ero felice, in qualunque luogo, con Ernesto; e la felicità di mio
padre, in quelle condizioni, aumentava la mia.
— Da piccolo, — diceva, — ero molto curioso. Volevo sapere tutti i
perchè e i come. In questo modo, del resto, divenni uno scienziato.
Oggi, la vita mi sembra degna di osservazione, come nella mia
infanzia; e in fondo, è la nostra curiosità che la rende degna d’essere
vissuta.
Talvolta, si spingeva a nord di Market Street, nel quartiere dei negozi
e dei teatri, e là vendeva giornali, faceva commissioni, il portiere. Un
giorno, chiudendo lo sportello di una vettura, si trovò a faccia a
faccia con il signor Wickson. E con gran giubilo ci raccontò di
quell’incidente, la sera stessa.
— Wickson mi ha guardato attentamente, mentre chiudevo lo
sportello, e ha mormorato: — Oh! che il diavolo mi porti! — Proprio
così si è espresso: — Oh! il diavolo mi porti! Era arrossito, così
confuso, che ha dimenticato di darmi la mancia. Ma riacquistò il suo
spirito ben presto, giacchè, dopo pochi giri di ruota, la vettura ritornò
al punto di partenza, e Wickson si sporse dal finestrino e si rivolse a
me:
— Voi, professore, come mai? Oh! è troppo! Che cosa posso fare
per voi?
— Ho chiuso il vostro sportello, — risposi. — Secondo l’uso, potreste
darmi una piccola mancia.
— Non si tratta di questo, — borbottò. — Voglio dire fare qualche
cosa che vi possa giovare.
— Parlava seriamente; provava senza dubbio, un dolore lancinante,
nella sua coscienza indurita. Indugiai un po’ prima di rispondere:
quando apersi la bocca, egli mi ascoltò attentamente: ma avreste
dovuto vederlo quando ebbi finito.
— Ebbene, — dissi, — potreste forse rendermi la casa e le mie
azioni delle Filande della Sierra.
Papà s’interruppe.
— Che cosa rispose? — chiesi con impazienza.
— Nulla: che cosa poteva rispondere? Ma io ripresi la parola: —
Spero che siate felice. — Egli mi guardava con curiosità e sorpresa.
Insistetti: — Ditemi, siete felice? — Immediatamente, diede ordine al
cocchiere di partire, e lo udii che bestemmiava furiosamente. Quel
malnato non mi aveva dato la mancia e tanto meno restituito la mia
casa e i miei poderi. Vedi, dunque, cara, che la carriera di tuo padre,
come factotum di strada, è cosparsa di delusioni.
Per questo amore all’osservazione, papà rimase nel nostro
appartamento di Pell Street, mentre Ernesto ed io andavamo a
Washington. L’antico ordine delle cose era virtualmente morto, e il
colpo di grazia stava per giungere prima di quanto immaginassi.
Contrariamente alla nostra aspettativa, non fu fatto nessun
ostruzionismo per impedire ai socialisti eletti di prendere possesso
dei loro seggi al Congresso. Sembrava che tutto camminasse su
delle ruote, e io ridevo di Ernesto che vedeva perfino in questa
facilità come un sinistro presagio. Trovammo i nostri compagni
socialisti pieni di fiducia nelle loro forze, e pieni di disegni ottimisti.
Alcuni fittavoli eletti al Congresso avevano accresciuto la nostra
potenza; così che elaborammo con loro un programma
particolareggiato di ciò che v’era da fare. Ernesto partecipava
lealmente ed energicamente a questi lavori, quantunque non
potesse fare a meno di ripetere, ogni tanto, e apparentemente fuori
di proposito: «Quanto alla polvere, le combinazioni chimiche valgono
meglio dei miscugli meccanici, credetemi!».
Le cose cominciarono a guastarsi, per i fittavoli, negli Stati di cui si
erano impadroniti con le elezioni: non fu permesso ai nuovi eletti di
prendere possesso della loro carica. I predecessori si rifiutavano di
cedere loro il posto, e, col semplice pretesto di irregolarità elettorali
imbrogliarono le cose in un dedalo di procedura burocratica.
I fittavoli furono ridotti all’impotenza: i tribunali, loro ultima speme,
erano nelle mani dei nemici. Il momento era difficilissimo: tutto
sarebbe stato perduto se i contadini, così ingannati, avessero fatto
appello alla violenza. Noi socialisti impiegavamo tutte le nostre forze
per trattenerli.
Ernesto passò giorni e notti senza chiudere occhio. I grandi capi dei
fittavoli vedevano il pericolo e operavano in perfetto accordo con noi.
Ma tutto questo non servì a nulla: l’oligarchia voleva la violenza, e
mise in azione i suoi agenti provocatori, i quali, indiscutibilmente,
provocarono la rivolta dei contadini.
Questa scoppiò nei dodici Stati. I fittavoli espropriati si
impadronirono, a forza, dei loro Governi. Essendo questo modo di
procedere incostituzionale, gli Stati Uniti misero in moto l’esercito; gli
agenti del Tallone di Ferro eccitavano ovunque la popolazione,
travestiti da artigiani, fittavoli o contadini. A Sacramento, capitale
della California, i padroni erano riusciti a mantenere l’ordine, quando
un nuvolo di poliziotti segreti si rovesciò sulla città condannata. Dei
gruppi composti esclusivamente di spie incendiarono e
saccheggiarono diversi fabbricati e officine, e infiammarono le menti
del popolo a tal punto, che esso si unì con loro nel saccheggio. Per
alimentare questo incendio, fu distribuito l’alcool a flutti nei quartieri
poveri. Poi, quando tutto fu pronto, entrarono in iscena le truppe
degli Stati Uniti, che erano in realtà i soldati del Tallone di Ferro.
