Basic Knowledge About American History: Quiz!
How well do you know American history? America as a country has one of the richest and the most diverse histories. Though, parts of this history are disturbing, from its participation in the slave trade to various other race-related issues. There have also been right parts in its timeline, from the Moon landing to various technological accomplishments. Please find out more about American history by taking our quiz.
- 1.
The primary focus of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century Progressivism was:
- A.
A Redistribution of wealth to eliminate the discrepancy between the poor and the rich
- B.
Education, hospitals, settlement houses, and the reform of child labor and safety laws
- C.
Eliminating inefficiency and corruption in government
- D.
Exposing unsafe, unsanitary, corrupt, or greedy practices in government
Correct Answer
C. Eliminating inefficiency and corruption in governmentExplanation
The late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century Progressivism aimed at eliminating inefficiency and corruption in government. This movement sought to bring about political and social reforms, advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness in government institutions. Progressives believed that by addressing these issues, they could create a more just and equitable society. This focus on eliminating inefficiency and corruption in government was seen as a way to improve the overall functioning of society and ensure that the government worked for the benefit of all citizens.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The period immediately after the American Civil War is known as:
- A.
Reconstruction because it was the period during which the US government attempted to rebuild the plantations, homes, and businesses of the defeated southern states which had been destroyed during the war
- B.
Reconstruction, because it was the period during which defeated southern states were legally required to re-write their constitutions to outlaw slavery
- C.
The antebellum period, because this was a time the rest of the US was against the South, which was represented by southern "belles" such as Scarlett O'Hara
- D.
Reconstruction, because the US Congress wanted to completely overhaul the economies, governments, social structures, and laws of the defeated southern states and punish southern loyalists for treason
Correct Answer
D. Reconstruction, because the US Congress wanted to completely overhaul the economies, governments, social structures, and laws of the defeated southern states and punish southern loyalists for treasonExplanation
The period immediately after the American Civil War is known as Reconstruction because the US Congress aimed to completely overhaul the economies, governments, social structures, and laws of the defeated southern states. Additionally, they sought to punish southern loyalists for treason. This period was characterized by efforts to rebuild the plantations, homes, and businesses that had been destroyed during the war. It also involved the legal requirement for the southern states to rewrite their constitutions to outlaw slavery.Rate this question:
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- 3.
An American cowboy was statistically most likely to be:
- A.
A brave, law-abiding young white man who went west in search of a place to start a farm and raise a family
- B.
An African-American or Latino man who was unable to find opportunities in more settled areas of the US
- C.
A gunslinging outlaw in search of booty on the high seas
- D.
A religious dissident in search of freedom from oppression by the US government
Correct Answer
B. An African-American or Latino man who was unable to find opportunities in more settled areas of the USExplanation
The answer suggests that the statistically most likely American cowboy was an African-American or Latino man who was unable to find opportunities in more settled areas of the US. This explanation implies that due to limited opportunities and discrimination, these individuals sought a livelihood in the cowboy lifestyle in the less settled areas of the country.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following are examples of successful Progressive era programs and legislation?
- A.
Indian schools, eugenics, and prohibition of alcohol
- B.
Abolition of slavery, welfare and Medicaid, homeless shelters in settlement houses, and universal public education for all children
- C.
Laws ensuring the safety and effectiveness of prescription medications, childhood immunization laws, and the 40-hour workweek for workers
- D.
Women's suffrage, improved worker safety, and child labor laws, wider access to education, assimilation for immigrants, and settlement houses
Correct Answer
D. Women's suffrage, improved worker safety, and child labor laws, wider access to education, assimilation for immigrants, and settlement housesExplanation
The answer is Women's suffrage, improved worker safety, and child labor laws, wider access to education, assimilation for immigrants, and settlement houses. These are examples of successful Progressive era programs and legislation because they reflect the goals of the Progressive movement, which aimed to address social and political issues and improve the lives of individuals. Women's suffrage granted women the right to vote, while improved worker safety and child labor laws aimed to protect workers and children from exploitation. Wider access to education and assimilation for immigrants aimed to provide opportunities for all individuals to succeed and integrate into society. Settlement houses provided support and resources for immigrants and low-income communities.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Prior to the American Civil War, most Americans lived:
- A.
Agrarian lifestyles
- B.
Urban lifestyles
- C.
In miserable poverty
- D.
