US History Semester B Practice Quiz

The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 signaled the start of colonial armed conflict against British rule. This event escalated tensions that eventually led to the Revolutionary War.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the colonies' separation from British rule. It outlined the grievances against Britain and justified the decision to break away.

George Washington led the Continental Army to numerous victories, playing a pivotal role in the American fight for independence. His leadership set a precedent for future American presidents.

The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, established the framework for the federal government that endures today. It provided a system of checks and balances, setting the stage for American democracy.

The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was instrumental in persuading France to support the American cause. This international alliance proved crucial to the eventual success of the Revolutionary War.

The Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman, resolved disputes over representation by establishing a bicameral legislature. It provided proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Issued in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that slaves in Confederate-held regions were free. This executive order shifted the Union's war aims and weakened the Confederate war effort.

The First Amendment is fundamental in protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press. Its guarantees ensure that citizens can express themselves and access information without government interference.

The stock market crash of 1929 is widely seen as a major catalyst for the Great Depression. Its impact on investor confidence and economic stability led to severe and prolonged economic downturn.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a cornerstone of the New Deal, creating millions of jobs through public works projects. It significantly contributed to rebuilding the nation's infrastructure while providing crucial employment.

Franklin D. Roosevelt led the United States through most of World War II until his death in 1945. His leadership and policies were vital in mobilizing the nation's resources for the war effort.

The containment policy was central to U.S. strategy during the Cold War, aiming to prevent the expansion of communist influence. This approach shaped American diplomatic and military actions around the globe.

The revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the United States, stirred public outrage. This event was pivotal in changing American public opinion and policy toward participation in World War I.

Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the critical principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution. This case set the foundation for the role of the judiciary in American governance.

The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery throughout the United States. Its enactment marked a critical turning point in the nation's commitment to human rights.

Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This ideology justified the westward expansion of the United States, often resulting in the displacement of Native American tribes.

The Reconstruction Amendments (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) redefined citizenship and equality in post-Civil War America. Their long-term impact laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements by ensuring legal protections for all citizens.

During the Cold War, the United States increased military spending and adopted free-market economic policies to counter Soviet influence. These strategies not only bolstered national defense but also reshaped the nation's economic landscape for decades.

The Civil Rights Movement catalyzed major legislative reforms, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws dismantled legal segregation and secured voting rights, fundamentally transforming American society.

Reagan-era policies, known as 'Reaganomics', promoted tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in government spending to stimulate economic growth. These economic strategies became foundational to modern American conservatism and continue to influence fiscal debates today.