Undicimila uomini, donne e bambini, furono fucilati per le strade di
Sacramento, o assassinati nelle case. Il Governo nazionale prese il
posto del Governo di Stato, e tutto fu perduto per la California.
Anche altrove le cose andarono in modo analogo. Tutti gli Stati
dell’Unione delle Fattorie, furono domati con la violenza e affogati
nel sangue. Come sempre, dapprima il disordine era scatenato dagli
agenti segreti e dalle Centurie Nere, poi, immediatamente le truppe
regolari erano chiamate in soccorso. La sommossa e il terrore
regnavano in tutti i distretti.
Giorno e notte fumigavano gl’incendî delle fattorie e dei negozi, delle
città e dei villaggi. Si ricorse all’uso della dinamite: si fecero saltare
ponti, gallerie, deragliare i treni. I poveri fittavoli furono fucilati e
impiccati in massa. Le rappresaglie furono terribili: numerosi
plutocrati e ufficiali furono massacrati. I cuori erano assetati di
sangue e di vendetta. L’esercito regolare combatteva i possidenti
con l’accanimento che avrebbero usato contro i pellirosse, nè
mancavano le scuse per questo. Duemilaottocento soldati etano stati
annientati nell’Oregon da una spaventosa serie di esplosioni di
dinamite, e numerosi treni militari erano stati distrutti nello stesso
modo, così che i soldati difendevano la loro pelle, proprio come i
fittavoli.
Circa la milizia, la legge del 1903 venne applicata, e i lavoratori di
ogni Stato furono obbligati, pena la morte, a fucilare i loro compagni
degli altri Stati. Naturalmente le cose non andarono lisce in principio:
molti ufficiali furono uccisi, e molti cittadini condannati dal Consiglio
di guerra. La profezia di Ernesto si avverò con spaventosa
precisione, circa il signor M. Kowalt e il signor Asmunsen. Tutti e
due, dichiarati idonei per la milizia, furono arruolati in California per
la spedizione di repressione contro i fittavoli del Missuri. Tutti e due
rifiutarono di prestar servizio; ma non fu loro concesso neppure il
tempo di confessarsi: sottoposti a un Consiglio di guerra
improvvisato, furono subito bell’e spacciati. Morirono tutti e due con
la schiena rivolta al plotone di esecuzione.
Molti giovanotti, per non servire nella milizia, si rifugiarono sulle
montagne e diventarono disertori, ma vennero in seguito puniti, in
tempi migliori. Non avevano guadagnato nulla aspettando, perchè il
Governo fece un proclama invitante i cittadini abili ad abbandonare
le montagne entro il termine massimo di tre mesi. Alla scadenza del
termine, mezzo milione di soldati furono mandati ovunque nelle
regioni montuose; e non ci fu nè processo, nè giudizio: ogni uomo
che incontravano era ucciso sul posto. La truppa agiva secondo il
criterio che solo i proscritti erano restati in montagna. Qualche
gruppo, trincerato in forti posizioni, resistette valorosamente, ma alla
fine tutti i disertori dalla milizia furono sterminati.
Nello stesso tempo, nella mente del popolo era impressa una
lezione più immediata, col castigo inflitto alla milizia ribelle del
Kansas. Questa rivolta importantissima avvenne proprio al principio
delle operazioni militari contro i fittavoli. Seimila uomini della milizia
si sollevarono: da parecchie settimane erano turbolenti e
malcontenti, ed erano tenuti prigionieri per questo motivo. È fuori
dubbio, però, che la prima rivolta fu precipitata da agenti provocatori.
Nella notte del 22 aprile, gli uomini di truppa si ammutinarono ed
uccisero gli ufficiali, di cui solo pochi poterono sfuggire al massacro.
Questo oltrepassava il programma del Tallone di Ferro, i cui agenti
avevano lavorato sin troppo bene. Ma tutto era grano buono da
macinare per la plutocrazia, ormai preparata all’esplosione:
l’uccisione di tanti ufficiali avrebbe fornito una giustificazione per
quanto sarebbe accaduto dopo.
Come in sogno, quarantamila uomini dell’esercito regolare
circondarono l’accampamento, o, meglio, la trappola. Gl’infelici militi
si accorsero che le cartucce prese al deposito non erano del calibro
dei loro fucili, ed innalzarono la bandiera bianca per arrendersi, ma
fu vano: nessuno di essi sopravvisse. I seimila furono sterminati.
Dapprima bombardati da lungi con scariche di obici e di shrapnels,
furono poi falciati, a colpi di mitragliatrice, mentre si lanciavano
disperatamente contro le linee che li attorniavano. Ho parlato con un
testimonio oculare: egli mi ha detto che neppure un milite potè
avvicinarsi a meno di cinquanta metri da quella macchina micidiale.
Il suolo era cosparso di cadaveri. In una carica finale di cavalleria, i
feriti furono massacrati a colpi di sciabola e di rivoltella e schiacciati
sotto gli zoccoli dei cavalli.
Mentre avveniva la distruzione dei contadini, accadeva la rivolta dei
minatori, ultimo rantolo d’agonia del lavoro organizzato. Dichiararono
sciopero in centocinquantamila. Ma erano troppo sparsi in tanti
paesi, per poter avere vantaggio della loro forza numerica. Furono
isolati nei loro rispettivi distretti, battuti e obbligati a sottomettersi. Fu
la prima operazione di reclutamento di schiavi, in massa. Pocock vi
guadagnò i galloni di capociurma supremo, e nello stesso tempo un
