The U.S. History (1920-1940) Quiz!

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US History Quizzes & Trivia

Are you familiar with the history of the United States from 1920-1940? Would you like to try this quiz? The Great Depression is an event that affected all hard-working Americans around this time. It made an enormous impact on society and incited hardships with many American families. Prohibition is another example of an event that took place at this time, as alcohol was illegal. If you want to learn more, try this quiz.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The 20's were known as "roaring" because

    • A.

      Lots of people had cars

    • B.

      People were mad

    • C.

      There was new prosperity, leisure time and fun

    • D.

      Lions were on the loose in America

    Correct Answer
    C. There was new prosperity, leisure time and fun
    Explanation
    The 20's were known as "roaring" because there was new prosperity, leisure time, and fun. This decade marked a period of economic growth and increased consumerism, leading to a rise in living standards. The introduction of new technologies, such as the mass production of cars, allowed people to enjoy more leisure activities and explore new forms of entertainment. The 20's also witnessed the emergence of jazz music and the flapper culture, contributing to a sense of excitement and liberation.

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  • 2. 

    Young women in the 20's expressed their new found freedom by

    • A.

      Running away

    • B.

      Divorcing their husbands and going to work

    • C.

      Cutting their hair off, smoking, drinking and dancing in public

    • D.

      Getting advanced college degrees

    Correct Answer
    C. Cutting their hair off, smoking, drinking and dancing in public
    Explanation
    In the 1920s, young women expressed their newfound freedom by engaging in behaviors that were considered unconventional at the time. Cutting their hair off, smoking, drinking, and dancing in public were seen as rebellious acts that challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms. These actions symbolized their desire for independence and a departure from the constraints of the past.

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  • 3. 

    The results of Henry Ford's assembly line was

    • A.

      Lots of people got laid off

    • B.

      Few people could afford a car

    • C.

      The cars that were made were of poor quality

    • D.

      More people could afford the lower priced cars

    Correct Answer
    D. More people could afford the lower priced cars
    Explanation
    The correct answer is more people could afford the lower priced cars. This is because Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized the manufacturing process, allowing for mass production of automobiles at a much lower cost. As a result, the price of cars decreased, making them more affordable for a larger portion of the population.

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  • 4. 

    In the 20's more leisure time meant

    • A.

      Lots of lazy people

    • B.

      Sunday drives, silent movies, baseball, etc.

    • C.

      People got to stay home and watch TV

    • D.

      More unemployment

    Correct Answer
    B. Sunday drives, silent movies, baseball, etc.
    Explanation
    In the 20's, people had more leisure time, which allowed them to engage in activities like Sunday drives, watching silent movies, and playing baseball. This suggests that the correct answer is that people had more opportunities for entertainment and recreation during this time period.

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  • 5. 

    In the 20's people bought expensive new items like cars and kitchen appliances because

    • A.

      Installment plans were offered for the first time

    • B.

      They were able to save enough money to purchase the item

    • C.

      They were trying to keep up with their neighbors

    • D.

      They were enamored with new technology

    Correct Answer
    A. Installment plans were offered for the first time
    Explanation
    In the 20's, people bought expensive new items like cars and kitchen appliances because installment plans were offered for the first time. This means that instead of paying the full price upfront, they could make smaller monthly payments over a period of time. This made it more affordable for people to purchase these items, as they didn't have to save up a large sum of money all at once. It also allowed them to enjoy the benefits of new technology without having to wait until they had enough savings.

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  • 6. 

    During Prohibition

    • A.

      No one was drinking alcohol in the U.S.

    • B.

      People found a way to drink alcohol anyway

    • C.

      The government opened ABC stores

    • D.

      Church attendance skyrocketed

    Correct Answer
    B. People found a way to drink alcohol anyway
    Explanation
    During Prohibition, the consumption and sale of alcohol were banned in the U.S. However, this did not stop people from finding ways to drink alcohol illegally. Many individuals resorted to speakeasies, which were hidden bars or clubs that operated secretly. Bootleggers also emerged, smuggling and producing alcohol illegally. Despite the government's efforts to enforce the ban, the demand for alcohol remained high, leading to a thriving underground market. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that people found alternative means to continue drinking alcohol despite the prohibition.

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  • 7. 

    The Lost Generation during the 20's became expatriates who were

    • A.

      Artists who had lost hope in America and went to Europe to live

    • B.

