Take The History 1920's Study Quiz Questions!
There are people out there who like to live in the here and now, and others who prefer to keep their eyes off the rear-view mirror and look directly ahead of them, but sometimes you can’t expect to create your own history without learning a little about what preceded it! In today’s history quiz, we’re going to be taking a look at a Ruthsatz US History quiz, with specific reference to the 1920’s!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The invention which had the greatest impact on American life and business in the twenties was the:
- A.
Electric refrigerator
- B.
Automobile
- C.
Vacuum
- D.
Sewing machine
Correct Answer
B. AutomobileExplanation
The invention of the automobile had the greatest impact on American life and business in the 1920s. The widespread availability of cars revolutionized transportation, allowing people to travel more easily and quickly. It led to the growth of suburbs as people could commute to work in cities. The automobile industry also stimulated economic growth, creating jobs and increasing demand for goods and services. Additionally, the automobile changed American culture, giving people more freedom and independence to explore new places and engage in recreational activities.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a "traditional" society?
- A.
Rural (agrarian)
- B.
Change occurs slowly
- C.
Deeply religious/spiritual
- D.
Willing to be in debt/use credit
Correct Answer
D. Willing to be in debt/use creditExplanation
A traditional society is typically characterized by being rural and agrarian, where the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture. Change occurs slowly in such societies, as they tend to adhere to long-established customs and practices. They also tend to be deeply religious or spiritual, with religious beliefs and practices playing a significant role in their daily lives. However, being willing to be in debt or use credit is not a characteristic of a traditional society. Traditional societies often rely on barter systems or communal sharing rather than formal credit systems.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which amendment to the Constitution made alcohol illegal?
- A.
18th
- B.
19th
- C.
21st
- D.
20th
Correct Answer
A. 18thExplanation
The 18th amendment to the Constitution made alcohol illegal. This amendment, also known as Prohibition, was ratified in 1919 and went into effect in 1920. It banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. Prohibition was a result of the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce the social problems associated with alcohol consumption. However, the 18th amendment was eventually repealed by the 21st amendment in 1933, ending Prohibition.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Harlem Renaissance writers, artists, and musicians emphasized:
- A.
Relief for African-Americans from white oppression
- B.
Assimilation into white culture
- C.
The richness and variety of African-American culture
- D.
African-Americans moving South to a more tolerant atmosphere
Correct Answer
C. The richness and variety of African-American cultureExplanation
During the Harlem Renaissance, African-American writers, artists, and musicians sought to highlight the richness and diversity of their own culture. They aimed to challenge negative stereotypes and showcase the talent and creativity that existed within the African-American community. This cultural movement was a celebration of African-American identity and heritage, rather than a desire for assimilation into white culture or a focus on relief from white oppression. It was a time of self-expression and pride in their own unique contributions to art, literature, and music.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Lost Generation refers to 1920's writers who were fearful that society had become:
- A.
Wealthy and snotty
- B.
Greedy and traditional
- C.
Poor and irresponsible
- D.
Promiscuous and materialistic
Correct Answer
D. Promiscuous and materialisticExplanation
The Lost Generation refers to a group of writers in the 1920s who felt disillusioned and disconnected from society. They believed that society had become promiscuous and materialistic, placing a greater emphasis on physical pleasure and material possessions rather than meaningful connections and values. This perception of society led to their criticism and exploration of the moral and social decay they observed during that time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Evolution could not be taught in some schools because:
- A.
It violated the separation between church and state
- B.
People believed it contradicted the Bible
- C.
It violated the 1st Amendment
- D.
People believed the theory of contradicted science
Correct Answer
B. People believed it contradicted the BibleExplanation
Some schools did not teach evolution because people believed that it contradicted the Bible. The theory of evolution suggests that humans and other species evolved over time through natural processes, which some religious individuals interpreted as conflicting with the creation story in the Bible. As a result, they opposed the teaching of evolution in schools, arguing that it violated their religious beliefs. This opposition was a significant factor in preventing the inclusion of evolution in some school curricula.Rate this question:
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- 7.
One result of prohibition during the twenties was:
- A.
A decline in dancing in socializing
- B.
The increase in alcoholism
- C.
The creation of urban artistic colonies
- D.
The rise of organized crime
Correct Answer
D. The rise of organized crimeExplanation
During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, the ban on alcohol led to a rise in organized crime. With the demand for alcohol still high, illegal activities such as bootlegging and smuggling became prevalent. Criminal organizations took advantage of this opportunity to profit from the illegal alcohol trade, leading to the rise of organized crime syndicates. These criminal groups controlled the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol, often resorting to violence and corruption to maintain their operations. The Prohibition era thus inadvertently fueled the growth and power of organized crime in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The economy grew in the 1920s as consumers:
- A.
