World History: Early To Mid 20th Century Quiz

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  • 1/25 Questions

    What happened to Czar Nicholas II and his family in the Ural Mountains?

    • They were honored by the Church.
    • They went hiking.
    • They were killed.
    • They moved to France.
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About This Quiz

Explore pivotal events of the early to mid 20th century in this engaging quiz. Assess your knowledge on historical incidents like the fate of Czar Nicholas II, the Doolittle Raid, and the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, while understanding economic and geopolitical shifts of the era.

World History: Early To Mid 20th Century Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What did the US do after the attack on Pearl Harbor?

    • Declared war

    • Tried to make friends with Japan

    • Gave that land to Japan

    • Cried about it to the United Nations

    Correct Answer
    A. Declared war
    Explanation
    After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US declared war. This was a direct response to the surprise military strike by the Japanese on the US naval base in Hawaii. The attack on Pearl Harbor was seen as a significant act of aggression, leading the US to formally enter World War II. By declaring war, the US joined the Allied forces in their efforts to combat the Axis powers, including Japan.

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  • 3. 

    What was the long economic downturn in the 1930s called that was marked by bank failures, loss of businesses, and high unemployment?

    • The Great Depression

    • Inflation

    • The Great Recession

    • Coalition Government

    Correct Answer
    A. The Great Depression
    Explanation
    The long economic downturn in the 1930s marked by bank failures, loss of businesses, and high unemployment is known as The Great Depression. During this period, the global economy experienced a severe contraction, leading to widespread poverty and economic hardship. The Great Depression had a profound impact on societies and governments worldwide, shaping economic policies and social welfare programs for years to come.

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  • 4. 

    What is genocide?

    • A new form of poison gas

    • The systematic killing of an entire people

    • Gene splicing to create a master race

    • Old people controlling geographic movement

    Correct Answer
    A. The systematic killing of an entire people
    Explanation
    Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination or killing of a specific ethnic, racial, or religious group. It involves the intentional destruction of a significant portion or the entirety of a particular population. This term is used to describe the gravest and most extreme form of human rights violation, where the aim is to eliminate a specific group based on their identity. Genocide is considered a heinous crime and a violation of international law, as it targets and attempts to annihilate an entire people.

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  • 5. 

    These people were descendants of the original Dutch settlers of South Africa.

    • Boers (a.k.a. Afrikaners)

    • Zulu

    • Belgium

    • British

    Correct Answer
    A. Boers (a.k.a. Afrikaners)
    Explanation
    The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of South Africa. They were a distinct cultural group with their own language, Afrikaans, and they played a significant role in the history of South Africa. The Boers established their own independent republics, such as the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and they clashed with various other groups, including the Zulu and the British, in conflicts such as the Anglo-Zulu War and the Anglo-Boer War. The term "Boer" is often used interchangeably with "Afrikaner" to refer to the descendants of the Dutch settlers in South Africa.

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  • 6. 

    Communism is 

    • Good.

    • Bad

    Correct Answer
    A. Bad
    Explanation
    Communism is generally considered bad because it has been associated with authoritarian regimes, lack of individual freedoms, and economic inefficiency. In practice, communist governments have often resulted in human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and a lack of economic incentives. Additionally, the centralized control of resources and means of production under communism has historically led to inefficiencies and scarcity. While the idea of equality and shared resources may seem appealing in theory, the reality of communist regimes has shown negative consequences.

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  • 7. 

    Which European countries could receive aid through the Marshall Plan?

    • Latin American countries

    • Any European country that needed it

    • African countries

    • Cities in the USA with high crime rates

    Correct Answer
    A. Any European country that needed it
    Explanation
    The correct answer is any European country that needed it. The Marshall Plan was a program initiated by the United States after World War II to provide economic assistance to war-torn European countries. The plan aimed to rebuild Europe's infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and prevent the spread of communism. Therefore, any European country that was in need of aid could receive assistance through the Marshall Plan. The program played a crucial role in the post-war recovery of Europe and helped to strengthen the economic and political stability of the region.

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  • 8. 

    What idea was the major U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era?

    • Nonaligned nations

    • Khmer Rouge

    • Vietnamization

    • Stopping the spread of communism

    Correct Answer
    A. Stopping the spread of communism
    Explanation
    During the Cold War era, the major U.S. foreign policy was focused on stopping the spread of communism. The United States aimed to contain and prevent the expansion of communist influence, particularly that of the Soviet Union, through various means such as military interventions, economic aid, and alliances with anti-communist countries. This policy was driven by the belief that communism posed a threat to democracy and freedom, and the U.S. sought to prevent its further proliferation around the world.

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  • 9. 

    What was NOT a cause of the Great War?