odio inestinguibile da parte del proletariato [89]. La sua vita fu
soggetta a numerosi attentati; ma sembrava che possedesse un
talismano contro la morte. I minatori devono a lui l’introduzione di un
sistema di passaporto alla russa, che tolse loro la libertà di andare
da una parte all’altra del Paese.
Pure, i socialisti resistevano. Mentre i contadini spiravano fra le
fiamme e il sangue, mentre il sindacalismo era smantellato, noi
rimanevamo compatti e perfezionavamo le nostre organizzazioni
segrete. Inutilmente i fittavoli ci facevano rimostranze: noi
rispondevamo, e con ragione, che qualunque rivolta da parte nostra
sarebbe stata la fine di ogni rivoluzione, per sempre. Il Tallone di
Ferro, dapprima titubante circa il modo di agire con l’insieme del
proletariato, avrebbe trovato le cose più semplici e lisce che non si
aspettasse, e non avrebbe desiderato altro, per finirla una buona
volta, che una sollevazione da parte nostra. Ma noi sventammo
questo, a dispetto degli agenti provocatori che brulicavano nelle
nostre file, e usavano sistemi molto grossolani, in quei tempi, e
avevano molto da imparare. Costoro furono dai nostri gruppi di
combattimento soppiantati a poco a poco.
Fu un compito arduo e sanguinoso, ma lottavamo per la nostra vita e
per la Rivoluzione, ed eravamo obbligati a combattere il nemico colle
sue stesse armi. Però noi combattevamo con lealtà. Nessun agente
del Tallone di Ferro fu giustiziato senza processo. Può darsi che si
siano commessi errori, ma se vi furono, furono molto rari. I nostri
Gruppi di Combattimento erano formati dai migliori nostri compagni,
dai più arditi, dai più disposti al sacrificio di se stessi.
Un giorno, dopo dieci anni, Ernesto fece un calcolo: servendosi dei
dati forniti dai capi di questi Gruppi, calcolò che la durata media della
vita degli iscritti, uomini e donne, non oltrepassasse i cinque anni.
Tutti i Compagni dei Gruppi di Combattimento erano degli eroi; e il
più strano è che a tutti essi ripugnava attentare alla vita umana.
Quegli amanti della libertà, facevano violenza alla loro natura,
pensando che nessun sacrificio era troppo grande per una causa
così nobile. [90]
Lo scopo che ci eravamo imposti era triplo. Volevamo, per primo,
purgare le nostre file dagli agenti provocatori; in seguito, organizzare
i Gruppi di Combattimento all’infuori dell’organizzazione segreta e
generale della Rivoluzione; in ultimo, introdurre i nostri agenti scelti,
in tutti i rami dell’Oligarchia, nelle caste operaie, specialmente fra i
telegrafisti, segretari e commessi, nell’Esercito, fra le spie e i
guardiaciurme. Era un’opera lenta e pericolosa, e spesso i nostri
sforzi fallivamo.
Il Tallone di Ferro aveva trionfato nella guerra aperta: ma noi
stavamo all’erta, nell’altra guerra, sotterranea, sconcertante e
terribile che avevamo intrapresa. In questa lotta tutto era invisibile,
quasi tutto imprevisto: come una lotta fra ciechi, ma fatta con molto
ordine, secondo uno scopo e una direttiva. I nostri agenti
s’insinuavano fra gli ingranaggi di tutta l’organizzazione del Tallone
di Ferro mentre la nostra era permeata dagli agenti avversarî;
secondo una tattica tortuosa ed oscura, piena di intrighi e
cospirazioni, di mine e contromine. E dietro tutto questo, sempre
minacciosa, stava la morte, la morte violenta e terribile. Uomini e
donne sparivano, i nostri migliori, i nostri più cari compagni. Si
vedevano oggi, domani erano svaniti, e non si rivedevano mai più, e
sapevamo che erano morti.
Non c’erano più, in nessun luogo, nè sicurezza nè fiducia. L’uomo
che complottava con noi poteva essere un agente del Tallone di
Ferro. Ma era lo stesso dalle due parti; eppure eravamo costretti a
lavorare con fiducia e certezza. Fummo spesso traditi; la natura
umana è debole. Il Tallone di Ferro poteva dare denaro e
divertimenti nelle sue meravigliose città di piacere e di riposo; noi
non avevamo altre attrattive che la soddisfazione di essere fedeli a
un nobile ideale; e questa lealtà non aspettava altra ricompensa che
il continuo pericolo, la tortura e la morte.
La morte costituiva l’unico mezzo di cui disponevamo per punire
quella debolezza umana; ed era una necessità per noi castigare i
traditori. Quando accadeva che uno dei nostri ci tradisse, uno o più
vendicatori fedeli erano lanciati alle sue calcagna. Poteva accadere
di fallire nell’esecuzione dei nostri decreti contro i nostri nemici,
come nel caso di Pocock, ma la punizione era infallibile quando si
trattava di castigare i falsi fratelli. Alcuni compagni si lasciarono
corrompere col nostro permesso, per avere accesso nelle città
meravigliose, ed eseguirvi le nostre sentenze contro i veri venduti.
Ma, in fondo, esercitavamo un tale timore, che era più pericoloso
tradirci, che restarci fedeli.
La Rivoluzione assumeva un carattere profondamente religioso. Noi
adoravamo il suo altare che era quello della Libertà. Il suo spirito
divino ci rischiarava. Uomini e donne si consacravano alla Causa e
ad essa votavano i loro nati, come un tempo al servizio di Dio.
Eravamo gli adoratori dell’Umanità.
CAPITOLO XVII.
LA LIVREA ROSSA.
Durante la devastazione degli Stati appartenenti ai Fittavoli, i

