Hardest AP US History Exam Practice Test!

In September, President Eisenhower was forced to send troops to Central High School in Little Rock to enforce racial integration. This event took place in 1950.

In 1950, the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, both baseball teams, moved from New York City to San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively. This relocation is significant because it marked the expansion of Major League Baseball to the West Coast and the beginning of a new era for these teams in their new cities.

In the 1960 presidential election, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) defeated Republican candidate Barry Goldwater. After winning the election, LBJ implemented his "Great Society" program, which aimed to address poverty in the United States. This program included initiatives such as the War on Poverty, the Civil Rights Act, and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid. LBJ's victory in 1960 marked the beginning of his ambitious social and economic reforms to tackle poverty and inequality in the country.

In the 1960s, Charles Manson was arrested for the murder of pregnant actress Sharon Tate. During this time, Manson and his followers, known as the Manson Family, committed a series of brutal murders in Los Angeles. The murder of Sharon Tate, who was married to director Roman Polanski, gained significant media attention and shocked the nation. Manson's arrest and subsequent trial became one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history.

In the 1980s, a Super Court ruling declared that it was legal to use video cassette recorders (VCRs) to tape films and TV shows. This ruling had a significant impact on the entertainment industry and the way people consumed media. It allowed individuals to record their favorite shows and movies, leading to the rise of home video libraries and the ability to watch content at a convenient time. This ruling also sparked debates and legal battles regarding copyright infringement and fair use, shaping the future of media consumption.

In 1980, "We Are the World" was recorded by a group of top recording artists called USA for Africa, and it became an instant hit. This song was a charity single that was released to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. The collaboration of these renowned artists and the emotional message of the song struck a chord with listeners, leading to its widespread popularity and success.

In 1980, the stock market closed above 2000 for the first time ever. This suggests that the stock market experienced significant growth and reached a milestone in terms of its value. It implies that the market was performing well and investors were seeing positive returns on their investments.

Pan Am flight 103 was blown up by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 21, 1980. The flight was carrying numerous Americans who were trying to return home for Christmas.

In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in California by Sirhan Sirhan, a young Arab who held resentment towards Kennedy's pro-Israeli views. This event occurred during the presidential campaign, where Kennedy, the brother of JFK, was a candidate. The assassination had a significant impact on the political landscape of the time and further highlighted tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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In February 1970, President Nixon made a historic journey to China, which refers to his visit to the country. This visit was significant because it marked a major shift in the relationship between the United States and China. Prior to this visit, the two countries had limited contact and were considered adversaries. However, Nixon's trip paved the way for improved relations between Washington and Beijing, leading to increased diplomatic and economic cooperation in the years that followed.

In 1970, Congress passed the War Powers Act over Nixon's veto. This act imposed restrictions on the President's authority to deploy American troops to foreign conflicts. It was enacted as a response to concerns about the Vietnam War and aimed to restore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. The War Powers Act requires the President to consult with Congress before committing troops to hostilities and imposes a time limit on the deployment of forces without congressional approval. This legislation aimed to prevent future presidents from engaging in prolonged military actions without the consent of Congress.

Gerald Ford became the 38th President in 1970. He was the first president to take office solely by a vote of Congress, meaning he was not elected. This suggests that Ford assumed the presidency through the process of succession, most likely due to the resignation of the previous president, Richard Nixon, in 1974.

In 1970, former Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa disappeared from a Detroit suburb and was never seen again. This suggests that the event of his disappearance occurred in the 1970s.

In the 1970s, home video games played on TV screens first appeared. This was a significant development in the gaming industry as it allowed individuals to play video games in the comfort of their own homes. Prior to this, video games were primarily found in arcades or played on mainframe computers. The introduction of home video games in the 1970s marked the beginning of a new era in gaming, making it more accessible and popular among a wider audience.

Pink Floyd released the hit album "The Wall" in 1980. This answer indicates that the album was released during the 1980s.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sentenced to death in 1950 for leaking atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. This event became the most famous "spy" trial of the 20th century. The Rosenbergs hold the distinction of being the only individuals in US history to be executed during peacetime for espionage.

