AP US History Unit 1 Test Questions!!!!!
As you start a new subject, it’s important to begin testing yourself early on to make sure you don’t fall behind. In this quiz on AP US History Unit 1 Test Questions, we’ll be looking at some of the earlier chapters in your ongoing APUSH studies and seeing how you’re doing so far.
- 1.
Despite disagreement among historians concerning the origins of the Cold War, many of them have come to accept the post-revisionist interpretation that
- A.
Both countries helped to create an atmosphere of tension and suspicion that touched off the cold war
- B.
The United States initiated the Cold War when it intervened in the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917
- C.
The Soviet Union was merely responding to the military aggressiveness of the United States
- D.
The Soviet Union's demand for reparations from Germany at the end of World War II was the most obvious origin of the Cold War
- E.
The creation of the Warsaw Pact was an unneeded act of Soviet aggression
Correct Answer
A. Both countries helped to create an atmosphere of tension and suspicion that touched off the cold warExplanation
The given answer suggests that both the United States and the Soviet Union played a role in creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion that led to the Cold War. This implies that both countries had a hand in escalating the conflict and that it was not solely the fault of one side. This interpretation aligns with the post-revisionist view, which acknowledges the complexities and contributions of both nations to the origins of the Cold War.Rate this question:
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- 2.
"Soviet Communism is like a fluid stream which moves constantly, wherenever it is permitted to move, toward a given goal . . . American foreign policy must be that of the firm and vigilant containment of Russia . . " Which of the following people is the above statement associated with?
- A.
George F. Kennan
- B.
Joseph McCarthy
- C.
George Marshall
- D.
John Foster Dulles
- E.
Dwight Eisenhower
Correct Answer
A. George F. KennanExplanation
The statement is associated with George F. Kennan. This is evident from the mention of "Soviet Communism" and "American foreign policy" in the statement. George F. Kennan was a diplomat and historian who played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. He is best known for his concept of "containment," which advocated for the United States to prevent the spread of communism and to contain the Soviet Union's influence.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Above all other reasons, policy makers supported the Marshall Plan because they
- A.
Had a humanitarian concern for the European people
- B.
Feared that Europe would remain an economic drain on the United States if not quickly rebuilt
- C.
Desired a strong European market for American goods
- D.
Feared that the shaky pro-American governments in Western Europe might fall under communist control
- E.
Worried that a revitalized Japan would threaten American trade
Correct Answer
D. Feared that the shaky pro-American governments in Western Europe might fall under communist controlExplanation
Policy makers supported the Marshall Plan because they feared that the shaky pro-American governments in Western Europe might fall under communist control. This concern stemmed from the prevailing geopolitical climate during the Cold War, where there was a fear of the spread of communism. By providing economic aid and helping to rebuild Western Europe, policy makers hoped to stabilize these governments and prevent them from succumbing to communist influence.Rate this question:
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- 4.
One major purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act was to
- A.
Promote human rights abroad
- B.
Place an embargo on trade with communist nations
- C.
Limit the power of labor unions
- D.
Provide reforms of the campaign finance system
- E.
Urge an end to the Korean War
Correct Answer
C. Limit the power of labor unionsExplanation
The Taft-Hartley Act was passed in 1947 and aimed to restrict the power and influence of labor unions in the United States. It introduced several provisions that limited the actions and abilities of unions, such as allowing states to pass "right-to-work" laws that prohibited compulsory union membership, banning certain union practices like closed shops and secondary boycotts, and giving the President the power to intervene in strikes that posed a threat to national security. By limiting the power of labor unions, the Taft-Hartley Act sought to balance the interests of workers and employers and prevent unions from gaining excessive control over the economy.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In the election of 1948, the "Dixiecrats" bolted the Democratic party because
- A.
They objected to Truman's slow and ineffective domestic policies
- B.
They wanted to nominate Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Democratic candidate instead of Truman
- C.
