Basic Training - U.S. History 2 - 2 - PreTest

_______________ was the founder of Standard Oil, one of the first and largest multinational corporations in history. He is also known for his substantial philanthropic work, particularly through the Rockefeller Foundation, which significantly impacted public health, education, and medical research.

The completion of the ____________________ in 1869 was a pivotal moment in American history, fundamentally altering travel, commerce, and westward expansion. The construction project itself demonstrated the power of large-scale organization and assembly-line processes, foreshadowing the industrial boom to come.

The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in ________, is significant because it prohibited the federal and state governments from denying citizens the right to vote based on their race, color, or previous condition of servitude. While this event was a monumental step, it did not grant suffrage to all men, as it didn’t address gender or other potential barriers to voting.

________________ rose as a global steel production powerhouse between 1870 and 1900, a crucial period that shaped the American Industrial Revolution and laid the foundation for the city’s future trajectory. By the early 20th century, the city was producing nearly half of the nation’s steel, solidifying its reputation as the “Steel City” and cementing its position as a global leader in steel manufacturing.

Mary Edwards Walker is a significant figure in U.S. history due to her ____________________, and her unique status as the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor. She challenged gender norms and societal expectations through her dress and her professional pursuits, leaving a lasting impact on both the medical field and the women’s rights movement.

___________________ was significant as a highly prolific inventor and businessman who transformed daily life through his numerous inventions and the systematic approach to innovation he pioneered. His creation of the Menlo Park lab, the first of its kind, transformed the process of invention from a solitary endeavor to a collaborative and systematic effort, influencing the development of research and development labs in modern industries.

The ____________________ was a period of unprecedented technological advancement, fundamentally transforming societies from agrarian and handicraft-based economies to industrialized, manufacturing-based ones. The development of new technologies, like the steam engine and powered machinery, fueled the growth of industries like textiles, iron, and transportation.

The Indian Appropriations Act, ratified in ________, effectively ended the treaty-making era between the United States and Native American tribes by declaring that no tribe would be recognized as an independent nation with whom the US could contract treaties. This led to increased federal control over Native American land, resources, and daily life.

The _______________ meatpacking industry, particularly between 1870 and 1900, holds immense significance in American history, representing a period of dramatic industrialization, economic transformation, and social change. The unsanitary conditions, inhumane treatment of animals, and worker exploitation documented in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle sparked public outrage and directly led to the passage of landmark legislation like the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.

Large-scale immigration to cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries created a demand for social services and support that local governments were often unable to provide. Political machines became part of U.S. history due to a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, mass immigration, and ________________________________________.

The prominence of __________________ stems primarily from his invention of the telephone in 1876, which revolutionized communication and had a profound impact on society. His research in hydrodynamics, the study of fluids in motion, led to advancements in hydrofoil design and speed records.

The _______________, spanning roughly from the 1870s to the early 1900s, was a period of significant economic growth and industrialization in the United States, but also one marked by social and political inequalities. Despite the overall economic growth, the gap between the rich and the poor widened significantly.

Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was established in _______, and is known for its unparalleled collection of geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and intact ecosystem. It was the first federally protected area in the United States, demonstrating the value of preserving unique natural areas for future generations.

While the significant growth of automobile industry in ______________ primarily occurred in the early 20th century, the period between 1870 and 1900 was crucial in laying the foundation for its booming success. “Motor City” already had a thriving industrial landscape, with companies specializing in metalworking for various sectors like stoves, boilers, radiators, and structural steel.

The Haymarket Square riot occurred amidst a period of rapid industrialization and significant social upheaval during the Gilded Age. Workers were __________________________________, and were organizing to fight for their rights.

__________________ was a pivotal figure in American labor history, best known as the founder and first president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He championed a practical approach to unionism, emphasizing practical gains like higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions, rather than broader social or political goals.