In solid gold mansions
Correct Answer
A. Agrarian lifestylesExplanation
Prior to the American Civil War, most Americans lived agrarian lifestyles. This means that they predominantly lived in rural areas and relied on agriculture as their main source of income and sustenance. The majority of the population was engaged in farming, cultivating crops, and raising livestock. Industrialization and urbanization were not as prevalent during this time, and the economy was primarily based on agricultural production. This lifestyle was characterized by close-knit communities, self-sufficiency, and a strong connection to the land.Rate this question:
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- 6.
William Randolph Hearst is an example of:
- A.
A muckraking journalist, an old-money scion, and a Progressive
- B.
A railroad tycoon, an old-money scion, and a crusader for women's and worker's rights
- C.
An early twentieth-century magnate, a member of the Nouveau Riche, and a war monger
Correct Answer
C. An early twentieth-century magnate, a member of the Nouveau Riche, and a war monger -
- 7.
Which of the following are NOT problems associated with increased urbanization?
- A.
Epidemics, child labor, drug safety, and worker rights and safety
- B.
Sanitation, crime, housing shortages, transportation, and recreation
- C.
Drought, blight, pestilence, and plummeting land values
- D.
Civil rights for African Americans, welfare, government corruption, deficit spending, and homeland security
Correct Answer
C. Drought, blight, pestilence, and plummeting land valuesExplanation
The correct answer is Drought, blight, pestilence, and plummeting land values. These are not typically considered problems associated with increased urbanization. Urbanization often leads to increased access to resources and infrastructure, which can help mitigate issues such as drought and pestilence. Blight and plummeting land values are more likely to be associated with economic factors or specific local conditions rather than urbanization as a whole.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Women were prevented from voting, serving on juries, or pursuing the same rights as men under a system of:
- A.
Civil Service
- B.
Republican Motherhood
- C.
Patriarchy
- D.
Male chauvinism
Correct Answer
C. PatriarchyExplanation
The correct answer is patriarchy. Patriarchy refers to a social system where men hold primary power and dominance, and women are subordinate and marginalized. In this system, women were denied basic rights such as voting, serving on juries, and equal rights as men. This inequality was deeply ingrained in society and reinforced by cultural norms and laws. Patriarchy has been a pervasive system throughout history, limiting women's opportunities and rights.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A patriarchal system dictates that:
- A.
Men are superior to women
- B.
White men are superior to everyone
- C.
Only white men can vote
- D.
White men are responsible for protecting and providing for others
Correct Answer
D. White men are responsible for protecting and providing for othersExplanation
The given correct answer suggests that in a patriarchal system, white men are responsible for protecting and providing for others. This implies that there is an expectation for white men to take on the role of protectors and providers in society, potentially due to their perceived superiority or privilege. This answer aligns with the traditional gender roles and power dynamics often associated with patriarchal systems.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Immigrants to the United States were expected to become successful through
- A.
Affiliation
- B.
Assimilation
- C.
Acculturation
- D.
Accumulation
Correct Answer
B. AssimilationExplanation
Assimilation refers to the process in which immigrants adopt the language, customs, and culture of the host country. In the context of the United States, immigrants were expected to assimilate into American society in order to become successful. This meant embracing American values, norms, and way of life. Assimilation was seen as a way for immigrants to integrate into society, gain social acceptance, and access opportunities for upward mobility. It was believed that by assimilating, immigrants could fully participate in the American dream and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following groups were most likely to indulge in conspicuous consumption?
- A.
The Gilded Age
- B.
Progressives
- C.
The Nouveau Riche
- D.
Freedmen
Correct Answer
C. The Nouveau RicheExplanation
The Nouveau Riche refers to individuals who have recently acquired wealth and are eager to display their newfound status through extravagant spending and conspicuous consumption. This group is most likely to indulge in conspicuous consumption as they seek to showcase their wealth and social standing. The Gilded Age and Progressives may have had different priorities and concerns, while the Freedmen may have been more focused on building economic stability rather than engaging in conspicuous consumption.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following represent victories for US Progressives in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
- A.
Prohibition, universal public education, universal suffrage, and the elimination of poverty
- B.
Urbanization, industrialization, assimilation, and immunization
- C.
Women's suffrage, civil service laws, child labor laws, drug safety laws, and national parks
- D.
