1.
In the 1920s, people of Latin American descent became the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the 1920s, there was a significant increase in the number of people of Latin American descent residing in the United States, making them the fastest-growing ethnic minority during that time. This could be attributed to various factors such as increased immigration from Latin American countries, economic opportunities in the US, and political instability in their home countries. The statement "True" accurately reflects this historical trend.
2.
The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s was mainly a southern rural organization.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that while the Ku Klux Klan did have a strong presence in the South during the 1920s, it was not solely a southern rural organization. The Klan experienced a resurgence during this time and expanded its membership and influence across the United States, including in urban areas and even reaching as far as the Midwest and West. This expansion was fueled by a rise in nativism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and a desire to maintain white supremacy. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the Klan of the 1920s was mainly a southern rural organization.
3.
The Scopes “monkey trial” sought to keep the theory of evolution in science classrooms in Tennessee.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the Scopes "monkey trial" actually sought to challenge the teaching of the theory of evolution in science classrooms in Tennessee. The trial took place in 1925 and was a legal battle between John Scopes, a high school teacher, and the state of Tennessee, which had passed a law prohibiting the teaching of evolution. Scopes was found guilty and fined, but the trial brought national attention to the issue and is often seen as a landmark case in the debate between evolution and creationism in education.
4.
Proponents of prohibition displayed ethnic and social prejudices in the drive to make America “dry.”
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Proponents of prohibition displayed ethnic and social prejudices in the drive to make America "dry." This means that those who supported the prohibition movement showed biases and discrimination based on ethnicity and social class while advocating for the banning of alcohol in the United States. This suggests that their motivations for supporting prohibition were not solely based on concerns about public health and morality, but also influenced by their own prejudices and biases.
5.
The Roaring Twenties pitted a cosmopolitan urban America against the values of an insular, rural America.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, there was a significant cultural clash between urban and rural America. The cities were experiencing a cosmopolitan lifestyle with advancements in technology, entertainment, and social changes, while rural areas held onto traditional values and ways of life. This clash is evident in various aspects such as the rise of jazz music and flapper culture in cities, which were seen as rebellious and immoral by rural communities. Therefore, the statement that the Roaring Twenties pitted a cosmopolitan urban America against the values of an insular, rural America is true.
6.
Jazz music inspired rural youth to remember their culture’s musical roots.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement suggests that jazz music inspired rural youth to remember their culture's musical roots. However, the correct answer is false. This implies that jazz music did not have a significant impact on rural youth in terms of reconnecting them with their cultural musical heritage.
7.
“Flappers” was the slang word for illegal drinking establishments in the 1920s.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The term "Flappers" was not the slang word for illegal drinking establishments in the 1920s. "Flappers" referred to a generation of young women in the 1920s who were known for their unconventional behavior and fashion choices. Illegal drinking establishments during that time were commonly referred to as "speakeasies."
8.
Margaret Sanger distributed contraceptives through the mail.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Margaret Sanger did not distribute contraceptives through the mail. She was a birth control activist and advocate who founded organizations like Planned Parenthood, but she primarily focused on promoting and providing information about contraception rather than distributing them through the mail.
9.
Women gained the right to vote in 1916 as World War I began.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because women did not gain the right to vote in 1916. In fact, it was not until 1920 that the 19th Amendment was ratified in the United States, granting women the right to vote. World War I began in 1914, but it did not directly lead to women gaining suffrage.
10.
The NAACP favored militant protests over legal challenges as a way to end racial discrimination.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The NAACP did not favor militant protests over legal challenges as a way to end racial discrimination. Instead, they primarily focused on using legal strategies and court cases to challenge discriminatory laws and practices. This approach allowed them to make significant progress in the civil rights movement, including landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education. While there were instances of protests and direct action by the NAACP, their overall strategy was centered around legal challenges.
11.
Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg were members of Al Capone’s gang in Chicago.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg were not members of Al Capone's gang in Chicago. Albert Einstein was a renowned physicist known for his theory of relativity, Max Planck was a physicist who is considered the father of quantum theory, and Werner Heisenberg was a physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics. None of them had any association with Al Capone or his gang.
12.