    • Nationalism

    • Imperialism

    • Zionism

    • Militarism

    Correct Answer
    A. Zionism
    Explanation
    Zionism was not a cause of the Great War. The Great War, also known as World War I, was primarily caused by factors such as nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. Nationalism led to tensions between different nations, imperialism created competition for colonies and resources, and militarism fueled an arms race and aggressive foreign policies. Zionism, on the other hand, is a movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, which was not a significant factor in the outbreak of the war.

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  • 10. 

    Bombers under the command of ____________ bombed Tokyo for revenge and demonstrated Japan’s vulnerability to air attack.

    • The Luftwaffe

    • Winston Churchill

    • Colonel James H. Doolittle

    • Erwin Rommel

    Correct Answer
    A. Colonel James H. Doolittle
    Explanation
    Colonel James H. Doolittle is the correct answer because he led a group of bombers known as the Doolittle Raiders in a retaliatory air raid on Tokyo in April 1942. This raid, also known as the Doolittle Raid, was carried out as a response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and aimed to demonstrate Japan's vulnerability to air attacks. The raid was a significant morale booster for the United States and showcased their ability to strike back at Japan, even though the damage inflicted on Tokyo itself was relatively minimal.

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  • 11. 

    What is laissez-faire economics?

    • A committee sets working standards without interference from industry owners

    • Owners set working conditions without government interference; free markets; “let them do as they choose”

    • Working conditions based on government standards

    • Government workers set working conditions based on votes on relevant to their industry

    Correct Answer
    A. Owners set working conditions without government interference; free markets; “let them do as they choose”
    Explanation
    Laissez-faire economics refers to a system where owners are able to set working conditions without government interference. It promotes free markets and the idea of "letting them do as they choose". This means that the government does not intervene in the decision-making process of business owners regarding working conditions, allowing them to operate with minimal regulation.

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  • 12. 

    What was the biggest advantage that the British had in the Battle of Britain?

    • Radar

    • British tanks

    • Superior numbers of aircraft.

    • Midway

    Correct Answer
    A. Radar
    Explanation
    Radar was the biggest advantage that the British had in the Battle of Britain. Radar allowed them to detect incoming enemy aircraft at a distance, giving them time to prepare and respond effectively. This technological advantage gave the British the ability to anticipate and intercept German planes, ultimately leading to their victory in the battle.

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  • 13. 

    This names a dispute between the Soviet Union and the United States that resulted from the shooting down of a spy plane.

    • U-2 incident

    • Apollo XI

    • Containment

    • Sputnik I

    Correct Answer
    A. U-2 incident
    Explanation
    The U-2 incident refers to a dispute between the Soviet Union and the United States that occurred when a US spy plane, the U-2, was shot down by the Soviets. This incident heightened tensions between the two superpowers during the Cold War era. The U-2 incident is significant because it exposed the US's covert surveillance activities and led to a deterioration in US-Soviet relations.

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  • 14. 

    What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?

    • To judge political parties that favored communism

    • To create a Communist party in the United States

    • To raise funds for Communist activities in Europe

    • To give money to support countries that rejected communism

    Correct Answer
    A. To give money to support countries that rejected communism
    Explanation
    The purpose of the Truman Doctrine was to provide financial aid and support to countries that rejected communism. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism and contain the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. By providing economic assistance, the United States hoped to strengthen these nations' resistance against communist ideologies and promote democratic values.

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  • 15. 

    Who was the mastermind of the "island-hopping" strategy?

    • Admiral Yamamoto

    • Douglas MacArthur

    • Adolph Hitler

    • Winston Churchill

    Correct Answer
    A. Douglas MacArthur
    Explanation
    Douglas MacArthur was the mastermind of the "island-hopping" strategy. This strategy was employed by the Allied forces during World War II in the Pacific theater. It involved selectively capturing specific islands and bypassing others, in order to establish a chain of bases that would bring the Allies closer to Japan. MacArthur, as the Supreme Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area, played a crucial role in planning and executing this strategy, which ultimately led to the successful liberation of the Philippines and the defeat of Japan.

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  • 16. 

    This is the name of the policy that aimed to prevent the spread of communism by blocking Soviet influence.

    • Enlightenment

    • Nationalism

    • Containment

    • Liberalism

    Correct Answer
    A. Containment
    Explanation
    Containment is the correct answer because it refers to the policy that aimed to prevent the spread of communism by blocking Soviet influence. This policy was adopted by the United States during the Cold War and involved various strategies such as military alliances, economic aid, and diplomatic pressure to contain the expansion of communism. The goal was to prevent the Soviet Union from gaining more power and influence in the world, thereby protecting the interests of the United States and its allies.

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  • 17. 

    Who described the superiority of the free-market system of capitalism in the book, The Wealth of Nations?

    • Adam Smith

    • John Stuart Mill

    • Jeremy Bentham

    • William Wilberforce

    Correct Answer
    A. Adam Smith
    Explanation
    Adam Smith described the superiority of the free-market system of capitalism in his book, The Wealth of Nations. In this influential work, Smith argued that individuals pursuing their own self-interest in a free-market economy ultimately benefit society as a whole. He emphasized the importance of competition, division of labor, and the invisible hand of the market in promoting economic growth and efficiency. Smith's ideas laid the foundation for modern economic theory and have had a significant impact on the development of capitalist systems worldwide.