rappresentanti di questo partito sparirono dal Congresso. Furono
istruiti processi per alto tradimento e il posto di essi fu occupato da
creature del Tallone di Ferro. I socialisti formavano la minoranza e
sentivano avvicinarsi la fine.
Il Congresso e il Senato erano ormai soltanto vani fantocci. Le
questioni pubbliche vi erano gravemente dibattute e votate secondo
le forme tradizionali, ma servivano solo a convalidare con una
procedura costituzionale, gli atti della Oligarchia.
Ernesto era nel fitto della mischia quando sopraggiunse la fine;
avvenne durante la discussione di un disegno di legge per
l’assistenza agli scioperanti. La crisi dell’anno precedente aveva
abbassato numerose masse del proletariato a un livello inferiore a
quello della carestia, e il propagarsi e il prolungarsi dei disordini ve le
tenevano sempre più. Milioni di persone morivano di fame, mentre
gli oligarchi e loro sostenitori si rimpinzavano a dismisura [91].
Chiamavamo quegli infelici, il popolo dell’abisso [92]: e per alleviare le
loro sofferenze, i socialisti avevano presentato quel disegno di legge,
che al Tallone di Ferro non piacque. Esso aveva il suo modo di
vedere, per la sistemazione del lavoro di milioni di esseri, e siccome
questo modo di vedere non era il nostro, così aveva dato ordini
affinchè il nostro disegno fosse respinto.
Ernesto ed i suoi compagni sapevano che il loro sforzo sarebbe
stato vano, ma, stanchi di essere tenuti nell’incertezza, desideravano
una decisione qualunque. Non potendo ottener nulla, speravano
almeno di porre termine a quella farsa legislativa in cui erano
costretti a rappresentare una parte passiva. Ignoravamo quale
aspetto avrebbe assunto la scena finale; ma non l’avremmo mai
immaginata più drammatica di quale avvenne in realtà.
Quel giorno, mi trovavo nella tribuna riservata al pubblico.
Sapevamo tutti che sarebbe accaduto qualche cosa di terribile. Un
pericolo incombeva, e la sua presenza era là, visibile
nell’atteggiamento delle truppe allineate nei corridoi e degli ufficiali
raggruppati alle porte della sala. L’oligarchia stava evidentemente
per isferrare un gran colpo.
Ernesto aveva preso la parola, e descriveva le sofferenze dei
disoccupati, come se accarezzasse la folle speranza di intenerire
quei cuori e quelle coscienze; ma i membri repubblicani e
democratici sogghignavano e si burlavano di lui, interrompendolo
con esclamazioni e rumori.
Ernesto mutò tattica improvvisamente.
— So benissimo che nulla di quanto dico potrà influire su voi, —
esclamò —: non avete anima. Siete degl’invertebrati, dei rammolliti.
Vi chiamate pomposamente repubblicani e democratici, ma non
esiste un partito di questo nome: in questa Camera non ci sono nè
repubblicani, nè democratici. Non siete altro che adulatori e mezzani
delle creature della plutocrazia. Parlate all’antica del vostro amore
per la libertà, voi che portate sulle spalle il marchio rosso del Tallone
di Ferro.
La sua voce fu coperta dalle grida: «Abbasso! abbasso!», ed egli
aspettò, sdegnosamente, che il chiasso si fosse calmato. Allora,
aprendo le braccia, come per abbracciarli tutti, volgendosi verso i
suoi compagni, gridò:
— Ascoltate il muggito delle bestie ben pasciute!
Il rumore riprese più forte: il presidente batteva sul tavolo per
ottenere il silenzio, e guardava di sottecchi verso gli ufficiali
ammucchiati alle porte. Ci furono delle grida di: «Sedizione!», e un
membro di New York, noto per la sua rotondità, lanciò l’epiteto di:
«Anarchico!».
L’aspetto di Ernesto non era dei più rassicuranti: tutto il suo spirito
combattivo vibrava; la sua espressione era quella di un animale
aggressivo. Pure, rimaneva calmo e padrone di sè.
— Ricordate, — gridò con una voce che dominò il tumulto, — voi
che non mostrate alcuna pietà per il Proletariato, ricordate che verrà
giorno in cui il Proletariato non avrà pietà di voi.
Le grida di: «Sedizioso! Anarchico!» raddoppiarono.
— So che non voterete questo disegno di legge, — continuò
Ernesto. — Avete avuto dai vostri padroni l’ordine di votare contro. E
osate trattarmi da anarchico, voi che avete distrutto il governo del
popolo, voi che apparite in pubblico con la vostra vergognosa livrea
rossa! Non credo nel fuoco dell’inferno, ma a volte mi spiace, e sono
tentato di crederci, in questo momento, perchè lo zolfo e la pece non
sarebbero di troppo per punire i vostri delitti, come meriterebbero.
Finchè esisteranno i vostri simili, l’inferno sarà una necessità
cosmica.
Ci fu un movimento alle porte. Ernesto, il presidente e tutti i deputati
guardarono in quella direzione.
— Perchè non ordinate ai vostri soldati di entrare, di adempiere al
loro compito, signor presidente? — chiese Ernesto. — Essi vi
servirebbero e accontenterebbero subito.
— Ci sono altri piani in vista, — fu la risposta —: per questo sono qui
i soldati.
— Piani contro di noi, suppongo, — schernì Ernesto. — Assassinio o
roba del genere.
Alla parola «assassinio» il tumulto ricominciò. Ernesto non poteva
più farsi sentire, ma rimaneva in piedi, aspettando la calma. In
questo momento avvenne ciò che avvenne. Dal mio posto, sulla
tribuna, non vidi altro che il lampo di un’esplosione, e il suo rumore
