Read the passage.

(1) Most Americans know that “Uncle Sam” is a nickname for the United States; however, few Americans know how the name originated. (2) Some historians believe the name comes from a nineteenth-century businessman from New York. (3) His real name was Samuel Wilson. (4) His neighbors called him Uncle Sam. (5) During the War of 1812, he won a government contract. (6) He was to supply beef to U. S. soldiers. (7) The beef was packed in barrels labeled “U. S.” to show that they belonged to the U. S. government. (8) Soldiers from New York saw the barrels. (9) They jokingly said “U. S.” stood for Uncle Sam Wilson. (10) The joke spread. (11) Soon, soldiers began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States. (12) Civilians also began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States. (13) In 1961, Congress recognized Samuel Wilson. (14) It passed a resolution honoring him as the original Uncle Sam.

Which is the most effective way to combine sentences (11) and (12)?

A. Soon, soldiers and civilians began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States.

B. Soon, soldiers and civilians referred to the United States and used the nickname Uncle Sam.

C. Soon, soldiers began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States and civilians also.