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  • 18. 

    This term was used in Latin America to describe people of mixed European and Indian ancestry.

    • Mestizos

    • Mulattos

    • Peninsulares

    • Creoles

    Correct Answer
    A. Mestizos
    Explanation
    Mestizos refers to people of mixed European and Indian ancestry in Latin America. This term was commonly used to describe individuals who had both European and indigenous American heritage. The word "mestizo" originated from the Spanish and Portuguese languages and became widely used during the colonial period in Latin America. It was used to categorize individuals who were ethnically and culturally mixed, representing the blending of European and indigenous American cultures and bloodlines.

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  • 19. 

    This was the name of a group of countries who were friends with the U.S.S.R.

    • NATO

    • Capitalists

    • Warsaw Pact

    Correct Answer
    A. Warsaw Pact
    Explanation
    The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and several Eastern European countries, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. It was created as a response to the establishment of NATO by Western countries and served as a collective defense agreement among the member states. The Warsaw Pact can be considered a group of countries that were allied with the USSR, forming a counterbalance to the Western bloc led by the United States.

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  • 20. 

    What was the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?

    • To annex Texas to the United States

    • To establish the right of the United States to control the spice trade

    • To open trade in China to all nations

    • To discourage European nations from establishing colonies in Latin America

    Correct Answer
    A. To discourage European nations from establishing colonies in Latin America
    Explanation
    The purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to discourage European nations from establishing colonies in Latin America. This policy was established by President James Monroe in 1823 and stated that any attempt by European powers to colonize or interfere with the newly independent nations in the Americas would be seen as a hostile act towards the United States. The doctrine aimed to protect the sovereignty and independence of the Latin American nations and prevent European influence in the region.

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  • 21. 

    Soviets were made up of the ______________.

    • Lower class

    • Upper class

    • Middle class

    • Foreigners

    Correct Answer
    A. Lower class
    Explanation
    The Soviets were made up of the lower class because the Soviet Union was a socialist state where the means of production were owned by the state and wealth was supposed to be distributed equally among the people. The lower class, which consisted of workers and peasants, formed the majority of the population and played a crucial role in the Soviet system. They were the ones who were supposed to benefit from the socialist policies and were expected to actively participate in the decision-making process through the Soviets, which were grassroots democratic organizations.

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  • 22. 

    What was significant about the Battle of Midway?

    • It destroyed the whole of the Japanese navy.

    • It marked the end of the war for the Japanese.

    • It turned the war in the Pacific against the Japanese.

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. It turned the war in the Pacific against the Japanese.
    Explanation
    The Battle of Midway was significant because it turned the tide of the war in the Pacific against the Japanese. Prior to the battle, Japan had been on the offensive, expanding its empire and winning significant victories. However, the Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a major turning point. The United States was able to decipher Japanese codes and anticipate their attack, leading to a decisive American victory. This battle crippled the Japanese navy, destroyed four of their aircraft carriers, and forced them onto the defensive for the remainder of the war.

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  • 23. 

    Which country did NOT belong to the Triple Alliance?

    • Germany

    • Austria-Hungary

    • Italy

    • Russia

    Correct Answer
    A. Russia
    Explanation
    The Triple Alliance was a military alliance formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. This alliance was created to counter the growing influence of France and Russia in Europe. Therefore, the country that did NOT belong to the Triple Alliance is Russia.

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  • 24. 

    Which country did NOT belong to the Triple Entente?

    • France

    • Germany

    • Great Britain

    • Russia

    Correct Answer
    A. Germany
    Explanation
    Germany did not belong to the Triple Entente. The Triple Entente was an alliance formed between France, Great Britain, and Russia in the early 20th century. Germany, on the other hand, was part of the opposing alliance known as the Central Powers, which included Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. This alliance system played a significant role in the outbreak of World War I.

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  • 25. 

    What caused Italians to start taking Mussolini and his message seriously?

    • The example of Hitlers's success in Italy

    • Instability and Communist political movements

    • His skill at making speeches

    • The threat of invasion by the Soviet Union

    Correct Answer
    A. Instability and Communist political movements
    Explanation
    Italians started taking Mussolini and his message seriously due to the presence of instability and Communist political movements in the country. The political climate at the time was characterized by unrest and uncertainty, with the rise of Communist ideologies and movements gaining traction. Mussolini capitalized on this instability and presented himself as a strong leader who could restore order and protect Italy from the perceived threat of communism. This resonated with many Italians who were looking for stability and a sense of security, leading to their increased support for Mussolini and his fascist regime.

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  • Sep 03, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 19, 2017
    Quiz Created by
    Coacharns
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