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The Great Depression, stock market crash and dustbowl
Questions and Answers
1.
What are the causes of the Great Depression?
A.
Stock market crash
B.
Easy to get credit
C.
High tariffs
D.
Low tariffs
E.
Farm crisis
F.
Lots and lots of crops
G.
Uequal wealth distribution
H.
Herbert Hoover
I.
Alfred E. Smith
Correct Answer(s) B. Easy to get credit C. High tariffs E. Farm crisis G. Uequal wealth distribution
Explanation The causes of the Great Depression included easy access to credit, high tariffs, a farm crisis, and unequal wealth distribution. Easy credit allowed people to borrow beyond their means, leading to a bubble that eventually burst. High tariffs restricted international trade, causing a decline in global economic activity. The farm crisis resulted from overproduction and falling prices, leading to financial difficulties for farmers. Unequal wealth distribution meant that the majority of the population had limited purchasing power, further exacerbating the economic downturn.
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2.
Who was the Republican candidate that won the Presidency in 1928?
A.
Franklin Roosevelt
B.
Alfred e Smith
C.
Teddy Roosevelt
D.
Herbert Hoover
Correct Answer D. Herbert Hoover
Explanation Herbert Hoover was the Republican candidate who won the Presidency in 1928. He was elected as the 31st President of the United States. Hoover's victory marked the end of the two-term presidency of Calvin Coolidge. Hoover's campaign focused on economic prosperity and his experience as a successful businessman. However, his presidency was soon overshadowed by the Great Depression, which began shortly after he took office in 1929. Despite his efforts to address the economic crisis, Hoover's inability to effectively combat the Depression led to widespread dissatisfaction and ultimately contributed to his defeat in the 1932 election.
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3.
If a person pays a small percentage of a stock's price as a down payment, they are ........
A.
Buying on the cuff
B.
Buying on the margin
C.
Buying on the prosper
D.
Buing on the Hoover
Correct Answer B. Buying on the margin
Explanation When a person pays a small percentage of a stock's price as a down payment, they are buying on the margin. This means that they are borrowing the remaining amount from a broker to complete the purchase. By doing so, they are leveraging their investment and potentially amplifying their gains or losses.
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4.
What caused the highest tariffs at that time?
A.
McNary-Haugen tariff Act
B.
Hoover-Smith tariff Act
C.
Hawley - Smoot tariff act
D.
Foreign trade tariff
Correct Answer C. Hawley - Smoot tariff act
Explanation The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act caused the highest tariffs at that time. This act, passed in 1930, raised tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods in an attempt to protect American industries from foreign competition during the Great Depression. However, it ultimately backfired as other countries retaliated with their own tariffs, leading to a decrease in international trade and exacerbating the economic downturn. The act is widely considered to have worsened the Great Depression and is often cited as an example of the negative consequences of protectionist trade policies.
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5.
Whiich of the following increased in the 1920s?
A.
Farner's debts
B.
Prices and supports
C.
Foreign demand for U.S. farm products
D.
Domestic demand for U.S farm products
Correct Answer A. Farner's debts
Explanation During the 1920s, farmers' debts increased. This can be attributed to various factors such as overproduction, which led to a decline in prices and supports for agricultural products. Additionally, foreign demand for U.S. farm products decreased, resulting in a surplus of goods and further financial strain on farmers. Conversely, domestic demand for U.S. farm products did not experience a significant increase during this period. Overall, the combination of these factors contributed to the rise in farmers' debts in the 1920s.
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6.
Which was NOT a cause of the Great Depression?
A.
Tariffs on foriegn goods
B.
Availability of easy credit
C.
A growing number of homeless people
D.
Crisis in the farm sector
Correct Answer C. A growing number of homeless people
Explanation The Great Depression was primarily caused by factors such as tariffs on foreign goods, the availability of easy credit, and a crisis in the farm sector. However, a growing number of homeless people was not a direct cause of the Great Depression. While the economic downturn did lead to increased poverty and homelessness, it was not one of the initial causes that triggered the crisis.
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7.
After the stock market crashed, how did President Hoover attemp to help?
A.
Closing the banks
B.
Lowering foriegn tariffs
C.
Funding handouts of food and clothing
D.
Asking business not to layoff employees
Correct Answer D. Asking business not to layoff employees
Explanation During the Great Depression, President Hoover attempted to help the economy by asking businesses not to layoff employees. This was a measure aimed at preventing further unemployment and reducing the negative impact of the stock market crash. By encouraging businesses to retain their workforce, Hoover hoped to stabilize the economy and alleviate the financial hardships faced by many Americans during that time.
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8.
Who made up the Bonus Army that marched on Washington?
A.
Business and labor leaders who agreed to work together
B.
Unemployed industrial workers and their families
C.
Farmers and their families who were forced off their land by the dust storms
D.