      Artists who had lost hope in America and went to the Appalachians to live solitary lives

    • C.

      Industrialists who found cheap labor in China

    • D.

      Intellectuals who went to teach in Mexican universities

    Correct Answer
    A. Artists who had lost hope in America and went to Europe to live
    Explanation
    During the 1920s, a group of artists known as the Lost Generation emerged. They were disillusioned with the values and culture of America following World War I and sought refuge in Europe. These artists, including writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, believed that America had lost its moral compass and turned to Europe for inspiration and a sense of belonging. They found solace in the vibrant artistic communities of cities like Paris, where they could freely express themselves and explore new artistic movements. This migration to Europe allowed them to escape the disillusionment they felt in America and find new hope and purpose in their artistic endeavors.

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  • 8. 

    The Stock Market Crash, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression happened in this year:_________ 

    Correct Answer
    1929
    Explanation
    The Stock Market Crash in 1929 is widely regarded as the trigger for the Great Depression. This event saw a significant decline in stock prices, leading to widespread panic and a collapse of the stock market. The crash had far-reaching consequences, including a severe economic downturn, high unemployment rates, and a decline in industrial production. It is considered one of the most devastating financial crises in history, with its effects lasting for several years.

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  • 9. 

    During  the Great Depression

    • A.

      People were sad, but employed

    • B.

      People were unemployed, homeless, and malnutrition was rampant

    • C.

      People were taking antidepressants and going to therapy

    • D.

      People were employed and home ownership skyrocketed

    Correct Answer
    B. People were unemployed, homeless, and malnutrition was rampant
    Explanation
    During the Great Depression, the economic downturn led to widespread unemployment, homelessness, and a severe lack of nutrition. Many people lost their jobs and were unable to find new ones, resulting in high levels of unemployment. As a result, individuals and families were unable to afford housing, leading to a rise in homelessness. Additionally, the lack of income meant that many people struggled to afford basic necessities, resulting in malnutrition becoming rampant among the population.

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  • 10. 

    "Buying on margin" means

    • A.

      Borrowing money from the bank for large purchases such as cars and appliances

    • B.

      Paying all of the stock's price up front and hoping to make a profit

    • C.

      Paying a small part of a stock's price as a down payment and borrowing the rest

    • D.

      Using government money to purchase stocks

    Correct Answer
    C. Paying a small part of a stock's price as a down payment and borrowing the rest
    Explanation
    "Buying on margin" refers to the practice of purchasing stocks by paying only a portion of the stock's price upfront (known as a down payment) and borrowing the remaining amount from a broker or a bank. This allows investors to leverage their investments and potentially amplify their gains or losses. By using borrowed funds to buy stocks, investors can increase their purchasing power and potentially earn higher returns. However, it also exposes them to greater risks, as losses can be magnified.

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  • 11. 

    President Herbert Hoover was disliked towards the end of his presidency because

    • A.

      People blamed him for the Depression

    • B.

      He had a philosophy of "working out of the Depression" and didn't think the government should help people too much

    • C.

      He had had the Bonus Army drive out of Washington, D.C.

    • D.

      A & B

    • E.

      A, B & C

    Correct Answer
    E. A, B & C
    Explanation
    President Herbert Hoover was disliked towards the end of his presidency because people blamed him for the Depression. This was due to his philosophy of "working out of the Depression" and not believing that the government should provide extensive assistance to the people. Additionally, he had the Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans seeking early payment of their bonuses, driven out of Washington, D.C. These actions and beliefs contributed to the negative perception of Hoover and his presidency.

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  • 12. 

    The CCC and WPA were both government works programs. The initials stand for:

    • A.

      Corporation of Communist Civilians and We Piddle Around

    • B.

      Country Conservation Citizens and Why Progress Administration

    • C.

      City Conservation Citizens, and We Provide Art

    • D.

      Civilian Conservation Corp. and Works Progress Administration

    Correct Answer
    D. Civilian Conservation Corp. and Works Progress Administration
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Civilian Conservation Corp. and Works Progress Administration. The CCC and WPA were both government works programs during the Great Depression. The CCC focused on employing young, unemployed men in conservation projects such as reforestation and soil erosion control. The WPA aimed to provide employment for a broader range of workers, including both men and women, in various public works projects such as building roads, bridges, and schools. Both programs were part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives to combat unemployment and stimulate the economy.

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  • 13. 

    Roosevelt lost to _____ in the 1932 presidential election.

