US History - Progressive Era, 1920s, And Great Depression Quiz

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US History - Progressive Era, 1920s, And Great Depression Quiz - Quiz

Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    1. Information in the cartoon below  most clearly supports the conclusion that by 1914 

    • A.

      Most states had approved at least some voting rights for women 

    • B.

      States along the East Coast had granted full voting rights to women 

    • C.

      Women could vote only in state elections

    • D.

      Complete national suffrage for women had been achieved

    Correct Answer
    A. Most states had approved at least some voting rights for women 
    Explanation
    The cartoon shows women from different states holding signs that say "Votes for Women." This suggests that women in various states were advocating for their right to vote, indicating that at least some states had approved voting rights for women. However, the cartoon does not provide information about full voting rights or the achievement of complete national suffrage for women. Therefore, the most supported conclusion is that most states had approved at least some voting rights for women.

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  • 2. 

    The term muckraker was used during the Progressive Era to describe 

    • A.

      Dissatisfied workers who went on strike 

    • B.

      Northerners who went South following the Civil War

    • C.

      Investigative journalists who exposed societal problems

    • D.

      Women who supported the Prohibition movement

    Correct Answer
    C. Investigative journalists who exposed societal problems
    Explanation
    During the Progressive Era, the term "muckraker" referred to investigative journalists who exposed societal problems. These journalists played a crucial role in bringing attention to corruption, inequality, and other issues that needed reform. They used their writing skills and investigative techniques to shed light on these problems, often uncovering scandalous information that the public was unaware of. By exposing these problems, muckrakers brought about public awareness and pressure for change, contributing to the progressive movement of the time.

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  • 3. 

    Which Progressive Era muckraker’s book led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act?

    • A.

      Jacob Riis’s How the Other Half Lives

    • B.

      Lincoln Steffens’s The Shame of the Cities

    • C.

      Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle

    • D.

      Frank Norris’s The Octopus

    Correct Answer
    C. Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle
    Explanation
    Upton Sinclair's book, The Jungle, led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act. The Jungle exposed the unsanitary and dangerous conditions in the meatpacking industry, which shocked the public and led to widespread calls for reform. The book's graphic descriptions of contaminated meat and the exploitation of workers sparked outrage and public demand for government intervention. As a result, the Meat Inspection Act was passed in 1906, which aimed to improve the safety and quality of meat products by implementing federal inspections and regulations.

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  • 4. 

    “…We therefore formulate, and for ourselves adopt the following pledge, asking our sisters and brothers of a common danger and a common hope, to make common cause with us, in working its reasonable and helpful precepts [principles] into the practice of everyday life. I hereby solemnly promise, God helping me, to abstain from all distilled, fermented and malt liquors, including wine, beer and cider, and to employ all proper means to discourage the use of and traffic in the same.…” — National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, 1908 (adapted)    According to this passage, those who adopted this pledge believed that 

    • A.

      Religion had no place in national politics

    • B.

      Congress should repeal Prohibition

    • C.

      Alcohol consumption was damaging to society

    • D.

      Only the government can solve social problems

    Correct Answer
    C. Alcohol consumption was damaging to society
    Explanation
    The passage states that those who adopted the pledge promised to abstain from all alcoholic beverages and to discourage others from using and trafficking in them. This suggests that they believed alcohol consumption was damaging to society.

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  • 5. 

    One major goal of the Progressive movement was to

    • A.

      Balance the federal budget by decreasing spending

    • B.

      Provide unemployment insurance to workers

    • C.

      Limit direct citizen control over government

    • D.

      Pass laws to help solve economic and social problems

    Correct Answer
    D. Pass laws to help solve economic and social problems
    Explanation
    The Progressive movement aimed to pass laws to address economic and social issues. This was a key goal of the movement, as progressives sought to tackle problems such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. They advocated for reforms and regulations that would improve working conditions, protect consumers, and promote social welfare. By passing these laws, the Progressive movement aimed to bring about positive changes in society and address the economic and social problems of the time.

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  • 6. 

    Base your answer to questions 6 on the cartoon below & your knowledge of social studies.     Based on the information provided by the cartoon, President Theodore Roosevelt’s goal was to 

    • A.

      Establish worker safety regulations in factories 

    • B.

      Persuade businesses to accept nationalization

    • C.

      Assist businesses in resisting interference by investors

    • D.

      Use federal power to control monopolies

    Correct Answer
    D. Use federal power to control monopolies
  • 7. 

    President Woodrow Wilson’s policy of strict neutrality during the early years of World War I was challenged by 

    • A.

      German violations of freedom of the seas

    • B.

      British disrespect for the Roosevelt corollary

    • C.

      Attacks by Mexicans on United States border towns

    • D.

