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Quizzes > History

US history quiz: test your knowledge of key events and people

Quick, free American history quiz. Instant results and helpful explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sofia HoangUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
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This US history quiz helps you check what you know about major events, leaders, and turning points. If you want more practice, try our United States history quiz or take a tougher US history IQ test. For a lighter challenge, explore us history trivia and learn new facts as you go.

In what year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
1492
1812
1787
1776
The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies free from British rule. This document laid the foundation for American democracy and is celebrated annually as Independence Day. It was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson and approved by Congress.
Who was the first President of the United States?
James Madison
John Adams
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 after leading the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution. He set many precedents for the executive office, including the two-term limit. His leadership helped stabilize the new nation and establish federal government authority.
What year did the American Civil War begin?
1914
1812
1861
1775
The American Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The conflict lasted until 1865 and was primarily fought over states' rights and slavery. It remains the deadliest war in U.S. history, resulting in significant social and political changes.
Which country were the original thirteen American colonies primarily a part of?
Great Britain
France
Russia
Spain
The original thirteen colonies were established by Great Britain along the Atlantic coast of North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. These colonies later rebelled against British rule, leading to the American Revolution. British legal and cultural traditions heavily influenced early American institutions and society.
What is the supreme law of the United States?
The Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights
The Federalist Papers
The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, outlining the national frame of government and guaranteeing basic rights. Adopted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger federal government. All laws and government actions must comply with the Constitution's provisions.
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
James Madison
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, writing the initial draft in June 1776. He incorporated ideas of natural rights and social contract theory before the Continental Congress edited and adopted the document. Jefferson's words have endured as a foundational statement of American ideals.
What was the primary colonial protest method against British taxes before the Revolution?
Tea drinking
Boycotts
Stamp collection
Petitions
Colonial boycotts of British goods were a key protest against taxes like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. By refusing to purchase taxed items, colonists aimed to pressure Britain economically. These coordinated actions united the colonies and were a major catalyst for revolutionary sentiment.
Which land purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States?
Louisiana Purchase
Oregon Treaty
Gadsden Purchase
Alaska Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803, negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson, acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France. This deal doubled the size of the U.S. and opened vast lands for exploration and settlement. It is considered one of the greatest real estate bargains in history.
Who delivered the Gettysburg Address?
Ulysses S. Grant
Robert E. Lee
Abraham Lincoln
Jefferson Davis
President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In just 272 words, he reaffirmed the principles of liberty and equality. The speech became one of the most famous orations in American history.
What is the capital city of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
Washington, D.C. was established in 1790 as the permanent capital of the United States. Located on the Potomac River, it was selected by George Washington and designed by Pierre L'Enfant. It serves as the seat of the federal government.
Which president is featured on the U.S. five-dollar bill?
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Andrew Jackson
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is featured on the five-dollar bill. He led the nation through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln is honored for preserving the Union and ending slavery.
In what year did President Abraham Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation?
1865
1863
1776
1861
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free. While it did not immediately free all enslaved people, it changed the character of the Civil War and made abolition a war goal. It paved the way for the Thirteenth Amendment.
The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of which Native American tribe?
Navajo
Cherokee
Iroquois
Sioux
The Trail of Tears describes the 1838 - 1839 removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in Georgia to territory west of the Mississippi River. Thousands died from exposure, disease, and starvation during the journey. This event exemplifies the harsh impact of the Indian Removal Act.
What industry was primarily targeted by the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?
Banking
Railroads
Oil
Steel
The Sherman Antitrust Act aimed to curb monopolistic practices and restore competitive markets. Although it applied broadly, it was first used against John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company in 1911. The act made it illegal to form trusts that restrained trade or commerce.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote?
21st
20th
18th
19th
The Nineteenth Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in all federal and state elections. It was the culmination of decades of activism by the women's suffrage movement. The amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on sex.
In which year did the United States enter World War I?
1917
1914
1939
1941
The United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, entering World War I on the side of the Allies. Factors included unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmermann Telegram. U.S. involvement helped tip the balance and led to Allied victory in 1918.
What event is widely considered the start of the Great Depression?
Pearl Harbor attack
End of WWI
Stock Market Crash of 1929
Panama Canal opening
The Stock Market Crash of October 1929 triggered widespread financial panic and economic collapse, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Bank failures, unemployment, and loss of savings spread across the U.S. The downturn lasted through the 1930s and reshaped government economic policy.
What was the name of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's program to combat the Great Depression?
New Frontier
Square Deal
New Deal
Fair Deal
The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by FDR between 1933 and 1939. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system. Major initiatives included Social Security, the WPA, and banking reforms.
Executive Order 9066 authorized which controversial action during World War II?
Atomic bomb usage
D-Day Invasion
Internment of Japanese Americans
Drafting women into military
Signed by President Roosevelt in 1942, Executive Order 9066 authorized the forced relocation and internment of about 120,000 Japanese Americans. The order was driven by wartime hysteria and racial prejudice. Many internees lost homes and businesses and were held without due process.