They resented Truman's confrontational stand against the Soviet Union
- D.
They rejected the New Deal philosophies of the Fair Deal
- E.
They disapproved of Truman's proposed civil rights bill
Correct Answer
E. They disapproved of Truman's proposed civil rights billExplanation
The "Dixiecrats" bolted the Democratic party in the election of 1948 because they disapproved of Truman's proposed civil rights bill. This bill aimed to address racial discrimination and segregation in the United States, which was a contentious issue in the South. The Dixiecrats, primarily made up of Southern Democrats, opposed the bill as they believed it infringed upon states' rights and threatened their traditional racial hierarchy. They wanted to maintain the status quo and resist any federal intervention in racial matters.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In his crusade against domestic subversion, Joseph McCarthy used all of the following means except
- A.
Boldly claiming to have a list of known communists working in the American State Department
- B.
Intimidating most of the people opposing him
- C.
Claiming that the Democrats had been responsible for "twenty years of treason"
- D.
Producing conclusive evidence that several federal employees had communist ties
- E.
Badgering witnesses and ruining established careers
Correct Answer
D. Producing conclusive evidence that several federal employees had communist tiesExplanation
Joseph McCarthy used various means in his crusade against domestic subversion, including boldly claiming to have a list of known communists working in the American State Department, intimidating his opponents, claiming that the Democrats were responsible for "twenty years of treason," and badgering witnesses to ruin their careers. However, he did not produce conclusive evidence that several federal employees had communist ties. This means that while McCarthy made bold accusations and used fear tactics, he did not have solid evidence to support his claims against specific individuals.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The mood of the American people during the 1950s was shaped by
- A.
Concern over the need for civil rights and the lack of social justice
- B.
Problems of the inner-city poor and concern with the environment
- C.
Booming national prosperity and the continuing struggle against the expansion of communism
- D.
A declining birth rate and the growth in the number of Social Security recipients
- E.
A belief that communism was no longer a viable threat
Correct Answer
C. Booming national prosperity and the continuing struggle against the expansion of communismExplanation
During the 1950s, the American people experienced a period of booming national prosperity, which greatly influenced their mood. This economic growth and stability created a sense of optimism and confidence among the population. Additionally, the ongoing Cold War and the fear of communism played a significant role in shaping the American people's mindset. The continuous struggle against the expansion of communism heightened their concerns about national security and the preservation of democratic values. These two factors together, the booming economy and the fear of communism, were the main drivers behind the mood of the American people during the 1950s.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Effects of the launching of Sputnik included
- A.
Protests about excessive government spending
- B.
The growth of the antiwar movement
- C.
A loss of credibility for the scientists of the Soviet Union
- D.
Tax cuts that were meant to stimulate a faltering economy
- E.
Calls for more funding for science education in America
Correct Answer
E. Calls for more funding for science education in AmericaExplanation
The launching of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, by the Soviet Union had significant effects on the United States. It led to calls for more funding for science education in America. The event highlighted the technological superiority of the Soviet Union and sparked concerns about the United States falling behind in the space race and scientific advancements. As a result, there was a push to invest more in science education to ensure that the country could compete and produce skilled scientists and engineers.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Within the suburban family, many affluent women experienced all of following pressures except
- A.
An enormous cultural emphasis on family life
- B.
A demand by their husbands that they be employed
- C.
A heavy external and internal demand to concentrate on their domestic duties
- D.
An increased isolation from the workplace
- E.
The belief of many husbands that it was demeaning for a wife to be employed
Correct Answer
B. A demand by their husbands that they be employedExplanation
The correct answer is "a demand by their husbands that they be employed". This answer states that affluent women did not experience a pressure from their husbands to be employed. The other options mention pressures such as cultural emphasis on family life, demand to concentrate on domestic duties, increased isolation from the workplace, and the belief that it was demeaning for a wife to be employed.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In The Lonely Crowd David Reisman argued that
- A.
Young people were on the verge of a violent rebellion
- B.