The culture of modernism emphasized order and certainty.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The culture of modernism did not emphasize order and certainty. Instead, it embraced experimentation, innovation, and a rejection of traditional norms and values. Modernist artists, writers, and thinkers sought to challenge and disrupt established conventions, often embracing ambiguity, complexity, and the unknown. This rejection of order and certainty was a defining characteristic of modernism. Therefore, the statement that the culture of modernism emphasized order and certainty is false.
13.
During the 1920s, ideas of scientists about the nature of the universe inspired modernist artists to try new techniques.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the 1920s, there was a significant shift in scientific understanding of the universe, particularly with the development of theories like relativity and quantum mechanics. These new ideas challenged traditional notions of reality and influenced modernist artists to explore new techniques and ways of representing the world. The artists were inspired by the concept of a dynamic and ever-changing universe, leading them to experiment with abstract forms, unconventional materials, and innovative styles. This connection between scientific advancements and artistic expression is well-documented and supports the statement that ideas of scientists about the nature of the universe did indeed inspire modernist artists to try new techniques.
14.
The major American prophets of modernist literature lived in Europe.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because many major American prophets of modernist literature, such as T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein, lived in Europe during the early 20th century. They were part of the expatriate community and found inspiration and artistic freedom in cities like Paris and London. Their works greatly influenced the development of modernist literature and had a significant impact on American literature as well.
15.
The southern renaissance was characterized by a dying traditional world and the birth of a modern, commercial world inspired by World War I’s industrial production.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The southern renaissance refers to a period in the southern United States where there was a significant shift from traditional values to a more modern and commercial society. This transformation was influenced by the industrial production that occurred during World War I. Therefore, the statement that the southern renaissance was characterized by the dying traditional world and the birth of a modern, commercial world inspired by World War I's industrial production is true.
16.
Political and social radicalism arose after World War I because:
Correct Answer
B. Postwar culture was fraught with contradictions and tensions
Explanation
After World War I, there was a significant shift in societal norms and values, leading to the rise of political and social radicalism. The postwar culture was marked by contradictions and tensions, as people struggled to make sense of the devastating consequences of the war. The disillusionment and loss experienced during the war created a fertile ground for radical ideologies to take root. The contradictions and tensions in postwar culture fueled a desire for change and a rejection of traditional norms, leading to the rise of political and social radicalism.
17.
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were:
Correct Answer
B. Two Italian-born anarchists sentenced to death and executed even though there was doubt as to their guilt
Explanation
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were two Italian-born anarchists who were sentenced to death and executed, despite doubts about their guilt. This suggests that they were wrongfully convicted and unjustly punished for a crime they may not have committed. The fact that there were doubts about their guilt indicates that there may have been flaws in the legal process or insufficient evidence to support their conviction.
18.
The immigration quota laws passed in the 1920s:
Correct Answer
D. Favored immigrants from northern and western Europe
Explanation
The immigration quota laws passed in the 1920s favored immigrants from northern and western Europe. This means that the laws gave preference and advantages to individuals from these regions when it came to immigration to America.
19.
The 1924 immigration law:
Correct Answer
D. Set strict yearly limits on the number of immigrants allowed into the country
Explanation
The correct answer is "set strict yearly limits on the number of immigrants allowed into the country." The 1924 immigration law, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, established a quota system that restricted the number of immigrants from each country based on their nationality and the number of people from that nationality already living in the United States. This law aimed to limit immigration and maintain the ethnic composition of the country by favoring immigrants from Western and Northern Europe while drastically reducing immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia.
20.
The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s was based mainly on:
Correct Answer
D. “100 percent Americanism”
Explanation
The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s was primarily based on the ideology of "100 percent Americanism." This meant that they believed in promoting and protecting what they considered to be true American values, which included white supremacy, nativism, and opposition to immigration. They sought to preserve what they saw as the traditional American way of life and culture, and viewed any groups that they perceived as threats to this as un-American. This included not only racial and religious minorities, but also immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and other marginalized groups.
21.
Who said, “When the hordes of aliens walk to the ballot box and their votes outnumber yours, then that alien horde has got you by the throat”?