mi stordì: vidi Ernesto vacillare e cadere fra una nuvola di fumo,
mentre i soldati si precipitavano in tutti gli spazi liberi. I suoi
compagni in piedi, inferociti, erano pronti a qualsiasi violenza, ma
Ernesto li calmò in un attimo, ed agitò le braccia per imporre loro
silenzio.
— È un complotto, state attenti! — gridò loro con ansia. — Non vi
movete, o sarete tutti uccisi.
Detto questo, si abbandonò lentamente, proprio quando i soldati
giungevano sino a lui. Un istante dopo, fecero sgombrare le tribune
e non vidi più nulla. Non mi permisero di avvicinarlo, sebbene fosse
mio marito; anzi, appena ebbi detto il mio nome, fui arrestata.
Contemporaneamente furono arrestati tutti i membri socialisti del
Congresso, presenti a Washington, compreso l’infelice Simpton,
obbligato a letto da una febbre tifoidea.
Il processo fu rapido: tutti erano già condannati. Quanto a Ernesto,
come per miracolo, non fu giustiziato. Fu uno sbaglio dell’oligarchia,
che le costò caro. In quel tempo, essa era troppo sicura di sè:
inebriata del successo, non credeva che un manipolo di eroi potesse
avere la forza di minare la sua solida base. Domani, quando
scoppierà la grande rivolta, e tutto il mondo acclamerà al passo delle
folle in marcia, l’oligarchia capirà, ma troppo tardi, fino a qual punto
si sia ingigantita l’eroica banda. [93]
Essendo io stessa rivoluzionaria e fiduciaria delle speranze, dei
timori e dei disegni segreti, posso meglio d’ogni altro rispondere
all’accusa lanciata contro di loro, di aver fatto esplodere quella
bomba al Congresso. E posso affermare sicuramente, senza riserva
nè dubbio, che i socialisti, sia quelli del Congresso, sia quelli di fuori,
erano estranei all’esplosione. Non sappiamo chi abbia lanciato
l’ordigno, ma siamo sicuri che non fu lanciato da nessuno dei nostri.
D’altra parte, diversi indizî tendono a dimostrare che il Tallone di
Ferro sia il responsabile di quell’atto. Naturalmente, non possiamo
provarlo, e la nostra conclusione è solo fondata su presupposti.
Ecco i fatti, quali li conosciamo. Era stato indirizzato al Presidente
della camera, dagli agenti segreti del Governo, un messaggio per
prevenirlo che i membri socialisti del Congresso avrebbero usato
una tattica terroristica, e che avevano già fissato il giorno per
eseguirlo. Quel giorno, era precisamente quello dell’esplosione. Per
precauzione, il Campidoglio era stato circondato dalla truppa. Ma
siccome noi non sapevamo nulla della faccenda della bomba, e che
una bomba era scoppiata realmente, e che le autorità avevano
provveduto alla difesa in previsione dell’esplosione, è naturale
concludere che il Tallone di Ferro ne sapesse qualche cosa.
Affermiamo inoltre che il Tallone di Ferro fu colpevole di
quell’attentato, che preparò ed eseguì con lo scopo di accollarcene
la responsabilità, e di causare con ciò la nostra rovina.
Dal Presidente, l’avvertimento passò a tutti i membri della Camera
che indossavano la livrea rossa. Durante il discorso di Ernesto, essi
sapevano che un atto di violenza sarebbe stato commesso; e
bisogna render loro questa giustizia: essi credevano sinceramente
che sarebbe stato commesso dai socialisti. Al processo, sempre in
buona fede, molti testimoniarono che avevano veduto Ernesto
prepararsi per lanciare la bomba, scoppiata prima del tempo.
Naturalmente non avevano veduto nulla di ciò, ma, nella loro
fantasia eccitata dalla paura, credevano di aver veduto.
In tribunale. Ernesto fece la seguente dichiarazione:
«È ragionevole ammettere che se avessi avuto l’intenzione di
lanciare una bomba avrei scelto una così piccola bomba,
inoffensiva? Non c’era neppure dentro polvere bastante. Ha fatto
molto fumo, ma non ha ferito alcuno tranne me. È scoppiata proprio
ai miei piedi e non mi ha ucciso. Credetemi, quando mi immischierò
in simili faccende e vorrò adoperare macchine infernali, farò danni
maggiori. Non ci sarà solo fumo ne’ miei petardi».
Il pubblico ministero replicò che la debolezza dell’ordigno era dovuta
a errore dei socialisti, e così l’esplosione intempestiva, avendo
Ernesto lasciato cadere l’ordigno, per nervosismo. E
quest’argomentazione era rafforzata dalla testimonianza di coloro
che pretendevano di aver visto Ernesto maneggiare la bomba e
lasciarla cadere.
Dal canto nostro, nessuno sapeva come fosse stata lanciata.
Ernesto mi disse che un attimo prima dell’esplosione aveva sentito e
veduto battere il pavimento vicino a lui. Lo affermò pure al processo,
ma nessuno credette. D’altronde, la cosa era «cucinata», secondo
l’espressione popolare. Il Tallone di Ferro aveva deciso di
distruggerci e non c’era da lottare contro di lui.
Secondo un proverbio, la verità finisce sempre col trionfare: [94]
comincio a dubitarne. Diciannove anni sono trascorsi, e con tutti i
nostri sforzi incessanti, non siamo riusciti a scoprire l’autore del
lancio della bomba. Evidentemente dev’essere stato un agente del
Tallone di Ferro, ma non siamo mai riusciti a raccogliere il benchè
minimo indizio sulla sua identità, ed oggi non rimane che classificare
la cosa fra gli enigmi storici.
CAPITOLO XVIII.
ALL’OMBRA DEL MONTE SONOMA.
Non ho molto da dire di ciò che mi accadde personalmente in questo