The correct answer is 1950. The explanation for this is that Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson in the presidential election of 1952. This election was indeed significant because it was the first to be significantly influenced by television. Television played a major role in shaping the public's perception of the candidates and their campaigns, allowing them to reach a much larger audience and convey their messages effectively. Eisenhower's popularity and strong image on television helped him secure a landslide victory over Stevenson.

In 1950, the United States government announced the creation of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This announcement marked the beginning of a new era in space exploration for the nation. The term "rocket fever" suggests a growing interest and enthusiasm for space travel and rocket technology among the American population. This was a significant event in the history of the United States and paved the way for numerous space missions and advancements in the field of aerospace technology.

The "Beatnik" generation first appeared on the American scene in the 1950s. This countercultural movement emerged as a response to the conformity and materialism of post-World War II society. Beatniks rejected mainstream values and sought alternative lifestyles and artistic expressions. They were known for their unconventional dress, experimental literature, and interest in jazz music. Influential figures such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg were key representatives of the Beatnik movement.

In 1960, the US-assisted Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba took place. This invasion involved 1200 Cuban exiles who attempted to overthrow Castro's regime. However, the invasion ended in failure, as Castro's forces were able to successfully defend against the attack. This event had significant implications for US-Cuba relations and further solidified Castro's hold on power in Cuba.

The correct answer is 1960 because this is the year when the number of US troops in Vietnam reached 300,000. This suggests that the US involvement in the Vietnam War escalated significantly during this time period.

In 1970, five individuals known as the "CREEPS" were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee's headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in DC. This event marked the beginning of the Watergate Scandal, a political scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

The correct answer is 1970. "Disco Fever" refers to the popularity and cultural phenomenon surrounding disco music and dance in the 1970s. John Travolta's film "Saturday Night Fever" was released in 1977 and played a significant role in popularizing disco culture, making the 1970s the correct answer.

The US boycotted the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This invasion was seen as a violation of international law and the US, along with several other countries, decided to boycott the games as a form of protest. The boycott was a way for the US to show its disapproval of the Soviet Union's actions and to put pressure on them to withdraw from Afghanistan.

In 1980, Pope John Paul II was shot and wounded by an escaped Turkish murderer in Rome. This event occurred during his papacy and had a significant impact on both the Pope and the Catholic Church. It highlighted the vulnerability of the Pope and the need for increased security measures. The assassination attempt also served as a reminder of the ongoing political and religious tensions in the world during that time period.

In 1980, Sally Ride became the first American woman to go to space. This significant milestone in space exploration marked a breakthrough for women in the field. Prior to this, only men had been sent into space by the United States. Sally Ride's achievement opened doors for more women to pursue careers in space exploration and inspired future generations of female astronauts.

In 1980, Vanessa Williams made history by becoming the first black woman to be crowned Miss America. This achievement was significant as it broke barriers and shattered racial stereotypes in the beauty pageant industry. Williams' win marked a milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity, paving the way for future black women to participate and succeed in similar competitions.

In 1980, on October 19th, a significant event known as "Black Monday" occurred where the leading stock market index experienced a massive decline of 508 points. This decline marked the largest one-day drop in history.

The first human kidney transplant was performed in the United States in 1950. This marked a significant milestone in medical history as it demonstrated the possibility of replacing a failed kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This breakthrough paved the way for further advancements in organ transplantation and has since saved countless lives around the world.

In 1950, the US Supreme Court made a significant ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Ed., stating that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision marked a turning point in the civil rights movement and was a crucial step towards ending racial discrimination in education.

Elvis Presley released his first hit songs "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Hound Dog" in the 1950s. This was the beginning of his successful career and the start of the rock and roll era. Elvis became a cultural icon and influenced the music industry with his unique style and energetic performances. Therefore, the correct answer is 1950.

In the 1960s, the US Surgeon General reported that cigarette smoke is dangerous to your health. This marked a significant turning point in public awareness and understanding of the harmful effects of smoking. Prior to this report, there was limited knowledge and awareness of the health risks associated with smoking. The Surgeon General's report played a crucial role in initiating public health campaigns and policies aimed at reducing smoking rates and protecting individuals from the dangers of cigarette smoke.

In the 1960s, miniskirts and paper "throwaway" clothes became popular. This was a decade known for its revolutionary fashion trends, and the miniskirt was one of the most iconic symbols of the era. It represented a break from traditional modesty and a new sense of freedom and liberation for women. The rise of disposable fashion, such as paper clothes, also reflected the changing attitudes towards consumerism and the desire for convenience and novelty. Therefore, the popularity of miniskirts and paper "throwaway" clothes in the 1960s aligns with the cultural and fashion trends of that decade.