World War I veterans and their families
Correct Answer D. World War I veterans and their families
Explanation During the Great Depression, World War I veterans and their families formed the Bonus Army. These veterans were demanding immediate payment of the bonuses they were promised for their military service. Facing economic hardship, they marched on Washington to put pressure on the government to provide them with financial relief. The Bonus Army consisted of unemployed veterans and their families who were struggling to make ends meet during this difficult time.
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9.
What was the Bonus Army wanting to get by marching on Washington?
A.
New homes and farms
B.
A bonus payment from their military service
C.
Government built industries for jobs
D.
Reduction in the tariffs
Correct Answer B. A bonus payment from their military service
Explanation The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington in 1932. They were demanding a bonus payment for their military service. These veterans were promised a bonus payment to be received in 1945, but due to the Great Depression, they wanted to receive it earlier to help them during the economic crisis. The Bonus Army hoped that their protest would persuade the government to provide them with the financial support they desperately needed.
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10.
Which candidtates ran for president in 1932?
A.
Herbert Hoover and Alfred E Smith
B.
Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover
C.
Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt
D.
Alfred E Smith and Calvin Coolidge
E.
Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt
F.
Frankin Roosevelt and Alfred E Smith
Correct Answer E. Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt
Explanation In 1932, Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt were the candidates who ran for president.
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11.
What name was given to the men and boys who rode the rails as they searched for work?
A.
Okies
B.
Speculators
C.
Bonus Marvhers
D.
Hobos
Correct Answer D. Hobos
Explanation Hobos were the name given to the men and boys who rode the rails as they searched for work. Hobos were transient workers who traveled from place to place in search of employment during the Great Depression. They would often hop on trains illegally, hence the term "riding the rails." Hobos formed a subculture and had their own unique code of conduct and symbols. They relied on odd jobs, begging, or even stealing to survive.
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12.
Which of the following describes a government system for giving payments or food to the poor?
A.
Rugged individualism
B.
Direct relief
C.
Bonus Army relief
D.
Price support
Correct Answer B. Direct relief
Explanation Direct relief describes a government system for giving payments or food to the poor. This term refers to a program or policy implemented by the government to provide assistance directly to individuals or families who are in need. It is a form of social welfare that aims to alleviate poverty and provide basic necessities to those who cannot afford them. Direct relief programs can take various forms, such as cash transfers, food stamps, or subsidized housing, and they are designed to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have access to essential resources.
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13.
Black Tuesday was the day that President Herbert Hoover forced the Bonus Army to disband.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer B. False
Explanation The statement is false because Black Tuesday refers to the stock market crash that occurred on October 29, 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. President Herbert Hoover did not force the Bonus Army to disband on Black Tuesday. The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched to Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus promised to them. The disbandment of the Bonus Army occurred on July 28, 1932, and was ordered by President Hoover's successor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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14.
An unintended effect of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff was a substantial decrease in U.S. exports.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer A. True
Explanation The Hawley-Smoot Tariff was a protectionist trade policy implemented by the United States in 1930. It aimed to protect American industries from foreign competition by imposing high tariffs on imported goods. However, the unintended consequence of this tariff was that other countries retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on American goods. As a result, U.S. exports decreased significantly, leading to a decline in international trade and worsening the Great Depression.
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15.
Picture:
Which cause of the the depression best represents this photograph?
A.
Tariffs
B.
Farm Crisis
C.
Easy Credit
D.
Unequal wealth
Correct Answer B. Farm Crisis
Explanation The photograph likely represents the Farm Crisis as the cause of the depression. This is because the image shows a farm with abandoned and dilapidated buildings, suggesting economic hardship and decline in the agricultural sector. The Farm Crisis of the 1920s was a result of overproduction, falling crop prices, and high levels of debt, which led to widespread farm foreclosures and financial distress among farmers. This aligns with the visual cues in the photograph, indicating that the Farm Crisis is the best representation of the situation depicted.
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16.
Picture:
Dust Pneumonia was a leading cause of death dring the Dust Bowl.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer A. True
Explanation During the Dust Bowl, a severe drought and dust storms affected the Great Plains region of the United States. The constant blowing of dust caused by the storms led to a condition known as Dust Pneumonia. This respiratory illness occurred when individuals inhaled large amounts of dust particles, which irritated and inflamed their lungs. The dust contained harmful substances such as bacteria, fungi, and pesticides, which further exacerbated the condition. Due to the lack of medical advancements and proper treatment options at the time, Dust Pneumonia became a significant cause of death during the Dust Bowl. Therefore, the statement is true.
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17.