      The refusal of the League of Nations to supply peacekeepers

    Correct Answer
    A. German violations of freedom of the seas
    Explanation
    During the early years of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson adopted a policy of strict neutrality. However, this policy was challenged by German violations of freedom of the seas. Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved sinking ships without warning, including neutral vessels, violated the principles of freedom of the seas. This posed a threat to American interests and eventually led to the United States entering the war on the side of the Allies.

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  • 8. 

    During World War I, what was President Woodrow Wilson’s purpose in outlining the Fourteen Points?

    • A.

      Asking Congress for additional funding for the war effort

    • B.

      Suggesting a peace plan to prevent future wars

    • C.

      Proposing war crimes trials for leaders of enemy nations

    • D.

      Calling for military alliances against aggressor nations

    Correct Answer
    B. Suggesting a peace plan to prevent future wars
    Explanation
    During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson outlined the Fourteen Points with the purpose of suggesting a peace plan to prevent future wars. These points were a set of principles that aimed to establish a fair and just peace settlement after the war. Wilson believed that by addressing issues such as self-determination for nations, open diplomacy, and disarmament, future conflicts could be avoided. The Fourteen Points were an important contribution to the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations, demonstrating Wilson's commitment to creating a more stable and peaceful world order.

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  • 9. 

    The “clear and present danger” principle stated by the Supreme Court in Schenck v. United States (1919) had the effect of 

    • A.

      Prohibiting the president from implementing a military draft

    • B.

      Preventing the wartime internment of citizens

    • C.

      Restricting the formation of defense alliances

    • D.

      Limiting freedom of speech during wartime

    Correct Answer
    D. Limiting freedom of speech during wartime
    Explanation
    The "clear and present danger" principle stated by the Supreme Court in Schenck v. United States (1919) limited freedom of speech during wartime. This principle established that speech that presents a clear and present danger to the security and safety of the country can be restricted or prohibited. In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Charles Schenck, who had distributed pamphlets urging resistance to the draft during World War I. The Court ruled that his actions posed a clear and present danger to the war effort and therefore were not protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech.

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  • 10. 

    We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal or alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.…    — Zimmerman telegram, 1917    The disclosure of this document contributed to 

    • A.

      A declaration of war against Mexico

    • B.

      The entry of the United States into World War I

    • C.

      The passage of the Treaty of Versailles

    • D.

      A restriction on immigration from Latin America

    Correct Answer
    B. The entry of the United States into World War I
    Explanation
    The disclosure of the Zimmerman telegram in 1917 contributed to the entry of the United States into World War I. The telegram revealed Germany's plan to involve Mexico in a war against the United States. This revelation angered the American public and increased support for entering the war on the side of the Allies. The United States declared war on Germany shortly after the Zimmerman telegram was made public.

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  • 11. 

    The Great Migration during World War I refers to the movement of

    • A.

      Factory workers from the Northeast to the Sun Belt

    • B.

      Communists deported to Russia as undesirable aliens

    • C.

      African Americans to northern cities to find work

    • D.

      Refugees fleeing from eastern Europe to the United States

    Correct Answer
    C. African Americans to northern cities to find work
    Explanation
    During World War I, many African Americans migrated from the rural South to northern cities in search of employment opportunities. This movement, known as the Great Migration, was driven by the promise of better wages and improved living conditions in the industrialized North. The war created a demand for labor in factories and industries, leading African Americans to leave their homes and families behind to seek economic stability and escape racial discrimination in the South. This mass migration significantly impacted the demographics and cultural landscape of the northern cities, as well as the civil rights movement in the United States.

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  • 12. 

    What was the major cause of African American migration from the rural South to northern cities during World War I? 

    • A.

      Offers of free public education

    • B.

      Availability of factory jobs

    • C.

      Desire to live in integrated neighborhoods

    • D.

      Opportunity to gain religious freedom

    Correct Answer
    B. Availability of factory jobs
    Explanation
    During World War I, the major cause of African American migration from the rural South to northern cities was the availability of factory jobs. The war led to an increased demand for labor in industries, and many factories in the North were in need of workers. African Americans saw this as an opportunity to escape the harsh conditions and racial discrimination in the South and seek better economic opportunities in the North. The availability of factory jobs provided them with a chance to secure employment and improve their living standards.

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  • 13. 

    Base your answers to questions 13 and 14 on the photograph below & your knowledge of social studies.      The conditions shown in the photograph were mainly the result of 

    • A.

      Government subsidies to increase crop production

    • B.

      Migrations from farms to cities

    • C.

      Poor farming methods and sustained drought

    • D.

