American History Trivia: Ultimate Quiz!
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Are you knowledgeable when it comes to American history? Would you like to become an expert? If you are studying for an American history exam, this quiz can help. The history of the United States is what occurred in the past. One of the noteworthy events was the United states' birth on July 4th, 1776, when the colonies published the independence declaration. If you choose to know more, the quiz is the key.
- 1.
Between 1880 and 1920, the majority of the “new” immigrants to the United States came from...
- A.
Northern and western Europe
- B.
Southern and eastern Europe
- C.
Canada and Latin America
- D.
China and Southeast Asia
Correct Answer
B. Southern and eastern EuropeExplanation
Between 1880 and 1920, the majority of the "new" immigrants to the United States came from southern and eastern Europe. This period saw a significant increase in immigration from countries such as Italy, Greece, Russia, and Poland. These immigrants were driven by factors like economic opportunities, political instability, and religious persecution in their home countries. They settled in urban areas and contributed to the growth of industries like manufacturing and mining. This wave of immigration had a lasting impact on American society and culture, shaping the diversity and multiculturalism that is still evident today.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Harlem Renaissance was influenced by the...
- A.
Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North
- B.
Passage of federal laws outlawing racial discrimination in public facilities
- C.
Racial integration of the military during World War I
- D.
Use of affirmative action after World War II
Correct Answer
A. Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban NorthExplanation
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s in Harlem, New York. It was primarily influenced by the migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. This mass migration resulted in a concentration of African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals in Harlem, leading to a flourishing of African American culture and creativity. The movement sought to challenge racial stereotypes and celebrate African American identity and heritage through various art forms such as literature, music, and visual arts.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Upton Sinclair, Ida M. Tarbell, and Lincoln Steffens were considered muckrakers because they...
- A.
opposed railroad monopolies
- B.
Criticized the growing power of labor unions
- C.
Raised concerns about the negative effects of industrialization
- D.
Supported the need for reforms in education
Correct Answer
C. Raised concerns about the negative effects of industrializationExplanation
Upton Sinclair, Ida M. Tarbell, and Lincoln Steffens were considered muckrakers because they raised concerns about the negative effects of industrialization. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed social and political issues in the early 20th century. Sinclair's novel "The Jungle" exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, Tarbell's articles exposed the unethical practices of the Standard Oil Company, and Steffens' articles exposed political corruption in cities. These muckrakers aimed to bring attention to the problems caused by industrialization and advocate for reforms to address them.Rate this question:
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- 4.
One way in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society are similar is that both programs...
- A.
made civil rights for African Americans a major goal
- B.
Drew wide support and few critics
- C.
Helped to end major depressions
- D.
Attempted to improve the lives of the poor and the aged
Correct Answer
D. Attempted to improve the lives of the poor and the agedExplanation
Both President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society attempted to improve the lives of the poor and the aged. These programs were aimed at providing social welfare and economic relief to those who were most vulnerable in society. They implemented various policies and initiatives such as social security, unemployment benefits, healthcare reforms, and poverty reduction programs. By focusing on the well-being of the underprivileged, both presidents sought to alleviate poverty and promote a better quality of life for those in need.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which factor is most closely associated with the decision of the United States to declare war on Spain in 1898?
- A.
Isolationist policy
- B.
Labor union pressure
- C.
Yellow journalism
- D.
Unrestricted submarine warfare
Correct Answer
C. Yellow journalismExplanation
Yellow journalism played a significant role in the United States' decision to declare war on Spain in 1898. This form of sensationalized and exaggerated reporting, often used by newspapers like the New York Journal and the New York World, fueled public sentiment and created a strong anti-Spanish sentiment. The exaggerated stories about the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and the mistreatment of Cuban rebels by the Spanish government intensified public outrage and pushed the U.S. towards war. Yellow journalism helped shape public opinion and influenced the government's decision to go to war with Spain.Rate this question:
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- 6.
‘‘. . . Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison. . . .’’ —Henry David Thoreau Which leader’s reform efforts reflect the idea in this statement by Thoreau?
- A.
Booker T. Washington’s support for vocational education
- B.
Jane Addams’s establishment of Hull House
- C.
Rachel Carson’s books about the environment
- D.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy of civil disobedience
Correct Answer
D. Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy of civil disobedienceExplanation
Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy of civil disobedience reflects the idea in Thoreau's statement because both emphasize the importance of standing up against unjust laws and systems. Thoreau believed that a just person should resist and even accept imprisonment under an unjust government. Similarly, King promoted nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, asserting that individuals have a moral duty to oppose unjust laws. Both Thoreau and King emphasize the need for individuals to take a stand against injustice, even if it means facing imprisonment.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which statement best expresses President Theodore Roosevelt’s philosophy on regulating big business?
- A.
Regulation of big business should be left to the states
- B.
Any regulation of big business is undesirable
- C.
Abusive trusts should be broken up by a vigilant federal government
- D.