The ______________ authorized the federal government to survey tribal land and divide it into individual allotments, typically 160 acres for heads of families and smaller plots for individuals. This led to a massive transfer of land from Native American ownership to non-Native ownership, with estimates suggesting that Native Americans lost 90 million acres.

The end of Reconstruction in ______, marked by the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, signified a major turning point in post-Civil War America. It led to the dismantling of civil rights protections for African Americans, the rise of segregation laws (Jim Crow laws), and the reassertion of white supremacy in the South.

The __________________, opened in Chicago in 1889, was one of the first social settlements in the United States, providing a model for similar institutions across the country. It offered a wide range of services including childcare, educational classes (English, citizenship), a gymnasium, a theater, art gallery, libraries, and more.

The late 19th century witnessed rapid industrial growth, with powerful companies like Standard Oil forming “trusts” to control entire industries. The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) was the first federal law ________________________________.

_____________________ was a pivotal figure in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and tirelessly campaigned for a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote.

The __________________, though brief (lasting from April to July 1898), was a turning point in U.S. history, marking the nation’s emergence as a global power. The war contributed to the rise of American imperialism, with the U.S. taking control of territories and asserting its dominance in global affairs.

The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed in ______, is significant as the first major U.S. law to restrict immigration based on race and nationality. The legislation was eventually repealed in 1943, but its legacy continues to be felt in discussions about immigration, race, and social justice.

During the period between 1870 and 1900, ________________ stands out as the most prominent silver mining town in US history. The Comstock Lode was the most profitable silver deposit in American history, generating immense fortunes and playing a significant role in the growth of Nevada and San Francisco.

The government’s intervention in the Pullman Strike (1894), including the use of federal troops and an injunction, highlighted the __________________________________________________. Despite the failure of the strike, it contributed to the eventual establishment of Labor Day as a federal holiday and sparked conversations about worker rights and the role of government in labor disputes.

_______________ is primarily known for founding the American Red Cross and for her humanitarian work during the Civil War. She led the American Red Cross for 23 years, guiding the organization through numerous domestic and international disasters, including the Johnstown flood and the Spanish-American War.

The ______________________ was a landmark piece of legislation designed to combat the formation of monopolies and other business practices that restrain trade and stifle competition in the United States. It was based on the constitutional power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce, giving it broad reach across state lines.

The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson in ______ is significant because it established the “separate but equal” doctrine, which legitimized racial segregation in the United States for over half a century. The decision remained the law of the land until 1954, when the Supreme Court, in Brown v. Board of Education, ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

_______________ is historically significant as the site of Thomas Edison’s famous laboratory, where he and his team developed numerous groundbreaking inventions. This is where he created the first device to record and reproduce sound, the tinfoil phonograph.

Chinese immigrants significantly shaped the U.S. landscape, particularly in the West, through their labor on the Transcontinental Railroad and in other industries. Their presence fueled economic growth but also racial discrimination that sparked social and political backlash that ________________________________.

___________________ was a highly significant figure in American history, serving as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He is known for his “trust-busting” efforts, conservationism, and his “Square Deal” domestic policies. He led the Progressive Era and was a strong proponent of a powerful, active federal government.

The ___________________ in the United States, spanning roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a period of significant social, economic, and political reform aimed at addressing the problems arising from rapid industrialization and urbanization. Progressives aimed to clean up government at all levels, from city halls to the federal level, by tackling political machines and promoting honest and efficient governance.

Amelia Earhart’s significance lies in her role as a pioneering aviator and her advocacy for women’s rights. In ______, she was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and later set numerous other aviation records.

The ____________ Renaissance challenged the prevailing racist stereotypes of the time by showcasing the talent, creativity, and humanity of Black individuals. The movement instilled a sense of pride, self-determination, and political consciousness within the Black community. It fostered a new understanding of Black identity and culture, empowering individuals to embrace their heritage.

F. Scott Fitzgerald is prominent in US history due to his vivid depictions of the Jazz Age and his enduring literary contributions. His writing, especially The Great Gatsby, ____________________, a period often referred to as the Jazz Age.