On what date did Allied forces land on Normandy beaches (D-Day) during World War II?
May 8, 1945
December 7, 1941
June 6, 1944
July 4, 1776
D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the Normandy landings where Allied forces launched a massive amphibious invasion of German-occupied France. This operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history and a turning point in World War II. It led to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
What was the goal of the Marshall Plan following World War II?
To develop nuclear weapons
To start the Cold War
To rebuild European economies
To establish the United Nations
The Marshall Plan, officially the European Recovery Program (1948 - 1952), provided over $12 billion in economic assistance to rebuild Western European economies after World War II. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism by fostering stability and prosperity. The plan is credited with revitalizing European industry and trade.
What landmark Supreme Court case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional?
Plessy v. Ferguson
Miranda v. Arizona
Roe v. Wade
Brown v. Board of Education
In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This landmark decision overturned Plessy v. Ferguson's 'separate but equal' doctrine and catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended which conflict?
Mexican-American War
War of 1812
American Civil War
Spanish-American War
Signed in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and ceded vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico, to the United States. The treaty also established the Rio Grande as the U.S. - Mexico border. It significantly expanded U.S. territory.
Who was the President of the United States during the War of 1812?
John Quincy Adams
James Monroe
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison served as the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817 and led the nation during the War of 1812 against Great Britain. The conflict was driven by trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. Madison is often called the "Father of the Constitution."
What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide?
Rights to vote for women
Federal land grants in the West
Abolition of slavery
Direct election of senators
The Homestead Act granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops for five years. It encouraged western migration and settlement. Over 270 million acres were distributed under the act.
What principle did the Supreme Court establish in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
Federal supremacy
Popular sovereignty
Judicial review
Executive privilege
Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the authority to invalidate federal and state laws that conflict with the Constitution. Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion set a lasting precedent for the judiciary's role. This case strengthened the system of checks and balances.
Who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War?
Thomas Jefferson
Patrick Henry
George Washington
Benjamin Franklin
George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress in 1775. He led American forces to victory against Britain and played a pivotal role in securing U.S. independence. His leadership and perseverance were critical throughout the war.
What was the main goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Map a route to the Pacific Ocean
Find gold
Establish colonies
Convert Native Americans
Commissioned by President Jefferson in 1804, Merriwether Lewis and William Clark led an expedition to map the newly acquired western territory and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. They documented geography, flora, fauna, and interactions with Native tribes. Their journey expanded knowledge of the continent.
Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery in the United States?
13th
15th
14th
16th
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. It was passed shortly after the end of the Civil War. This amendment officially ended a centuries-old institution.
What principle was declared by the Monroe Doctrine?
Establishment of the United Nations
Free trade with Asia
Isolation from world affairs
U.S. opposition to European colonization in the Americas
In 1823, President Monroe declared that any European attempts to colonize or interfere with nations in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as acts of aggression against the U.S. This policy asserted U.S. influence in the Americas and discouraged European expansion.
What was the significance of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848?
Beginning of the women's rights movement
Start of the abolition movement
Launch of the temperance movement
End of the Civil War
The Seneca Falls Convention held in July 1848 in New York marked the first women's rights convention in the U.S. Attendees drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, demanding equal social, civil, and religious rights for women. It launched the organized women's suffrage movement.
Black Codes were laws passed after which war?
American Civil War
World War I
War of 1812
American Revolutionary War
Black Codes were enacted by Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the freedom of African Americans and maintain a labor force. They imposed severe limitations on residence, movement, and employment. The codes were a precursor to Jim Crow laws.
What was the purpose of Jim Crow laws in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
To enforce racial segregation
To grant civil rights
To regulate trade
To expand voting rights
Jim Crow laws were state and local statutes enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States between 1876 and 1965. They mandated separation of races in public facilities and services and disenfranchised Black citizens. These laws upheld white supremacy.
What was a major impact of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869?
Union victory in Civil War
Start of the Gold Rush
Invention of telegraph
Reduced travel time across the continent
The Transcontinental Railroad linked the Eastern U.S. rail network with California, drastically reducing travel time from months to days. Completed in 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah, it facilitated commerce, settlement, and economic growth. It transformed the nation's transportation infrastructure.
What was the primary purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947?
Establish Social Security
Regulate interstate commerce
Protect labor unions
Restrict activities of labor unions
The Taft - Hartley Act, passed over President Truman's veto in 1947, amended the National Labor Relations Act to limit union powers. It banned closed shops, allowed states to pass right-to-work laws, and authorized the president to intervene in strikes. The law aimed to curb postwar labor unrest.
What was the significance of the Kellogg - Briand Pact of 1928?
Formed NATO
Started World War II
Outlaw war as national policy
Created League of Nations
The Kellogg - Briand Pact, signed by major world powers in 1928, renounced war as an instrument of national policy and promised peaceful resolution of disputes. Though it lacked enforcement mechanisms, it represented international commitment to peace after WWI. It influenced later international law.
What was Operation Ajax?
Allied invasion of North Africa
CIA-led coup in Iran
Soviet satellite launch
U.S. economic aid to Europe
Operation Ajax was the 1953 covert CIA and MI6 operation that overthrew Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The coup strengthened the Shah's power and had lasting impacts on U.S. - Iran relations. It is a key example of Cold War interventionism.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Major Milestones -

