U.S History: The Progressive Era Questions!
Below is a U. S history quiz made up of the progressive era questions. During this time in America's history, people came together to try and speak up on the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. Their efforts bore fruit, and there is much that changed in the country. Take the quiz and see what you know about this era.
- 1.
What law reformed the civil service system by administering competitive examinations for job positions so that they would be awarded based on merit?
- A.
Pendleton Act
- B.
Sherman Antitrust Act
- C.
Clayton Antitrust Act
- D.
Interstate Commerce Act
Correct Answer
A. Pendleton ActExplanation
The Pendleton Act is the correct answer because it reformed the civil service system by introducing competitive examinations for job positions. This meant that job positions would be awarded based on merit rather than political affiliation or favoritism. The act was passed in 1883 and aimed to combat corruption and ensure a more efficient and professional civil service. It established the United States Civil Service Commission to oversee the competitive examination process and enforce the merit-based hiring system.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Progressive movement (~1900-1918) is best described as a movement that
- A.
Demanded reform at all levels of government
- B.
Encouraged involvement in international affairs
- C.
Tried to introduce a parliamentary system of government
- D.
Emphasized only the needs of farmers
Correct Answer
A. Demanded reform at all levels of governmentExplanation
The Progressive movement of the early 20th century aimed to bring about significant changes and improvements in various aspects of society. It sought to address social, political, and economic issues by demanding reform at all levels of government. This included advocating for measures such as regulation of big businesses, workers' rights, women's suffrage, and social welfare programs. The movement was not limited to a single issue or group, but rather sought to address the concerns of different segments of society. Therefore, the answer "demanded reform at all levels of government" accurately captures the essence of the Progressive movement.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The phrase “Jim Crow” refers to laws that
- A.
Made liquor illegal
- B.
Enforced racial segregation
- C.
Restricted immigration to the United States
- D.
Protected the environment
Correct Answer
B. Enforced racial segregationExplanation
The phrase "Jim Crow" refers to laws that enforced racial segregation. These laws were enacted in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and mandated the separation of African Americans and white Americans in public facilities, schools, transportation, and other areas of daily life. The Jim Crow laws were a form of legal discrimination that perpetuated racial inequality and denied African Americans their civil rights and equal treatment under the law.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Booker T. Washington argued which of the following in a speech that became known as the "Atlanta Compromise"?
- A.
Blacks should fight against whites to gain their rightful position in society.
- B.
Blacks should focus on learning useful skills and be patient and law-abiding.
- C.
Social Darwinism is needed to keep businesses moving.
- D.
Social Darwinism should be regulated by the government.
Correct Answer
B. Blacks should focus on learning useful skills and be patient and law-abiding.Explanation
Booker T. Washington argued in his speech, known as the "Atlanta Compromise," that blacks should focus on learning useful skills and be patient and law-abiding. He believed that economic progress and self-improvement were the keys to racial equality, rather than direct confrontation or fighting against whites. Washington advocated for vocational education and economic self-reliance as a means for African Americans to uplift themselves and gain respect and acceptance in society. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between blacks and whites and believed that by demonstrating their worth through hard work and moral behavior, blacks could gradually overcome racial discrimination and achieve social advancement.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Upton Sinclair’s novel, The Jungle, influenced federal legislation on
- A.
Railroad regulation.
- B.
Meat inspection and pure food and drugs.
- C.
Conservation of natural resources
- D.
Monkeys, tigers, and lions
Correct Answer
B. Meat inspection and pure food and drugs.Explanation
Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle, had a significant impact on federal legislation regarding meat inspection and pure food and drugs. The novel exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to public outrage and demands for reform. As a result, the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act were passed in 1906, aiming to ensure the safety and quality of food and drugs consumed by the public. These acts marked a major milestone in the history of consumer protection and public health regulation in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In the U.S., the term “Muckraker” has been used to describe an author whose writings deal mainly with
- A.
criticizing the government’s social welfare policies
- B.
Advancing the cause of socialism
- C.
Exposing social conditions in need of reform
- D.
Publicizing constitutional issues relating to minority rights
Correct Answer
C. Exposing social conditions in need of reformExplanation
The term "Muckraker" refers to an author who exposes social conditions in need of reform. This term was commonly used in the U.S. to describe investigative journalists and writers during the Progressive Era in the early 20th century. Muckrakers were known for their investigative reporting, often focusing on issues such as poverty, corruption, and social injustice. Their goal was to bring attention to these problems and advocate for change. This aligns with the answer choice of "exposing social conditions in need of reform."Rate this question:
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- 7.
W.E.B. DuBois wanted African Americans to do all of the following EXCEPT
- A.
Challenge the existence of segregation
- B.
Preserve their own identity rather than blend into white society
- C.
Follow the leadership of a “talented tenth” of blacks.
- D.
Realistically adjust and accommodate to living in a white dominated society.
Correct Answer
D. Realistically adjust and accommodate to living in a white dominated society.Explanation
W.E.B. DuBois advocated for African Americans to challenge the existence of segregation, preserve their own identity, and follow the leadership of a "talented tenth" of blacks. However, he did not believe that African Americans should realistically adjust and accommodate to living in a white dominated society. He believed in fighting for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans, rather than accepting and adapting to an unjust system of racial discrimination and oppression.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and the Clayton Anti-Trust Act was to
- A.
Reduce imports from foreign nations
- B.
Eliminate unfair business practices
- C.
Increase the power of local governments
- D.
Reduce the power of labor unions
Correct Answer
B. Eliminate unfair business practicesExplanation
The purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and the Clayton Anti-Trust Act was to eliminate unfair business practices. These acts were implemented to regulate and control the activities of large corporations and prevent them from engaging in monopolistic practices, price fixing, and other anti-competitive behaviors. By doing so, the government aimed to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure a level playing field in the business environment.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The 1896 Supreme Court Case supporting the segregation of races in public accommodations along the principle of "separate but equal" was
- A.
Munn v. Illinois
- B.
Plessy v. Ferguson
- C.
Gibbons v. Ogden
- D.
Brown v. Board of Educatoin.
Correct Answer
B. Plessy v. FergusonExplanation
Plessy v. Ferguson is the correct answer because this Supreme Court case in 1896 established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed for racial segregation in public accommodations. The case involved Homer Plessy, who was arrested for refusing to leave a whites-only train car. The Court's decision upheld the constitutionality of segregation, stating that as long as the facilities were equal, racial segregation was permissible. This decision had a significant impact on the civil rights movement and was only overturned by the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following would a nativist believe about immigrants?
- A.
They are better workers
- B.
They possess valuable skills
- C.
They assimilate into society
- D.
They take jobs away from Americans
Correct Answer
D. They take jobs away from AmericansExplanation
A nativist believes that immigrants take jobs away from Americans. This belief is rooted in the idea that immigrants, by entering the country and competing for employment opportunities, reduce job prospects for native-born Americans. Nativists argue that immigrants are willing to work for lower wages, which can lead to job displacement and wage depression for American workers. This perspective often fuels anti-immigrant sentiments and calls for stricter immigration policies.Rate this question:
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