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US History Trivia

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Challenge yourself with these fun trivia questions and see how much you truly know! Keep track of your score and see if you can ace them all!

You might enjoy exploring these engaging US History Quizzes!

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How much information do you have about American history? Let's test your knowledge with this interesting quiz. American History tells many great sagas, including great battles ever fought, brutal wars, economic up-downs,...

Questions: 55 | Viewed: 15485 | Last updated: Mar 19, 2025

Sample Questions
  • 1. Who was the first President of the United States?
  • 2. How many colonies were there in United States originally? 
  • 3. What war was fought on American soil from 1861 to 1865?
Are you educated about the history of the United States? Would you like to try this quiz? Regarding this quiz, you should know what year Christopher Columbus discovered America, who the United States' first president was,...

Questions: 67 | Viewed: 5292 | Last updated: Feb 28, 2025

Sample Questions
  • 1.  What year did Christopher Columbus discover America?
  • 2. Who was the first President of the United States of America? 
  • 3.  Who was the sixteenth President of the United States of America?

US History Trivia Questions

1. Who was the first President of the United States?
Answer:  George Washington
Explanation:

George Washington was the first President of the United States because he was elected as the president after leading the American Revolutionary War and serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He played a crucial role in the formation of the United States and the drafting of the Constitution. Washington's leadership and dedication to the nation earned him the trust and support of the American people, making him the obvious choice for the first president.

2. How many colonies were there in United States originally? 
Answer:  13
Explanation:

There were originally 13 colonies in the United States. These colonies were established by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries and eventually became the first 13 states of the United States of America. The colonies played a significant role in the American Revolution and the formation of the new nation.

3. What war was fought on American soil from 1861 to 1865?
Answer:  The American Civil War
Explanation:

The American Civil War was fought on American soil from 1861 to 1865. It was a conflict between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues of slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union. The war resulted in the abolition of slavery, a significant expansion of federal power, and the reunification of the United States.

4. Who was the 16th president of the US?
Answer:  Abraham Lincoln
Explanation:

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He served as president from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln is best known for his leadership during the American Civil War and his efforts to abolish slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. He is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history for his role in preserving the Union and promoting equality.

5. Who was the only president to serve two separate terms in office?
Answer:  Grover Cleveland
Explanation:

Grover Cleveland is the correct answer because he is the only president in US history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. He first served as the 22nd president from 1885 to 1889, and then was re-elected as the 24th president and served from 1893 to 1897.

6. Today in the United States government, there are two major political parties. The Republicans are one of the parties who is the other party?
Answer:  The Democrats
Explanation:

The correct answer is the Democrats because they are one of the two major political parties in the United States government, alongside the Republicans.

7. How many judges are there in the United States Supreme Court?
Answer:  9
Explanation:

The United States Supreme Court consists of nine judges. These judges are responsible for interpreting the law and making final decisions on important legal issues. The number nine is significant because it ensures an odd number of judges, which helps to prevent ties in the decision-making process. This allows for a clear majority opinion to be reached and ensures the court's ability to make decisive rulings.

8. Who was the president from 1933 to 1945, the only president to serve more than 8 years in office?
Answer:  Franklin D. Roosevelt
Explanation:

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president from 1933 to 1945 and is the only president to have served more than 8 years in office. He was elected for four terms and led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II. His presidency was marked by significant social and economic reforms, such as the New Deal, which aimed to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression and stimulate economic recovery. Roosevelt's leadership and policies had a profound impact on the country during a crucial period in its history.

9. How many Senators are in the US Congress?
Answer:  100
Explanation:

There are 100 Senators in the US Congress. The US Congress is made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 435 members, while the Senate has 100 members. Each state in the US is represented by two Senators, regardless of its population size. Therefore, the correct answer is 100.

10. Name the first African American president.
Answer:  Barack Obama
Explanation:

Barack Obama is the correct answer because he was the first African American president of the United States. He served as the 44th president from 2009 to 2017. Obama's election was a historic milestone, breaking barriers and symbolizing progress in racial equality. His presidency brought significant changes in healthcare, climate policy, and foreign relations. Obama's leadership and accomplishments have had a lasting impact, making him an influential figure in American history.