The correct answer is 1960. The Woodstock Music and Art Festival, which attracted over 400,000 people, took place in August. This event is widely considered a symbol of the counterculture and peace movements of the 1960s.

In the 1970s, there was a significant rise in political activism and protests in the United States. This was a time of social and political turmoil, with various movements advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and an end to the Vietnam War. The statement suggests that in 1970, there was a large-scale protest where 7,000 demonstrators were arrested for attempting to shut down the government. This aligns with the historical context of the time, making it the most plausible answer.

The 26th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1971, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. This amendment was a response to the growing opposition to the Vietnam War, as young men who were eligible to be drafted into the military were being denied the right to vote. The amendment aimed to ensure that those who were old enough to fight and die for their country were also able to have a say in its governance.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first Super Bowl in 1970. This suggests that prior to 1970, the team had not achieved a Super Bowl victory.

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In 1979, a near nuclear meltdown did occur at the Three-Mile Island nuclear power plant located near Harrisburg, PA. This incident was a result of a combination of mechanical malfunctions, design-related problems, and human error. It led to a partial meltdown of the reactor core and the release of a small amount of radioactive material into the environment. This event had a significant impact on the public perception of nuclear power and resulted in increased safety regulations and improvements in the industry.

In 1970, both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers won titles, leading to Pittsburgh being referred to as the "City of Champions". This suggests that the success of both teams in that year contributed to the city's nickname.

In 1980, more than 125,000 Cuban refugees, also known as boat people, arrived in the US. This refers to the mass migration of Cubans who fled their country due to political and economic instability under Fidel Castro's regime. The US government initiated the Mariel boatlift, which allowed Cuban citizens to leave the country and seek asylum in the US. This event had a significant impact on the demographics and culture of the US, particularly in states like Florida where many refugees settled.

The Vietnam Wall Memorial was unveiled in Washington DC in 1980. This memorial was built to honor and remember the soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It is a black granite wall with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who died or went missing during the war. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in Vietnam and provides a place for reflection and remembrance.

The Equal Rights Amendment was defeated after being ratified by only 35 states in 1980. This means that even though the amendment had been approved by the required number of states, it did not receive enough support to be added to the Constitution. The defeat of the amendment in 1980 marked a significant setback in the fight for gender equality and equal rights for women.

Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine in 1950 in Pittsburgh, PA. This vaccine was a significant breakthrough in medical history as it effectively prevented the spread of polio, a highly contagious and debilitating disease. The development of the vaccine marked a major milestone in the field of medicine and had a profound impact on public health worldwide.

The "Rock-n-Roll" Era officially begins in 1950 with the first hits being "Mrs. Sandman" and "Shake, Rattle, and Roll". This indicates that these songs marked the beginning of the era, suggesting that rock and roll music started gaining popularity and recognition during this time. The answer of 1950 is the correct choice because it aligns with the given information about the first hits of the "Rock-n-Roll" Era.

In 1950, the minimum wage reached a whopping $1.00/hour for the first time. This suggests that prior to 1950, the minimum wage was lower than $1.00/hour. The use of the word "whopping" implies that this increase was significant and noteworthy. This information provides insight into the historical progression of minimum wage rates and highlights the milestone achieved in 1950.

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 as a barrier between East and West Berlin, effectively separating the German city and its people. It was a physical manifestation of the ideological divide between communism and capitalism during the Cold War. The wall stood for 28 years until its fall in 1989, symbolizing the reunification of East and West Germany and the end of the Cold War.

In 1960, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to be rocketed into space. This marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, as it demonstrated America's capability to send humans beyond Earth's atmosphere. Shepard's flight, known as Mercury-Redstone 3 or Freedom 7, lasted only 15 minutes but paved the way for future manned space missions, including the Apollo moon landings.

In 1950, Rocky Marciano won his 43rd consecutive fight, which allowed him to become the heavyweight boxing champion. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it established a new record for the most consecutive wins in the heavyweight division. Marciano's undefeated streak and his subsequent capture of the championship title solidified his status as one of the greatest boxers in history.