Welfare, universal healthcare, the income tax, and deficit spending
Correct Answer
C. Women's suffrage, civil service laws, child labor laws, drug safety laws, and national parksExplanation
The victories for US Progressives in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries included women's suffrage, civil service laws, child labor laws, drug safety laws, and national parks. These achievements represented the progress made in the areas of gender equality, government transparency and accountability, protection of children's rights, public health and safety, and conservation of natural resources. These reforms were aimed at improving the overall well-being of society and promoting social justice.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What was Abraham Lincoln's plan for dealing with the Confederate leaders after the Civil War?
- A.
Punish them by disenfranchisement
- B.
Offer them amnesty
- C.
Force them to accept emancipation of their slaves and immediately institute equal rights for whites and blacks
- D.
He really didn't care--he just wanted to be re-elected
Correct Answer
B. Offer them amnestyExplanation
After the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln's plan for dealing with the Confederate leaders was to offer them amnesty. This means that he intended to pardon them and restore their rights as citizens, allowing them to rejoin the Union without facing punishment or consequences for their actions during the war. This approach was part of Lincoln's broader plan for reconciliation and healing the nation after the divisive conflict.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The Fourteenth (14th) Amendment to the United States Constitution:
- A.
Provides that all people born in the United States are American Citizens
- B.
Made African-Americans born in the US American citizens
- C.
Both A and B
- D.
Neither A nor B
Correct Answer
C. Both A and BExplanation
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that all people born in the United States are American citizens. This amendment was specifically important for African-Americans born in the US as it granted them citizenship rights, which they were previously denied due to slavery and discrimination. Therefore, the correct answer is Both A and B.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution:
- A.
Allows states to determine who is a citizen of the US and who is not
- B.
Allows states to make people prove they are in the United States legally
- C.
Requires states to uphold the rights of all citizens equally
- D.
Was frequently circumvented by the implementation of literacy tests, poll taxes, and even illegal intimidation of voters in southern states
Correct Answer
D. Was frequently circumvented by the implementation of literacy tests, poll taxes, and even illegal intimidation of voters in southern statesExplanation
The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was frequently circumvented by the implementation of literacy tests, poll taxes, and even illegal intimidation of voters in southern states. This means that despite the amendment granting the right to vote to all citizens regardless of race or color, many states found ways to prevent African Americans from exercising this right through discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes. Additionally, illegal intimidation tactics were used to discourage African Americans from voting, effectively undermining the intent and impact of the Fifteenth Amendment.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Theodore Roosevelt's first two government positions (as Director of the US Civil Service Commission and a Commissioner of he NYCPD):
- A.
Were given to him under the patronage and spoils systems of the time
- B.
Were given to him because he was the son of a wealthy family and a war hero
- C.
Showed his commitment to Progressive ideals
- D.
Showed his opposition to Progressive ideals
Correct Answer
C. Showed his commitment to Progressive idealsExplanation
Theodore Roosevelt's first two government positions as Director of the US Civil Service Commission and a Commissioner of the NYCPD showed his commitment to Progressive ideals. The Progressive movement aimed to reform and improve society by addressing issues such as corruption, inequality, and social injustice. By taking on these positions, Roosevelt demonstrated his dedication to advancing these ideals and working towards positive change in the government and law enforcement systems.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Sharecropping was:
- A.
Not much different from slavery for African Americans
- B.
The system under which which white males felt it was their duty to provide and help women, the poor, and others less fortunate than they were
- C.
An improvement over slavery for African Americans because they were free to own and farm their own land
- D.
A way for city dwellers to enjoy some fresh, healthy country air
Correct Answer
A. Not much different from slavery for African AmericansExplanation
Sharecropping was a system that emerged after the abolition of slavery in which African Americans were still bound to work on land owned by white landowners. They were often trapped in cycles of debt and poverty, with limited control over their own labor and limited opportunities for economic advancement. This system closely resembled slavery in many ways, as African Americans were still subjected to exploitation and limited freedom.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following are examples of muckraking?
- A.
William Randolph Hearst's headline, "Naval Officers Think the Maine was Destroyed by a Spanish Mine."
- B.
The US Army using African-American soldiers to "muck out" stables for officers' horses during WWI
- C.
The books "The Jungle" and "How the Other Half Lives"
- D.
The Republican Party uncovering secret photos of Theodore Roosevelt shooting elephants as proof that he was not a conservationist
Correct Answer
C. The books "The Jungle" and "How the Other Half Lives"Explanation
The books "The Jungle" and "How the Other Half Lives" are examples of muckraking because they both exposed social and political issues. "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, while "How the Other Half Lives" by Jacob Riis exposed the living conditions of the urban poor. Muckraking refers to investigative journalism that aims to expose corruption, injustice, and societal problems in order to bring about reform. These books fit this definition as they shed light on important issues and brought attention to the need for change.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Why did Indian schools want to "kill the Indian in the boy"?