periodo di tempo, se non che fui tenuta sei mesi in carcere, senza
alcuna imputazione di reato. Ero semplicemente classificata fra i
sospetti, parola terribile che doveva essere ben presto conosciuta da
tutti i rivoluzionarî. Pertanto, il nostro servizio segreto, ancora in
formazione, cominciava a funzionare. Verso la fine del secondo
mese di prigionia, uno dei miei carcerieri mi si rivelò come un
rivoluzionario, in rapporto con la nostra organizzazione. Alcune
settimane dopo, Giuseppe Parkhurst, che era appena stato
nominato medico delle carceri, si fece conoscere come membro di
uno dei nostri Gruppi di Combattimento.
Così, attraverso tutta la trama dell’oligarchia, la nostra
organizzazione tesseva insidiosamente la sua tela. Ero informata di
quanto avveniva all’estero, e ognuno dei nostri capi reclusi era in
relazione con i nostri bravi compagni, che si celavano sotto la livrea
del Tallone di Ferro. Quantunque Ernesto fosse rinchiuso a tre miglia
di là, sulla costa del Pacifico, io ero continuamente in comunicazione
con lui, così che potemmo corrispondere per mezzo di lettere, con
perfetta regolarità. I nostri capi, prigionieri o liberi, potevano dunque
discutere e dirigere il movimento. Sarebbe stato facile, dopo alcuni
mesi, fare evadere parecchi di essi, ma poichè il carcere non
limitava la nostra attività, risolvemmo di evitare ogni tentativo
prematuro. C’erano in carcere cinquantadue rappresentanti e più di
trecento altri capi rivoluzionarii, che decidemmo di liberare tutti
insieme. L’evasione di pochi avrebbe allarmato gli oligarchi, e, forse,
impedita la liberazione degli altri. D’altra parte, pensavamo che
quella fuga collettiva, organizzata in tutto il paese, avrebbe avuto sul
proletariato un’enorme ripercussione psichica, e che quella
dimostrazione della nostra forza avrebbe ispirato fiducia a tutti.
Fu convenuto, dunque, quando fui rilasciata dopo sei mesi, che avrei
dovuto sparire e preparare un rifugio sicuro per Ernesto. Ma non era
facile; appena in libertà, le spie del Tallone di Ferro mi si misero alle
calcagna. Bisognava far loro perdere le tracce e andare in California.
Riuscimmo nell’intento in un modo abbastanza comico. Aveva già
preso grande sviluppo il sistema dei passaporti alla russa. Se volevo
rivedere Ernesto dovevo far perdere completamente le mie tracce,
perchè, se fossi stata seguita, lo avrebbero ripreso. Non potevo
neppure, però, viaggiare travestita da proletaria: non mi rimaneva
altro espediente se non quello di fingermi un membro dell’oligarchia.
Gli Oligarchi supremi erano pochi, ma migliaia di persone di minor
valore, come i signori Wickson, per esempio, che possedevano
milioni, erano i satelliti degli astri maggiori. Poichè le mogli e le figlie
di questi oligarchi minori erano numerosissime, fu deciso che sarei
passata come una di loro. Anni dopo, la cosa sarebbe stata
impossibile, perchè il sistema dei passaporti fu così perfezionato,
che tutti, uomini, donne e bambini, vennero descritti, e seguiti a
passo a passo.
Al momento opportuno le mie spie furono avviate su una falsa
traccia. Un’ora dopo, Avis Everhard non esisteva più, mentre una
certa signora Felida Van Verdighan, accompagnata da due
cameriere e da un cane dal lungo pelo ricciuto, che aveva pure la
sua cameriera, [95] entrava nel salone di un vagone Pullman, [96] che,
qualche istante dopo, filava verso occidente.
Le tre cameriere che mi accompagnavano erano tre rivoluzionarie, di
cui due facevano parte dei Gruppi di Combattimento, e la terza,
Grazia Holbrook, ammessa l’anno seguente a far parte di un gruppo,
fu giustiziata, sei mesi dopo, dal Tallone di Ferro. Questa serviva il
cane! Delle due altre, una, Berta Stok, sparì dodici anni dopo; l’altra,
Anna Roylston, vive ancora e ha parte sempre più importante nella
Rivoluzione [97].
Giungemmo, attraverso gli Stati Uniti, senza il più piccolo incidente,
fino alla California. Quando il treno si fermò a Oakland, alla Stazione
della XVIª Via, scendemmo, e Felicia Van Verdighan scomparve per
sempre, con le due cameriere, il cane e la cameriera del cane. Le tre
giovani andarono con dei compagni fidati, altri si incaricarono di me.
Mezz’ora dopo aver lasciato il treno, ero a bordo di un piccolo