In 1980, the US launched the world's first fully operational space shuttle, the Columbia. This marked a significant milestone in space exploration as it allowed for reusable spacecraft, which could be launched into space and then safely returned to Earth. The Columbia paved the way for future space shuttle missions and played a crucial role in advancing scientific research, satellite deployment, and human spaceflight.

Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the Union as the 49th and 50th states in 1959. This makes 1950 the correct answer as it is the closest year to the actual admission year.

The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in 1960. It was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, which brought the world dangerously close to nuclear war. The crisis was triggered by the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, which the US saw as a direct threat to its national security. The US demanded the removal of the missiles, and after intense negotiations, a deal was reached that avoided a nuclear conflict. This event was a major turning point in the Cold War and had a lasting impact on US-Soviet relations.

In the 1960 presidential election, Richard Nixon ran against Democratic candidate Hubert H. Humphrey. The election was closely contested and came down to a "cliff-hanger," meaning it was very close and uncertain until the end. Ultimately, Richard Nixon emerged as the winner, becoming the 37th President of the United States.

The correct answer is 1960. In 1960, the world's first human heart transplant was performed in Houston. This groundbreaking medical procedure was carried out by Dr. Christiaan Barnard, a South African surgeon. The recipient of the transplant was Louis Washkansky, a 54-year-old man suffering from heart disease. The surgery lasted for several hours and was a major milestone in the field of medicine, paving the way for future advancements in organ transplantation.

The correct answer is 1970 because "Abbey Road" was released by The Beatles in that year. This album is considered one of their most successful and iconic releases, featuring popular songs such as "Come Together" and "Here Comes the Sun". The album marked the end of The Beatles' recording career together, as they disbanded shortly after its release.

In 1970, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. This victory was significant because the Orioles had a staff of four twenty-game winners, which means they had four pitchers who won at least twenty games individually during the regular season. Despite this strong pitching staff, the Pirates were able to come out on top and claim the championship title.

In 1970, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves broke Babe Ruth's lifetime homerun record of 714 when he homered off Al Downing of the Dodgers on April 6th.

The 50-star US Flag was formally adopted on July 4th, 1960. This is significant because it represents the inclusion of Hawaii as the 50th state of the United States. Prior to this, the US flag had 48 stars, representing the 48 states that were part of the union. The addition of the 49th state, Alaska, in 1959, prompted the need for a new design with 50 stars. Therefore, the correct answer is 1960.

In the 1970s, Charles Manson and three of his followers were sentenced to death for their involvement in the Tate-LaBianca murders. This infamous crime involved the brutal killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others. Manson, the leader of a cult known as the Manson Family, orchestrated these murders as part of his twisted ideology. The trial and subsequent sentencing of Manson and his followers garnered significant media attention and became a symbol of the dark side of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Ultimately, however, their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment when the death penalty was temporarily abolished in California in 1972.

The Iran-Contra affair refers to a scandal that occurred in the 1980s. American diplomats secretly facilitated arms sales to Iranians who were facing conflict, with the intention of securing the release of American hostages held by terrorist groups in the Middle East. This event was a significant political controversy and had far-reaching consequences for the Reagan administration.

The Warsaw Pact was signed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and seven other Eastern European countries in response to the formation of NATO in 1949. The pact aimed to create a collective defense alliance among the communist countries to counter the perceived threat from the Western powers led by the United States. By signing the Warsaw Pact, the communist-block nations sought to balance the power and influence of NATO and strengthen their own security and military cooperation.

The correct answer is 1960 because Richard Nixon took the oath of office as the 37th President of the United States in 1969. The other options, 1950, 1970, and 1980, are not relevant to Nixon's oath of office.

In 1970, gasoline prices topped $1.00/gallon for the first time ever. This means that before 1970, gasoline prices had never reached this threshold. It suggests that there was a significant increase in the cost of gasoline during this time period, potentially due to various factors such as inflation, changes in oil prices, or shifts in government policies. This milestone in gasoline prices marks a significant change in the affordability and cost of transportation for individuals and businesses.

The minimum wage reached $3.10/hour in 1980.

The US Census data from 1980 showed that more than 50% of the US population resided in the western part of the country, beyond the Mississippi River. This indicates a significant shift in population distribution compared to previous decades. The population growth and development in the western states during this period could be attributed to various factors such as economic opportunities, urbanization, and migration patterns.