Correct Answer
C. William J. Simmons
22.
How many members did the Ku Klux Klan allegedly have at its peak?
Correct Answer
A. As many as 4 million
Explanation
The Ku Klux Klan allegedly had as many as 4 million members at its peak. This indicates that the organization had a significant following during its prime years. The large membership suggests that the Klan was able to attract a substantial number of individuals who shared its ideologies and beliefs. The sheer size of the organization highlights the widespread influence and impact it had on American society, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.
23.
William Jennings Bryan:
Correct Answer
B. Prosecuted John Scopes in the Dayton, Tennessee, evolution case for teaching evolution
Explanation
William Jennings Bryan prosecuted John Scopes in the Dayton, Tennessee, evolution case for teaching evolution. This suggests that Bryan believed that teaching evolution in science classes was wrong or against the law. His decision to prosecute Scopes indicates his opposition to the teaching of evolution, as he took legal action against someone who was promoting it in the classroom. This aligns with his belief that evolution should not be taught in science classes.
24.
The Scopes trial:
Correct Answer
B. Concerned a state law that prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools
Explanation
The Scopes trial was a famous court case that concerned a state law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in public schools. The trial pitted William Howard Taft, a former U.S. president and confessed agnostic, against Clarence Darrow, a fundamentalist, with Taft prosecuting and Darrow defending. The trial is often seen as a victory for the fundamentalist movement in America, as it highlighted the clash between religious beliefs and scientific theories. The correct answer reflects the main focus and significance of the Scopes trial.
25.
Which one of the following is associated with Dayton, Tennessee?
Correct Answer
D. The Scopes trial
Explanation
The Scopes trial is associated with Dayton, Tennessee. The trial took place in 1925 and was a landmark case in which a high school teacher, John Scopes, was accused of teaching evolution in violation of a state law. The trial attracted national attention and became a symbol of the clash between science and religion in American society. It is often referred to as the "Monkey Trial" due to the portrayal of the case in the media.
26.
As a result of the Scopes trial:
Correct Answer
A. John T. Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution
Explanation
The Scopes trial resulted in John T. Scopes being found guilty of teaching evolution. This trial, also known as the "Monkey Trial," took place in 1925 and was a highly publicized legal battle between proponents of evolution and those who supported the teaching of creationism in schools. Scopes, a high school teacher, was charged with violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. The trial ended with Scopes being convicted and fined, although the conviction was later overturned on a technicality. The trial highlighted the ongoing debate between science and religion in American society during that time.
27.
Jazz:
Correct Answer
B. Blended African and European musical traditions
Explanation
The correct answer is "blended African and European musical traditions". Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It emerged as a fusion of African and European musical traditions, incorporating elements such as syncopation, improvisation, and blue notes from African music, and harmonies and instrumentation from European music. This blending of different musical styles and influences is what defines jazz and sets it apart from other genres.
28.
The novel This Side of Paradise concerned:immigrant life in New York City
Correct Answer
C. Modernist student life at Princeton
Explanation
The novel "This Side of Paradise" is a coming-of-age story that primarily focuses on the protagonist's experiences as a student at Princeton University. It explores the themes of love, ambition, and disillusionment, reflecting the modernist ideals of the time. The novel delves into the intellectual and social aspects of student life, depicting the struggles and aspirations of young intellectuals in the early 20th century. It does not concern immigrant life in New York City, the lax enforcement of Prohibition, or fundamentalist attacks on modernism.
29.
Petting parties were:
Correct Answer
A. Opportunities for young men and women to experiment sexually with each other
30.
All of the following could be associated with flappers EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
B. Victorian values
Explanation
Flappers were a generation of young women in the 1920s who rebelled against traditional societal norms. They were known for their progressive and liberated attitudes, which included embracing new fashion trends, such as shorter skirts and bobbed hair. Additionally, flappers were known for their indulgence in activities that were considered unconventional for women at the time, such as smoking and drinking. However, Victorian values were associated with a more conservative and restrictive mindset, which contradicted the rebellious nature of flappers. Therefore, Victorian values do not align with the characteristics typically associated with flappers.
31.
Margaret Sanger is best associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer
D. Birth control
Explanation
Margaret Sanger is best associated with birth control because she was a prominent advocate for women's reproductive rights and played a significant role in the birth control movement. She founded organizations such as the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood, and dedicated her life to promoting access to contraception and family planning. Sanger believed that women should have control over their own bodies and the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
32.
In 1921, Margaret Sanger organized:
Correct Answer
D. The American Birth Control League
Explanation
Margaret Sanger organized the American Birth Control League in 1921. This organization aimed to promote and provide access to birth control methods and information. Sanger believed that family planning and contraception were essential for women's reproductive rights and overall well-being. The American Birth Control League later evolved into Planned Parenthood, which continues to advocate for reproductive health and provide reproductive healthcare services to this day.
33.
Alice Paul:
Correct Answer
C. Was the militant head of the National American Woman Suffrage Association’s Congressional Committee
Explanation
Alice Paul was the militant head of the National American Woman Suffrage Association's Congressional Committee. This means that she held a leadership position within the committee that was responsible for advocating for women's suffrage in the United States. As the head of this committee, Paul would have played a significant role in organizing and leading the efforts to secure voting rights for women.
34.
Carrie Chapman Catt was best known for her achievements promoting:
Correct Answer
C. Women’s suffrage
Explanation
Carrie Chapman Catt was best known for her achievements promoting women's suffrage. She was a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement and played a crucial role in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Catt was the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and worked tirelessly to advocate for women's political rights and equality. Her efforts and dedication made her a significant figure in the fight for women's suffrage in the early 20th century.
35.
The Roaring Twenties was dubbed “the Jazz Age” by:
Correct Answer
D. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Explanation
F. Scott Fitzgerald is the correct answer because he popularized the term "the Jazz Age" in his novel "The Great Gatsby." The term refers to the cultural and social changes that occurred during the 1920s, characterized by a booming economy, increased urbanization, and the rise of jazz music. Fitzgerald's novel captured the spirit of the era and became a symbol of the Roaring Twenties, solidifying his association with the Jazz Age.
36.
The journalist H. L. Mencken:
Correct Answer
B. Described Americans as a “booboisie”
Explanation
H. L. Mencken described Americans as a "booboisie." This term was coined by Mencken himself and refers to the perceived ignorance and gullibility of the American public. Mencken believed that the majority of Americans were easily swayed by popular opinion and lacked critical thinking skills. He used this term to critique the cultural and intellectual climate of the time, particularly in relation to politics and media. Mencken's characterization of Americans as a "booboisie" reflects his skepticism towards the masses and his belief in the need for a more educated and discerning public.
37.
The author of Main Street, a novel about the banality of small-town life, was:
Correct Answer
D. Sinclair Lewis
Explanation
Sinclair Lewis is the correct answer because he is the author of the novel Main Street. The novel explores the mundane aspects of small-town life and criticizes the conformity and narrow-mindedness found in these communities. Lewis's work is known for its social commentary and realistic portrayal of American society in the early 20th century.
38.
By the 1910s, the Anti-Saloon League:
Correct Answer
D. Had become one of the most effective pressure groups in American history
Explanation
By the 1910s, the Anti-Saloon League had become one of the most effective pressure groups in American history. This means that during this time period, the Anti-Saloon League had gained significant influence and power in advocating for the prohibition of alcohol. They were successful in mobilizing public support, lobbying politicians, and implementing strategies that led to the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the United States. Their effectiveness as a pressure group is evidenced by their ability to achieve their goal of alcohol prohibition, making them one of the most influential groups in American history.
39.
The amendment to the constitution that barred the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors was ratified in:
Correct Answer
B. 1919
Explanation
The correct answer is 1919. This amendment, known as the 18th Amendment, was ratified in 1919 and went into effect in 1920. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. This period, known as Prohibition, lasted until 1933 when the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment.
40.
Not being able to convict Al Capone on bootlegging charges, the federal government convicted him for:
Correct Answer
D. Tax evasion
Explanation
The federal government was unable to convict Al Capone on bootlegging charges, so they pursued a different avenue and convicted him for tax evasion. This means that Capone was found guilty of intentionally evading paying taxes, which is a criminal offense. By focusing on his financial activities and proving that he had not reported his income accurately, the government was able to successfully prosecute Capone and secure a conviction.
41.
Which amendment to the constitution gave women the right to vote?
Correct Answer
C. Nineteenth
Explanation
The correct answer is the Nineteenth Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in the United States. It was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement and marked a major step towards gender equality in the country.
42.
Congress adopted the equal rights amendment in:
Correct Answer
D. 1972
Explanation
The correct answer is 1972 because the Equal Rights Amendment was indeed adopted by Congress in that year. The amendment aimed to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of their sex, and it was a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality. However, it failed to be ratified by the necessary number of states before the deadline, and therefore did not become a part of the Constitution. Nonetheless, the adoption of the amendment in 1972 marked a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the United States.
43.
Which of the following statements best describes working women in the 1920s?
Correct Answer
A. The number of employed women rose.
Explanation
In the 1920s, the number of employed women rose. This can be attributed to several factors, including the aftermath of World War I, which created a demand for female workers as men went off to fight in the war. Additionally, advancements in technology and industry created new job opportunities for women. The 1920s also saw the rise of the women's suffrage movement, which empowered women to enter the workforce and pursue careers outside of traditional gender roles. Overall, the 1920s marked a significant increase in the number of women participating in the workforce.
44.
The “Susan B. Anthony amendment” concerned:
Correct Answer
A. Women’s suffrage
Explanation
The "Susan B. Anthony amendment" refers to the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This amendment was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement, as it ensured that women had equal political rights and representation.
45.
The movement of southern blacks to the North:
Correct Answer
A. Was called the Great Migration
Explanation
The movement of southern blacks to the North during the early 20th century was referred to as the Great Migration. This mass migration was driven by various factors including economic opportunities, escape from racial violence, and the hope for a better life. African Americans sought better job prospects and a chance to escape the oppressive Jim Crow laws in the South. The Great Migration had a significant impact on the demographics, culture, and politics of both the North and the South, leading to the growth of African American communities and the emergence of new social and cultural movements.
46.
The author of Cane, considered by many to be the single greatest work of the Harlem Renaissance, was:
Correct Answer
B. Jean Toomer
Explanation
Jean Toomer is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the author of Cane, which is considered one of the most significant works of the Harlem Renaissance. Cane is a collection of poems, stories, and sketches that explore the experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. Toomer's innovative use of form and style, as well as his exploration of racial identity and cultural heritage, make Cane a groundbreaking and influential work in African American literature.
47.
The Universal Negro Improvement Association:
Correct Answer
B. Was led by Marcus Garvey
Explanation
The Universal Negro Improvement Association was led by Marcus Garvey.
48.
Marcus Garvey:
Correct Answer
B. Said blacks should return to Africa
Explanation
Marcus Garvey was a prominent figure in the early 20th century who advocated for black empowerment and nationalism. He believed that black people should embrace their African heritage and return to Africa, which he saw as a way to escape racial discrimination and oppression in the United States. Garvey's ideology, known as Pan-Africanism, aimed to unite people of African descent worldwide and promote self-reliance and self-determination. His advocacy for the "Back to Africa" movement made him a significant figure in the fight for black liberation and inspired future civil rights leaders.
49.
The NAACP emphasized:
Correct Answer
A. Legal action against discrimination
Explanation
The NAACP emphasized legal action against discrimination because they believed that the best way to combat racial injustice was through the legal system. By challenging discriminatory laws and practices in court, they aimed to secure equal rights and protections for African Americans. This approach allowed them to make significant progress in dismantling segregation and fighting for civil rights.
50.
Which of the following did W. E. B. Du Bois say in his opposition to Marcus Garvey?
Correct Answer
D. He is “the most dangerous enemy of the Negro race. . . . He is either a lunatic or a traitor.”
Explanation
W. E. B. Du Bois expressed his opposition to Marcus Garvey by referring to him as "the most dangerous enemy of the Negro race" and suggesting that he is either a lunatic or a traitor. This statement indicates that Du Bois strongly disagreed with Garvey and believed that his actions and beliefs were harmful to the black community.