Americans were becoming too concerned about what others thought of them
- C.
The "military-industrial complex" was dominating the American economy and cultural values
- D.
Elderly Americans were being ignored by the government when it came to issues of social justice
- E.
The plight of Native Americans should become a major focal point of American politics
Correct Answer
B. Americans were becoming too concerned about what others thought of themExplanation
In The Lonely Crowd, David Reisman argued that Americans were becoming too concerned about what others thought of them. This suggests that Reisman believed that there was a growing social pressure for individuals to conform to societal expectations and norms, leading to a lack of individuality and authenticity. This concern for external validation and approval could potentially hinder personal growth and self-expression, as individuals may prioritize fitting in over pursuing their own passions and beliefs.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The term "massive resistance" was a slogan and policy most closely associated with
- A.
John Foster Dulles and his new policy concerning communism
- B.
Thurgood Marshall and support for the decision in Brown vs. Board of Education
- C.
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
- D.
Orval Faubus and Southern opposition to the decision in Brown vs. Board of Education
- E.
Rosa Parks and her decision not to give up her bus seat
Correct Answer
D. Orval Faubus and Southern opposition to the decision in Brown vs. Board of EducationExplanation
Orval Faubus and Southern opposition to the decision in Brown vs. Board of Education is the correct answer because "massive resistance" refers to the policy adopted by Southern states in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education. These states, including Arkansas where Orval Faubus was the governor, vehemently opposed the desegregation of schools and implemented various tactics to resist the decision, such as closing schools, refusing to admit African American students, and using violence and intimidation to discourage integration. Faubus famously used the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School, which further exemplifies his role in promoting massive resistance.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Eisenhower's secretary of state, John Foster Dulles
- A.
Continued to support the Truman administration's containment policy
- B.
Announce a new policy of "massive retaliation", threatening the use of nuclear weapons to counter communist aggression
- C.
Did not want the United States to become involved in foreign alliances
- D.
Proposed a series of summit meetings between Eisenhower and Soviet leaders to improve relations between the two nations
- E.
Supported a return to traditional isolationism rather than internationalism
Correct Answer
B. Announce a new policy of "massive retaliation", threatening the use of nuclear weapons to counter communist aggressionExplanation
John Foster Dulles, Eisenhower's secretary of state, announced a new policy of "massive retaliation" which involved threatening the use of nuclear weapons to counter communist aggression. This policy was a departure from the Truman administration's containment policy and aimed to deter aggression through the threat of nuclear force. Dulles believed that this strong stance would help protect American interests and prevent the need for direct military involvement or foreign alliances.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was designed to
- A.
Install voluntary voting codes in the South
- B.
Ensure voting rights of blacks
- C.
Provide blacks equal access to public accommodations
- D.
End discrimination in employment
- E.
All of the answers above
Correct Answer
E. All of the answers aboveExplanation
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark legislation that aimed to address various forms of discrimination and ensure voting rights for African Americans. It not only sought to install voluntary voting codes in the South but also aimed to ensure the voting rights of blacks, provide them equal access to public accommodations, and end discrimination in employment. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the answers above."Rate this question:
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- 14.
The tenets of the philosophy of "black power" led to all of the following developments except
- A.
The fostering of racial pride
- B.
The attempt to exclude sympathetic whites from the movement
- C.
The emergence of the Black Panthers
- D.
The consolidation of civll rights organizations
- E.
An increase in young people choosing radical alternatives
Correct Answer
D. The consolidation of civll rights organizationsExplanation
The philosophy of "black power" emphasized the empowerment and pride of the black community, which led to the fostering of racial pride. It also sought to exclude sympathetic whites from the movement, as it aimed to establish black self-sufficiency and autonomy. The emergence of the Black Panthers was a direct result of the black power movement, as they advocated for armed self-defense and community empowerment. Additionally, the philosophy of "black power" encouraged young people to choose radical alternatives and challenge the existing social and political systems. However, it did not directly contribute to the consolidation of civil rights organizations, as it focused more on independent black organizations and movements rather than integrating into existing structures.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A positive effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis was
- A.
