text quizzes history exam 2

Question 1

Which of the following sentences describes the historical context surrounding Warren G. Harding’s presidential election in 1921?

Progressivism was at its peak.
The Republican party failed to set a conservative tone.
There was a general desire to return to normalcy.
There was a dire need for an agile and experienced president.
Women voted for the first time and actively campaigned for Cox.

Answer 1

There was a general desire to return to normalcy.

Question 2

All of the following is true of the Spanish flu epidemic EXCEPT:

It resulted in the deaths of 675,000 Americans
The exact origins are disputed
There were no restrictions placed on the public during the epidemic
The spread was facilitated by wartime mobilization
More than 22 million people died worldwide

Answer 2

There were no restrictions placed on the public during the epidemic

Question 3

What was the response of Harding and Secretary Mellon to the postwar economic crisis?

Raise taxes to reduce the debt
Increase government spending to stimulate the economy
Lower tariffs to bring in cheaper goods for consumers
Cut taxes and government spending
Print more money

Answer 3

Cut taxes and government spending

Question 4

What was the approach of Warren Harding’s administration toward the treatment of African Americans?

He continued all of Wilson’s policies in order to avoid social turmoil
He promoted racial integration through his speeches and policies.
He overturned Wilson’s efforts to integrate the government
He promised to veto anti-lynching legislation
He didn’t say anything on the issue

Answer 4

He promoted racial integration through his speeches and policies.

Question 5

What was the state of sports in the 1920s?

Sports were largely limited to the upper class, as middle-class and working-class Americans had little time for recreation and spectator activities.
The limited technology of the time made it difficult for many people to attend games, but a decent percentage followed sports on the radio.
Spectator sports attracted large crowds, as automobile ownership, radio and rising incomes changed the way Americans spent leisure time.
Although Americans enjoyed watching and playing a few key sports, players remained relatively anonymous and had not yet achieved a following or celebrity status.

Answer 5

Spectator sports attracted large crowds, as automobile ownership, radio and rising incomes changed the way Americans spent leisure time.

Question 6

All of the following are examples of how the 1920’s reflected “our times” EXCEPT:

The importance of automobiles
Widespread availability of home goods such as refrigerators, washing machines and vacuum cleaners
A decrease in political and cultural divisions due to the availability of information
The emergence of celebrity culture
Growth of motion pictures and Hollywood as sources of entertainment

Answer 6

A decrease in political and cultural divisions due to the availability of information

Question 7

In what way was Frederick Lewis Allen’s book Only Yesterday, not an entirely accurate “first draft” of the history of the 1920’s?

His reliance on the journalism of the period rather than empirical observation
Use of evidence drawn from media salesmanship tended to overemphasize advertising hype
His focus on the behavior of upper class people whose indulgences did not necessarily reflect the reality of the masses
Through selective reading or misreading of popular novels
All of the above

Answer 7

All of the above

Question 8

In the 1920’s, the Ku Klux Klan:

Remained solely committed to its anti-black agenda
Became increasingly anti-Protestant
Lost popular support due to anti-immigrant sentiment
Actively opposed immigrants, Catholics and Jews
None of the above

Answer 8

Actively opposed immigrants, Catholics and Jews

Question 9

During Calvin Coolidge’s presidency:

Coolidge sought to expand the size of government.
He rejected to pro-business policies of the Harding administration.
The national debt was reduced by increasing taxes on all Americans.
Coolidge did not seek reelection because of his lack of popularity.
The economy continued to grow and thrive.

Answer 9

The economy continued to grow and thrive.

Question 10

What factors contributed to the Great Depression?

Underconsumption (or overproduction) of consumer goods.
Global economic situation.
Inflationary credit policies of the Federal Reserve during the 1920’s.
Deflationary monetary policy by the Federal Reserve after the crash.
All of the above

Answer 10

All of the above

Question 11

Hoover’s views on the economy and the role of the government:
led him to respond to the stock market crash in the classic laissez faire way.
were the same as Harding and Coolidge.
reflected his activist tendencies and were far closer to the Progressive tradition.
convinced him that all he could do was cut government spending.
were based on his belief that people were responsible for improving their lives free from government interference.

Answer 11

reflected his activist tendencies and were far closer to the Progressive tradition.

Question 12

All of the following is true of the economy between the 1929 crash and 1932 EXCEPT:

Unemployment rose to about 25%.
Automobile production plummeted.
Thousands of banks closed.
Many people lost housing and found themselves living in shanty towns.
The agricultural sector grew because the government was buying so much food for the poor.

Answer 12

The agricultural sector grew because the government was buying so much food for the poor.