11. What year did the American Revolution begin?
Answer:  1775
Explanation:

The American Revolution began in 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the start of the armed conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. This event ignited the revolutionary spirit among the colonists and ultimately led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

12. What was the name of the first successful English settlement in North America?
Answer:  Jamestown
Explanation:

Jamestown was the first successful English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in what is now Virginia. It was founded by the Virginia Company and became a crucial foothold for the English in the New World, paving the way for future colonization efforts. Jamestown played a significant role in shaping the history of the United States and remains a prominent historical site today.

13. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Answer:  Thomas Jefferson
Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson's eloquent and powerful words laid out the colonists' grievances against the British monarchy and declared the colonies' independence from British rule. Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration of Independence solidified his place in American history as one of the founding fathers and a key figure in the fight for independence.

14. What was the name of the first president of the United States?
Answer:  George Washington
Explanation:

George Washington was unanimously chosen as the first president of the United States by the Electoral College in 1789. He played a crucial role in shaping the new nation and establishing many of the traditions and precedents that are still followed today. As a respected military leader and statesman, Washington's leadership was instrumental in guiding the country through its early years and setting a strong foundation for future presidents to build upon.

15. Who was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms?
Answer:  Grover Cleveland
Explanation:

Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms because he was elected as the 22nd president in 1884, lost the election in 1888, and then won again in 1892 to become the 24th president. This unique occurrence in American history allowed Cleveland to be the only president to have served two non-consecutive terms.

16. What state is known as the "Lone Star State"?
Answer:  Texas
Explanation:

Texas is known as the "Lone Star State" because of the single star on its flag, symbolizing its independent spirit and history as a former independent republic. This nickname reflects Texas' pride in its unique history and identity as a state.

17. What year did the Civil War begin?
Answer:  1861
Explanation:

The Civil War began in 1861 as tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery and states' rights reached a breaking point. The bombardment of Fort Sumter in April of that year marked the beginning of the conflict, which would last for four years and result in significant loss of life and destruction.

18. What was the name of the ship that carried immigrants to Ellis Island?
Answer:  The Statue of Liberty
Explanation:

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and welcoming immigrants to the United States. While the Statue of Liberty is located near Ellis Island and served as a beacon of hope for immigrants arriving in America, it was not the actual ship that carried immigrants to Ellis Island. Instead, immigrants traveled on various ships from different countries to reach Ellis Island for processing and entry into the United States.

19. What woman is known as the "Mother of the Confederacy"?
Answer:  Jefferson Davis' wife, Varina Davis
Explanation:

Varina Davis is known as the "Mother of the Confederacy" because she was the wife of Jefferson Davis, who was the President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Varina Davis played a significant role in supporting her husband's political career and advocating for the Confederate cause, making her a prominent figure in the Confederacy and earning her the title of "Mother of the Confederacy."

20. Who wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin", a powerful anti-slavery novel?
Answer:  Harriet Beecher Stowe
Explanation:

Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin", a powerful anti-slavery novel that played a significant role in shaping public opinion about slavery in the United States. Stowe's novel depicted the harsh realities of slavery and helped to fuel the abolitionist movement in the mid-19th century.

21. What state was the first to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote?
Answer:  Wyoming
Explanation:

Wyoming was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment because it had already granted women the right to vote in 1869, making it a pioneer in women's suffrage. This early recognition of women's voting rights in Wyoming likely contributed to the state's swift ratification of the 19th Amendment when it was proposed.

22. What significant event took place on December 7, 1941?
Answer:  The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Explanation:

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise military strike on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This event marked the entry of the United States into World War II and had a profound impact on American history. The attack resulted in the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and civilians, as well as the destruction of numerous ships and aircraft. It was a pivotal moment that changed the course of the war and shaped international relations for years to come.

23. What was the name of the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court?
Answer:  Sandra Day O'Connor
Explanation:

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. She was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and served on the Court until her retirement in 2006. O'Connor was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession and her appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of the Supreme Court.

24. What year did the Vietnam War end?
Answer:  1975
Explanation:

The Vietnam War ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of North and South Vietnam under communist rule. This marked the conclusion of a long and divisive conflict that had lasted for over two decades, resulting in significant loss of life and leaving a lasting impact on both Vietnam and the United States.

25. What event led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon?
Answer:  The Watergate Scandal
Explanation:

The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal in the United States that involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex. It was discovered that President Richard Nixon and his administration were involved in covering up the break-in, leading to a series of investigations and public hearings. As the evidence against him continued to mount, President Nixon ultimately resigned from office in August 1974 to avoid facing impeachment.

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