1.
What did many politicians and economists find surprising about 1931?
Correct Answer
B. They expected an economic recovery.
Explanation
Many politicians and economists found it surprising that there was no economic recovery in 1931. This suggests that they had anticipated and hoped for an improvement in the economic conditions during that time. However, the lack of recovery may have been unexpected and disappointing to them.
2.
What two nations declared a customs union in 1931?
Correct Answer
A. Austria and Germany
Explanation
Austria and Germany declared a customs union in 1931. This means that they agreed to eliminate trade barriers and tariffs between their countries, allowing for the free movement of goods and services. This would have facilitated economic cooperation and integration between the two nations, potentially benefiting both economies.
3.
Which European country was the first to declare national bankruptcy by going off the gold standard?
Correct Answer
A. Austria
Explanation
Austria was the first European country to declare national bankruptcy by going off the gold standard. This means that Austria was unable to fulfill its financial obligations and was unable to maintain the value of its currency in relation to gold. Going off the gold standard is a significant event as it indicates a country's inability to stabilize its economy and manage its finances effectively.
4.
What was Bank of England's highest interest rate throughout 1931?
Correct Answer
B. 4.5 percent
Explanation
In 1931, the Bank of England's highest interest rate was 4.5 percent. This means that during that year, the bank offered a maximum interest rate of 4.5 percent on loans or savings. This rate was higher than 2 percent and 6.5 percent but lower than 17 percent, making it the correct answer.
5.
The American production of what type of goods fell 50 percent from 1929 to 1931?
Correct Answer
B. Producer
Explanation
During the Great Depression, the American economy suffered a significant decline, leading to a decrease in consumer spending. As a result, the production of goods by American producers also declined by 50 percent from 1929 to 1931. This can be attributed to the decrease in demand for goods, as consumers were unable to afford or prioritize non-essential purchases during this period of economic hardship. Therefore, the correct answer is "Producer."
6.
How high were the Federal Reserve's interest rates when it put its so-called "tight money" policy into effect at the end of 1931?
Correct Answer
B. 3.5 percent
Explanation
The correct answer is 3.5 percent. This means that when the Federal Reserve implemented its "tight money" policy at the end of 1931, the interest rates were set at 3.5 percent. This policy aimed to reduce the money supply and increase interest rates in order to combat inflation and stabilize the economy. By raising interest rates, the Federal Reserve intended to discourage borrowing and spending, which would help control inflation and promote economic stability.
7.
How much did Federal spending increase in 1931?
Correct Answer
D. 42 percent.
Explanation
In 1931, Federal spending increased by 42 percent. This means that the amount of money spent by the government during that year was 42 percent higher than the previous year. This significant increase in spending could have been due to various factors such as economic policies, government initiatives, or external factors that required additional funding.
8.
Throughout 1931, American real wage rates were sharply _________.
Correct Answer
increasing
rising
increased
Explanation
The correct answer is "increasing, rising, increased." This is because the question is asking about the trend of American real wage rates in 1931. The word "sharply" indicates a significant change, and all three options suggest an upward movement, indicating that the real wage rates were going up during that period.
9.
Who refused to support the president of General Electric's plan for the compulsory cartellization of American business because it was too fascist?
Correct Answer
B. Herbert Hoover
Explanation
Herbert Hoover refused to support the president of General Electric's plan for the compulsory cartellization of American business because it was too fascist.
10.
What U.S. state ordered the shutdown of the oil industry and called out the National Guard to enforce MINIMUM oil prices?
Correct Answer
C. Oklahoma
Explanation
Oklahoma is the correct answer because it is the U.S. state that ordered the shutdown of the oil industry and called out the National Guard to enforce minimum oil prices. This suggests that Oklahoma took decisive action to regulate the oil industry and ensure stable prices.