California U.S. History STAAR Test! Trivia Quiz
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- 1.
Poor policy making by the Federal Reserve Board contributed to the Great Depression. The Federal Reserve Board had been established in 1913 by Congress to
- A.
Investigate companies and issue “cease and desist” orders against companies engaging in unfair trade practices.
- B.
Regulate the economy by raising and lowering interest rates in hopes of avoiding economic crises.
- C.
Regulate the establishment and collection of individual and corporate income tax.
- D.
Investigate the accounting procedures used by companies.
Correct Answer
B. Regulate the economy by raising and lowering interest rates in hopes of avoiding economic crises.Explanation
The correct answer is "regulate the economy by raising and lowering interest rates in hopes of avoiding economic crises." This is because the Federal Reserve Board, established in 1913, was given the responsibility to regulate the economy through the control of interest rates. By adjusting interest rates, the Federal Reserve aims to stimulate or slow down economic growth to avoid crises such as inflation or recession. However, poor policy decisions made by the Federal Reserve Board during the Great Depression are believed to have worsened the economic downturn, contributing to the severity and duration of the crisis.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following was a principle cause of the Great Depression?
- A.
Over-investment by U.S. banks in foreign companies throughout the 1920s.
- B.
Under-production of both factory and farm goods in the United States throughout the 1920s.
- C.
Maintenance of low interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board, which encouraged speculation throughout the 1920s.
- D.
Lack of consumer credit available to Americans throughout the 1920s.
Correct Answer
C. Maintenance of low interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board, which encouraged speculation throughout the 1920s.Explanation
The maintenance of low interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board throughout the 1920s encouraged speculation, which was a principle cause of the Great Depression. Low interest rates made it easier for individuals and businesses to borrow money, leading to excessive speculation in the stock market and real estate. This speculative bubble eventually burst, causing a financial crisis and leading to the Great Depression.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Dustbowl refugees suffered terribly during the Great Depression. Which of the following combinations of factors most contributed to their plight?
- A.
Economic depression, unchecked Bull market, unwise New Deal policies.
- B.
Natural disasters, unwise agricultural practices, economic depression.
- C.
Unwise New Deal policies, natural disasters, prejudice.
- D.
The unchecked Bull market, unwise agricultural practices, economic depression.
Correct Answer
B. Natural disasters, unwise agricultural practices, economic depression.Explanation
The Dustbowl refugees suffered terribly during the Great Depression due to a combination of natural disasters, unwise agricultural practices, and economic depression. The natural disasters, such as severe drought and dust storms, destroyed crops and made farming difficult. Unwise agricultural practices, such as over-farming and failure to implement soil conservation methods, worsened the environmental conditions. These factors, combined with the overall economic depression, led to widespread poverty and hardship for the Dustbowl refugees.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following best describes the short- and long-term effects of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First and Second New Deal programs on the United States?
- A.
The New Deal programs enabled the U.S. to recover from the Depression and laid much of today’s infrastructure.
- B.
The New Deal programs had no effect on the U.S.’s recovery from the Depression but laid much of today’s infrastructure.
- C.
The New Deal programs enabled the U.S. to recover from the Depression but had little impact on today’s infrastructure.
- D.
The New Deal programs neither enabled the U.S. to recover from the Depression nor had any impact on today’s infrastructure.
Correct Answer
B. The New Deal programs had no effect on the U.S.’s recovery from the Depression but laid much of today’s infrastructure.Explanation
The correct answer states that the New Deal programs had no effect on the U.S.'s recovery from the Depression but laid much of today's infrastructure. This means that while the New Deal programs did not directly contribute to the recovery from the Depression, they did have a significant impact on the development of the country's infrastructure, which is still evident today.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following statements about organized labor in the United States is true?
- A.
The 1935 National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed workers the right to organize, led to a series of strikes.
- B.
By 1900 the majority of non-agricultural workers in the United States belonged to strong, organized labor unions.
- C.
During President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administrations and the implementation of the First and Second New Deals there was little labor unrest in the United States.
- D.
Most early labor unions embraced women workers.
Correct Answer
A. The 1935 National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed workers the right to organize, led to a series of strikes.Explanation
The 1935 National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act, indeed guaranteed workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining. This act was a significant milestone in the history of organized labor in the United States. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce the rights of employees to form and join labor unions, as well as to prevent unfair labor practices by employers. The act also protected workers' rights to strike as a means of collective bargaining. As a result, the act did lead to a series of strikes as workers exercised their newly gained rights and fought for better working conditions and wages.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following describes the United States’ position in World War II prior to the Japanese attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor?
- A.
The United States was already at war with Germany.
- B.
The United States was sending much needed aid to Great Britain.
- C.
The United States was following a strictly Isolationist policy.
- D.
The United States had entered into a Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union.
Correct Answer
B. The United States was sending much needed aid to Great Britain.Explanation
Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was not yet directly involved in World War II. However, it was providing significant aid, including military supplies, to Great Britain and other Allied countries. This assistance was crucial in supporting the war effort against Germany and helping to prevent the Axis powers from gaining further control in Europe. The United States' involvement in the war escalated after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when it officially entered the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 7.
