1.
Frances Perkins, the first female member in the U.S. Cabinet, oversaw what department?
Correct Answer
C. Labor
Explanation
Frances Perkins, as the first female member of the U.S. Cabinet, oversaw the Department of Labor. This department is responsible for promoting and ensuring the welfare, rights, and safety of workers in the United States. Perkins played a significant role in implementing various labor reforms, including the establishment of minimum wage laws, unemployment insurance, and the Social Security Act. Her tenure in the Cabinet was marked by her dedication to improving working conditions and advocating for workers' rights.
2.
One of the world's most celebrated poets; she lived most of her life as a recluse in a small New England community. Who was she?
Correct Answer
C. Emily Dickinson
Explanation
Emily Dickinson is the correct answer because she is widely known as one of the world's most celebrated poets. She lived most of her life as a recluse in a small New England community, which adds to her mystique and reputation as an enigmatic figure. Her poetry is highly regarded for its unique style and exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality.
3.
Who is the gifted filmmaker who became tainted by making such masterful works as "Triumph of the Will" for the Nazis?
Correct Answer
A. Leni Riefenstahl
Explanation
Leni Riefenstahl is the correct answer. She was a gifted filmmaker who became tainted by making masterful works such as "Triumph of the Will" for the Nazis. This film was a propaganda piece for the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler. Despite its quality as a film, Riefenstahl's association with the Nazis and her role in promoting their ideology has tainted her legacy.
4.
What is the oldest coffeehouse in America and who is the woman who founded it?
Correct Answer
B. Caffe Lena, Lena Spencer
Explanation
Caffe Lena is the oldest coffeehouse in America, founded by Lena Spencer.
5.
Which future First Lady wrote her husband advising that he "remember the ladies"?
Correct Answer
C. Abigail Adams
Explanation
Abigail Adams is the correct answer because she wrote a letter to her husband, John Adams, in 1776 advising him to "remember the ladies" when drafting the new laws for the newly formed United States. In her letter, she urged him to consider women's rights and equality in the new government, making her a pioneering advocate for women's rights during that time period.
6.
Which woman legislator issued a Declaration of Conscience protesting Joe McCarthy?
Correct Answer
C. Margaret Chase Smith
Explanation
Margaret Chase Smith is the correct answer because she was a woman legislator who issued a Declaration of Conscience protesting Joe McCarthy. McCarthy was a senator known for his aggressive anti-communist investigations during the Cold War. Smith, a Republican senator from Maine, delivered her historic speech on June 1, 1950, denouncing McCarthy's tactics and defending the principles of freedom and democracy. This declaration marked a significant moment in American politics, as Smith became the first senator to openly criticize McCarthy and his methods.
7.
Which queen reigned in the U.K. during the lifetimes of Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, and Charles Darwin?
Correct Answer
A. Queen Victoria
Explanation
Queen Victoria is the correct answer because she reigned in the U.K. during the lifetimes of Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, and Charles Darwin. Queen Victoria was the queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 until her death in 1901. She was a prominent figure during the Victorian era and her reign coincided with the literary and scientific accomplishments of Dickens, Wells, and Darwin.
8.
In 1939, contralto Marian Anderson was refused concert space at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, by which of the following organizations?
Correct Answer
D. Daughters Of The American Revolution
Explanation
During the time of segregation in the United States, Marian Anderson, an African American contralto, was denied concert space at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This organization, founded in 1890, was known for its support of white supremacy and racial segregation. Their refusal to allow Anderson to perform at their venue was a clear example of racial discrimination and exclusion. This incident gained national attention and led to Anderson performing a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial instead, which attracted a crowd of over 75,000 people.
9.
Who was a relentless crusader for the rights of mentally ill Americans in prison?
Correct Answer
D. Dorothea Dix
Explanation
Dorothea Dix was a relentless crusader for the rights of mentally ill Americans in prison. She advocated for improved conditions and treatment for the mentally ill, and played a key role in the establishment of mental asylums across the United States. Dorothea Dix's tireless efforts helped to bring attention to the mistreatment and neglect of the mentally ill in prisons, and she is widely recognized for her significant contributions to mental health reform in America.
10.
Which of the following First Ladies have not appeared on a U.S. postage stamp?
Correct Answer
B. Mary Todd Lincoln
Explanation
Mary Todd Lincoln is the correct answer because she is the only First Lady listed who has not appeared on a U.S. postage stamp. Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolley Madison, and Martha Washington have all been featured on stamps in recognition of their contributions and historical significance as First Ladies. However, Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, has not been honored in this way.
11.
Who is the only First Lady whose childhood home is a National Historic Site?
Correct Answer
D. Mary Todd Lincoln
Explanation
Mary Todd Lincoln is the only First Lady whose childhood home is a National Historic Site. This means that her childhood home has been recognized and preserved by the government for its historical significance. The other options, Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, and Eleanor Roosevelt, do not have their childhood homes designated as National Historic Sites.
12.
What woman became President and CEO of eBay Technologies in March 1998?
Correct Answer
A. Meg Whitman
Explanation
Meg Whitman became President and CEO of eBay Technologies in March 1998.
13.
Considered one of the few female outlaws of the Old West, Belle Starr was known as what?
Correct Answer
D. The Bandit Queen
Explanation
Belle Starr was considered one of the few female outlaws of the Old West. She was known as "The Bandit Queen" due to her involvement in various criminal activities, including horse theft and harboring outlaws. This nickname highlights her reputation as a formidable and notorious figure in the world of outlaws during that time period.
14.
Martha Jane Canary was better known as whom?
Correct Answer
C. Calamity Jane
Explanation
Martha Jane Canary is better known as Calamity Jane. This nickname was given to her due to her adventurous and daring nature. She was an American frontierswoman and professional scout, known for her involvement in the Wild West era. Calamity Jane gained fame for her sharpshooting skills, her unconventional lifestyle, and her association with famous figures such as Wild Bill Hickok. Despite her rough exterior, she was also known for her kindness and generosity towards others.
15.
What country did Ruler Aloisia Lavelua rule or govern?
Correct Answer
A. Wallis
Explanation
Ruler Aloisia Lavelua ruled or governed Wallis.
16.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto led which country?
Correct Answer
D. Pakistan
Explanation
Benazir Bhutto served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was the first woman to be elected as the head of government in a Muslim-majority country. Bhutto led Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and then again from 1993 to 1996. She played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape and advocating for democracy and women's rights. Bhutto's leadership in Pakistan had a lasting impact on the nation's history and politics.
17.
What country did Queen Liliuokalani rule or govern?
Correct Answer
B. Hawaii
Explanation
Queen Liliuokalani ruled or governed Hawaii.
18.
Where was Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni c. in power from 26-61?
Correct Answer
A. Great Britain
Explanation
Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni, was in power in Great Britain from 26-61. She was a Celtic queen who led a rebellion against the Roman Empire in AD 60 or 61. Boadicea's leadership and fierce resistance against the Roman occupation made her a symbol of British resistance and a legendary figure in British history.
19.
Empress Wu Chao was empress of which country?
Correct Answer
B. China
Explanation
Empress Wu Chao was the empress of China. She was a powerful and influential ruler who reigned during the Tang dynasty. Wu Chao is known for her political astuteness and her active involvement in the governance of the empire. She is the only woman in Chinese history to have ruled as an emperor in her own right. Her reign was marked by significant political and cultural developments, making her an important figure in Chinese history.
20.
What country did Queen Kossamak rule over?
Correct Answer
D. Cambodia
Explanation
Queen Kossamak ruled over Cambodia.