American History MCQ Practice Quiz! Trivia
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Why were the League of Nations and the United Nations created? A. to end world hunger B. to prevent future wars C. to unify the world economy D. to spread democracy in the world
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About This Quiz
How about some American history MCQ trivia? America is considered one of the most powerful countries on earth, but long before it was a British colony, they had to fight for their freedom. Did you know that there's more than one copy of the original Declaration of Independence, and there are some states where there are more cows than people? See moreThis quiz will let you learn some more facts about this great country!
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How did the Pure Food and Drug Act change the way government regulated business? A. The government prevented businesses from raising prices due to research and development costs. B. The government provided business incentives to companies in order to lower prices for the consumer. C. The government established fair business practices to prevent manufacturers from forming monopolies. D. The government required businesses to indicate the ingredients in their products in order to protect the consumer.
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A. DExplanation
The Pure Food and Drug Act changed the way government regulated business by requiring businesses to indicate the ingredients in their products in order to protect the consumer. This act aimed to ensure that consumers were aware of what they were consuming and to prevent the sale of adulterated or mislabeled food and drugs. By mandating ingredient labeling, the government increased transparency and accountability in the business practices of food and drug manufacturers.Rate this question:
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What was the primary challenge faced by Hispanic immigrants since the The 1940s? A. a lack of jobs in cities B. unfair treatment by employers C. a lack of jobs in agriculture D. unfair legislation by the federal government
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A. BExplanation
Hispanic immigrants faced unfair treatment by employers as the primary challenge since the 1940s. This could include lower wages, unsafe working conditions, and limited job opportunities.Rate this question:
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Even though President Roosevelt supported the Allies with war supplies before 1941, why was the United States unable to enter the war until after the bombing of Pearl Harbor? A. The Supreme Court disapproved of the war. B. Most citizens refused to support England. C. Many state governors approved of the Axis. D. Most of Congress refused to support a war.
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A. DExplanation
The correct answer is D. Most of Congress refused to support a war. This is because the decision to declare war ultimately rests with Congress, and a majority of members were opposed to entering the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite President Roosevelt's support for the Allies, he could not unilaterally declare war without the approval of Congress.Rate this question:
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Why did people in the Great Depression call their temporary settlement communities “Hoovervilles”? A. President Hoover was very popular during the depression. B. They blamed President Hoover for the depression. C. They wanted to remember President Hoover. D. President Hoover grew up in similar housing.
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A. BExplanation
During the Great Depression, people called their temporary settlement communities "Hoovervilles" because they blamed President Hoover for the economic downturn. This term was used as a way to express their frustration and hold him responsible for the hardships they were facing.Rate this question:
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Why did United States business interests favor overseas expansion in the the late 1800s? A. to establish a commonwealth of colonies B. to establish military bases around the world C. to acquire new markets and sources of raw materials D. to spread democratic ideals to other areas of the world
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A. CExplanation
In the late 1800s, United States business interests favored overseas expansion to acquire new markets and sources of raw materials. This expansion allowed American businesses to access new consumers and sell their products abroad, increasing their profits. Additionally, it provided access to new sources of raw materials, such as rubber and oil, which were essential for industrialization and economic growth.Rate this question:
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How did the Federal Reserve’s higher interest rates in the 1930s complicate the Great Depression? A. People were less likely to leave their money in unstable banks. B. People began spending their money rather than saving it. C. People saved money rather than spending it. D. People were more likely to take out loans.
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A. CExplanation
The correct answer is C. People saved money rather than spending it. The Federal Reserve's higher interest rates in the 1930s made it more attractive for people to save their money rather than spend it. This reduced consumer spending and further worsened the economic downturn during the Great Depression.Rate this question:
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In the late 1800s, why did the Great Plains region become closely associated with the Populist movement? A. A large portion of the population was industrial workers. B. Many cattle ranchers worked there. C. A large portion of the population was farmers. D. Many immigrants settled there.
