American History Quiz 20th Century Events

A type of business organization where multiple similar companies merge into one larger entity. The aim is to control the market and achieve economies of scale.

A type of business organization where a company owns all stages of production, from raw materials to finished goods.

The act of processing immigrants into a new country, often involving documentation and inspection of health and legal status.

Conditions or attractions that encourage people to leave their home country, e.g., poverty, war, or persecution.

Conditions or attractions that draw people to a new country, e.g., job opportunities, freedom, or better living standards

Hidden bars that operated illegally during the Prohibition era in the United States.

A religious movement that emphasized the literal interpretation of the Bible and resisted modern scientific theories.

A period in American history from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were prohibited.

A cultural movement that celebrated African American art, music, and literature during the 1920s, centered in Harlem, New York City.

A musical genre that originated in African American communities in the early 20th century, known for its improvisational style, syncopated rhythms, and blues influences.

Roosevelt's aggressive foreign policy, known as "Big Stick Diplomacy," aimed to expand American influence and secure national interests. The Panama Canal was a key example of this approach, as it allowed the U.S. to quickly move ships and troops between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, bolstering its military presence and economic power.

The Panama Canal revolutionized global trade by significantly reducing travel time and costs for ships transporting goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This boosted American exports, making it easier and cheaper to trade with Asia, Europe, and other regions.

In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist. This event sparked a chain reaction of declarations of war among European powers, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War I.

The Zimmerman Telegram, a secret communication between Germany and Mexico intercepted by the British, promised Mexico the return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if they joined the war on Germany's side. This was a critical turning point in American public opinion, increasing calls for war against Germany.

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which targeted Allied ships, including American merchant vessels, caused significant loss of life and property. This reckless action outraged the American public, who demanded the government take action against Germany.

The risky act of buying stocks with the hope of making a profit when prices rise.

A long period during which stock prices generally increase.

The major stock market crash that occurred on October 21, 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.

The severe economic downturn that gripped the United States and other countries from 1929 to 1939.

The American President who believed that individualism, not government intervention, would be the best way to solve the economic crisis during the Great Depression.

The economic and political control of a stronger nation over weaker ones.

America's pursuit of overseas markets, military dominance, and global influence.

Yellow journalism is a type of reporting characterized by sensationalism, bias, and often fabricated stories. It influenced public opinion towards war with Spain, especially after the sinking of the USS Maine.

A policy that allowed all nations to trade freely in China, even within areas controlled by other countries.

The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising by Chinese nationalists who targeted foreigners and their interests in China.

A system where government jobs were given to people who supported the winning political party, regardless of their qualifications.

A political movement in the 1890s representing farmers and other large industries, often advocating for government policies to protect their interests.

A sustained increase in the prices of goods and services, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money.

A situation where the value of money increases, leading to a decrease in prices. This can occur when there's less money circulating in the economy.

The separation of people based on their race or ethnicity, often enforced through discriminatory laws and social practices.

A period of intense fear that communists would take over the United States, leading to government suppression of suspected radicals.

A series of government raids targeting suspected radicals and communist organizations, often conducted without proper warrants, raising concerns about civil liberties.

An economic theory emphasizing tax cuts for businesses and wealthy individuals to stimulate economic growth by allowing them to invest more.

A policy of avoiding involvement in international affairs and conflicts.

A scandal during the Harding administration involving the illegal leasing of government oil reserves to private companies.

The economic theory that government spending can help stimulate economic growth during difficult times like a recession.

Changes in women's fashion, work roles, and social behaviors reflected a shift in societal expectations, with women taking on more independent roles.

The mass production of the affordable Model T automobile by Henry Ford through the implementation of the moving assembly line.

A policy that minimizes government involvement in business and encourages free market competition.

A person who invests their own capital to start and operate a business, taking risks for potential profit.

A type of business organization that is legally separate from its owners, with the ability to raise funds through the sale of stocks.

Complete control of a specific industry or market by a single company or individual.

Individuals who controlled railroads and sometimes used unethical or illegal methods to gain wealth, often at the expense of others.

Gardens planted by citizens during WWI to grow food for home use, to help with food shortages caused by the war.

A network of trenches with barbed wire and new weapons like artillery and poison gas. Airplanes were also used in dogfights.

The Allies of America during WWI were: Britain, France, and Russia.

The treaty that ended WWI and was signed on November 11th, 1918. This date is now celebrated as Veterans Day in the US.

A set of principles proposed by Woodrow Wilson, advocating for peace after WWI, including freedom of seas, free trade, and disarmament.

Organizations linked to a political party that often controlled local government. They emerged due to rapid immigration and urbanization, which made city governments struggle to keep up with the changing needs of the population. Political machines provided essential services like housing, jobs, and police protection.

The phrase "Gilded Age" was coined by Mark Twain to describe an era of apparent prosperity and progress, but underlying social and economic problems were often masked by a superficial glitter.

Social Darwinism is a philosophy based on Darwin's theory of natural selection, applied to society. It suggests that the strongest individuals or groups will succeed, while the weak will fail, based on a belief that humanity is inherently unequal.

Philanthropy is the act of giving money or resources to support a cause or purpose that aims to benefit society or humanity. This can range from supporting charities to funding research and development.

A settlement house is a community center located in a poor neighborhood that provides a range of services like childcare, education, and social programs to support the needs of the local community. Settlement houses aim to improve the lives of people living in poverty.