The presidency of ________________ (1913-1921) is significant for its domestic policy reforms during the Progressive Era and for leading the United States into World War I. At the end of the war, he championed the creation of the League of Nations, an international body designed to prevent future conflicts. However, the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected American membership.

The ________________ movement in the U.S. was a decades-long fight to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment’s ratification in 1920. The movement’s primary achievement was the enfranchisement of women, granting them a voice in the political process and increasing the electorate by millions.

The 19th Amendment, ratified in ______, is significant because it prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on sex, granting women the right to vote in the United States. While the immediate impact on voting patterns was not fully realized until later, the amendment spurred increased political participation by women and led to greater representation in elected office.

The Great Migration in roughly 1890-1930, a pivotal period in American history, marked by the mass movement of African Americans from ____________________ to the urban North and West. The The movement fueled the growth of vibrant Black communities and cultures in urban areas, contributing to the Harlem Renaissance and other artistic and intellectual movements.

Nellie Tayloe Ross, leveraging Wyoming’s history as the first state to grant women the right to vote and hold office, became the nation’s first female governor in 1925. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her Director of the U.S. Mint in 1933, a position she held for an impressive 20 years, ___________________.

___________________ was significant for revolutionizing the automobile industry and manufacturing through his innovative use of the assembly line and mass production techniques. The process significantly lowered the cost of automobiles, particularly the Model T, making them affordable for the middle class.

The ____________________, officially the National Prohibition Act, was a U.S. law enacted in 1919 to enforce the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The Act’s failure to curtail alcohol consumption contributed to a rise in organized crime, fueled by the lucrative illegal alcohol trade.

The Model T’s significance lies in its revolutionary impact on American society through mass production and affordability, transforming transportation and fostering economic growth. Introduced to the public in ______, it was the first mass-produced car, making it significantly more affordable than previous automobiles.

As the home of Wall Street, the nations’s financial center, and a major port of entry for immigrants, ______________ symbolized the Modern Era’s economic dynamism and immigration. However, like most major cities, it also faced the challenges of social inequalities and rapid growth.

Octaviano Larrazolo played a significant role in American history, particularly in advancing the rights of Hispanic Americans in New Mexico. He was a champion of civil rights and, in 1928, _____________________________.

_________________ was a highly influential African American intellectual, sociologist, historian, and activist whose work significantly shaped 20th-century thought and activism for racial equality. He strongly criticized the accommodationist approach, which emphasized vocational training over full civil rights and political participation for Black Americans.

At the start of ________________ in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the US neutral, reflecting a widespread desire to avoid European entanglements. However, factors like Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, including the sinking of the Lusitania (with American passengers aboard) gradually swayed public opinion towards intervention.

The ______ stock market crash was a pivotal event marking the beginning of the Great Depression, triggering a cascade of economic devastation that rippled across the globe. Many countries were forced to raise interest rates to counteract trade imbalances with the U.S., further depressing spending and investment.

The massacre at ____________________, is widely considered the last major armed conflict of the Indian Wars. It symbolizes the violence and betrayal suffered by Native Americans during the US government’s policy of forced assimilation.

The Federal Reserve Act, signed into law in 1913, established the Federal Reserve System as the central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve, often referred to a “the Fed”, was charged with ________________________________.

________________________ was a prominent African American educator, author, orator, and political leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His speeches, particularly his “Atlanta Compromise” address in 1895, gained him national attention and solidified his image as a leading voice for African Americans.

The __________________, also known as the Jazz Age, was a decade of significant social, cultural, and economic change in the United States and other Western countries. A sense of rebellion against traditional values and social norms was prevalent, particularly among the younger generation.

The first woman to hold a federal office in the United States was Jeannette Rankin, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in ______. Her election paved the way for other women in politics and she is remembered for her advocacy for women’s rights and social reforms.

