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Quizzes > History > Regional History

US History Trivia Quiz: See If You Can Ace It!

Ready for hard U.S. history questions? Dive into American history trivia with answers!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Layered paper art of US history symbols liberty bell eagle scroll stars for history trivia quiz on dark blue background

This US history trivia quiz with answers helps you practice key events, people, and places - fast. Play through mixed questions from the Revolution to civil rights, see what you get right, and learn a fun fact or two along the way. When you finish, try a related quiz.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
July 8, 1776
July 14, 1776
July 2, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, signaling the Thirteen Colonies' official break from Great Britain. This date is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the United States. The document was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved after debate and minor revisions. .
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson wrote the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence in June 1776 as part of a committee appointed by the Continental Congress. His articulate expression of natural rights and government by consent of the governed became the core of the document. After review, Congress made some edits but preserved Jefferson's main ideas. .
Who served as the first President of the United States under the Constitution?
James Madison
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States and served two terms from 1789 to 1797. His leadership set many precedents for the office, including the formation of a presidential cabinet and the practice of serving a maximum of two terms. Washington's presidency helped stabilize the new nation and reinforce the authority of the federal government. .
What is the capital city of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
Boston
New York City
Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital of the United States in 1800, designated by the Residence Act of 1790. It was built along the Potomac River as a compromise between North and South, and it is not part of any state. The city houses all three branches of the federal government. .
Which land purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States?
Gadsden Purchase
Alaska Purchase
Oregon Treaty
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 involved the acquisition of approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the young nation. President Thomas Jefferson facilitated the purchase for $15 million, securing control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. It opened vast lands for westward expansion. .
What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called?
First Ten Amendments
Charter of Liberties
Federalist Amendments
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments guarantee fundamental civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and rights to due process, trial by jury, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. They were introduced by James Madison to secure ratification of the Constitution. .
What document is considered the supreme law of the United States?
United States Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Bill of Rights
Articles of Confederation
The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788 and implemented in 1789, is the supreme law of the land according to the Supremacy Clause (Article VI). It establishes the structure of the federal government and delineates the powers of the branches, as well as the rights of citizens. All other laws and government actions must conform to its principles. .
Which war was fought between the Northern and Southern states of the U.S. from 1861 to 1865?
Civil War
Mexican-American War
War of 1812
Revolutionary War
The American Civil War (1861 - 1865) was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states) mainly over the issues of slavery and states' rights. The conflict resulted in the preservation of the Union and led to the abolition of slavery. It remains the deadliest military conflict in U.S. history. .
In what year did the American Civil War begin?
1865
1861
1855
1860
The Civil War began in April 1861 when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The conflict arose from deep divisions over slavery, state sovereignty, and economic differences. It continued until 1865, ending with the defeat of the Confederacy. .
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?
14th Amendment
15th Amendment
13th Amendment
12th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865, formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States. It was a direct outcome of the Civil War and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The amendment legally freed all enslaved people. .
Which event helped bring the United States into World War I?
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Zimmerman Telegram
Sinking of the Lusitania
Treaty of Versailles
The sinking of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat in 1915 resulted in the deaths of 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans. Public outrage over civilian casualties and unrestricted submarine warfare shifted U.S. public opinion toward entering the war. This event, along with later provocations, led to U.S. declaration of war in 1917. .
In which year did the stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression occur?
1919
1929
1932
1930
The Wall Street Crash of October 1929, often called Black Tuesday, marked the beginning of the Great Depression. Stock prices plummeted, wiping out millions of investors. The economic downturn spread worldwide and led to widespread unemployment and hardship throughout the 1930s. .
Which U.S. President launched the New Deal to combat the Great Depression?
Herbert Hoover
Harry S. Truman
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal in 1933, a series of federal programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations. Its goals were relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system. Many New Deal agencies still influence American society today. .
What cause did Susan B. Anthony famously champion?
Civil rights for African Americans
Abolition of child labor
Temperance
Women's suffrage
Susan B. Anthony was a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and tirelessly campaigned for a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. Her efforts paved the way for the 19th Amendment in 1920. .
Which attack prompted the U.S. entry into World War II?
Battle of Midway
Pearl Harbor
Hiroshima bombing
D-Day invasion
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military strike on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack destroyed ships and aircraft and killed over 2,400 Americans. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan, officially bringing the U.S. into World War II. .
In what year was the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, ratified?
1923
1920
1918
1919
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920, securing women's suffrage nationwide. This landmark victory came after decades of activism led by figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It prohibited states and the federal government from denying the right to vote based on sex. .
What was the primary purpose of the Monroe Doctrine of 1823?
To establish a U.S. sphere of influence in Asia
To oppose European colonialism in the Americas
To allow European powers to intervene in Latin America
To encourage free trade with all nations
President James Monroe articulated the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 to warn European nations against further colonization or puppet monarchs in the Western Hemisphere. It asserted that any European interference would be viewed as a threat to U.S. security. The doctrine became a cornerstone of American foreign policy. .
Which Supreme Court case in 1896 upheld the doctrine of 'separate but equal'?
Brown v. Board of Education
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Plessy v. Ferguson
Marbury v. Madison
In Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation laws did not violate the 14th Amendment so long as equal facilities were provided. This 'separate but equal' doctrine legitimized Jim Crow laws throughout the South until it was overturned in 1954. .
What policy did President Harry S. Truman announce in 1947 to counter Soviet expansion?
Monroe Doctrine
Marshall Plan
Roosevelt Corollary
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, articulated in 1947, pledged U.S. support for countries threatened by Soviet communism, initially Greece and Turkey. It marked the start of America's policy of containment during the Cold War. The doctrine set a precedent for U.S. foreign aid and military commitments worldwide. .
In what year did the Supreme Court rule in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional?
1964
1945
1954
1951
The landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision was delivered on May 17, 1954. The Supreme Court unanimously held that state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students denied black children equal educational opportunities. This ruling overturned Plessy v. Ferguson's 'separate but equal' doctrine in education. .
What major legislation passed in 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?
Equal Rights Amendment
Fair Housing Act of 1968
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark law that prohibited discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and federally funded programs. It was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and enforced the constitutional right to vote and equal protection under law. The act played a pivotal role in dismantling Jim Crow segregation. .
Which president introduced the 'New Frontier' domestic program?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
Dwight D. Eisenhower
President John F. Kennedy presented the New Frontier agenda during his 1960 campaign and his presidency, proposing initiatives on education, healthcare, and civil rights. Though many of his proposals were stalled, several were enacted under his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. The New Frontier laid the groundwork for future social reforms. .
Which agreement formally ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War?
Geneva Accords
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Paris Peace Accords
Camp David Accords
The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, to establish peace in Vietnam and end U.S. military involvement. The agreement allowed for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the release of prisoners of war. It aimed to bring about a cease-fire and political settlement in Vietnam. .
What scandal ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation?
Watergate
Teapot Dome
Whitewater
Iran - Contra
The Watergate scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and the subsequent cover-up by Nixon administration officials. Persistent investigative reporting and a Senate committee revealed abuses of power, leading to impeachment proceedings. Facing near-certain removal, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. .
What major argument did Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, advance?
A strong executive branch is essential
Political parties should be outlawed
A small republic preserves liberty more effectively
A large republic can best guard against factions
In Federalist No. 10 (1787), James Madison argued that a large republic would dilute the influence of factions and protect minority rights better than small republics. He contended that extending the sphere of the republic makes it harder for any one faction to dominate. This essay remains a foundational text on the advantages of republican government. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Major U.S. Historical Events -