Picture:
A dust storm so large had effects on ships that were 300 miles out to sea.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer A. True
Explanation The given statement is true. A dust storm of such magnitude can have far-reaching effects, including impacting ships that are 300 miles away from the storm's origin. Dust storms can generate strong winds, reduced visibility, and even damage to equipment, making them hazardous for maritime operations. The dust particles can also affect the air quality and potentially cause health issues for those on board the ships. Therefore, it is plausible that a dust storm of this size can have effects on ships that are 300 miles out to sea.
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18.
Picture:
Which of the following was NOT a contributing factor to the dust bowl?
A.
Drought
B.
Wind
C.
Over fed cattle
D.
All were factors of the dust bowl
Correct Answer D. All were factors of the dust bowl
Explanation All of the options listed - drought, wind, and overfed cattle - were contributing factors to the dust bowl. The dust bowl was a period of severe dust storms and drought that occurred in the 1930s in the Great Plains of the United States. The combination of prolonged drought, strong winds, and poor farming practices, such as overgrazing and overplowing, led to the erosion of the topsoil and the formation of massive dust storms. Therefore, all of these factors played a role in causing the dust bowl.
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19.
Which of the following was not an effect of the Great Depression?
A.
Many children had a poor diet
B.
Many families became homeless
C.
Many men became unemployed
D.
Many people went into farming or opened their own business
Correct Answer D. Many people went into farming or opened their own business
Explanation During the Great Depression, many children had a poor diet due to the economic hardships faced by their families. Additionally, many families became homeless as they were unable to afford housing. Furthermore, many men became unemployed as businesses struggled and had to lay off workers. However, the statement that many people went into farming or opened their own business is not an effect of the Great Depression. In fact, the Great Depression led to a decline in agricultural production and business closures, making it difficult for individuals to start new ventures.
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20.
Which of the following best describes Prsident Hoover's approach to dealiing with the pain and suffering of Americans during the Great Depression?
A.
Direct relief-giving food and money to the poor who needed it
B.
Rugged individualism- the belief that you should be responsible for your own well being and if you can't manage, then local charities and churches should kick in
C.
Price suppports- the government buys excess products and holds them, selling them at a later date fo foreign countries
D.
Cold heartedness- President Hoover didn't care about the pain and suffering of most Americans during the Great Depression
Correct Answer B. Rugged individualism- the belief that you should be responsible for your own well being and if you can't manage, then local charities and churches should kick in
Explanation During the Great Depression, President Hoover believed in rugged individualism, which meant that individuals should take responsibility for their own well-being. If they were unable to manage, local charities and churches should provide assistance. This approach emphasized self-reliance and limited government intervention, suggesting that Hoover did not believe in direct relief or extensive government support for those suffering from the economic crisis.
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21.
Black Tuesday was the day that:
A.
President Hoover forced the Bonus Army out of Washington DC
B.
The day after Thanksgiving
C.
The day the music died
D.
The day the stock market crashed 1929
E.
The day that Hoover was inaugurated President
Correct Answer D. The day the stock market crashed 1929
Explanation Black Tuesday refers to the day the stock market crashed in 1929. This event marked the beginning of the Great Depression and had a significant impact on the global economy. Many investors lost their savings, leading to widespread financial hardship and unemployment. The crash was a result of various factors, including speculative trading, excessive borrowing, and a lack of government regulation. It is considered one of the most devastating financial crises in history.
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22.
The main purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was to give emergency help to:
A.
Business leaders so the could keep their businesses open
B.
Farmers so they could plant their crops
C.
Homeowners so that they could afford to pay their mortgages on their homes
D.
The military so that they could purchase more weapons and ammunition
Correct Answer A. Business leaders so the could keep their businesses open
Explanation The main purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was to give emergency help to business leaders so they could keep their businesses open. The RFC was established during the Great Depression to provide financial assistance to struggling businesses. Its goal was to prevent the collapse of key industries and stimulate economic recovery. By providing loans and financial support, the RFC aimed to stabilize businesses and prevent widespread bankruptcies, which would have further worsened the economic crisis.
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23.
Map:
How many states were part of the Dust Bowl?
A.
5 states
B.
10 states
C.
20 states
D.
25 states
Correct Answer B. 10 states
Explanation During the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, a severe drought and poor farming practices led to massive dust storms and widespread damage to agricultural areas in the United States. The affected region, known as the Dust Bowl, encompassed parts of several states in the Great Plains. The correct answer, 10 states, indicates that the Dust Bowl impacted a significant portion of the country, affecting states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
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24.
Map:
Which of the following states suffed the most damage during the Dust Bowl?
A.
North Dakota
B.
Minnesota
C.
Kansas
D.
Missouri
E.
Iowa
F.
California
G.
Alabama
Correct Answer C. Kansas
Explanation During the Dust Bowl, Kansas suffered the most damage. The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster that occurred in the 1930s, primarily affecting the Great Plains region of the United States. It was characterized by severe dust storms that caused extensive damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Kansas, being located in the heart of the Great Plains, experienced some of the worst dust storms and soil erosion during this period. The combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds led to the devastation of crops and the displacement of many farmers in Kansas.
