Are You Smarter Than An Eighth Grader?
How many eighth-grade level U. S. History questions can you answer correctly?
- 1.
The opening of the Erie Canal led to
- A.
An increase in the importance of cotton in the United States economy
- B.
An increase in the importance of New York as a commercial center
- C.
A decline in the importance of railroads
- D.
A decline in the earning power of Midwestern farmers
Correct Answer
B. An increase in the importance of New York as a commercial centerExplanation
The opening of the Erie Canal allowed for the transportation of goods between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, which greatly increased the importance of New York as a commercial center. The canal provided a direct and efficient route for goods to be transported, leading to economic growth and development in the state. The canal also allowed for the expansion of trade and commerce, attracting businesses and investors to New York. As a result, New York became a major hub for trade and played a significant role in the growth of the United States economy.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Maryland was among the first colonies to grant
- A.
Legal rights to American Indians
- B.
Religious toleration to all Christians
- C.
The right of all colonists to own slaves
- D.
Full political rights to all free Black people
Correct Answer
B. Religious toleration to all ChristiansExplanation
Maryland was one of the first colonies to grant religious toleration to all Christians. This means that individuals of different Christian denominations were allowed to practice their religion freely without fear of persecution or discrimination. This policy was significant because it promoted religious freedom and tolerance, setting a precedent for other colonies and eventually influencing the formation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 3.
On of the central ideas of President George Washington's foreign policy was that the United States should
- A.
Play an active role in European affairs
- B.
Expand its influence throughout the Americas
- C.
Support democracies and oppose monarchies
- D.
Avoid permanent alliances with other countries
Correct Answer
D. Avoid permanent alliances with other countriesExplanation
President George Washington's foreign policy was centered around the idea of avoiding permanent alliances with other countries. This approach, known as isolationism, aimed to prevent the United States from being drawn into conflicts and entangled in the affairs of other nations. Washington believed that such alliances could compromise the nation's independence and sovereignty. Instead, he advocated for maintaining neutrality and focusing on domestic issues, allowing the United States to develop and grow without being tied to foreign powers. This policy laid the foundation for the country's non-interventionist stance in international affairs.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did the role of the government change as a result of the New Deal?
- A.
The government exerted greater influence over the economy.
- B.
The government loosened the regulation of large corporations.
- C.
The government limited the number of hours people could work.
- D.
The government reduced funding for large public works programs.
Correct Answer
A. The government exerted greater influence over the economy.Explanation
The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. One of the key goals of the New Deal was to stimulate the economy and create jobs. To achieve this, the government took on a more active role in managing and regulating the economy. It implemented various measures such as creating new agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate the stock market and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect workers' rights. The government also increased spending on public works projects and implemented social welfare programs. Overall, the New Deal marked a shift towards a more interventionist role for the government in the economy.Rate this question:
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- 5.
During the Revolutionary War, one outcome of the colonial victory at the Battle of Saratoga that helped ensure the final defeat of the British was the
- A.
Entrance of France on the American side
- B.
Recapture of new York City from the British
- C.
Mutiny of the British forces under General Howe
- D.
Defeat of British forces at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Correct Answer
A. Entrance of France on the American sideExplanation
During the Revolutionary War, the entrance of France on the American side was a crucial outcome of the colonial victory at the Battle of Saratoga. France's support provided the American colonists with much-needed military assistance, resources, and naval power. This alliance shifted the balance of power in favor of the Americans and significantly weakened the British position. With France's involvement, the British faced increased challenges and difficulties in their efforts to suppress the revolution. Ultimately, France's entry into the war played a significant role in ensuring the final defeat of the British.Rate this question:
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- 6.
One major consequence of the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War) was that the
- A.
Colonists' decision to side with France led Britain to retaliate against them
- B.
Expense of fighting the war led Britain to tax colonies directly for the first time
- C.
Loyalty of the colonists to the British side led Britain to grant them a high degree of self-government
- D.
Elimination of the French threat in North America led Britain to concentrate on conquering all of the remaining Spanish colonies
Correct Answer
B. Expense of fighting the war led Britain to tax colonies directly for the first timeExplanation
The Seven Years' War (French and Indian War) put a significant financial burden on Britain due to the expenses of fighting the war. In order to recover these costs, Britain decided to directly tax the colonies for the first time. This decision was a consequence of the war and the financial strain it placed on Britain.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The phrase "Jim Crow" refers to laws that
- A.
Made liquor illegal
- B.
Enforced racial segregation
- C.
Restricted immigration to the United States
- D.
Protected the environment
Correct Answer
B. Enforced racial segregationExplanation
The phrase "Jim Crow" refers to laws that enforced racial segregation. These laws were implemented in the United States, particularly in the Southern states, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They mandated racial segregation in public facilities such as schools, transportation, and public spaces, effectively creating a system of racial discrimination and inequality. The Jim Crow laws were eventually abolished through the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, which fought for equal rights and an end to racial segregation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Monroe Doctrine was intended to
- A.
Promote United States trade with China
- B.
Help keep the peace in Europe
- C.
Discourage European involvement in the Americas
- D.
Protect United States business in Japan and Korea
Correct Answer
C. Discourage European involvement in the AmericasExplanation
The Monroe Doctrine was a foreign policy statement issued by President James Monroe in 1823. It aimed to discourage European involvement in the Americas, specifically stating that any attempt by European powers to colonize or interfere with countries in the Western Hemisphere would be seen as a threat to the United States. This doctrine was intended to establish the United States as the dominant power in the region and protect the newly independent nations of Latin America from European imperialism.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Monroe Doctrine, the Good Neighbor Policy, and the Alliance for Progress were all United States foreign policy positions relating directly to
- A.
Latin America
- B.
Africa
- C.
The Middle East
- D.
China
Correct Answer
A. Latin AmericaExplanation
The Monroe Doctrine, the Good Neighbor Policy, and the Alliance for Progress were all United States foreign policy positions that focused on Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, aimed to prevent European colonization in the Americas and promote U.S. influence in the region. The Good Neighbor Policy, implemented in the 1930s, sought to improve relations with Latin American countries and promote non-intervention. The Alliance for Progress, launched in 1961, aimed to promote economic development and social reform in Latin America. These policies demonstrate the United States' historical and ongoing interest in maintaining influence and positive relations with Latin American countries.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was the most significant factor that led the American colonists to form the First Continental Congress in 1774?
- A.
Religious conflict inside the colonies
- B.
The desire of the colonists to write a Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation
- C.
Colonial frustration with laws passed by the British Parliament
- D.
The desire of the colonists to stop the war between Britain and the colonies
Correct Answer
C. Colonial frustration with laws passed by the British ParliamentExplanation
The most significant factor that led the American colonists to form the First Continental Congress in 1774 was their frustration with laws passed by the British Parliament. The colonists were increasingly angered by acts such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, which they believed violated their rights as British subjects. These acts imposed taxes and regulations on the colonies without their consent, leading to widespread protests and boycotts. The colonists saw the need to come together and collectively address these grievances, leading to the formation of the First Continental Congress as a means to voice their concerns and seek redress from the British government.Rate this question:
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Nov 04, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jun 29, 2011Quiz Created by
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