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A. CExplanation
In the late 1800s, the Great Plains region became closely associated with the Populist movement because a large portion of the population in that region was made up of farmers. The Populist movement was a political movement that aimed to address the concerns and struggles of farmers, such as high railroad rates and deflation. The Great Plains region was primarily an agricultural area, with many farmers facing economic hardships and seeking political change. Therefore, the large number of farmers in the Great Plains region made it a stronghold for the Populist movement.Rate this question:
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How did the government’s policy of manifest destiny affect Native Americans living on the plains in the late 1800s? A. Native Americans were forced to accept treaties and land east of the Mississippi River. B. Native Americans were forced to give up reservations with the passage of the Monroe Doctrine. C. Native Americans were forced to mine gold discovered by settlers. D. Native Americans were forced onto reservations while settlers took their land.
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A. DExplanation
The correct answer is D. Native Americans were forced onto reservations while settlers took their land. This answer suggests that the government's policy of manifest destiny led to the displacement and marginalization of Native Americans living on the plains in the late 1800s. The policy aimed to expand American territory and settle the West, which resulted in the forced relocation of Native American tribes onto reservations, often in less desirable and less fertile lands. Meanwhile, settlers claimed and occupied the Native Americans' ancestral lands, leading to the loss of their traditional territories and way of life.Rate this question:
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How was the economy affected by corporate expansion in the 1950s? A. It improved with more information technology jobs. B. It struggled as strikes interrupted production. C. It boomed as the middle class grew. D. It declined as regulation increased.
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A. CExplanation
The correct answer is C. The economy boomed as the middle class grew. During the 1950s, corporate expansion led to an increase in job opportunities and higher wages, resulting in the growth of the middle class. This expansion stimulated consumer spending, which in turn fueled economic growth and prosperity. The post-war economic boom during this period is often referred to as the "Golden Age of Capitalism."Rate this question:
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One consequence of World War II was that the United States A. returned to its isolationist tendencies B. avoided foreign conflicts C. remained deeply involved in world affairs D. reduced its military spending
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A. CExplanation
The correct answer is C. remained deeply involved in world affairs. World War II marked a turning point for the United States, as it emerged as a global superpower. The war led to the establishment of the United Nations and other international organizations, in which the United States played a significant role. It also prompted the United States to adopt a policy of containment against the spread of communism, leading to its involvement in the Cold War and subsequent conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam War. Therefore, the United States did not return to its isolationist tendencies but instead remained deeply involved in world affairs.Rate this question:
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Which of these statements describes an obstacle to the assimilation of immigrant groups in the United States in the late 1800s? A. Anti-Semitism caused Jewish immigrants to settle in mostly rural areas. B. Chinese immigrants working for lower wages caused resentment. C. The war made United States citizens view German immigrants as enemy combatants. D. McCarthyism caused United States citizens to be suspicious of Soviet immigrants.
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A. BExplanation
Chinese immigrants working for lower wages caused resentment.Rate this question:
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Which of these actions is an example of checks and balances? A. President Reagan sent troops to Grenada. B. Congress passed a law raising income tax. C. President Truman vetoed the Taft-Hartley Act. D. State governments passed laws setting speed limits.
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A. CExplanation
The action described in option C, President Truman vetoing the Taft-Hartley Act, is an example of checks and balances. Checks and balances refers to the system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches. In this case, the President is using his power of veto to check and balance the power of Congress, who passed the Taft-Hartley Act.Rate this question:
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The automobile and the expansion of the roadway system in the 1950s lead to the growth of A. ethnic neighborhoods B. suburban areas C. urban areas D. rural zones
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A. BExplanation
The automobile and the expansion of the roadway system in the 1950s led to the growth of suburban areas. As people gained easier access to transportation, they were able to live further away from the city centers and commute to work. This resulted in the development of suburban communities, which offered more space, lower costs, and a quieter lifestyle compared to the crowded and bustling urban areas.Rate this question:
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Which of these changes influenced political participation in the 1970s? A. directly electing United States senators B. lowering the voting age to eighteen C. granting women the right to vote D. introducing national conventions
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A. BExplanation
Lowering the voting age to eighteen influenced political participation in the 1970s. This change allowed a larger portion of the population to participate in the electoral process and have a say in the political decisions of the country. It expanded the voting rights to include young adults who were affected by the policies and decisions made by the government. This change likely led to an increase in political engagement and activism among the younger generation during that time period.Rate this question:
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What was the purpose of the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA)? A. to track cost overruns in-state Medicare programs B. to monitor corporate compliance with Federal Reserve regulations C. to provide jobs to unemployed workers during the New Deal D. to judge the benefits of military spending after the expensive Manhattan Project
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A. CExplanation
The purpose of the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) was to provide jobs to unemployed workers during the New Deal. This program was implemented as a response to the Great Depression, aiming to stimulate the economy and alleviate unemployment by creating various public works projects such as building roads, bridges, schools, and parks. The WPA also provided employment opportunities in the arts, literature, and theater through programs like the Federal Art Project and the Federal Writers' Project.Rate this question:
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During the 1950s, how did the Republican Party hope to support a balanced federal budget and counter communist countries? A. by relying on a large army and navy B. by relying on long-range bombers C. by relying on nuclear weapons D. by relying on foreign aid
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A. CExplanation
During the 1950s, the Republican Party hoped to support a balanced federal budget and counter communist countries by relying on nuclear weapons. This was a time when the Cold War was at its peak, and the United States was engaged in a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. The Republicans believed that having a strong nuclear arsenal would act as a deterrent against communist aggression and would also ensure national security. Additionally, they believed that investing in nuclear weapons would be more cost-effective than maintaining a large army and navy.Rate this question:
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How did government policies of the Gilded Age of the late 1800s promote industrialization? A. Imperialism fueled steel production in the United States. B. New Deal policies created jobs for many of the unemployed. C. The Sherman Antitrust Act allowed for regulation of big business. D. Laissez-faire economic policies allowed private businesses to operate freely.
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A. DExplanation
During the Gilded Age of the late 1800s, the government's implementation of laissez-faire economic policies allowed private businesses to operate freely. This meant that there was minimal government intervention and regulation in the economy, which created a favorable environment for industrialization. Private businesses were able to expand and innovate without excessive government interference, leading to the growth of industries such as steel production.Rate this question:
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Which situation resulted from the OPEC oil embargo of 1973? A. oil shortages and rising prices B. oil shortages and falling prices C. oil surpluses and rising prices D. oil surpluses and falling prices
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A. AExplanation
The correct answer is A. The OPEC oil embargo of 1973 resulted in oil shortages and rising prices. During this time, OPEC member countries imposed an embargo on oil exports to countries that supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War. This led to a significant reduction in oil supply, causing shortages in many countries and driving up oil prices.Rate this question:
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During the late nineteenth century, many anti-imperialists worried that imperialism might threaten United States democratic values by A. opening more doors of diplomacy B. considering the needs of native peoples C. violating fundamental human rights D. establishing protection for weaker countries
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A. CExplanation
During the late nineteenth century, many anti-imperialists worried that imperialism might threaten United States democratic values by violating fundamental human rights. This is because imperialism often involves the domination and exploitation of weaker countries, which can lead to the suppression of basic human rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and self-determination. Anti-imperialists believed that the United States should not engage in such practices and should instead prioritize the protection of human rights.Rate this question:
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Which of these statements describes both the Fifteenth Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965? A. Suffrage cannot be denied on the basis of race. B. Anyone born in the United States is a citizen. C. Congress has the power to collect taxes. D. Slavery cannot exist in the United States.
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A. AExplanation
The correct answer is A. Both the Fifteenth Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 address the issue of voting rights and prohibit the denial of suffrage on the basis of race.Rate this question:
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How did the Paris Peace Accords lead to the end of the Vietnam War in 1973? A. It called for a fi nal withdrawal of United States troops. B. It called for a withdrawal of Soviet troops. C. It allowed the United States to rightly claim victory in Vietnam. D. It allowed French leaders to intervene with the Vietnamese.
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A. AExplanation
The correct answer is A. The Paris Peace Accords led to the end of the Vietnam War in 1973 by calling for a final withdrawal of United States troops. This agreement was signed by the United States, North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the Viet Cong, and it aimed to establish a ceasefire and a political settlement to end the war. As part of the agreement, the United States agreed to withdraw all its troops from Vietnam, which eventually led to the end of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.Rate this question:
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Why did large numbers of African Americans migrate to the North in the early twentieth century? A. Northern states offered them free farmland. B. Labor unions in the North recruited them as members. C. Southern Jim Crow laws restricted their job opportunities. D. New laws forced them to leave the South or pay heavy fines.