      Reduced tariffs on farm machinery and crops

    Correct Answer
    C. Poor farming methods and sustained drought
    Explanation
    The conditions shown in the photograph, such as barren land and a lack of vegetation, suggest that the area is experiencing a lack of water and poor soil quality. This is likely due to poor farming methods, such as overuse of land and improper irrigation techniques, which have depleted the soil and led to erosion. Additionally, the sustained drought in the area has further exacerbated the problem, as there is not enough rainfall to support crop growth. Therefore, the main reason for the conditions shown in the photograph is poor farming methods and sustained drought.

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  • 14. 

    Base your answers to questions 13 and 14 on the photograph below & your knowledge of social studies.    In which geographic region of the nation was this 1935 photograph taken?

    • A.

      New England

    • B.

      Pacific Northwest

    • C.

      Southeast

    • D.

      Great Plains

    Correct Answer
    D. Great Plains
    Explanation
    The 1935 photograph was taken in the Great Plains region of the nation. This can be inferred based on the landscape depicted in the photograph, which shows vast open grasslands and a lack of significant geographical features such as mountains or forests. The Great Plains region is known for its flat terrain and agricultural activities, which align with the visual characteristics of the photograph.

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  • 15. 

    Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Bessie Smith are most closely associated with efforts to 

    • A.

      Expand the Back to Africa movement

    • B.

      Fight discrimination through the judicial system

    • C.

      Promote the cultural identity of African Americans through the arts

    • D.

      Establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

    Correct Answer
    C. Promote the cultural identity of African Americans through the arts
    Explanation
    Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Bessie Smith were prominent figures during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, music, and literature. They used their talents and platforms to promote and showcase the cultural identity of African Americans through the arts. This movement aimed to challenge stereotypes, combat racism, and uplift the African American community by highlighting their rich artistic contributions. Therefore, the correct answer is "promote the cultural identity of African Americans through the arts."

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  • 16. 

    Base your answer to question 16 on the chart below and your knowledge of social studies.  Which conclusion is most clearly supported by the information in the chart? 

    • A.

      President Herbert Hoover’s economic policies expanded job opportunities

    • B.

      The United States unemployment rate reached its highest level in 1938

    • C.

      President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs failed to address the   unemployment crisis

    • D.

      World War II ended the high unemployment rates of the Great Depression.

    Correct Answer
    D. World War II ended the high unemployment rates of the Great Depression.
    Explanation
    The chart shows that the unemployment rate was highest in 1938 and then decreased significantly by 1945. This suggests that something happened during that time period to cause the decrease in unemployment. Since World War II occurred during this time and created a high demand for workers, it can be concluded that the war ended the high unemployment rates of the Great Depression.

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  • 17. 

    The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s expanded the influence of African Americans by 

    • A.

      Financing the construction of apartments in New York City

    • B.

      Gaining passage of civil rights legislation

    • C.

      Helping elect African Americans to high political offices 

    • D.

      Promoting the artistic contributions of African Americans

    Correct Answer
    D. Promoting the artistic contributions of African Americans
    Explanation
    During the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, African Americans played a significant role in promoting their artistic contributions. This cultural movement saw a flourishing of literature, music, visual arts, and theater created by African American artists. Through their artistic endeavors, they were able to challenge stereotypes, showcase their talent and creativity, and gain recognition for their cultural contributions. This artistic promotion not only expanded the influence of African Americans within the artistic community but also helped to shape and redefine the broader American culture.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following statements comes closer to FDR’s meaning of the “New Deal”?

    • A.

      “These times call for policies that will achieve three things: reform of capitalism, recovery of the economy, and improvement of policies that regulate the economy” 

    • B.

      “It is time for a change, a change that will bring forth lots of money to turn the wheels of industry in America”

    • C.

      “What America needs is reform of American capitalism, a government that will recover the economy, and programs that provide relief for the needy” 

    • D.

      “Capital and labor go hand in hand” 

    Correct Answer
    A. “These times call for policies that will achieve three things: reform of capitalism, recovery of the economy, and improvement of policies that regulate the economy” 
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "These times call for policies that will achieve three things: reform of capitalism, recovery of the economy, and improvement of policies that regulate the economy." This statement aligns with FDR's meaning of the "New Deal" as it emphasizes the need for reforming capitalism, recovering the economy, and improving regulations to address the challenges of the time. FDR's New Deal was a series of policies and programs implemented during the Great Depression to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief to those in need.

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  • 19. 

    During the 1920s, installment buying, income inequality, and stock market speculation contributed to the

    • A.

       introduction of supply-side economics

    • B.

      Return of laissez-faire economic principles

    • C.

      Economic weaknesses that helped bring about the Great Depression

    • D.

