Test Your IQ On US History - 2

1. What year did Bell speak into the first telephone?

1876

1855

1901

1887

In 1876, Bell spoke into the first telephone. This marked a significant milestone in the history of communication as it demonstrated the potential of transmitting sound over long distances. Bell's invention revolutionized the way people communicate and paved the way for the development of modern telecommunication systems.

Explanation

In 1876, Bell spoke into the first telephone. This marked a significant milestone in the history of communication as it demonstrated the potential of transmitting sound over long distances. Bell's invention revolutionized the way people communicate and paved the way for the development of modern telecommunication systems.

2. What year did the movie "The Ten Commandments" get released?

1863

1923

1868

1976

"The Ten Commandments" is a movie that was released in 1923.

Explanation

"The Ten Commandments" is a movie that was released in 1923.

3. What year did the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act get signed?

1995

1981

1856

1930

The correct answer is 1930. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act was signed in 1930. This act raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods in an attempt to protect American industries during the Great Depression. However, it ultimately worsened the economic downturn by triggering retaliatory tariffs from other countries and reducing international trade.

Explanation

The correct answer is 1930. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act was signed in 1930. This act raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods in an attempt to protect American industries during the Great Depression. However, it ultimately worsened the economic downturn by triggering retaliatory tariffs from other countries and reducing international trade.

4. In what year did the Metropolitan Museum of Art get founded in NYC?

1979

1938

1931

1870

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in NYC in 1870.

Explanation

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in NYC in 1870.

5. What year did Benjamin Franklin invent the bifocals?

1873

1803

1784

1750

Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals in 1784. Bifocals are eyeglasses with two distinct optical powers, one for near vision and one for distance vision. Franklin, who was a renowned polymath and inventor, came up with the idea of bifocals to address his own presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision in older adults. By creating lenses with two different focal lengths, Franklin was able to have a single pair of glasses that allowed him to see both near and far. His invention revolutionized the eyewear industry and is still widely used today.

Explanation

Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals in 1784. Bifocals are eyeglasses with two distinct optical powers, one for near vision and one for distance vision. Franklin, who was a renowned polymath and inventor, came up with the idea of bifocals to address his own presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision in older adults. By creating lenses with two different focal lengths, Franklin was able to have a single pair of glasses that allowed him to see both near and far. His invention revolutionized the eyewear industry and is still widely used today.

6. What year was Hillary Rodham Clinton first elected to the Senate?

1996

2002

1998

2000

In 2000, Hillary Rodham Clinton was first elected to the Senate.

Explanation

In 2000, Hillary Rodham Clinton was first elected to the Senate.

7. Which year did Timothy McVeigh get executed?

2001

1997

1999

2005

Timothy McVeigh was executed in the year 2001. This can be inferred from the given options where 2001 is the only year mentioned.

Explanation

Timothy McVeigh was executed in the year 2001. This can be inferred from the given options where 2001 is the only year mentioned.

8. What happened in 1997 at the NYSE?

First Billion Share Day

First 200 Million Share Day

First Woman Member

Shut Down Every Wednesday

In 1997, a significant event occurred at the NYSE known as the "First Billion Share Day." This refers to the first time in history that the NYSE experienced a trading volume of one billion shares in a single day. This milestone highlights the increasing activity and popularity of stock trading during that time period.

Explanation

In 1997, a significant event occurred at the NYSE known as the "First Billion Share Day." This refers to the first time in history that the NYSE experienced a trading volume of one billion shares in a single day. This milestone highlights the increasing activity and popularity of stock trading during that time period.

9. What year did was "The New Yorker" magazine first sold?

1821

1863

1925

1983

"The New Yorker" magazine was first sold in 1925.

Explanation

"The New Yorker" magazine was first sold in 1925.

10. Which U.S. President negotiated the NAFTA treaty?

George W. Bush

Ronald Reagan

George H.W. Bush

Bill Clinton

George H.W. Bush is the correct answer because he was the U.S. President who negotiated the NAFTA treaty. NAFTA, which stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement, was signed into law by President Bush on December 17, 1992. The treaty aimed to establish a trilateral trade bloc between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, eliminating tariffs and trade barriers between the three countries.

