US History Midterm Exam Practice PDF

US History Midterm Exam Practice 1. All of the following are causes of the Spanish-American War EXCEPT a.​ yellow journalism that intensified public anger at Spain b.​ the explosion of the USS Maine c.​ American desire to protect its investments in Cuba d.​ a strong di...

US History Midterm Exam Practice 1. All of the following are causes of the Spanish-American War EXCEPT a.​ yellow journalism that intensified public anger at Spain b.​ the explosion of the USS Maine c.​ American desire to protect its investments in Cuba d.​ a strong distrust of Cuban rebels. 2. Read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows. “We hold that the policy known as imperialism is hostile to liberty…We regret that it has become necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” -from “Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League” What does the excerpt imply about the Anti-Imperialist League’s views on imperialism? a.​ It brings life, liberty and happiness to more people. b.​ It reaffirms the US as a world power. c.​ US imperialism goes against American principles. d.​ It maintains the traditions of Washington and Lincoln. ​ 3. In 1899, the United States urged other nations to allow free trade in China. This approach to dealing with China was known as the a.​ Monroe Doctrine. b.​ Open Door Policy. c.​ Teller Amendment. d.​ Roosevelt Corollary. 4. Which of the following newspaper headlines best illustrates the practice of yellow journalism in 1898? a.​ “266 Killed in USS Maine Accident” b.​ “USS Maine Sinks in Havana Harbor” c.​ “USS Maine Destroyed by Spanish Treachery” d.​ “Investigators Search for Cause of USS Maine Explosion” Use the excerpt below to answer questions 5-6. “On the first of February, we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this it is our intention to keep neutral the United States of America. In this attempt is not successful we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: that we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left for your settlement.” Arthur Zimmermann, German Foreign Minister, January 19, 1917 5. Which of the following does this excerpt support as the primary cause of the US declaration of war in April 1917? a.​ Mexico’s plan to invade the United States b.​ Germany’s violations of US neutrality c.​ Pro-British intelligence and propaganda d.​ Germany’s violation of the Monroe Doctrine 6. When the Zimmermann message was made public, most people in the US a.​ viewed it as a threat by Germany against Mexico b.​ feared that a German victory would split the United States c.​ expressed nationalist anger against Germany d.​ assumed it was the result of Allied propaganda 7. On what grounds was Charles Schenck’s conviction upheld as constitutional in Schenck v. United States? a.​ Free speech does not include all forms of symbolic speech. b.​ Free speech does not exist during a time of national emergency. c.​ Free speech can be limited to protect the safety of the speaker. d.​ Free speech can be denied when a “clear and present danger” exists. 8. Because militarism had been a major cause of the war, the framers of the Treaty of Versailles a.​ required Germany to pay reparations for war damages. b.​ barred Germany from maintaining a large army. c.​ stripped Germany of its colonies in the Pacific. d.​ forced Germany to accept sole responsibility for the war. 9. Which of the following was NOT part of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points (plan for peace)? a.​ requiring reparations from defeated nations b.​ protecting freedom of the seas in both war and peace c.​ establishing a League of Nations to ensure world peace d.​ encouraging European nations to reduce their armaments (weapons) Answer Key: 1.​ D 2.​ C 3.​ B 4.​ C 5.​ B 6.​ C 7.​ D 8.​ B 9.​ A