      Decision to lower tariff rates

    Correct Answer
    C. Economic weaknesses that helped bring about the Great Depression
    Explanation
    During the 1920s, installment buying, income inequality, and stock market speculation created economic weaknesses that ultimately led to the Great Depression. Installment buying allowed people to purchase goods on credit, leading to excessive debt. Income inequality meant that the majority of wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the majority of the population with limited purchasing power. Stock market speculation caused an unsustainable rise in stock prices, which eventually led to the stock market crash of 1929. These factors combined to create economic vulnerabilities that eventually resulted in the Great Depression.

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  • 20. 

    Which federal agency, created during the New Deal, was intended to prevent serious problems in the stock market? 

    • A.

      Social Security Administration

    • B.

      Works Progress Administration

    • C.

      Agricultural Adjustment Administration

    • D.

      Securities and Exchange Commission

    Correct Answer
    D. Securities and Exchange Commission
    Explanation
    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was created during the New Deal to prevent serious problems in the stock market. The SEC is a federal agency that regulates and oversees the securities industry, including stock exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. Its main goal is to protect investors and maintain fair and efficient markets. By enforcing securities laws, promoting transparency, and ensuring proper disclosure of information, the SEC aims to prevent fraud, manipulation, and other abuses in the stock market.

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  • 21. 

    A major difference between the philosophies of President Herbert Hoover and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in responding to the Great Depression is that Roosevelt 

    • A.

      Wanted to rely on private charities to provide assistance

    • B.

      Stressed the need for individual self-reliance

    • C.

      Supported direct relief to people out of work

    • D.

      Thought the government should not be involved in economic reform

    Correct Answer
    C. Supported direct relief to people out of work
    Explanation
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt's philosophy in responding to the Great Depression was to support direct relief to people out of work. This means that he believed in providing direct assistance and support to individuals who were unemployed during the Great Depression. This approach was in contrast to President Herbert Hoover's philosophy, who believed in relying on private charities to provide assistance and stressed the need for individual self-reliance. Roosevelt believed that the government should play an active role in providing relief and support to those affected by the economic crisis.

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  • 22. 

    The term Harlem Renaissance best describes

    • A.

      State and federal laws passed to end racial discrimination 

    • B.

      Urban renewal efforts in New York City

    • C.

      Government programs to promote African American businesses

    • D.

      A period of African American cultural achievements

    Correct Answer
    D. A period of African American cultural achievements
    Explanation
    The term Harlem Renaissance refers to a period in the 1920s and 1930s when African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals flourished in Harlem, New York. During this time, there was a surge of creativity and cultural expression among African Americans, leading to significant achievements in literature, music, art, and theater. The Harlem Renaissance is recognized as a pivotal moment in African American history and a significant contribution to American culture as a whole.

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  • 23. 

    Base your answer to question 23 on the image below and on your knowledge of social studies.  Which New Deal agency was created to provide employment for individuals such as the man in the photograph? 

    • A.

      Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA)

    • B.

      Social Security Administration (SSA)

    • C.

      Works Progress Administration (WPA)

    • D.

      Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

    Correct Answer
    C. Works Progress Administration (WPA)
    Explanation
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals who were unemployed, such as the man in the photograph. The WPA focused on public works projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings. It also provided jobs in the arts, such as theater and music, and supported writers and artists. The WPA played a significant role in reducing unemployment and stimulating the economy during the 1930s.

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  • 24. 

    The Federal Reserve System and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were both established to 

    • A.

       fund retirement pensions

    • B.

      Promote economic stability

    • C.

      Break up business monopolies

    • D.

      Create public jobs

    Correct Answer
    B. Promote economic stability
    Explanation
    The Federal Reserve System and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were both established to promote economic stability. The Federal Reserve System is responsible for managing the nation's monetary policy and ensuring the stability of the financial system. The SEC, on the other hand, regulates the securities industry, which plays a crucial role in the economy. By promoting economic stability, both institutions contribute to the overall health and growth of the economy.

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  • 25. 

    A lasting result of the New Deal in the United States has been

    • A.

      Reduction of the national debt

    • B.

      Control of stock prices by the federal government

    • C.

      Joint effort of businesses and labor to strengthen the presidency

    • D.

      Assumption by the federal government of greater responsibility for the nation’s well-being

    Correct Answer
    D. Assumption by the federal government of greater responsibility for the nation’s well-being
    Explanation
    The New Deal in the United States resulted in the federal government taking on a greater role in ensuring the well-being of the nation. This included implementing social welfare programs, regulating industries, and providing economic relief to those affected by the Great Depression. The government's assumption of these responsibilities was a significant shift in policy and marked a lasting change in the role of government in the United States.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Mar 14, 2020
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    Graham Schneider
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