Question 13

All of the following is true of the economy between the 1929 crash and 1932 EXCEPT:

Unemployment rose to about 25%.
Automobile production plummeted.
Thousands of banks closed.
Many people lost housing and found themselves living in shanty towns.
The agricultural sector grew because the government was buying so much food for the poor.

Answer 13

The agricultural sector grew because the government was buying so much food for the poor.

Question 14

Hoover sought to restore prosperity by doing all of the following EXCEPT:

Getting business to agree to keep wages and prices steady and avoid layoffs.
Reducing government spending to avoid a deficit..
Public works projects to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Aid to homeowners in danger of foreclosure.
Calling for a limited increase in the tariff to help farmers and depressed industries.

Answer 14

Reducing government spending to avoid a deficit..

Question 15

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930:
Had the effect of cutting American exports and imports in half, damaging the economy further.
Was strongly supported by Hoover.
Lowered duties on imports to increase competition and lower prices for consumers.
Benefitted the economies of Europe.
All of the above

Answer 15

Had the effect of cutting American exports and imports in half, damaging the economy further.

Question 16

What was Hoover’s view of government aid to individuals?

He believed aid should only come from private charities.
He believed it was unconstitutional for federal funds to be used directly for relief of individuals.
He had little experience dealing with humanitarian crises and didn’t believe he could do anything.
He blocked federal loans to the states for public programs because of a ballooning deficit.
All of the above.

Answer 16

He believed it was unconstitutional for federal funds to be used directly for relief of individuals.

Question 17

As a political figure, FDR’s popularity and success was based on:

His remarkable intellect.
His humble family origins.
His promotion of his disability.
His unsinkable optimism and upbeat personality.
His calls for a new American revolution.

Answer 17

His unsinkable optimism and upbeat personality.

Question 18

How did Roosevelt respond to the banking crisis at the start of his presidency?

He pushed the creation of new banks.
He used his emergency powers to nationalize the banking industry.
He put strict limits on the issuance of paper currency.
He ordered the Federal Reserve Board to lower interest rates.
He asked Congress to declare a bank holiday and increase his power over the Federal Reserve.

Answer 18

He asked Congress to declare a bank holiday and increase his power over the Federal Reserve.

Question 19

All of the following are true of the Civilian Conservation Corp, Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration EXCEPT:
There was a great deal of waste and public skepticism about these jobs.
These programs were focused on giving people a job.
Some useful and lasting projects were completed by these programs.
They succeeded in dramatically reducing the unemployment rate.
The principal value of these relief measures was psychological.

Answer 19

They succeeded in dramatically reducing the unemployment rate.

Question 20

Which of the following are true of the National Recovery Act (NRA)? Select ALL that apply.

The government sought to reduce regulations to stimulate business growth.
It authorized creation of business associations to foster cooperation and reduce “destructive competition.”
It engaged in trustbusting to break up monoplies.
The program became completely unmanageable due to the complexities of a national economy.
It ultimately benefitted big business at the expense of smaller competitors.

Answer 20

It authorized creation of business associations to foster cooperation and reduce “destructive competition.”
The program became completely unmanageable due to the complexities of a national economy.
It ultimately benefitted big business at the expense of smaller competitors.

Question 21

What was the goal of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933?

to raise farm income by cutbacks in production
to raise farm income through nationalizing private farms
to raise farm income by increasing intensive farming
to raise farm income by fostering an increase in immigration
to raise farm income through marketing quotas

Answer 21

to raise farm income by cutbacks in production

Question 22

After the flurry of legislative action in the first hundred days of FDR’s presidency:

Republicans regainged control of Congress
The economy began to rapidly recover.
FDR increasingly faced criticism from the Left, calling for more drastic solutions.
Herbert Hoover supported FDR’s reelection.
None of the above.

Answer 22

FDR increasingly faced criticism from the Left, calling for more drastic solutions.

Question 23

Which of the following statements about the Social Security Act of 1935 is true?
The program involved a federal retirement fund for people over sixty-five and was meant to supplement other sources of income.
Roosevelt assured Americans that the act by itself would provide everyone with a comfortable retirement.
Social Security would be funded from the general revenue of the government, rather than using taxes collected through a payroll.
It was in direct response to criticisms from Herbert Hoover.
All of the above.

Answer 23

The program involved a federal retirement fund for people over sixty-five and was meant to supplement other sources of income.

Question 24

Which of the following are true of FDR’s “court-packing” scheme? (Select ALL that apply)

He attempted to remove the justices that had ruled against his legislation.
It bolstered Roosevelt’s reputation and prestige among the American people.
It was an attempt to increase the number of justices on the court, allowing FDR to pack the court with supporters.
Many in both parties felt in set a dangerous precedent.
There are some indications that it may have intimidated 2 key justices.

