15 U.S. History Trivia Questions from the 20th Century

Unraveling the 20th Century: 15 Intriguing U.S. History Trivia Questions

The 20th century was a pivotal era in U.S. history, marked by significant world events, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. To celebrate this dynamic period, we've put together a selection of 15 U.S. history trivia questions from the 20th century. Test your knowledge and learn something new about the country's past. Let's dive in!

The Roaring Twenties and Great Depression

The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of economic growth and widespread prosperity. However, it was followed by the Great Depression, one of the most severe economic downturns in U.S. history.

1. What was the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1919, about?
Answer: Prohibition of alcohol

2. Who was the U.S. President at the start of the Great Depression?
Answer: Herbert Hoover

World War II and the Cold War

The mid-20th century was dominated by global conflict and political tension, particularly the events of World War II and the Cold War.

3. Which U.S. President made the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945?
Answer: Harry S. Truman

4. What was the name of the satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, sparking the Space Race during the Cold War?
Answer: Sputnik 1

Post-War America

In the aftermath of World War II, the U.S. experienced significant changes on the home front.

• 5. What major U.S. social movement took place from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s?
  Answer: The Civil Rights Movement
• 6. What was the name of the U.S. federal interstate system established in 1956?
  Answer: The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways
• 7. Who was the U.S. President during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?
  Answer: John F. Kennedy

The Late 20th Century

As the century drew to a close, the U.S. experienced a range of significant events, from political scandals to technological breakthroughs.

8. Which U.S. President resigned from office as a result of the Watergate scandal?
Answer: Richard Nixon

9. In what year was the first personal computer introduced?
Answer: 1977

10. Who was the U.S. President at the end of the 20th century?
Answer: Bill Clinton

Pop Culture Questions

The 20th century was also a vibrant period for U.S. pop culture. Here are some trivia questions related to music, film, and sports.

• 11. Who was the King of Rock and Roll?
  Answer: Elvis Presley
• 12. In what year was the first Star Wars movie released?
  Answer: 1977
• 13. Who broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1974?
  Answer: Hank Aaron
• 14. Who is often credited as the Queen of Pop?
  Answer: Madonna
• 15. What was the highest-grossing film of the 20th century?
  Answer: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Conclusion

From the Roaring Twenties to the dawn of the Internet age, the 20th century was a time of tremendous change and progress in the United States. We hope you enjoyed testing your knowledge with these U.S. history trivia questions. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, learning about our history helps us understand the present and shape the future.