Government ownership of key industries will benefit consumers
Correct Answer
C. Abusive trusts should be broken up by a vigilant federal governmentExplanation
President Theodore Roosevelt believed that the federal government should take action to break up abusive trusts. He believed that these large corporations were engaging in unfair and anti-competitive practices that harmed consumers and smaller businesses. Roosevelt advocated for a vigilant federal government that would actively monitor and regulate big business in order to ensure fair competition and protect the interests of the American people. This philosophy was reflected in his trust-busting efforts during his presidency, where he took legal action against several monopolistic corporations.Rate this question:
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- 8.
One way in which the Progressive movement of the early 1900s and the women’s rights movement of the 1960s are similar is that each resulted in...
- A.
Restrictions on immigration
- B.
Limits on labor union activities
- C.
Passage of reform legislation
- D.
A return to laissez-faire economic policies
Correct Answer
C. Passage of reform legislationExplanation
The Progressive movement of the early 1900s and the women's rights movement of the 1960s both aimed for social and political change. They both advocated for reforms and pushed for legislation to address various issues. The Progressive movement focused on tackling corruption, improving working conditions, and expanding democracy, while the women's rights movement fought for gender equality and women's rights. Both movements were successful in bringing about significant changes through the passage of reform legislation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) were created primarily to...
- A.
Support environmentalism
- B.
maintain mutual defense
- C.
Improve public health worldwide
- D.
promote economic interdependence
Correct Answer
D. promote economic interdependenceExplanation
NAFTA and GATT were created to promote economic interdependence. NAFTA aimed to eliminate trade barriers between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, fostering economic cooperation and integration among these countries. GATT, on the other hand, sought to reduce tariffs and promote free trade globally. Both agreements aimed to increase trade and investment, leading to economic growth and interdependence among participating nations.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which heading best completes the partial outline below?I. _________________________________ A. The United States claims the Hawaiian Islands. B. Puerto Rico becomes a United States territory. C. The United States fights an insurrection in the Philippine Islands. D. The United States Senate ratifies the Panama Canal treaty.
- A.
Rise of American Imperialism
- B.
Causes of World War I
- C.
Enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine
- D.
Trade Expansion in East Asia
Correct Answer
A. Rise of American ImperialismExplanation
The heading "Rise of American Imperialism" best completes the partial outline because it encompasses the events mentioned in the outline, such as the United States claiming the Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico becoming a United States territory, fighting an insurrection in the Philippine Islands, and ratifying the Panama Canal treaty. These events are all examples of the United States expanding its influence and control beyond its borders, which is a key characteristic of imperialism.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In New York Times v. United States (1971) and United States v. Nixon (1974), the Supreme Court placed limits on the...
- A.
authority of federal judges
- B.
exercise of freedom of religion
- C.
powers of the president
- D.
right of Congress to declare war
Correct Answer
C. powers of the presidentExplanation
In both New York Times v. United States (1971) and United States v. Nixon (1974), the Supreme Court ruled on cases that involved the powers of the president. In the New York Times case, the Court limited the government's ability to use prior restraint, stating that the First Amendment protected the publication of classified information unless it posed a direct and immediate threat to national security. In the United States v. Nixon case, the Court held that the president's claim of executive privilege was not absolute and could be overridden in the interest of justice. These rulings established important precedents regarding the limitations on the powers of the president.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A major purpose of President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918) was to...
- A.
Ask Congress to enter World War I
- B.
set goals for achieving peace after World War I
- C.
Provide an aid program for rebuilding war-torn nations
- D.
retaliate for the sinking of the Lusitania
Correct Answer
B. set goals for achieving peace after World War IExplanation
The correct answer is set goals for achieving peace after World War I. President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points were a set of principles that he believed would lead to a lasting peace after the end of World War I. These points included ideas such as open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, and the creation of a League of Nations. Wilson hoped that by outlining these goals, he could help shape the terms of the peace treaty and create a more stable and peaceful world order.Rate this question:
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- 13.
President Ronald Reagan supported supply-side economics through reduced tax rates to...
- A.
Encourage economic growth
- B.
Create more public-works jobs
- C.
increase government regulation of business
- D.
decrease defense spending
Correct Answer
A. Encourage economic growthExplanation
President Ronald Reagan supported supply-side economics through reduced tax rates to encourage economic growth. This is because supply-side economics focuses on stimulating economic growth by incentivizing production and investment. By reducing tax rates, Reagan aimed to provide individuals and businesses with more disposable income, which would lead to increased spending, investment, and job creation. This approach is based on the belief that economic growth is driven by supply rather than demand, and that lower tax rates can stimulate supply-side factors such as production and investment.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In the latter half of the 1800s, a large labor supply, an abundance of natural resources, and the construction of new railroads contributed most directly to the...
- A.
Growth of American industry
- B.
Dependence on imported goods
- C.
