us history trivia questions

us history trivia questions

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of American History: A Collection of Engaging Trivia Questions

1. Introduction to American History Trivia

Regardless of how you employ them, the questions represent the backbone of this collection. Think of them as markers along a flexible timeline of American history questions that probe deeply and challenge our tendency to view the past through overly simplistic lenses. Remember, too, that while some questions are more difficult than others, all are intended to pique rather than to punish. Their proper context is one of civility, good humor, and learning: all valuable traits emphasized to good effect by the teaching of American history.

Explore the rich tapestry of American history with this sparkling collection of trivia questions. Drawing from that vast mosaic of people, events, and policies that have helped create our nation’s compelling story, some 600 questions cover a wide variety of topics. Let these and other engaging inquiries guide you through a series of educational games, stimulating discussions, and moments of quiet reflection. Use them to help test the knowledge of others or simply let them entertain you.

2. Colonial Era and Revolutionary War Trivia

1. What was the final battle of the Revolutionary War? 2. The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired in which town in Massachusetts? 3. What was the first constitution of the USA? 4. What was the original purpose of the Philadelphia State House? 5. What does the term “Intolerable Acts” semantically refer to? 6. Who led the riders on the midnight run to Lexington during the American Revolution? 7. What caused the Whiskey Rebellion? 8. Who was the first President of the United States? 9. The Virginia House of Burgesses and the Mayflower Compact were… 10. By what name did Native Americans know New England because of its harsh winters and poor soil? 11. Which English royal asked the Tsar of Russia to send troops to defeat George Washington’s forces? 12. What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress? 13. After the conclusion of hostilities, what was the first nation to sign a friendship and commerce treaty with the United States? 14. What was the last state to ratify the Constitution? 15. Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence? 16. The terms of which 1660 Act of Parliament provided for the establishment of the Stuart monarchy after the English Civil War?

3. Civil War and Reconstruction Trivia

The Republican political platform in 1860 was about opposing the expansion of slavery into the western territories.

4. 20th Century and Modern America Trivia

15. What was the margin of John F. Kennedy’s victory over Richard Nixon in 1960?

14. What three U.S. presidents have been accused of impeachable offenses?

13. In 2004, when historians were asked if there was a U.S. conservative movement in the late 20th century, how did they reply?

12. In the modern age, how much do people think that past generations of Americans voted?

11. What famous 20th-century American social reformer is the only American woman to be given a British state funeral?

10. What difference is there in terms of mineral resources between Alaska and the next richest of the 50 states?

9. On his way to attend a special state dinner held in his honor in the Russian Consulate building in San Francisco, California, which Russian ambassador got murdered?

8. How many U.S. presidents have been assassinated since the Declaration of Independence was signed?

7. How much did constructing the Hoover Dam cost?

6. On what date did the U.S. enter the Second World War?

5. What was actually the Miracle on the Hudson?

4. In 1972, the historic policy called SALT I was signed. What did the abbreviation SALT stand for?

3. In what city did Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his famous “I have a dream” speech on August 28, 1963?

2. What amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920, that gave women the right to vote?

1. On April 10, 1933, as a part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, the Congress passed an act that allowed the United States to get off the gold standard and devalue the dollar to 50 cents an ounce of gold. It was one of the unprecedented steps to help recover from economic downturn and stimulate the economy.

5. Bonus Round: Famous Figures and Events Trivia

President Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush currently occupy the top three slots on Gallup’s just released 2020 list of the 10 most admired men in America. What six other men round out the list? Michelle Obama is Gallup’s 2020 most admired woman in America, with first lady Melania Trump coming in close behind. Who are the other eight most admired women of 2020? Can you name the secretary of the U.S. Treasury and the director of the U.S. National Economic Council? Together, they represent a notable historical first. Pity the poor trivia writer. Even in a day with so much news, the rapid changes in our daily political reality pose a real risk of rendering this last group a cornucopia of canned peanuts. Time will tell. The president’s choice of nominees for secretary of the treasury and the national economic council is a first in the centuries-long history of consequential administration. Specifically, for the first time, the army that commands the resources of the United States government will be led by a woman who will put her signature on the money that circulates in the United States. Who are the administration’s history-making nominees? A third, question: Inside the White House, the oval office features an evocative painting that portrays George Washington, the nation’s first president, offering his resignation as he steps down from power, having decided voluntarily to retire after two terms. Who painted it, and what is the painting’s official title? Finally, it’s time to determine just how much you know the power of famous words. Please provide, or at least recognize, the authors of the following memorable quotes. Now comes a pretty tough question! Although it’s a famous quote, can you give its precise starting and ending words, including the punctuation used in the original? Good luck and a sincere thank you for taking up these quizzes!

What better way to conclude this history quiz than with a brief tribute to a few of America’s influential figures and memorable moments? But how well do you recall some truly memorable quotes? That’s the challenge for this last round. No Googling. For those answers, you’re all on your honor. Let’s get started.

Our American history trivia tour is almost over. You are about to encounter Gallup’s first and current list of the 10 most admired men and women of 2020, along with a few famous quotes from history’s most memorable moments. If you haven’t had a chance to test your knowledge on the first four rounds of questions, make sure to scroll up to the top of the page and tackle those first.