    Recall pivotal events such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Civil Rights Movement when you take the U.S. history quiz.

  2. Identify Influential Figures -

    Identify key figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony in American history trivia and understand their impact.

  3. Analyze Historical Facts -

    Analyze US history facts by distinguishing between common myths and documented historical truths.

  4. Apply Timeline Skills -

    Apply your knowledge of American history to accurately sequence events in our US history questions format.

  5. Evaluate Cause and Effect -

    Evaluate how significant events influenced social, political, and economic changes across America's past.

  6. Enhance Quiz Confidence -

    Enhance your confidence in answering US history facts quiz questions and discover areas for further learning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Constitutional Foundations -

    Many American history trivia questions focus on the shift from the Articles of Confederation to the powerful U.S. Constitution. Memorize the Declaration's "LIFE" mnemonic for its core unalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Don't forget the Bill of Rights' first ten amendments that safeguard free speech, religion, and due process (source: National Archives).

  2. Civil War Causes and Outcomes -

    When you tackle US history questions about the Civil War, remember the "4 S's" mnemonic: Slavery, States' rights, Sectionalism, and Secession. Review key events like the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1865 Appomattox surrender. Understanding how Union victory preserved the nation and abolished slavery will boost your score on any U.S. history quiz (source: Smithsonian National Museum of American History).

  3. Reconstruction Amendments -

    American history trivia often tests knowledge of the Reconstruction Amendments: the 13th outlawing slavery, the 14th granting citizenship and equal protection, and the 15th securing voting rights for Black men (source: Library of Congress). The simple mnemonic "FCA" (Free, Citizens, Amend vote) helps recall their order. Linking each amendment to landmark Supreme Court cases like Plessy v. Ferguson prepares you for deeper questions.

  4. U.S. in World Wars -

    US history facts quiz questions on World War I often highlight President Wilson's Fourteen Points and the debate over joining the League of Nations. For World War II, remember the "Arsenal of Democracy" speech, D-Day's June 6, 1944 date, and the 1945 UN founding meeting. Associating these events with their dates and documents makes them stick for your U.S. history quiz (source: National World War II Museum).

  5. Civil Rights Movement -

    In any run of American history trivia, the Civil Rights Movement stands out - key milestones include Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the 1963 March on Washington, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Use the chant "Brown's board broke school borders" to remember school desegregation. Reviewing speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and figures like Rosa Parks will deepen your recall on US history questions (source: National Archives).

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