The 1900 hurricane that struck ___________________ was significant as the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, resulting in over 6,000 deaths. The storm highlighted the dangers of inadequate weather forecasting and spurred improvements in storm prediction and infrastructure.

The Jazz Singer is a landmark film in U.S. history because it was the first feature-length motion picture to feature synchronized sound. The film’s success forced ____________________________.

______________________ hold a highly prominent and foundational place in history due to their invention and successful flights of the world’s first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. On December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the flyer achieved the first sustained, controlled flight, a culmination of years of hard work and experimentation.

The _________________, completed in 1914, significantly benefited the United States by shortening the route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, facilitating trade, and enhancing national security. The structure streamlined trade between the east and west coasts of the U.S. and with other parts of the world.

Charles Lindbergh’s significance lies primarily in his pioneering solo transatlantic flight in ______, which captivated the world and boosted aviation’s popularity. His 33.5-hour flight from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis was the first of its kind, capturing the imagination of the world.

The significance of the 1921 massacre in _________________, also known as the Black Wall Street Massacre, lies in several crucial aspects of American history, racism, and its lasting impacts. The massacre served as a violent reminder to Black communities that their economic and social advancement would be met with hostile opposition and violence.

Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity, introduced in 1905 and 1915 respectively, reshaped the understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe itself. His scientific breakthroughs in physics, __________________________________, solidified his prominence in U.S. history.

_______________________ is a highly significant figure in American history, primarily for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. He is known for his “New Deal” programs, which aimed to alleviate the economic hardship of the Depression and for leading the US through the majority of World War II.

The __________________, a severe global economic crisis that began in 1929, holds significant historical and economic importance. It exposed the fragility of the global economy, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social upheaval. The crisis also spurred significant changes in government policy, macroeconomic theory, and international cooperation.

The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in ______, is significant because it repealed the 18th Amendment, which had established Prohibition, thus ending the nationwide ban on alcohol. It was unique in that it was ratified by state conventions, rather than by state legislatures, which reflected a direct expression of the will of the people.

The Okie migration, driven by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, had a profound and lasting impact on both the midwest migrants’ lives and their new homes in ______.

Concerns about mass unemployment and a potential return to the economic depression of the 1930s were widespread due to the millions of soldiers returning from World War II. The GI Bill, officially known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, aimed to mitigate this by ____________________.

The significance of ___________________ lies in her multifaceted role as a First Lady, diplomat, and activist. She was a strong advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and workers’ rights, challenging racial segregation and advocating for the equal treatment of all Americans.

The ___________________, a period of severe storms in the 1930s, is significant because it highlights the devastating consequences of ecological mismanagement and the interconnectedness of environmental and economic crises. It led to the creation of New Deal programs focused on soil conservation, drought relief, and agricultural reform.

The Neutrality Acts, passed by the U.S. Congress in the ______, aimed to prevent the nation from being drawn into another world war by restricting American involvement in international conflicts. The acts reflected a strong desire among many Americans to avoid repeating the perceived mistakes of World War I.

The Hoover Dam, completed in 1935 on the border of _________________, holds immense significance as a feat of engineering and a symbol of American ingenuity. Built during the Great Depression, the Hoover Dam provided much-needed jobs and boosted morale during a difficult time.

The Social Security Act of 1935 was prominent in U.S. history primarily due to its impact during and after the Great Depression. Before the SSA, social welfare was _________________________________.

The significant contribution of ____________________ in World War II was his leadership in planning and executing major Allied military campaigns like the Normandy (D-Day) landings in 1944. This experience shaped his impending presidency, particularly his focus on national defense and international relations during the Cold War.

The _______________, a series of programs and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, is significant for its transformative impact on American society and government. It introduced programs like Social Security, unemployment insurance, and welfare, creating a basic level of social protection for citizens.

The ________ is primarily defined by the Great Depression, a severe and prolonged economic downturn that followed a stock market crash. The decade ended with the nation poised on the brink of another major world event; World War II.