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A. CExplanation
Large numbers of African Americans migrated to the North in the early twentieth century because Southern Jim Crow laws restricted their job opportunities. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination, making it difficult for African Americans to find employment and economic opportunities in the South. As a result, many chose to move to the North where they believed they would have better chances of finding work and escaping the oppressive racial climate of the South.Rate this question:
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Why did many immigrants move from eastern and southern Europe to the United States between 1880 and 1920? A. to escape the threat of war in Europe B. to spread new political ideas from Europe C. to bring new industrial techniques to the United States D. to take advantage of economic opportunities in the United States
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A. DExplanation
Many immigrants moved from eastern and southern Europe to the United States between 1880 and 1920 to take advantage of economic opportunities.Rate this question:
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The federal government’s approach to regulating monopolies in the early the 1900s was to A. break up corporate trusts B. avoid interfering with strikes C. regulate corporate profits D. avoid free and open competition
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A. AExplanation
In the early 1900s, the federal government's approach to regulating monopolies was to break up corporate trusts. This was done in order to prevent large corporations from having too much control over the market and stifling competition. By breaking up these trusts, the government aimed to promote a more competitive and fair business environment.Rate this question:
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How did the Democratic administration influence politics during the Great Depression and World War II? A. They broadened states' rights to avoid military conflict. B. They engaged in propaganda to defeat other political parties. C. They expanded government involvement in people’s lives. D. They followed a laissez-faire economic approach to avoid regulation.
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A. CExplanation
During the Great Depression and World War II, the Democratic administration expanded government involvement in people's lives. This can be seen through the implementation of various programs and policies such as the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform. These efforts included the creation of social security, labor laws, and public works projects, among others, which aimed to address the economic crisis and provide support to those affected. Additionally, during World War II, the government further expanded its involvement through rationing, price controls, and the mobilization of resources for the war effort.Rate this question:
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Which of these factors led to the formation of a region called the Rust Belt during the late twentieth century? A. a shrinking industrial base in the North B. more agricultural jobs in the Mountain West C. a growing commercial base on the East Coast D. more manufacturing jobs in the Great Plains
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A. AExplanation
The correct answer is A. A shrinking industrial base in the North led to the formation of the Rust Belt during the late twentieth century. This region, which includes states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, experienced a decline in manufacturing industries such as steel and automobiles. This decline was due to factors such as globalization, outsourcing, and technological advancements. As a result, many cities in the Rust Belt faced economic decline, job losses, and population decline.Rate this question:
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Reforms of the Progressive Movement • Direct primary • Initiative, referendum, and recall • Direct election of senators What was the purpose of these reforms? A. expanding participation in the political process B. reducing the government’s influence in the economy C. giving more power to political parties D. increasing federal control over the states
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A. AExplanation
The purpose of these reforms was to expand participation in the political process. The direct primary allowed citizens to directly vote for candidates, the initiative, referendum, and recall gave citizens the power to propose and vote on legislation, and the direct election of senators allowed voters to directly choose their representatives in the Senate. These reforms aimed to give more power to the people and increase their involvement in the political decision-making process.Rate this question:
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How did labor unions affect the lives of many workers during the late nineteenth century? A. They won shorter hours and better pay for workers. B. They helped workers take over ownership of factories and mines. C. They worked with lawmakers to pass pro-business legislation. D. They welcomed workers of any race or gender to join in their strikes.
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A. AExplanation
Labor unions during the late nineteenth century played a significant role in improving the lives of workers by advocating for shorter working hours and better pay. These unions fought for workers' rights and successfully negotiated with employers to secure better working conditions. By organizing strikes and collective bargaining, they were able to make significant progress in improving the economic and social conditions of workers. This answer accurately reflects the impact of labor unions during that time period.Rate this question:
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Why did the Homestead Act attract farmers to the frontier? A. It guaranteed farmers access to the railroad. B. It provided farmers with subsidies for their crops. C. It offered tax incentives to farmers who settled in the West. D. It offered free land to farmers who would improve it within five years.