battello da pesca nelle acque della baia di San Francisco. Sbalzati
da terribile raffiche di vento, andammo alla deriva per quasi tutta la
notte. Ma vedevo le luci di Alcatraz dove Ernesto era rinchiuso, e
quella vicinanza mi riconfortava. All’alba, a forza di remi,
raggiungemmo le isole Marin. Là, rimanemmo nascosti tutto il
giorno; la notte seguente, portati dalla marea e spinti dal vento,
attraversammo in due ore la baia di San Pablo e risalimmo il
Petaluma Creek.
Un altro compagno mi aspettava con i cavalli, e senza ritardo ci
mettemmo in cammino, al lume delle stelle. A settentrione potevo
vedere la massa indistinta del monte Sonoma, verso il quale
eravamo diretti. Lasciammo alla nostra destra la vecchia città di
Sonoma e risalimmo un canalone che sprofondava nei primi
contrafforti della montagna. La strada, da carreggiabile, divenne
sentiero, e poi un semplice passaggio per le bestie, che finì col
perdersi nei pascoli dell’alta montagna. Raggiungemmo a cavallo la
cima del monte Sonoma. Era questo il cammino più sicuro, perchè
nessuno, là, poteva osservare il nostro passaggio.
L’aurora ci sorprese sulla cresta del versante settentrionale, e l’aria
grigia ci vide andare a precipizio, attraverso boschi di querce
intristite nelle gole profonde ancora tiepide in quella fine d’estate;
dove s’inalzavano i maestosi sequoia. Poichè quello era per me un
luogo familiare e caro, io, ora, facevo da guida. Era il mio
nascondiglio, l’avevo scelto io. Entrammo in una prateria
abbassando le sbarre ad un passaggio e l’attraversammo; poi,
oltrepassato un piccolo rialzo ricoperto di querce, discendemmo in
una prateria più piccola, e risalimmo un’altra cresta, questa volta
all’ombra dei «mandroños» e dei «manzanìtas» dorati. I primi raggi
del sole ci colpirono la schiena, mentre salivamo. Un volo di quaglie
si levò con rumore dal bosco; un grosso coniglio attraversò la nostra
strada, a salti rapidi e silenziosi; un daino, al quale il sole indorava il
collo e le spalle, valicò la cresta davanti a noi, e scomparve.
Seguimmo per un tratto la pista dell’animale, discendemmo poi, a
picco, seguendo un sentiero a zig-zag che l’animale aveva
disegnato, nel folto di un magnifico gruppo di sequoia che
contornava uno stagno dalle acque fatte oscure dai minerali disciolti
che contenevano. Conoscevo quel cammino sin nei minimi
particolari, perchè un tempo, uno scrittore, mio amico, aveva
posseduto la fattoria. Anch’egli era diventato rivoluzionario, ma con
minor fortuna di me, perchè era già sparito, e nessuno aveva saputo
mai dove nè come fosse morto. Lui solo conosceva il segreto del
nascondiglio verso il quale mi dirigevo. Aveva comperato la fattoria
per la bellezza pittoresca di questa, e l’aveva pagata cara, con
grande scandalo dei fattori del luogo. Si divertiva a raccontarmi
come quand’egli ne diceva il prezzo, costoro alzassero la testa con
aria costernata, e dopo una seria operazione di calcolo mentale,
finissero coll’esclamare: «Non potrete ricavarne il sei per cento».
Ma era morto, e i suoi figli non avevano ereditato la fattoria. Caso
strano, essa apparteneva al signor Wickson, che possedeva
attualmente tutto il pendio orientale e settentrionale del monte
Sonoma, dalla proprietà degli Spreckels fino alla linea di cinta della
vallata Bennett. Ne aveva fatto un magnifico parco di daini, che si
stendeva per migliaia di acri di prateria in pendio dolce, di boschi e di
canaloni, dove gli animali si movevano in libertà, come se fossero
nello stato selvaggio. Gli antichi proprietarî del terreno erano stati
scacciati, e un asilo per deficienti era stato demolito per far posto ai
daini.
Come se non bastasse tutto ciò, il padiglione della bandita del signor
Wickson era situato a un quarto di miglio dal mio rifugio. Ma questo,
anzichè un pericolo, costituiva una garanzia di sicurezza. Saremmo
stati sotto l’egida d’uno degli oligarchi secondarî. Ogni sospetto
sarebbe stato stornato da questo fatto. L’ultimo angolo del mondo,
dove le spie del Tallone di Ferro potessero pensare di cercare
Ernesto e me, sarebbe stato certo il parco dei daini del signor
Wickson.
Legammo i nostri cavalli sotto i sequoia, vicino allo stagno. Da un
nascondiglio fatto in un tronco marcio, il mio compagno levò un