    Gain clarity on pivotal dates and turning points in American history by engaging with targeted trivia questions.

  2. Identify Influential Figures -

    Recognize key leaders and contributors who shaped the nation and recall their roles through focused quiz prompts.

  3. Analyze Cause-and-Effect Relationships -

    Explore how specific events influenced subsequent developments in U.S. history and sharpen your analytical skills.

  4. Evaluate Knowledge with Tough Questions -

    Test your mastery of American history by answering hard U.S. history questions and checking real-time answers.

  5. Recall Obscure Historical Facts -

    Challenge your memory by uncovering and remembering lesser-known details about America's past.

  6. Apply Insights to New Contexts -

    Use the knowledge gained from this trivia quiz to confidently discuss and explore other topics in U.S. history.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Founding Documents -

    The Declaration of Independence (1776), the Constitution (1787), and the Bill of Rights (1791) form the U.S. legal foundation. Engage with us history trivia questions with answers to solidify your understanding of these foundational documents. Recall their order with the mnemonic "D.C.B." (Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights).

  2. Reconstruction Amendments -

    The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments (1865 - 1870) abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and protected voting rights. Remember them as "Free Citizens Vote" to lock in Abolish, Citizen, Vote. For deeper context, explore the National Archives' original amendment texts.

  3. Key Civil War Battles -

    Gettysburg (1863), Antietam (1862), and Fort Sumter (1861) marked turning points in military strategy and morale. Use the timeline trick "1-2-3" by aligning Sumter '61, Antietam '62, Gettysburg '63. The Library of Congress offers detailed battle maps to visualize troop movements.

  4. Major Territorial Acquisitions -

    Land gained through the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Adams-Onís Treaty (1819), and the Oregon Treaty (1846) doubled U.S. territory west of the Mississippi. Memorize their years with the sequence "03-19-46" by thinking "Oh My Goodness!" for easy recall. The National Park Service archives provide original maps and treaty documents online.

  5. World War II Milestones -

    Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941), D-Day (June 6, 1944), and V-J Day (Sep. 2, 1945) highlight the U.S. entry into WWII, the Allied invasion of Normandy, and the end of the war in the Pacific. Use the acronym "PDV" to quickly recall Pearl Harbor, D-Day, V-J Day. The National WWII Museum offers primary-source artifacts and official reports for each milestone.

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