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A. DExplanation
The Homestead Act attracted farmers to the frontier because it offered free land to farmers who would improve it within five years. This meant that farmers could acquire land without having to pay for it upfront, which was a significant incentive for those looking to start a new life and establish a farm in the West. By improving the land, farmers could also increase its value and potentially create a prosperous agricultural business.Rate this question:
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Which constitutional check did the Supreme Court use when declaring are several New Deal programs unconstitutional? A. judicial review B. executive privilege C. popular sovereignty D. indirect democracy
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A. AExplanation
The Supreme Court used the constitutional check of judicial review when declaring several New Deal programs unconstitutional. Judicial review is the power of the courts to review and invalidate laws or actions that are deemed unconstitutional. In this case, the Supreme Court reviewed the New Deal programs and determined that they violated the Constitution, leading to their declaration as unconstitutional.Rate this question:
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What effect did anti-immigration sentiment have on domestic policy in the early twentieth century? A. The government placed quotas on immigration. B. The government restricted job opportunities for immigrants. C. The government required immigrants to attend public schools. D. The government insisted on more immigration for economic growth.
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Anti-immigration sentiment in the early twentieth century led to the government implementing quotas on immigration. This means that the government set limits on the number of immigrants allowed into the country. This policy aimed to restrict the flow of immigrants and control the demographic makeup of the population. By placing quotas on immigration, the government sought to address concerns about the impact of immigration on domestic policy, such as job competition and cultural assimilation.Rate this question:
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One effect of the building of the transcontinental railroad was to A. make more land for Native Americans in the West B. attract more Latin Americans to the West C. make land available for cotton plantations in the West D. attract more migrants to the West
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A. DExplanation
The building of the transcontinental railroad attracted more migrants to the West. The railroad provided a faster and more convenient mode of transportation, making it easier for people to travel to and settle in the western regions of the United States. This led to an increase in population and the development of new communities and industries in the West.Rate this question:
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Why was the end of the Korean War considered a stalemate? A. The cold war continued. B. The North and South were still divided. C. Both the North and South lost many lives. D. The United States removed all of its troops.
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A. BExplanation
The end of the Korean War was considered a stalemate because the North and South were still divided. This means that neither side was able to achieve a decisive victory or reunify the country. Despite the signing of an armistice agreement, which established a demilitarized zone between the two sides, the political and ideological differences between North and South Korea remained unresolved. As a result, the war ended without a clear winner or resolution to the division between the two countries.Rate this question:
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How did Congress uphold the individual property rights of southerners during Reconstruction? A. It returned confi scated land to former confederates. B. It allowed the Freedmen’s Bureau to allocate farmland to former slaves. C. It permitted land ownership to anyone who would grow cotton. D. It enforced General William T. Sherman’s field order to redistribute coastal land.
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A. AExplanation
Congress upheld the individual property rights of southerners during Reconstruction by returning confiscated land to former Confederates.Rate this question:
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“That which the German power represents today spells death to the aspirations of Negroes and all darker races for equality, freedom, and democracy. Let us not hesitate. Let us, while this war lasts, forget our special grievances and close our ranks shoulder to shoulder with our own white fellow citizens and the allied nations that are fighting for democracy.” —W. E. B. Du Bois This quotation reflects which attitude of many African Americans during World War I? A. African Americans should not pay attention to the war. B. African Americans should participate fully and fight in the war. C. African Americans should support the war only in non-combat roles. D. African Americans should pressure the nation to withdraw from the war.
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A. BExplanation
During World War I, many African Americans held the attitude that they should participate fully and fight in the war. This is reflected in the quotation by W. E. B. Du Bois, where he urges African Americans to forget their grievances and stand shoulder to shoulder with their white fellow citizens and the allied nations fighting for democracy. This suggests that African Americans believed that actively participating in the war effort would help them achieve equality, freedom, and democracy.Rate this question:
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How did the Dust Bowl affect the Great Plains during the Great Depression? A. Thousands of families left for the West Coast. B. It brought economic prosperity to urban areas. C. Thousands of individuals relocated to the East. D. It caused a population decline in northeastern cities.
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A. AExplanation
During the Dust Bowl, severe drought and wind erosion caused massive dust storms that devastated the agricultural industry in the Great Plains. As a result, thousands of families were forced to leave their farms and homes in search of better opportunities. Many of these families migrated to the West Coast, particularly California, in the hopes of finding work and a better life. This mass migration had a significant impact on the demographics and economy of both the Great Plains and the West Coast during the Great Depression.Rate this question:
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May 03, 2018Quiz Created by
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