The negotiation of a treaty to ban atmospheric nuclear weapons testing
- B.
Khrushchev's replacement by a more reform-minded leader
- C.
The slower development of nuclear weapons by the Soviets
- D.
The destruction of the Berlin Wall
- E.
Johnson's reduction of defense spending
Correct Answer
A. The negotiation of a treaty to ban atmospheric nuclear weapons testingExplanation
The correct answer is the negotiation of a treaty to ban atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the world came perilously close to nuclear war. However, the crisis also led to a greater awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the need for arms control. As a result, the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries negotiated the Limited Test Ban Treaty in 1963, which banned nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere, underwater, and in outer space. This treaty was a significant step towards reducing the risk of nuclear war and promoting international cooperation on disarmament.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The American commitment in Vietnam increased substantially when
- A.
President Eisenhowed sent military forces into combat to aid Diem
- B.
President Johnson asked for ans Congress approved of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
- C.
President Nixon initiated "Vietnamization"
- D.
President Kennedy sent the Special Forces into Vietnam
- E.
President Truman ordered an attack of North Vietnam
Correct Answer
B. President Johnson asked for ans Congress approved of the Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionExplanation
President Johnson asked for and Congress approved of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This event marked a significant turning point in the American commitment in Vietnam. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was passed in 1964 after reports of alleged attacks on American naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces. It gave President Johnson the authority to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war. This led to a substantial increase in American military presence and marked the beginning of a full-scale U.S. military intervention in Vietnam.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Public opinion turned radically against the Vietnam War after the
- A.
United States began to bomb North Vietnam
- B.
Communists captured the capital of South Vietnam
- C.
American troops invaded North Vietnam
- D.
Viet Cong launched the 1968 Tet Offensive
- E.
Diem regime collapsed due to corruption
Correct Answer
D. Viet Cong launched the 1968 Tet OffensiveExplanation
The correct answer is Viet Cong launched the 1968 Tet Offensive. The Tet Offensive was a series of surprise attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and American forces during the Vietnam War. The offensive was a turning point in the war as it demonstrated that the Viet Cong were still a formidable force and that the war was far from over. The scale and intensity of the attacks shocked the American public and led to a shift in public opinion against the war.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The violence outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago resulted from
- A.
A race riot in the Southside of Chicago
- B.
Demonstration against the Vietnam War
- C.
The nomination of George Wallace
- D.
The acceptance of the Kennedy and McCarthy war planks in the party platform
- E.
The refusal of Johnson to drop out of the race
Correct Answer
B. Demonstration against the Vietnam WarExplanation
The violence outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago resulted from a demonstration against the Vietnam War. This is evident from historical records and accounts of the event, which highlight the presence of anti-war protesters who clashed with the police and National Guard. The Vietnam War was a highly controversial issue at the time, and the convention became a focal point for those who opposed the war, leading to confrontations and violence.Rate this question:
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- 19.
All of the following statements about the emergence of rock and roll music as a part of the 1950's popular culture are
- A.
It rejected black musical traditions
- B.
It drew on country and western music traditions
- C.
It was aided by television programming
- D.
It grew as radio stations began to change formats from live programming to recorded music
- E.
It has strong appeal in the South and West
Correct Answer
A. It rejected black musical traditionsExplanation
Rock and roll music emerged as a part of the 1950's popular culture by drawing on country and western music traditions, being aided by television programming, growing as radio stations began to change formats from live programming to recorded music, and having strong appeal in the South and West. However, it is incorrect to say that rock and roll rejected black musical traditions. In fact, rock and roll was heavily influenced by African American musical styles such as rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. Many early rock and roll artists, including Chuck Berry and Little Richard, were African American and played a significant role in shaping the genre.Rate this question:
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