Demand for limits on immigration
- D.
Rejection of high tariffs by the United States
Correct Answer
A. Growth of American industryExplanation
The large labor supply, abundance of natural resources, and construction of new railroads in the latter half of the 1800s created favorable conditions for the growth of American industry. The availability of a large workforce allowed for the expansion of factories and the development of new industries. The abundance of natural resources, such as coal, iron, and oil, provided the raw materials necessary for industrial production. The construction of new railroads improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods and resources across the country, further supporting industrial growth.Rate this question:
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- 15.
“…And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.…”— President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961President Kennedy sought to achieve the goal described in this speech through support for the formation of the...
- A.
Peace Corps
- B.
World Bank
- C.
Organization of American States (OAS)
- D.
South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
Correct Answer
A. Peace CorpsExplanation
President Kennedy sought to achieve the goal described in his speech by supporting the formation of the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is an organization that sends American volunteers to work in developing countries to assist with various needs, such as education, health, and agriculture. By encouraging Americans to serve their country and help others, Kennedy believed that they could contribute to the freedom and progress of mankind. The formation of the Peace Corps was one way to mobilize American citizens and promote international cooperation and understanding.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The 1957 launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union embarrassed the United States because it....
- A.
Allowed the Soviets to place missiles in Turkey
- B.
revealed that the Soviets had nuclear weapons
- C.
Appeared that the United States had failed to keep up in scientific achievement
- D.
Confirmed the United States use of U-2 spy planes
Correct Answer
C. Appeared that the United States had failed to keep up in scientific achievementExplanation
The correct answer is "appeared that the United States had failed to keep up in scientific achievement." The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union was a significant scientific achievement, as it was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. This event highlighted the Soviets' technological advancements and raised concerns about the United States' ability to compete in the space race and overall scientific progress. It led to a sense of embarrassment and urgency in the United States to catch up and invest more in science and technology education.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The “clear and present danger” doctrine established in Schenck v. United States (1919) concerned the issue of...
- A.
Freedom of speech
- B.
the right to bear arms
- C.
The right to an attorney
- D.
separation of church and state
Correct Answer
A. Freedom of speechExplanation
The "clear and present danger" doctrine established in Schenck v. United States (1919) concerned the issue of freedom of speech. This doctrine determined that speech can be restricted if it presents a clear and present danger to the public or if it poses a threat to national security. This case set a precedent for limiting free speech rights in certain circumstances, such as during times of war or when there is a potential for inciting violence or harm.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What was a major achievement of the presidency of Jimmy Carter?
- A.
Uniting East Germany and West Germany
- B.
negotiating the peace accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David
- C.
Ending United States dependence on imported oil
- D.
Rescuing United States hostages in Iran
Correct Answer
B. negotiating the peace accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp DavidExplanation
During his presidency, Jimmy Carter achieved a major milestone by negotiating the peace accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. This achievement is significant because it led to the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, which established a framework for peace in the Middle East. Carter's diplomatic efforts helped bring about a historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, ending years of conflict between the two nations. This achievement showcased Carter's commitment to resolving international conflicts through peaceful negotiations and diplomacy.Rate this question:
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- 19.
…I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people. Let us all here assembled constitute ourselves prophets of a new order of competence and of courage. This is more than a political campaign; it is a call to arms. Give me your help, not to win votes alone, but to win in this crusade to restore America to its own people.—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Acceptance Speech, Democratic National Convention, 1932In this statement, Franklin D. Roosevelt promised to...
- A.
build up the military
- B.
Reduce government interference in business
- C.
End an isolationist foreign policy
- D.
Provide government assistance to combat the Great Depression
Correct Answer
D. Provide government assistance to combat the Great DepressionExplanation
In this statement, Franklin D. Roosevelt promised to provide government assistance to combat the Great Depression. He referred to the need for a "new deal" for the American people, indicating his intention to implement policies and programs to address the economic crisis. He emphasized the importance of everyone coming together and working towards restoring America to its own people, which implies a focus on providing support and aid to those affected by the Great Depression. This aligns with his subsequent presidency and the implementation of the New Deal programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the 1930s.Rate this question:
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- 20.
• Alger Hiss conviction • Rosenberg trial • McCarthy hearings These post–World War II events are most closely associated with the fear of...
- A.
an increase in immigration from the Soviet Union
- B.
Labor conflicts in United States cities
- C.
An expansion of communism into Cuba
- D.
A communist threat inside the United States
Correct Answer
D. A communist threat inside the United StatesExplanation
These post-World War II events, including Alger Hiss' conviction, the Rosenberg trial, and the McCarthy hearings, are most closely associated with the fear of a communist threat inside the United States. These events were part of the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment and paranoia in the United States. The trials and hearings were conducted to root out suspected communist sympathizers and spies, reflecting the widespread fear that communism was infiltrating American society and government.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 09, 2017Quiz Created by
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