Do You Know United States History? Trivia Quiz
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The history of the United States is powerful and compelling. There are so many events throughout history that have shaped America as we know it. Some examples include signing the declaration of independence, the Vietnam War, the Challenger disaster, and the September 11th attacks. If you choose to learn more about the United States' history, look no further than this quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the capital of the United States?
- A.
Washington, DC
- B.
Seattle
- C.
Dallas
Correct Answer
A. Washington, DCExplanation
The correct answer is Washington, DC because it is the capital of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When was the Declaration of Independence wrote, and who wrote it?
- A.
1685, Thomas Jefferson
- B.
1776, Thomas Jefferson
- C.
1776, Abraham Lincoln
- D.
1787, John White
Correct Answer
B. 1776, Thomas JeffersonExplanation
The correct answer is 1776, Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. This document declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain and laid out the principles of democracy and individual rights that would shape the United States.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What were the executive orders issued by Abraham Lincoln that declared free slaves, not under Union control?
- A.
Declaration of Independance
- B.
Emancipation Proclamation
- C.
Monroe's Doctrine
Correct Answer
B. Emancipation ProclamationExplanation
The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free, effectively abolishing slavery in those areas not under Union control. The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant step towards ending slavery and was a crucial turning point in the war. It also paved the way for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which formally abolished slavery throughout the entire country.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in the Presidency for a third term.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Franklin D. Roosevelt was indeed sworn in as President for a third term. This is because he served as the President of the United States for four terms, making him the only president to have served more than two terms. He was first elected in 1932 and then re-elected in 1936, 1940, and 1944. However, it is important to note that after his death in 1945, the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, limiting future presidents to two terms in office.Rate this question:
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- 5.
This US monument has the heads of four major presidents. What is?
- A.
Grand Canyon
- B.
Washington Memorial
- C.
Mount Rushmore
Correct Answer
C. Mount RushmoreExplanation
Mount Rushmore is a US monument that features the heads of four major presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It is located in South Dakota and is a popular tourist attraction. The faces are carved into the granite mountain and represent important figures in American history.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Japanese bombed what US naval base that pushed the United States over the edge and into World War II?
- A.
Pearl Harbor
- B.
Kings Bay
- C.
Key West
Correct Answer
A. Pearl HarborExplanation
Pearl Harbor is the correct answer because it was the US naval base that was bombed by the Japanese, leading to the United States' entry into World War II. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet and caused the US to declare war on Japan the following day. This event marked a turning point in World War II and propelled the United States into a conflict that would have a profound impact on the course of history.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the only president to step down and resign from Presidency?
- A.
Robert E. Lee
- B.
Richard Nixon
- C.
Jimmy Carter
- D.
George W. Bush
Correct Answer
B. Richard NixonExplanation
Richard Nixon is the correct answer because he is the only president in American history to have stepped down and resigned from the presidency. In 1974, Nixon resigned from office due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal, which involved illegal activities conducted by members of his administration. This event marked a significant moment in American political history and led to the appointment of Gerald Ford as the new president.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What year did Neil Armstrong become the first person to walk on the moon?
- A.
1971
- B.
1945
- C.
1969
Correct Answer
C. 1969Explanation
In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. This was a historic event that took place during the Apollo 11 mission. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," were spoken as he descended from the lunar module onto the moon's surface. This achievement marked a significant milestone in space exploration and solidified Armstrong's place in history as a pioneer astronaut.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What country was in a Cold War with the United States from the end of World War II to 1991?
- A.
China
- B.
Russia
- C.
Germany
Correct Answer
B. RussiaExplanation
During the period from the end of World War II to 1991, the United States was engaged in a Cold War with Russia. The term "Cold War" refers to the political and ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union (which was part of Russia) without direct military conflict. This period was characterized by intense competition, arms race, and proxy wars between the two superpowers, as they sought to spread their influence and ideology across the globe.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was the nickname of the US win over Russia in hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics?
- A.
Story for the Ages
- B.
Iced out !
- C.
Miracle on Ice
Correct Answer
C. Miracle on IceExplanation
The correct answer is "Miracle on Ice." This nickname refers to the historic victory of the US hockey team over the heavily favored Russian team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The win was considered a miraculous upset, as the Russian team was dominant and had won the gold medal in the previous four Olympics. The victory became a symbol of American resilience and patriotism, and is still celebrated as one of the greatest moments in sports history.Rate this question:
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- 11.
This man leads 25,000 civil rights activists on a march from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL. Who is?
- A.
Martin Luther
- B.
Martin Luther King Jr.
- C.
Fidel Castro
Correct Answer
B. Martin Luther King Jr.Explanation
Martin Luther King Jr. is the correct answer because he was a prominent leader in the civil rights movement and played a crucial role in organizing the march from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL. This march, known as the Selma to Montgomery march, took place in 1965 and aimed to advocate for voting rights for African Americans. King's leadership and the participation of 25,000 civil rights activists helped bring attention to the issue and ultimately led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The United States built the Panama Canal.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the United States did indeed build the Panama Canal. Construction of the canal began in 1904 and was completed in 1914. The project was a significant engineering feat and had a major impact on global trade and transportation. The United States took over the construction after the French failed in their attempt to build the canal. The canal allowed ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, cutting down travel time and costs significantly.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 27, 2011Quiz Created by
Brandonjansen
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