Explanation

George H.W. Bush is the correct answer because he was the U.S. President who negotiated the NAFTA treaty. NAFTA, which stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement, was signed into law by President Bush on December 17, 1992. The treaty aimed to establish a trilateral trade bloc between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, eliminating tariffs and trade barriers between the three countries.

11. Who was Enron's chief financial officer?

Andrew Fastow

Jeffrey Skilling

Kenneth Lay

Tom Bilek

Andrew Fastow was Enron's chief financial officer. He played a key role in the company's accounting scandal, which led to its downfall. Fastow was responsible for creating complex financial structures and off-balance sheet entities that allowed Enron to hide its debts and inflate its profits. He used these fraudulent practices to deceive investors and manipulate the company's financial statements. Fastow was eventually convicted of multiple charges, including securities fraud and conspiracy, and served a prison sentence.

Explanation

Andrew Fastow was Enron's chief financial officer. He played a key role in the company's accounting scandal, which led to its downfall. Fastow was responsible for creating complex financial structures and off-balance sheet entities that allowed Enron to hide its debts and inflate its profits. He used these fraudulent practices to deceive investors and manipulate the company's financial statements. Fastow was eventually convicted of multiple charges, including securities fraud and conspiracy, and served a prison sentence.

12. Harry S. Truman was a descendant of what 19th Century President?

John Tyler

Abraham Lincoln

Millard Fillmore

Franklin Pierce

Harry S. Truman was a descendant of John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States. Truman's mother, Martha Ellen Young, was a direct descendant of Tyler, making Truman a distant relative of the former president. This familial connection is an interesting historical fact that highlights the interconnectedness of American political families and their influence on subsequent generations.

Explanation

Harry S. Truman was a descendant of John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States. Truman's mother, Martha Ellen Young, was a direct descendant of Tyler, making Truman a distant relative of the former president. This familial connection is an interesting historical fact that highlights the interconnectedness of American political families and their influence on subsequent generations.

13. Who was the first President not to outlive his father?

Rutherford B. Hayes

Franklin Pierce

John F. Kennedy

Warren G. Harding

Warren G. Harding is the correct answer because he was the first President who did not outlive his father. This means that his father lived longer than him, which is different from the other three Presidents listed in the options who outlived their fathers.

Explanation

Warren G. Harding is the correct answer because he was the first President who did not outlive his father. This means that his father lived longer than him, which is different from the other three Presidents listed in the options who outlived their fathers.

14. How many U.S. Presidents have died on the 4th of July?

4

5

2

3

Three U.S. Presidents have died on the 4th of July. They are Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both died on July 4, 1826, and James Monroe, who died on July 4, 1831. This day holds historical significance as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The deaths of these Presidents on this significant date add to the historical significance and symbolism of the 4th of July in American history.

Explanation

Three U.S. Presidents have died on the 4th of July. They are Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both died on July 4, 1826, and James Monroe, who died on July 4, 1831. This day holds historical significance as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The deaths of these Presidents on this significant date add to the historical significance and symbolism of the 4th of July in American history.

15. Which Alabama Senator is depicted on a U.S. postage stamp?

Hugo L. Black

William Kelly

George E. Spencer

Dixon H. Lewis

Hugo L. Black is depicted on a U.S. postage stamp because he was a prominent Alabama Senator who went on to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. His contributions to American jurisprudence and civil liberties, particularly his support for the First Amendment, made him a significant figure in American history. As a result, he was honored with a postage stamp to commemorate his achievements and impact on the nation.

Explanation

Hugo L. Black is depicted on a U.S. postage stamp because he was a prominent Alabama Senator who went on to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. His contributions to American jurisprudence and civil liberties, particularly his support for the First Amendment, made him a significant figure in American history. As a result, he was honored with a postage stamp to commemorate his achievements and impact on the nation.