Answer 24

It was an attempt to increase the number of justices on the court, allowing FDR to pack the court with supporters.
Many in both parties felt in set a dangerous precedent.
There are some indications that it may have intimidated 2 key justices.

Question 25

All of the following contributed to the severe economic downturn of 1937 EXCEPT:

Social Security taxes pulling $2 billion out of the economy.
Business fears of the effects of the Wagner Act.
A massive spike in government spending.
Concern that FDR might push forward more anti-business legislation.

Answer 25

A massive spike in government spending.

Question 26

FDR’s court-packing scheme, Executive Reorganization Act and effort to “purge” the Democratic Party in the 1938 congressional elections, resulted in:

An increase in FDR’s popularity and prestige.
the loss of pro-New Deal majorities in Congress.
Republicans winning majorities in Congress.
FDR launching a third New Deal.
None of the above

Answer 26

the loss of pro-New Deal majorities in Congress.

Question 27

All of the following is true of Roosevelt’s New Deal EXCEPT:

Permanent changes in the size and scope of government had been made.
Americans increasingly looked to the government for economic help.
The economy had fully recovered.
The nation’s spirit had been restored.
Some of the effects of the economic calamity had been eased.

Answer 27

The economy had fully recovered.

Question 28

How did appeasement and isolationist foreign policies like the Neutrality Acts impact the diplomatic approach of fascists and imperialists?

The fascist and imperialist nations ignored the United States and independently sought to dominate in their regions.
Germany, Italy, and Japan openly formed the “Axis Alliance” and accelerated their aggression.
The Neutrality Acts severely disrupted world trade, harming both democratic and aggressor nations, and they contributed to the lingering effects of the Great Depression.
Isolationist foreign policy proved ineffective because American war industries continued to supply arms to fascists and imperialists.
Hitler used propaganda depicting the United States as weak in order to convince the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbor.

Answer 28

Germany, Italy, and Japan openly formed the “Axis Alliance” and accelerated their aggression.

Question 29

From April to June 1940, which countries fell to Nazi Germany? (Select all that apply)

Denmark
Belgium
Great Britain
France
Soviet Union

Answer 29

Denmark
Belgium
France

Question 30

The Battle of Britain:

Was Germany’s attempt to gain air superiority and pave the way for an invasion of Britain.
Was an almost entirely airborne battle.
Would become the first serious setback for Nazi Germany.
Forced Hitler to delay indefinitely an invasion of Great Britain.
All of the above.

Answer 30

All of the above

Question 31

From late 1941 into early 1942, the Second World War in the Pacific included:

a succession of Japanese victories that saw numerous Allied outposts fall.
a string of American victories that put Japan on the defensive.
the Japanese in the Philippines surrendering to General Douglas MacArthur.
the successful Japanese invasion of Australia and installation of a Japanese government.
the final surrender of China to Japan and the installation of a Japanese government.

Answer 31

a succession of Japanese victories that saw numerous Allied outposts fall.

Question 32

Which major economic problem did President Truman face immediately after the Second World War?

weakened labor organizations
low consumer demand
high rates of inflation
high unemployment rates
food shortages

Answer 32

high rates of inflation

Question 33

All of the following contributed to the growth of the postwar economy EXCEPT:

Remarkable prosperity and increases in per capita income.
Sharp reductions in government defense spending
Increased production in the automotive industry.
Explosive growth of the suburbs.

Answer 33

Sharp reductions in government defense spending

Question 34

Many returning American soldiers were confronted by all of the following EXCEPT:
The widespread opinion that they had participated in an unjust war.
Immense personal and financial challenges.
PTSD from their wartime experiences.
Readjusting to “normal” life.

Answer 34

The widespread opinion that they had participated in an unjust war.

Question 35

On the home-front, Truman:

Achieved his greatest political victories.
Sought to cut many New Deal programs.
Was confronted by a public that was ready for a change of direction politically.
Expanded union protections.
Maintained Democratic control of Congress.

Answer 35

Was confronted by a public that was ready for a change of direction politically.

Question 36

The Yalta pledges of democratic elections in Eastern Europe were:
violated by the Soviet Union.
postponed for two years after the end of the Second World War.
fully backed by American military power.
honored by the Soviet Union.
not in the national interests of the United States.

Answer 36

violated by the Soviet Union.

Question 37

George Kennan’s proposed doctrine of Containment:

Called on the U.S. to limit its presence in Europe in order to diminish the possibility of confrontation with the Soviets.
Said the U.S. should aggressively attempt to rollback Soviet areas of control.
Argued that the Soviet system was getting stronger so it must be stopped immediately.
Called for a long-term commitment to limit Soviet expansionism.
Had little influence on American foreign policy.