    • A.

      John D. Rockefeller

    • B.

      Franklin Delano Roosevelt

    • C.

      Franklin Ross

    • D.

      Eleanor Roosevelt

    Correct Answer
    B. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
    Explanation
    In the 1932 presidential election, Roosevelt lost to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

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  • 14. 

    Deficit spending is

    • A.

      Using borrowed money to fund government programs

    • B.

      Spending the taxpayers money

    • C.

      Borrowing from the Chinese to purchase goods

    • D.

      Government spending on public works

    Correct Answer
    A. Using borrowed money to fund government programs
    Explanation
    Deficit spending refers to the practice of using borrowed money to fund government programs. This means that the government is spending more money than it is currently generating through revenue, and is relying on borrowing to cover the shortfall. This can lead to an increase in the national debt, as the government accumulates more and more debt by borrowing from various sources, such as individuals, institutions, or even other countries. Deficit spending can be used to stimulate the economy, finance infrastructure projects, or fund social programs, but it also carries the risk of increasing the debt burden and interest payments in the long run.

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  • 15. 

    In politics, a liberal is

    • A.

      Wrong

    • B.

      Someone who favors bigger government to bring about social and economic change

    • C.

      Someone who favors fewer government controls and more individual freedom in economic matters

    • D.

      Always correct

    Correct Answer
    B. Someone who favors bigger government to bring about social and economic change
    Explanation
    The correct answer is someone who favors bigger government to bring about social and economic change. In politics, liberals are generally associated with advocating for policies that involve more government intervention and regulation in order to address social and economic issues. They believe that a larger government can play a significant role in promoting equality and providing social services to citizens. This perspective contrasts with conservatives who tend to favor smaller government and more individual freedom in economic matters.

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  • 16. 

    In politics, a conservative is:

    • A.

      Someone who favors fewer government controls and more individual freedom in economic matters

    • B.

      Someone who favors bigger government to bring about social and economic change

    • C.

      Someone who favors letting the president make all the decisions for the country

    • D.

      Someone who favors letting the people decide economic changes for the country

    Correct Answer
    A. Someone who favors fewer government controls and more individual freedom in economic matters
    Explanation
    A conservative in politics is someone who favors fewer government controls and more individual freedom in economic matters. This means that they believe in limited government intervention in the economy, allowing individuals and businesses to make their own decisions and pursue their own economic interests. Conservatives typically advocate for lower taxes, less regulation, and free markets as a means to promote economic growth and prosperity. They believe that individual freedom and personal responsibility are key principles for a thriving economy.

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  • 17. 

    The Dust Bowl was

    • A.

      A bowl of dust; not very tasty

    • B.

      A drought that hit the Great Plains in the 1930's

    • C.

      A drought that hit the West coast in the 1930's

    • D.

      A worldwide drought

    Correct Answer
    B. A drought that hit the Great Plains in the 1930's
    Explanation
    The Dust Bowl refers to a severe drought that occurred in the Great Plains region of the United States during the 1930s. This drought led to massive dust storms and soil erosion, resulting in significant damage to agriculture and the environment. The answer choice "a drought that hit the Great Plains in the 1930's" accurately describes the Dust Bowl and its impact on the region.

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  • 18. 

    One of the New Deal Programs was a national pension systems, now known as

    • A.

      Social Freedom

    • B.

      Security for Citizens

    • C.

      Social Security

    • D.

      Old Age Program

    Correct Answer
    C. Social Security
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Social Security. Social Security is a national pension system that was implemented as part of the New Deal Programs. It provides financial support to retired individuals, as well as disabled individuals and the families of deceased workers. Social Security aims to ensure economic security and alleviate poverty among the elderly population.

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  • 19. 

    Some of the New Deal Programs were

    • A.

      Oversight of Labor practices and Agricultural Price Supports

    • B.

      Regulation of Wall Street and Programs to house the elderly

    • C.

      Protection for Savings and Regulation of the Stock Market

    • D.

      A & B

    • E.

      A & C

    Correct Answer
    E. A & C
    Explanation
    The correct answer is A & C because the New Deal Programs included oversight of labor practices, which aimed to protect workers' rights and improve working conditions, and regulation of the stock market, which aimed to prevent another economic collapse like the Great Depression. Additionally, the New Deal Programs also included protection for savings, which aimed to restore confidence in the banking system and prevent bank failures.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 29, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Bfakhoury
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