U.S. History Quiz: The Roaring Twenties

1.

In 1920, the passing of the 19th amendment establishing gender equality at the polling booths hinged on the vote of this state.
- A.
  
  Illinois
- B.
  
  Tennessee
- C.
  
  California
- D.
  
  Wisconsin
Correct Answer
B. Tennessee

Explanation
In 1920, the 19th amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote. The passing of this amendment was dependent on the vote of a specific state. Tennessee is the correct answer because it was the state that ultimately provided the crucial vote needed to pass the amendment. Without Tennessee's support, the 19th amendment may not have been ratified, and gender equality at the polling booths would not have been established.

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2.

“So much depends upon” this object, according to William Carlos Williams’ 1923 Imagist poem.
- A.
  
  A handwritten letter
- B.
  
  A dollar bill
- C.
  
  The hands of a clock
- D.
  
  A red wheelbarrow
Correct Answer
D. A red wheelbarrow

Explanation
In William Carlos Williams' 1923 Imagist poem, the phrase "So much depends upon" suggests that the object being referred to is of great significance and has a profound impact on something else. The poem describes a red wheelbarrow, implying that this simple and ordinary object holds immense importance and plays a crucial role in the poet's perspective. The use of vivid imagery and the emphasis on the color red may symbolize vitality, energy, or the essence of life. The red wheelbarrow could represent the labor, hard work, or the everyday mundane objects that support and sustain our lives.

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3.

This famous baseballer, one of the so-called “Murderers’ Row,” was a prolific hitter for the Yankees throughout the ‘20s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936.
- A.
  
  Leon Allen "Goose" Goslin
- B.
  
  Bob Meusel
- C.
  
  Babe Ruth
- D.
  
  Joe DiMaggio
Correct Answer
C. Babe Ruth

Explanation
Babe Ruth is the correct answer because he was a famous baseball player known for his prolific hitting. He was part of the "Murderers' Row," a nickname given to the New York Yankees lineup in the 1920s known for their powerful hitting. Ruth played for the Yankees throughout the '20s and had a successful career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

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4.

In 1925, this legal case involving a biology teacher brought the issue of evolution curriculum to the nation’s attention.
- A.
  
  The Scopes Trial
- B.
  
  Sacco and Vanzetti
- C.
  
  The Sweet Trials
- D.
  
  Leopold and Loeb
Correct Answer
A. The Scopes Trial

Explanation
The Scopes Trial is the correct answer because it was a famous legal case in 1925 that gained national attention. It involved a biology teacher, John Scopes, who was charged with violating a Tennessee law that prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. The trial became a major clash between science and religion, with renowned lawyers like William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow arguing their respective sides. The case highlighted the ongoing debate over the inclusion of evolution in the curriculum and had a significant impact on the public's perception of the issue.

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5.

In “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel about the ‘20s, this becomes a symbol of hope.
- A.
  
  A baby’s crib
- B.
  
  A grandfather clock
- C.
  
  A green light
- D.
  
  A cravat
Correct Answer
C. A green light

Explanation
In "The Great Gatsby," the green light symbolizes hope. Throughout the novel, the green light is seen across the water from Gatsby's mansion, representing his longing for Daisy and his aspirations for a better future. The green light acts as a beacon of hope for Gatsby, driving him to pursue his dreams and strive for a life of wealth and love. It also symbolizes the American Dream and the idea that anyone can achieve success and happiness. The green light serves as a powerful motif in the novel, highlighting the themes of hope, longing, and the pursuit of dreams.

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6.

Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927 in a plane with this name.
- A.
  
  The Douglas World Cruiser
- B.
  
  The Wright Flyer
- C.
  
  The Lindy Hop
- D.
  
  The Spirit of St. Louis
Correct Answer
D. The Spirit of St. Louis

Explanation
Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927 in a plane named "The Spirit of St. Louis."

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7.

This 1927 feature-length movie was the first with synchronized dialogue, music and sound effects, and gave rise to more “talkies.”
- A.
  
  All Quiet on the Western Front
- B.
  
  King Kong
- C.
  
  The Jazz Singer
- D.
  
  Frankenstein
Correct Answer
C. The Jazz Singer

Explanation
The correct answer is "The Jazz Singer." Released in 1927, this movie was groundbreaking as it was the first feature-length film to incorporate synchronized dialogue, music, and sound effects. This innovation marked the beginning of the "talkies" era, where sound became an integral part of the film industry.

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8.

In “California, Here I Come,” recorded by Al Jolson in 1924, a “sunkissed miss” says:
- A.
  
  “Don’t be late!”
- B.
  
  “Come on in!”
- C.
  
  “Stay awhile!”
- D.
  
  “Wear some sunscreen!”
Correct Answer
A. “Don’t be late!”

Explanation
The correct answer is "Don't be late!" because the question asks for the phrase that the "sunkissed miss" says in the song "California, Here I Come." Out of the given options, "Don't be late!" is the only phrase that fits the context of the song and is commonly associated with someone inviting or urging someone else to arrive on time.

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9.

This famed poet is known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance and is the author of “The Weary Blues.”
- A.
  
  Ezra Pound
- B.
  
  T.S. Eliot
- C.
  
  Langston Hughes
- D.
  
  Edna St. Vincent Millay
Correct Answer
C. Langston Hughes

Explanation
Langston Hughes is the correct answer because he is indeed a famed poet known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He is particularly known for his poem "The Weary Blues," which captures the experiences and struggles of African Americans during that time period. Hughes was a key figure in the literary and cultural movement of the Harlem Renaissance, using his poetry to explore themes of identity, race, and social injustice. His impactful work has made him a significant and influential poet in American literature.

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10.

This bribery scandal tarnished the image of Warren G. Harding’s administration.
- A.
  
  Hardinggate
- B.
  
  Teapot Dome
- C.
  
  The Flapper Affair
- D.
  
  Watergate
Correct Answer
B. Teapot Dome

Explanation
The correct answer is Teapot Dome. Teapot Dome refers to a bribery scandal that occurred during Warren G. Harding's administration. It involved the leasing of federal oil reserves in Teapot Dome, Wyoming to private oil companies in exchange for bribes. This scandal tarnished the image of Harding's administration and is considered one of the biggest political scandals in American history.

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U.S. History Quiz: The Roaring Twenties

In 1920, the passing of the 19th amendment establishing gender equality at the polling booths hinged on the vote of this state.

“So much depends upon” this object, according to William Carlos Williams’ 1923 Imagist poem.

This famous baseballer, one of the so-called “Murderers’ Row,” was a prolific hitter for the Yankees throughout the ‘20s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936.

In 1925, this legal case involving a biology teacher brought the issue of evolution curriculum to the nation’s attention.

In “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel about the ‘20s, this becomes a symbol of hope.

Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927 in a plane with this name.

This 1927 feature-length movie was the first with synchronized dialogue, music and sound effects, and gave rise to more “talkies.”

In “California, Here I Come,” recorded by Al Jolson in 1924, a “sunkissed miss” says:

This famed poet is known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance and is the author of “The Weary Blues.”

This bribery scandal tarnished the image of Warren G. Harding’s administration.