Carefully conserved electricity
- B.
Invested most of their money in government bonds
- C.
Learned to ignore advertisements
- D.
Began to buy goods on credit
Correct Answer
D. Began to buy goods on creditExplanation
In the 1920s, the economy grew because consumers started buying goods on credit. This means that instead of paying for items upfront, they would make purchases and pay for them over time. This increased consumer spending and stimulated economic growth as people were able to buy more goods and services.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The rapid development of the mass media during the 1920s:
- A.
Simplified life for most Americans
- B.
Promoted the creation of a national culture or identity
- C.
Encouraged Americans to work longer hours
- D.
Promoted a mass migration to rural areas
Correct Answer
B. Promoted the creation of a national culture or identityExplanation
The rapid development of the mass media during the 1920s promoted the creation of a national culture or identity. This is because the mass media, including radio, newspapers, and magazines, allowed for the widespread dissemination of information and entertainment. It helped to connect people from different regions of the country and create a shared sense of culture and identity. The mass media also played a significant role in shaping popular culture and influencing societal norms and values, further contributing to the creation of a national culture or identity.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The "Red Scare" refers to:
- A.
The largest mafia murder in the 1920s
- B.
Changing fashion colors
- C.
Fear of socialist and communists in the United States
- D.
A fearful loss of blood
Correct Answer
C. Fear of socialist and communists in the United StatesExplanation
The term "Red Scare" refers to the fear of socialist and communists in the United States. During the early 20th century, there was a widespread fear and paranoia about the spread of communism and socialism, particularly after the Russian Revolution in 1917. The government, media, and public were concerned about the potential infiltration of communist ideas and activities in the country. This led to a period of intense anti-communist sentiment, with government investigations, surveillance, and even persecution of individuals suspected of having communist affiliations. The term "Red Scare" encapsulates this atmosphere of fear and suspicion during that time.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What act provided for the enforcement of Prohibition?
- A.
Kellogg Briand Act
- B.
National Origins Act
- C.
Volstead Act
- D.
Anti-Saloon League Act
Correct Answer
C. Volstead ActExplanation
The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of Prohibition. This act, also known as the National Prohibition Act, was passed in 1919 to enforce the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The Volstead Act established the legal framework for enforcing Prohibition, including defining what constituted illegal alcohol and outlining penalties for violations. It created the Prohibition Bureau within the Treasury Department to enforce the law and gave them the authority to conduct searches and seizures. The Volstead Act remained in effect until Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Both the Palmer Raids and the Sacco and Vanzetti case demonstrated how:
- A.
Christian fundamentalism had permeated society
- B.
Technology was improving the quality of life
- C.
The Red Scare provoked injustice
- D.
Americans were beginning to embrace the modern
Correct Answer
C. The Red Scare provoked injusticeExplanation
The Palmer Raids and the Sacco and Vanzetti case were both examples of how the Red Scare provoked injustice. The Palmer Raids were a series of government raids in the 1920s that targeted suspected radical leftists, often resulting in the violation of civil liberties and the deportation of innocent individuals. The Sacco and Vanzetti case involved two Italian immigrants who were convicted and executed for a robbery and murder, despite significant doubts about their guilt. Both cases reflected the atmosphere of fear and hysteria during the Red Scare, which led to unfair treatment and injustices against individuals perceived as threats to American society.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The immigration policy set in place by the National Origin Act of 1924 favored:
- A.
Great Britain and Northwest Europe
- B.
Southern Europeans and Russians
- C.
No one- it was the nation's first fair policy on immigration
- D.
Asians
Correct Answer
A. Great Britain and Northwest EuropeExplanation
The correct answer is Great Britain and Northwest Europe. The National Origin Act of 1924 implemented a quota system that heavily favored immigrants from these regions. The Act aimed to restrict immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia, by setting strict quotas based on the percentage of each nationality present in the US population according to the 1890 census. This policy was motivated by nativist sentiments and a desire to maintain the cultural and ethnic dominance of Northern European immigrants in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 14.
People who brought liquor into the country illegally were called:
- A.
Speakeasies
- B.
Moonshiners
- C.
Gangsters
- D.
Bootleggers
Correct Answer
D. BootleggersExplanation
Bootleggers were people who brought liquor into the country illegally during the time of Prohibition in the United States. They would smuggle and distribute alcohol, often hiding it in their boots, which is where the term "bootleggers" originated from. This term specifically refers to those involved in the illegal alcohol trade, distinguishing them from other terms such as speakeasies (illegal bars), moonshiners (people who illegally produced alcohol), and gangsters (criminals involved in various illegal activities).Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following DID NOT lead to the Big Crash?
- A.
Stock speculation
- B.
Perfectly even supply and demand
- C.