General MacArthur’s “island-hopping” strategy was central to Allied success in which theater of the war?
- A.
The South Pacific
- B.
The North Atlantic
- C.
Midway Island
- D.
North Africa
Correct Answer
A. The South PacificExplanation
General MacArthur's "island-hopping" strategy was central to Allied success in the South Pacific theater of the war. This strategy involved selectively bypassing heavily fortified Japanese-held islands and instead focusing on capturing strategically important islands that were not as heavily defended. By doing so, the Allies were able to gradually move closer to Japan while minimizing casualties and conserving resources. This strategy proved to be effective in weakening Japanese defenses and ultimately leading to the Allied victory in the South Pacific.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following accounts for the fact that the armed forces remained segregated until 1948 even though African American units such as the Tuskegee Airmen and the 761st Tank Battalion distinguished themselves in World War II?
- A.
Military strategy
- B.
Military bureaucracy
- C.
Racial discrimination
- D.
Racial inclusion
Correct Answer
C. Racial discriminationExplanation
The fact that the armed forces remained segregated until 1948 despite the accomplishments of African American units in World War II can be attributed to racial discrimination. This suggests that the prevailing racial bias and prejudice within the military and society at large prevented the integration of African American soldiers into mainstream units. Despite their achievements and contributions, the racial discrimination prevalent at the time hindered their recognition and equal treatment within the armed forces.Rate this question:
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- 9.
As the war raged in Europe in the late 1930s, President Roosevelt and many Americans felt that recovery from the Great Depression should be America’s first priority. When did Roosevelt begin pushing for more direct involvement in the European war, particularly with his “Four Freedoms” speech?
- A.
After Germany invaded Poland.
- B.
While campaigning for a third term in office.
- C.
After winning his third presidential campaign.
- D.
After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
Correct Answer
C. After winning his third presidential campaign.Explanation
After winning his third presidential campaign.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The United States declared war on Japan after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor?
- A.
To draw U.S. military forces away from the European theater of war.
- B.
As revenge for the sinking of the Reuben James.
- C.
To prepare for an invasion of California.
- D.
To cripple the U.S. Pacific fleet, which could hamper their aggression in Southeast Asia.
Correct Answer
D. To cripple the U.S. Pacific fleet, which could hamper their aggression in Southeast Asia.Explanation
The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in order to cripple the U.S. Pacific fleet, which could hamper their aggression in Southeast Asia. By destroying a significant portion of the U.S. naval power in the Pacific, the Japanese aimed to create a power vacuum that would allow them to expand their influence and control over Southeast Asia without significant opposition from the United States. This attack was a calculated military strategy to weaken the U.S. and secure their own regional objectives.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The stress of World War II had an impact on many different levels of domestically. Which of the following is an example of racial unrest on the home front during World War II?
- A.
The zoot suit riots
- B.
Internment of Japanese Americans
- C.
1943 Detroit riots
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
During World War II, racial unrest was evident on the home front in various forms. The zoot suit riots were a series of conflicts between American servicemen and Mexican American youths in Los Angeles, highlighting racial tensions. The internment of Japanese Americans was another example, as they were forcibly relocated and detained due to fears of their loyalty. The 1943 Detroit riots were sparked by racial tensions and resulted in violence and destruction. Therefore, all of the given options exemplify racial unrest during World War II.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the items listed below were used to full effect for the first time during World War II?
- A.
Aircraft carriers and amphtrac vehicles.
- B.
Jet engines and troop-transport ships.
- C.
Machine guns and telegraphs.
- D.
Machine guns and penicillin.
Correct Answer
A. Aircraft carriers and ampHtrac vehicles.Explanation
During World War II, aircraft carriers and amphtrac vehicles were used to full effect for the first time. Aircraft carriers revolutionized naval warfare by allowing for the launch and recovery of aircraft, extending the reach and capabilities of naval forces. Amphtrac vehicles, also known as amphibious tractors, were used for landing troops and equipment directly onto beaches, enabling amphibious assaults and beach landings. Both of these innovations played crucial roles in the success of military operations during the war.Rate this question:
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- 13.
President Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan was primarily motivated by which of the following?
- A.
An unwavering hatred of the Japanese.
- B.
A desire to avenge the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- C.
A desire to spare the lives of Japanese civilians.
- D.
A desire to spare the lives of U.S. servicemen.
Correct Answer
D. A desire to spare the lives of U.S. servicemen.Explanation
President Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan was primarily motivated by a desire to spare the lives of U.S. servicemen. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were intended to bring a swift end to World War II without the need for a costly invasion of Japan. Truman believed that using the atomic bombs would force Japan to surrender and save the lives of American soldiers who would have been involved in a land invasion. The decision was made with the belief that the bombings would ultimately lead to a quicker end to the war and minimize casualties on the American side.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 24, 2009Quiz Created by
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