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25.
Map:
Which map symbol indicated the area covered by the May 1934 dust storm?
A.
Striped area
B.
Shaded area
C.
Solid area
D.
A dashed line
Correct Answer D. A dashed line
Explanation The dashed line on the map indicates the area covered by the May 1934 dust storm. This symbol is commonly used to represent weather phenomena such as storms or fronts. In this case, the dashed line is likely used to show the extent or path of the dust storm, making it the correct answer. The other options, striped area, shaded area, and solid area, do not accurately represent the specific feature being asked for in the question.
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26.
Map:
How far did migrants on Route 66 travel from Oklahoma City to Bakersfield, California?
A.
About 300 miles
B.
About 600 miles
C.
About 1200 miles
D.
About 1800 miles
Correct Answer C. About 1200 miles
Explanation The correct answer is about 1200 miles. This is the approximate distance that migrants on Route 66 traveled from Oklahoma City to Bakersfield, California.
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27.
Map
Going from east to west on Route 66, what statede did Dust Bowl migrants pass through?
A.
Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California
B.
Oklahoma, Arizona New Mexico, Texas, California
C.
Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
D.
Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California
Correct Answer C. Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
Explanation Dust Bowl migrants passed through the states of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California when going from east to west on Route 66.
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28.
Buying stocks on the chance that you will earn a quick profit without considering the risks is known as:
A.
Speculation
B.
Buying in the margin
C.
Profit-taking
D.
Living on credit
E.
All of the above
F.
None of the above
Correct Answer A. Speculation
Explanation Speculation refers to the act of buying stocks with the hope of making a quick profit, without taking into account the associated risks. It involves making investment decisions based on speculation rather than careful analysis or consideration of the market conditions. This can be a risky strategy as it often relies on short-term market fluctuations and can result in significant losses if the market does not move in the anticipated direction. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is speculation.
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29.
In calling shantytowns, "Hoovervilles" or newspapers,"Hoover Blankets", eating out of the garbage a "Hoover Dinner" people were conveying their:
A.
Patriotism
B.
Trust in Hoover
C.
Disgust in Hoover
D.
Repect for Hoover
Correct Answer C. Disgust in Hoover
Explanation During the Great Depression, shantytowns were named "Hoovervilles" and newspapers were referred to as "Hoover Blankets" as a way for people to express their dissatisfaction and disgust with President Hoover. These derogatory terms were used to mock and criticize Hoover's perceived inability to effectively address the economic crisis. Therefore, the correct answer is "disgust in Hoover."
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30.
Herbert Hoover's approach to the Depression economy was based on a belief in:
A.
Seperation of church and state
B.
Direct government relief
C.
The Ten Commandments
D.
Rugged individualism
Correct Answer D. Rugged individualism
Explanation Herbert Hoover's approach to the Depression economy was based on the belief in rugged individualism. This means that Hoover believed in the idea that individuals should be self-reliant and take responsibility for their own economic well-being. He believed that government intervention and direct relief would undermine individual initiative and hinder economic recovery. Instead, he advocated for voluntary cooperation between businesses and individuals to stimulate economic growth. However, his approach proved to be ineffective in addressing the widespread poverty and unemployment caused by the Great Depression.
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31.
Causes of the farming crisis of the 1920's included the fact that:
A.
Federal price supports of corn and wheat were not effective
B.
The Dust Bowl took much of the land out of production (it couldn't be used)
C.
Most people did not own electric refrigerators
D.
Demand for crops fell after World War I
Correct Answer D. Demand for crops fell after World War I
Explanation After World War I, the demand for crops fell, which contributed to the farming crisis of the 1920s. This decrease in demand meant that farmers were producing more crops than there was a market for, leading to a surplus. As a result, prices for crops dropped significantly, causing financial difficulties for farmers. The decrease in demand can be attributed to various factors, including the end of wartime food production needs and changes in consumer preferences.
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32.
All of the following were important causes of the Great Depression, except
A.
Both individuals and businesses built up large debts because of easy credit
B.
Tariffs on foreign imports were lowered
C.
The federal government did not insure people's baank accounts
D.
Federal price supports of corn and wheat were not effective
Correct Answer B. Tariffs on foreign imports were lowered
Explanation During the Great Depression, several factors contributed to the economic downturn. One major cause was the accumulation of large debts by both individuals and businesses due to easy credit. This led to a financial crisis and a decrease in consumer spending. Additionally, the federal government's failure to insure people's bank accounts left them vulnerable to bank failures, further worsening the economic situation. Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of federal price supports for agricultural products like corn and wheat contributed to the economic hardships faced by farmers. However, tariffs on foreign imports were not a cause of the Great Depression and therefore do not belong in the list of important causes.