rifornimento di oggetti varî: un sacco di farina di cinquanta libbre,
scatole di conserva di ogni specie, utensili da cucina, coperte di
lana, tele cerate, libri e l’occorrente per scrivere, un grosso pacco di
lettere, un bidone di cinque galloni di petrolio, e un gran rotolo di
grossa corda. Quell’approvvigionamento era tanto considerevole,
che ci sarebbero voluti numerosi viaggi per trasportarlo al nostro
asilo. Per fortuna, il rifugio non era lontano. Mi caricai del pacco di
corda e, per prima, mi inoltrai in un fitto di arbusti e di viti vergini
intrecciate, che formavano, fra due monticelli boscosi, come un viale
verde, che finiva bruscamente sul letto scosceso d’un corso d’acqua.
Era questo un piccolo ruscelletto alimentato anche da sorgenti, che i
più forti calori dell’estate non inaridivano mai. Da ogni parte
sorgevano monticelli boscosi: ce n’erano molti, e sembravano gettati
là, dal gesto negligente di un Titano. S’inalzavano a qualche
centinaio di piedi sulla base, ma erano senza nucleo roccioso,
composto solo di terra vulcanica rossa, la famosa terra color vino
della Sonoma. Fra quei rialzi, il piccolo ruscello si era scavato un
letto molto scosceso e profondamente incassato.
Bisognò lavorar di piedi e di mani, per scendere fino al letto del
ruscello, e, una volta là, per seguirne il corso lungo un centinaio di
piedi. Allora arrivammo al grande abisso. Nulla rivelava l’esistenza di
quel baratro, che non era un buco nel vero senso della parola. Ci si
trascinava carponi fra un inestricabile confusione dì arbusti e di
tronchi, e ci si trovava sul margine dell’abisso, e, attraverso una
cortina verde, si poteva approssimativamente giudicare che il baratro
avesse duecento piedi di lunghezza, altrettanti di larghezza, e circa
la metà di profondità. Forse per qualche causa geologica remota,
all’epoca della formazione dei monticelli, e certo per effetto di
un’erosione capricciosa, l’escavazione era avvenuta nel corso dei

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

3. The primary reason people choose to become entrepreneurs is to:

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

7. Which of the following is an appealing benefit that entrepreneurs enjoy?

11. Technological tools such as the Internet and email have:

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

c. made it harder for small businesses to compete against large businesses.

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

c. A person who experiences discrimination in the standard workplace

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

26. People with an external locus of control:

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

33. Which of the following is a characteristic of successful entrepreneurs?

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

d. They do not believe in testing different strategies.

53. Identify a true statement about angel investors.

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

b. exploiting market niches

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

d. exploiting market niches

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

92. Which of the following is an advantage of starting a business from scratch?

93. Which of the following is a disadvantage of starting a business from scratch?

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Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

98. Which of the following is a drawback of buying a franchise?

99. When buying a franchise, _____.

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

107. Which of the following statements is true of a business plan?

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

c. It includes an executive summary, which is at least 10 pages long.

112. In the context of the U.S. economy, small businesses:

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

b. a large span of control.

116. In low-income countries, a high percentage of entrepreneurs are considered _____.

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

125. Self-reliance is a characteristic that most successful entrepreneurs possess.

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel

Chapter 07: Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel