AP US History Practice Exam Questions With Answers
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- 1.
In Korematsu v. United States (1944), the Supreme Court upheld the military order excluding Japanese Americans from the West Coast on the basis that the action was considered…
- A.
A matter of national security
- B.
A necessity for the economy
- C.
An attempt to limit immigration from Japan
- D.
A way to protect Japanese Americans from anti-Japanese hysteria
Correct Answer
A. A matter of national securityExplanation
The Supreme Court upheld the military order excluding Japanese Americans from the West Coast on the basis that it was a matter of national security. This implies that the court believed the action was necessary to protect the country from potential threats or dangers posed by Japanese Americans during World War II.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The major reason for President Harry Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs against Japan was the…
- A.
Potential loss of American lives from an invasion of Japan
- B.
Need to defeat Japan before defeating Germany
- C.
Plan to bring democratic government to Japan after the war
- D.
Failure of the island-hopping campaign against Japan
Correct Answer
A. Potential loss of American lives from an invasion of JapanExplanation
President Harry Truman's decision to use atomic bombs against Japan was primarily driven by the potential loss of American lives from an invasion of Japan. The invasion of Japan was expected to be a costly and bloody operation, with estimates of American casualties ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million. By using atomic bombs, Truman aimed to bring a swift end to the war and avoid the need for a costly invasion, thus minimizing American casualties.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the major purpose of the Lend-Lease Act (1941)?
- A.
Sending United States troops to defend France
- B.
Keeping the Soviet Union from invading Chine
- C.
Helping Great Britain without going to war
- D.
Profiting from Germany’s demand for steel and oil from the United States
Correct Answer
C. Helping Great Britain without going to warExplanation
The major purpose of the Lend-Lease Act (1941) was to help Great Britain without going to war. The act allowed the United States to provide military aid, including weapons, equipment, and supplies, to countries fighting against the Axis powers, particularly Great Britain. This support was crucial in helping Britain sustain its war effort and resist German aggression without directly involving the United States in the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 4.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to December 7, 1941, as “a date which will live in infamy” because on that day…
- A.
Germany invaded Poland
- B.
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
- C.
Italy declared war on the United States
- D.
The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima
Correct Answer
B. Japan attacked Pearl HarborExplanation
On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, which was a major naval base for the United States in Hawaii. This surprise attack resulted in significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet and the loss of many American lives. The attack on Pearl Harbor marked the entry of the United States into World War II, as it prompted the US to declare war on Japan the following day. President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to this event as "a date which will live in infamy" because it was a devastating and unexpected act of aggression that changed the course of history.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The G.I. Bill provided World War II veterans with
- A.
Free housing and medical care
- B.
Student loans for education
- C.
Free education and loans to buy homes, farms, and small businesses
- D.
A guaranteed job within the US government
- E.
Low-cost education in return for two more years of service in the armed forces
Correct Answer
C. Free education and loans to buy homes, farms, and small businessesExplanation
The G.I. Bill provided World War II veterans with free education and loans to buy homes, farms, and small businesses. This bill was passed in 1944 and aimed to provide support and benefits to the returning veterans. The free education allowed them to pursue further studies and acquire new skills, while the loans enabled them to start their own businesses or buy properties. This was a way to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life and contribute to the post-war economic growth.Rate this question:
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- 6.
During World War II, the need of the United States for more war materials resulted in the…
- A.
Easing of government controls on the economy
- B.
Use of lengthy strikes by labor unions
- C.
Rationing of some consumer goods
- D.
Reduction in profits for defense industries
Correct Answer
C. Rationing of some consumer goodsExplanation
During World War II, the United States needed to prioritize the production of war materials, which led to a shortage of resources for consumer goods. To ensure that essential items were available for the war effort, the government implemented rationing measures. This meant that consumers had to limit their purchases of certain goods, such as food, gasoline, and clothing, through the use of ration coupons. Rationing helped conserve resources and ensure a fair distribution of goods during the war.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Nuremberg War Crimes trials of 1945-1949 established the international precedent that…
- A.
The United States should avoid commitments with foreign nations
- B.
Military leaders cannot be held responsible for wartime actions
- C.
Individuals may be tried for crime against humanity
- D.
Soldiers must obey an order even if it conflicts with basic humanitarian values
Correct Answer
C. Individuals may be tried for crime against humanityExplanation
The Nuremberg War Crimes trials of 1945-1949 were significant because they established the international precedent that individuals can be held accountable and tried for crimes against humanity. This means that individuals who commit acts of genocide, war crimes, or other atrocities can be held responsible for their actions, even if they were acting under orders from military leaders. This precedent was crucial in ensuring that those responsible for the Holocaust and other war crimes during World War II were held accountable for their actions. It also set the stage for future international tribunals and courts to prosecute individuals for similar crimes.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following was LEAST likely a factor in the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
- A.
Hope that a quick victory in the Pacific would hasten an Allied victory in Europe
- B.
Fear that the USSR would soon enter the war with Japan
- C.
Concern that a land war in Japan would result in massive American casualties
- D.
Awareness that Japanese forces were numerous and spread throughout Asia
- E.
