20th & 21st Century Study Quiz

Explanation
Woodrow Wilson was a Virginian who served as the 28th President of the United States in the early twentieth century. He is known for his efforts to establish world peace and his role in the creation of the League of Nations, which aimed to prevent future wars. Wilson's plan for world peace, known as the Fourteen Points, outlined his vision for a post-war world and was instrumental in shaping the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations. Therefore, Woodrow Wilson is the correct answer to the question.

Explanation
George C. Marshall was the military leader who created an economic plan to ensure world peace. He is best known for the Marshall Plan, which was a program initiated by the United States to provide economic aid to Western European countries after World War II. The plan aimed to rebuild war-torn countries, promote economic stability, and prevent the spread of communism. Marshall's plan played a significant role in the recovery and development of Europe, and it is considered a crucial step in maintaining peace and stability in the post-war era.

Explanation
Maggie L. Walker was the first African American woman in the United States to establish a bank and become a bank president. She was a prominent businesswoman and community leader in Virginia. Walker founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903, which served as a financial institution for African Americans. She played a significant role in promoting economic empowerment and social progress for the African American community.

Explanation
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. was a Virginian governor known for implementing a "Pay as you go" policy for road improvements. This policy meant that road projects were funded by the revenue generated from gasoline taxes and tolls, rather than relying on borrowing or increasing taxes. Byrd believed in fiscal responsibility and ensuring that infrastructure projects were paid for without adding to the state's debt. This approach allowed for the continued development and maintenance of Virginia's road network while keeping the state's finances in check.

Explanation
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. is the correct answer because he played a significant role in modernizing Virginia state government. As the governor of Virginia from 1926 to 1930 and then as a U.S. Senator, Byrd implemented various reforms that transformed the state's government. He focused on fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and reducing the state's debt. Byrd also advocated for a streamlined bureaucracy and improved public education. His efforts helped modernize Virginia's government and set the stage for future progress in the state.

Explanation
Oliver W. Hill is the correct answer because he was a Virginian who played a key role in the "Brown vs. Board of Education" decision. He was a civil rights attorney who worked alongside Thurgood Marshall and other lawyers to challenge racial segregation in schools. Hill was one of the lead attorneys in the Virginia case that was consolidated with other cases to form the landmark Supreme Court decision in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. His efforts and legal expertise were instrumental in the fight for equal education opportunities for African American students.

Explanation
Oliver W. Hill was a Virginian lawyer and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights for African Americans. He played a significant role in landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of schools in the United States. Hill's legal expertise and activism made him a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for justice and equality for African Americans throughout his career.

Explanation
Arthur Ashe, Jr. being the first African American winner of a major men's tennis singles championship is a well-known fact. He achieved this milestone by winning the men's singles title at the 1968 US Open. Ashe's victory broke barriers and paved the way for future African American tennis players to excel in the sport. His achievement is widely recognized and celebrated in the history of tennis.

Explanation
Arthur Ashe, Jr. was a Virginian who was not only an author but also known for his eloquence and ability to speak effectively about social change. He used his platform as a tennis player and activist to advocate for civil rights, AIDS awareness, and educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Ashe's writings and speeches were influential in promoting social justice and inspiring others to take action.

Explanation
L. Douglas Wilder being the first African American to be elected as a state governor in the United States is a historically significant fact. This achievement broke barriers and paved the way for other African Americans to hold similar positions of power and influence in the political landscape.