Answer 37

Called for a long-term commitment to limit Soviet expansionism.

Question 38

What was the impact of the Communist insurgency in Greece on U.S. foreign affairs policy?

It returned the United States to an isolationist position.
It sparked Truman to request a massive economic aid package for Greece and Turkey to contain communism.
It created an alliance between the United States and Great Britain.
It debunked Kennan’s containment policy.
It triggered the Kennan investigation that led to the Long Telegram.

Answer 38

It sparked Truman to request a massive economic aid package for Greece and Turkey to contain communism.

Question 39

What was the role of the Marshall Plan?

It established the formation of an international alliance to resist Communist aggression in Europe and to make the United States less dependent on foreign markets.
It was predominantly a call for international cooperation in relieving the blockade of Berlin and sending large amounts of Western European supplies.
It was an economic recovery program that focused on helping struggling families in the United States through the buying and selling of bonds after the Second World War.
It sought to ease tensions by benefiting the war-torn Soviet Union.
It was an international economic recovery program that also sought to reduce Soviet influence in Europe and reestablish a strong Western Europe, rooted in the American capitalist system.

Answer 39

It was an international economic recovery program that also sought to reduce Soviet influence in Europe and reestablish a strong Western Europe, rooted in the American capitalist system.

Question 40

What was Truman’s response to Stalin’s blockade of West Berlin?
A massive airlift to provide the city with food and other needed supplies.
Reversing the decision to consolidate the French, British and American sectors into West Germany.
Allowing the Soviets to join the other allies in governing West Berlin.
A military invasion of East Germany to takeover Berlin.
None of the above.

Answer 40

A massive airlift to provide the city with food and other needed supplies.

Question 41

The establishment of NATO:

Proved to be a brief experiment, breaking apart due to internal rivalries.
Was designed to protect Western Europe against Soviet aggression.
Continued the long American tradition of seeking mutual defense alliances in Europe.
Persuaded the Soviets to cease the efforts to expand their influence around the world.
None of the above.

Answer 41

Was designed to protect Western Europe against Soviet aggression.

Question 42

All of the following are true of the establishment of Israel in 1948 EXCEPT:

The Zionist movement had begun in 19th century Europe.
The region of Palestine had been under the rule of the Ottoman Turks until World War I.
The United Nations proposed to partition the region into 2 states, but Arab resistance led to fighting.
Truman was reluctant to recognize Israel due to the importance of Arab oil supplies.
Most of Truman’s aides opposed recognition.

Answer 42

Truman was reluctant to recognize Israel due to the importance of Arab oil supplies.

Question 43

Which of the following are true of the Communist victory in China? (Select all that apply)
It was an outgrowth of a long civil war in China.
The Communists had little popular support in China.
It was seen as a stunning setback for the United States.
It led to the expansion of tensions between Communism and western allies.
It convinced the United States to revert to its traditional approach of avoiding entangling alliances.

Answer 43

It was an outgrowth of a long civil war in China.
It was seen as a stunning setback for the United States.
It led to the expansion of tensions between Communism and western allies.

Question 44

All of the following is true of the post-World War II “Red Scare,” EXCEPT:

The House Committee on Un-American Activities sought to root out Communist influence in various civil institutions.
Joseph McCarthy’s often baseless accusations helped to create an atmosphere of fear in the country.
There is no evidence that communist influence or agents were a problem for the United States during this time.
The Supreme Court upheld the convictions of American Communist Party leaders under the Smith Act.
Hundreds of government employees were dismissed or resigned as a result of investigations.

Answer 44

There is no evidence that communist influence or agents were a problem for the United States during this time.

Question 45

In June of 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea. How did the international community respond to the invasion?

South Korean forces repulsed the invaders early on, making international intervention unnecessary.
Working with Truman, the United Nations authorized military intervention against the aggressors.
Truman persuaded Congress to declare war without the backing of the United Nations.
Stalin convinced North Korea to end the invasion because the Soviets lacked nuclear weapons.
The Soviets used their Security Council veto to prevent United Nations’ actions.

Answer 45

Working with Truman, the United Nations authorized military intervention against the aggressors.

Question 46

The growing reliance on nuclear deterrence resulted in the Cold War powers:
Avoiding any possible confrontations due to “mutual assured destruction.”
Turning to covert actions in developing nations across the globe.
The United States and Soviet Union turning to the United Nations to arbitrate any disagreements.
Reductions in nuclear arsenals.
Improved relations between the major nuclear powers.

Answer 46

Turning to covert actions in developing nations across the globe.