In 1950, the New York Yankees won their fifth consecutive World Series title, making them the first team to achieve this feat. This means that they won the championship in 1949, 1948, 1947, and 1946 as well. Their consistent success and dominance in the sport during this time period solidified their status as one of the greatest teams in baseball history.

In the 1970s, the Arab nations imposed an oil embargo on the United States due to America's support for Israel against its oil-rich neighbors. This embargo led to the energy crisis, causing a shortage of oil and a significant increase in oil prices. As a result, the United States experienced fuel shortages, long lines at gas stations, and a decline in economic growth. Therefore, the correct answer is 1970.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970. This agency was created in response to the growing concern over environmental issues and the need for a centralized organization to address these problems. The EPA is responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations, conducting research, and providing information and assistance to the public. Its establishment marked a significant milestone in the United States' efforts to protect and preserve the environment.

The SALT II agreements were signed but never ratified by the Senate in 1970. This means that although the agreements were agreed upon and signed by the relevant parties, they were not officially approved and put into effect by the Senate. This lack of ratification could have been due to various reasons, such as political disagreements or concerns about the terms of the agreements.

In the 1950s, racial segregation was still prevalent in many parts of the United States, including Montgomery, Alabama. Rosa Parks, a college-educated black seamstress, became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat in the "whites-only" section of a bus. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which was a significant event in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination. Parks' courageous action and the subsequent boycott played a crucial role in the eventual desegregation of public transportation in the United States.

During the 1960s, a US U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. This event occurred during the Cold War, a period of intense tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The U-2 incident heightened the already existing mistrust and hostility between the two superpowers, as it was seen as a violation of Soviet airspace and a threat to their national security. The incident further escalated the arms race and led to increased tensions between the US and the Soviet Union.

John Glenn became the first US astronaut to orbit the Earth in 1960. This marked a significant milestone in space exploration and the US space program. Glenn's successful orbit of the Earth demonstrated the capabilities of American astronauts and their spacecraft. It also paved the way for future space missions and advancements in space technology.

In the 1960s, Stokely Carmichael, a prominent leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), advocated for a shift in the civil rights movement towards a more assertive and militant approach. He popularized the term "Black Power," which emphasized black pride, self-determination, and community control. By urging blacks to give up peaceful demonstrations, Carmichael aimed to challenge the existing power structures and demand immediate change. This shift in strategy occurred during the 1960s, making 1960 the correct answer.

In 1960, Thurgood Marshall became the first black justice to be appointed to the US Supreme Court. This marked a significant milestone in American history as it represented a step towards racial equality and diversity in the highest court of the land. Thurgood Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer and his appointment to the Supreme Court was a testament to his legal expertise and advocacy for equal rights. His tenure on the Supreme Court had a lasting impact on the interpretation and application of the law, particularly in relation to civil rights issues.

In 1970, four students were killed and several were wounded by the National Guardsmen during an anti-war demonstration at Kent State University in Ohio. This event became a significant moment in the history of student activism and the anti-war movement in the United States. The tragedy highlighted the growing tension and polarization in the country during the Vietnam War era. The incident sparked widespread protests and further fueled the anti-war sentiment, leading to a reevaluation of the government's approach to handling demonstrations.

In 1970, 50 US diplomats were taken hostage and held for 444 days by Ayatollah Khomeini and his Islamic revolutionaries in Iran. During this time, the captors denounced the US as the "Great Satan". This event, known as the Iran hostage crisis, had a significant impact on US-Iran relations and had lasting effects on both countries.

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In 1960, the Pittsburgh Pirates caused an upset by defeating the heavily favored NY Yankees in the World Series. This victory was particularly memorable because of Bill Mazeroski's famous Game 7 home run. The Pirates' unexpected win in this game and series is still talked about and celebrated in baseball history.

Don Larsen pitched the first ever World Series "perfect game". This means that he did not allow any opposing player to reach base through a hit, walk, or error for the entire game. The term "perfect game" refers to a game where no opposing player reaches base at all. The fact that this was the first ever perfect game in World Series history suggests that it occurred before any of the other given years (1960, 1970, 1980). Therefore, the correct answer is 1950.