Uneven prosperity
- D.
Buying stocks on margin
Correct Answer
B. Perfectly even supply and demandExplanation
The Big Crash refers to the stock market crash of 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. While factors such as stock speculation, uneven prosperity, and buying stocks on margin all contributed to the crash, a perfectly even supply and demand would not have directly led to the crash. In fact, an even supply and demand would suggest a stable market condition, which would typically not result in a sudden crash.Rate this question:
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- 16.
During the twenties, the goal of the Ku Klux Klan was to:
- A.
Promote white supremacy
- B.
Prevent women from voting
- C.
Teach evolution
- D.
Repeal prohibition
Correct Answer
A. Promote white supremacyExplanation
During the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan aimed to promote white supremacy. This means that their goal was to establish and maintain the belief that white people are superior to people of other races. The Klan used intimidation, violence, and discrimination to assert their ideology and maintain control over society, particularly targeting African Americans, immigrants, and other minority groups. They sought to maintain racial segregation and suppress the rights and opportunities of non-white individuals, perpetuating a system of racial inequality and injustice.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Great Migration is a contributing factor to which of the following conflicts of the era we studied?
- A.
The Palmer Raids
- B.
Race Riots of 1919
- C.
The Scopes Trial
- D.
The Generation Gap
Correct Answer
B. Race Riots of 1919Explanation
The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North during the early 20th century. This migration was driven by factors such as economic opportunities and escaping racial violence and discrimination in the South. The influx of African Americans into Northern cities led to increased racial tensions and conflicts, including the Race Riots of 1919. Therefore, the Great Migration is a contributing factor to the Race Riots of 1919.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following was NOT used for advertising in the 1920s?
- A.
Radio
- B.
Magazines
- C.
Billboards
- D.
Television
Correct Answer
D. TelevisionExplanation
Television was not used for advertising in the 1920s because television broadcasting did not exist until the late 1920s and early 1930s. The first experimental television broadcasts began in the late 1920s, but it was not until the 1930s that television sets became commercially available and broadcasting became more widespread. Therefore, television was not a medium for advertising during the 1920s.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What effect did the twenties have on women?
- A.
Women felt more free to experiment with bolder styles and manners
- B.
Married women found it easier to balance careers and family
- C.
Most women grew long hair and stopped using makeup
- D.
Women began to dominate the work force
Correct Answer
A. Women felt more free to experiment with bolder styles and mannersExplanation
During the 1920s, commonly known as the "Roaring Twenties," women experienced a significant shift in societal norms and expectations. This era marked the rise of the flapper culture, where women embraced more daring and unconventional styles and behaviors. They started experimenting with bolder fashion choices, such as shorter hemlines, bobbed haircuts, and more revealing clothing. Additionally, women began to challenge traditional gender roles and express themselves more freely, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and independence. This cultural shift allowed women to break free from previous restrictions and explore new avenues of self-expression.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The ______________ was a scandal concerning oil drilling rights on government land during the presidency of _________________.
- A.
Kellogg Briand, Calvin Coolidge
- B.
Teapot Dome, Warren G. Harding
- C.
Teapot Dome, Calvin Coolidge
- D.
Kellogg Briand, Warren G. Harding
Correct Answer
B. Teapot Dome, Warren G. HardingExplanation
The Teapot Dome scandal was a scandal concerning oil drilling rights on government land during the presidency of Warren G. Harding.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of the following BEST describes a flapper?
- A.
A woman who campaigned for the legalization of the "Moral Gown"
- B.
A modest women who obeyed her parents
- C.
A women who thought men should stay home and women should dominate the workforce
- D.
A rebellious woman who wanted to drink, smoke, and have a good time
Correct Answer
D. A rebellious woman who wanted to drink, smoke, and have a good timeExplanation
The correct answer describes a flapper as a rebellious woman who wanted to drink, smoke, and have a good time. Flappers were a generation of young women in the 1920s who challenged traditional societal norms by embracing a more independent and carefree lifestyle. They were known for their bold fashion choices, such as short skirts and bobbed hair, and for their participation in activities that were considered unconventional for women at the time, such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in casual dating and partying.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following groups of people was NOT a target of the Ku Klux Klan?
- A.
Christian Fundamentalists
- B.
American Indians
- C.
Asian Immigrants
- D.
European Jews
- E.
Roman Catholics
Correct Answer
A. Christian FundamentalistsExplanation
The Ku Klux Klan targeted various groups, including American Indians, Asian immigrants, European Jews, and Roman Catholics, due to their race, ethnicity, or religion. However, Christian Fundamentalists were not specifically targeted by the Klan. While the Klan did promote white Protestant supremacy, they did not single out Christian Fundamentalists as a distinct group for persecution.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 01, 2009Quiz Created by
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