The Trinity Site in _______________ is historically significant as the location of the world’s first nuclear explosion, marking the culmination of the Manhattan Project and the beginning of the atomic age. The Trinity test results influenced the decision to use atomic weapons against Japan, ultimately contributing to the end of World War II.

Orson Welles’ prominence in U.S. history from 1930-1945 stemmed from his significant contributions and innovative approaches across multiple artistic mediums. In 1938, Welles’ radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” became famous because __________________.

_________________ served as the Army Chief of Staff, the top officer from 1939 to 1945, overseeing the massive expansion and mobilization of the U.S. Army during the war. As Secretary of State, 1947-1949, Marshall proposed and championed the European Recovery Program, which provided significant economic aid to rebuild Europe after the war.

___________________ is widely credited with ending the Great Depression by creating massive wartime production demands. The war solidified the United States’ position as a global economic superpower, with its industrial capacity unmatched.

The Yalta Conference, held in February ______, was a crucial meeting of Allied leaders to discuss the post-World War II world order, particularly the fate of defeated Germany and Eastern Europe. The conference laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations to replace the ineffective League of Nations.

The 1936 __________ Olympics, officially the Games of the XI Olympiad, are significant for being the first Olympics to utilize a torch relay and for being heavily exploited by the Nazi regime for propaganda purposes. Jesse Owens’s outstanding performance, winning four gold medals in track and field events, directly challenged Nazi ideology of Aryan racial supremacy.

Creating an atomic bomb was important in U.S. history between 1930 and 1945 because of ____________________. Reports indicating that Nazi Germany might be developing its own atomic weapon spurred the U.S. to initiate the top-secret Manhattan Project in 1942.

____________________ was a significant American author and humanitarian known for her depictions of Chinese peasant life and her advocacy for human rights and intercultural understanding. She founded the Welcome House adoption agency in 1949, which was the first international, inter-racial adoption agency, specifically focusing on placing mixed-race children.

While the U.S. initially maintained an isolationist stance, the revelations of the _______________, alongside World War II, led to a re-evaluation of its approach to human rights and international affairs. The country became instrumental in establishing international organizations and agreements, like the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, aimed at preventing future atrocities and promoting human rights globally.

The Hindenburg’s significance lies in its symbolic end to the era of commercial passenger airships. While not the first airship disaster, the Hindenburg’s fiery crash in ______, widely televised and photographed, shocked the world and fueled public fear and distrust of airships.

Despite the economic hardship of the Great Depression, the film industry adapted by offering affordable escapism and a critical social and psychological function for the American public. World War II significantly shaped American cinema, with ________________ producing patriotic films, propaganda, and escapist entertainment to support the war effort and boost morale.

The career of Dennis Chavez played a pivotal role in the increasing recognition and representation of Hispanic Americans in national politics. His election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1930 and subsequently to the U.S. Senate in 1935 ____________________.

____________________ is considered one of the greatest American playwrights, significantly impacting the landscape of 20th-century theater by exploring psychological depth and social issues. His works, which delved into themes of family dysfunction, addiction, and the human condition, broke away from traditional melodrama and paved the way for modern American drama.

D-Day, June 6, 1944, was a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the beginning of the Allied invasion of _________________, and ultimately leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The event signified a major shift in the war, as it was the first time Allied forces had established a foothold in Western Europe, forcing Germany to fight a two-front war against the Soviet Union in the East and the Allies in the West.

In _______, the U.S. government forced removal and incarceration of over 110,000 Japanese Americans from their homes on the West Coast to remote internment camps. This highlighted the pervasive racism and xenophobia prevalent in American society, particularly against people of Japanese descent.

The Tehran Conference in 1943 was significant as the first meeting of the “Big Three” Allied leaders – Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin – during World War II. The “Big Three” issued a declaration promising to maintain independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic aid to the host country, __________.

During the tumultuous years of 1930-1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats were a pivotal communication tool that significantly impacted the U.S. He utilized the then-novel medium of radio ____________________________.