Desire to demonstrate to other world powers the potency of America’s new weapon
Correct Answer
A. Hope that a quick victory in the Pacific would hasten an Allied victory in EuropeExplanation
The decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was least likely influenced by the hope for a quick victory in the Pacific that would hasten an Allied victory in Europe. The main factors that played a role in the decision were the fear of the USSR entering the war with Japan, the concern over massive American casualties in a land war in Japan, the awareness of the numerous and widespread Japanese forces in Asia, and the desire to demonstrate the potency of America's new weapon to other world powers.Rate this question:
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- 9.
After World War II, what was one important result of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (GI BILL)?
- A.
Many veterans attended college
- B.
The demand for housing decreased
- C.
Defense industries recruited more women
- D.
Women became eligible for the draft
Correct Answer
A. Many veterans attended collegeExplanation
The Servicemen's Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill, provided financial support for veterans after World War II. One important result of this act was that many veterans were able to attend college. The GI Bill offered tuition assistance, living expenses, and other benefits, making higher education more accessible to veterans. This resulted in a significant increase in the number of veterans pursuing higher education, which in turn contributed to the growth of the American workforce and economy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Use the following to answer the question below A. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor B. Germany invades Poland C. MacArthur dictates a democratic constitution to Japan D. Allies invade Europe on D-Day Which sequence of these events related to World War II is in the correct chronological order?
- A.
D, B, A, and C
- B.
B, A, D, and C
- C.
C, A, B and D
- D.
A, B, C, and D
Correct Answer
B. B, A, D, and C -
- 11.
The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II illustrates that…
- A.
The Supreme Court can be relied on to defend civil rights
- B.
Threats to national security are often ignored by the government
- C.
Minorities are not allowed to enlist in the United States military
- D.
Civil liberties are sometimes limited during times of national crisis
Correct Answer
D. Civil liberties are sometimes limited during times of national crisisExplanation
The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II demonstrates that civil liberties can be restricted during times of national crisis. This event involved the forced relocation and imprisonment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans, who were deemed a potential threat to national security. The government's actions were justified as a necessary measure to protect the country, but it violated the civil liberties of innocent individuals. This example serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, the government may prioritize national security over individual rights and freedoms.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Guadalcanal was the turning point of the Pacific Theater.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Guadalcanal was a significant battle in the Pacific Theater during World War II, but it was not the turning point. The turning point of the Pacific Theater is often considered to be the Battle of Midway, which took place in June 1942. The American victory at Midway halted Japanese expansion in the Pacific and marked a turning point in the war, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allies. While Guadalcanal was an important battle, it occurred after Midway and was part of the larger campaign to push the Japanese out of the Solomon Islands.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Stalingrad was one of the turning point in the European Theater.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Stalingrad was indeed one of the turning points in the European Theater during World War II. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from 1942 to 1943, was a major confrontation between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The Soviet victory in Stalingrad marked a significant turning point in the war, as it halted the German advance into the Soviet Union and ultimately led to the Soviet Union's counteroffensive, which pushed the German forces back and ultimately led to their defeat.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Joseph Stalin is responsible for breaking the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Joseph Stalin is not responsible for breaking the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany. In fact, it was Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany who violated the pact by invading the Soviet Union in 1941. Stalin had initially signed the pact with Germany to buy time and prepare for a potential war, but it was ultimately Germany who initiated the breach of the agreement.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Blitzkrieg is a type of military strategy in which a country attacks from all sides simultaneously (land, air and sea).
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Blitzkrieg is indeed a type of military strategy where a country launches a coordinated attack from multiple directions simultaneously, utilizing land, air, and sea forces. This strategy aims to overwhelm and quickly defeat the enemy by creating chaos and confusion. By attacking from all sides, the attacking country seeks to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses and gain a swift victory. Therefore, the given answer, "True," is correct.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is the most likely explanation for the changes in income shown in the chart?
- A.
World War II veterans benefited from an economic boom following the war
- B.
Conversion to a wartime economy created new jobs
- C.
New laws were passed that permitted child labor in wartime
- D.
Membership in labor unions was prohibited during wartime
Correct Answer
B. Conversion to a wartime economy created new jobsExplanation
The most likely explanation for the changes in income shown in the chart is that the conversion to a wartime economy created new jobs. This is supported by the fact that during World War II, many industries shifted their focus to producing goods and services for the war effort, leading to an increased demand for workers. As a result, more people were able to find employment and earn income, leading to an overall increase in income levels.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A key purpose of this World War II poster was to?
- A.
Illustrate the nature of modern warfare
- B.
Influence the Axis powers to end the war
- C.
Gain support for the war effort
- D.
Encourage protest against the war
Correct Answer
C. Gain support for the war effortExplanation
This World War II poster was created with the key purpose of gaining support for the war effort. The poster likely aimed to rally public support and encourage people to contribute to the war in various ways, such as enlisting in the military, buying war bonds, or participating in war-related activities. The imagery and messaging on the poster would have been designed to evoke a sense of patriotism and unity, urging individuals to actively support the war and its objectives.Rate this question:
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- 18.
This World War II poster recognizes the…
- A.
Role of women as military officers
- B.
Contribution of women to wartime defense
- C.
Legal equality of women
- D.
Return of women to the workforce after the war
Correct Answer
B. Contribution of women to wartime defenseExplanation
This World War II poster acknowledges the contribution of women to wartime defense. During the war, women played a vital role in various military and non-combat positions, such as nurses, factory workers, and office staff. They took on these roles to support the war effort and fill the gaps left by men who were serving in the military. This poster recognizes and appreciates the significant contribution made by women in defending their country during wartime.Rate this question:
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