- A.
The hated indians
- B.
They believed that Indian customs and languages prevented native children from being successful in American society
- C.
The American government believed that Indians were dangerous and would use their native language to plot rebellion
- D.
Indian schools were founded and run by Progressives and everyone knows that Progressives are evil Nazis
Correct Answer
B. They believed that Indian customs and languages prevented native children from being successful in American societyExplanation
The Indian schools wanted to "kill the Indian in the boy" because they believed that Indian customs and languages were obstacles to the success of native children in American society. By eradicating their cultural identity and imposing American customs and language, they aimed to assimilate them into mainstream society and increase their chances of success.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Why did Progressives support the Eighteenth Amendment?
- A.
They believed that women were equal to men and therefore should be allowed to vote
- B.
They believed that African-Americans were equal to white Americans and should therefore be allowed to vote
- C.
They believed that alcohol was a major factor in keeping poor people and lazy as well as causing men to abandon their families
- D.
Progressives believed that food and drugs should be safe
Correct Answer
C. They believed that alcohol was a major factor in keeping poor people and lazy as well as causing men to abandon their familiesExplanation
Progressives supported the Eighteenth Amendment because they believed that alcohol was a major factor in keeping poor people and lazy, as well as causing men to abandon their families. They saw alcohol as a social problem that needed to be addressed in order to improve society and promote better living conditions for all. By banning alcohol, they hoped to eliminate its negative effects and create a more productive and stable society.Rate this question:
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- 21.
"Black Codes" were:
- A.
Post Civil War laws in southern states making it illegal for African Americans to vote, own land. or learn to read.
- B.
Laws restricting the activities of African Americans in the south which often were used either to enhance the penalties given for other crimes or to return African Americans to a new system of involuntary servitude
- C.
A "secret language" used by African Americans to keep white southerners from understanding what they were talking about
- D.
Southern laws such as poll taxes and literacy tests designed to keep African Americans from voting
Correct Answer
B. Laws restricting the activities of African Americans in the south which often were used either to enhance the penalties given for other crimes or to return African Americans to a new system of involuntary servitudeExplanation
"Black Codes" were laws that were implemented in the southern states after the Civil War. These laws were aimed at restricting the activities and rights of African Americans. They made it illegal for African Americans to vote, own land, or learn to read. The Black Codes were used as a means to either increase the punishments for crimes committed by African Americans or to force them into a new form of involuntary servitude. These laws were a way for the southern states to maintain control over African Americans and limit their freedom and opportunities.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Debt peonage was:
- A.
Illegal in the United States until New Mexico became a state
- B.
Specifically made legal by the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution
- C.
A system by which African Americans and poor whites were kept in positions of involuntary servitude even after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution
- D.
The perfectly legal practice of requiring convicted criminals to work while incarcerated in order to pay off their fines and court costs
Correct Answer
C. A system by which African Americans and poor whites were kept in positions of involuntary servitude even after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US ConstitutionExplanation
Debt peonage refers to a system where African Americans and poor whites were forced into positions of involuntary servitude even after the Thirteenth Amendment was passed, which abolished slavery. This system allowed individuals to be bound to their debts, often through exploitative labor contracts, effectively trapping them in a cycle of debt and servitude. It was a way to maintain a form of slavery and control over marginalized groups, despite the legal abolishment of slavery.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Juneteenth is:
- A.
The holiday celebrating the signing of the Emancipation proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln
- B.
The holiday celebrating the arrival of the first ship full of African immigrants to the American colonies
- C.
The holiday celebrating the exact mid-point of the summer on 19th of June each year
- D.
The holiday celebrating the arrival of Union troops led by General George Granger in Galveston, Texas bearing the news that slaves there had been freed two and a half years earlier
Correct Answer
D. The holiday celebrating the arrival of Union troops led by General George Granger in Galveston, Texas bearing the news that slaves there had been freed two and a half years earlierExplanation
Juneteenth is the holiday celebrating the arrival of Union troops led by General George Granger in Galveston, Texas bearing the news that slaves there had been freed two and a half years earlier. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, following the end of the Civil War. The holiday is a symbol of freedom and an important milestone in the fight for equality and the end of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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Jan 04, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 07, 2012Quiz Created by
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