U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 1
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.2: Determine the relevance of sources and assess their
credibility
Answer Key: B
Which source would support a research paper discussing the legislative
process used to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act?
A. Pictures of sit-in protests
This answer is not correct. While pictures of sit-in protests would give
insight into the civil rights movement of the 1960s, they would not
provide information related to the legislative process in the passage of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
B. The Congressional Record
This answer is correct. The Congressional Record would support a
research paper on the legislative process in the passage of the 1964 Civil
Rights Act. This primary source would provide the testimony of members
of Congress during the debate over the passage of the law. This
information would support this research topic.
C. Op-ed responses to the bill’s passage
This answer is not correct. Op-ed responses to the bill’s passage would
give evidence of popular opinion of the bill, but would not support a paper
on the legislative process for the passage of the bill.
D. A magazine profile of civil rights movement leaders
This answer is not correct. While a magazine profile of civil rights
movement leaders would provide valuable information about key players
in this movement, it would not be a good source of information related to
the legislative process in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 2
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.3: Formulate and defend an opinion on a major
contemporary social issue using the tools and methods of inquiry and
perspective
Answer Key: D
Read this quotation from President George W. Bush on immigration policy.
The system isn’t working. Think about a system that encourages smugglers
to stuff people in 18-wheelers, people that want to work, people that want to
provide for their families. Think about a system in which there’s tremendous
document forgery…
And yet the system is broken to the point where people are being used as
human cargo, being exploited, simply because most want to come and
provide for their families; most are willing to do jobs Americans aren’t doing.
The system needs to be fixed…
Many Americans say their primary concern is border security and ensuring
that those who violate our laws face consequences…
Others say their chief concern is keeping this economy strong. There’s a—a
lot of employers need a legal way to fill jobs that Americans simply aren’t
doing…
Others say their main concern is to bring hardworking, decent people out of
the shadows of our society. All of these concerns are part of the same
issue… Our view is, is that you can’t solve the problem unless you address
all aspects of the problem.
— President George W. Bush, 2007
What position in the issue of immigration reform does this quote best
support?
A. The immigration system does not need to be reformed.
This answer is not correct. In the quotation given, President Bush clearly
states that the immigration system does not work and needs to be fixed.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
B. Immigration reform should focus on border security first.
This answer is not correct. Although President Bush acknowledges many
Americans’ concerns about border security, he indicates that it should be
addressed in the context of larger comprehensive reform to the
immigration system.
C. Undocumented immigrants should be granted citizenship.
This answer is not correct. While concern about undocumented
immigrants and the path to citizenship is often part of the larger debate
on immigration in the United States, President Bush does not refer to
citizenship in this quotation.
D. Immigration reform should be tackled in a comprehensive manner.
This answer is correct. In the quotation given, President Bush is calling
for a comprehensive approach to immigration reform, emphasizing that a
viable solution to the issue of immigration must address all aspects of the
problem.
Page 3 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 3
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.4: Evaluate the quality of historical accounts based on
the arguments they advance and the evidence they use
Answer Key: B
Read this quotation from Vice President Theodore Roosevelt.
A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb, “Speak
softly and carry a big stick—you will go far.” If a man continually blusters, if
he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble, and neither will
speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength,
power…
And that while our speech is always moderate, we are ready and willing to
make it good. Such an attitude will be the surest possible guarantee of that
self-respecting peace, the attainment of which is and must ever be the prime
aim of a self-governing people.
— Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, 1901
Based on this quotation, which argument would best summarize President
Roosevelt’s position on foreign policy?
A. Military intervention should be used as a last resort.
This answer is not correct. Although President Roosevelt makes the point
that military power alone is not enough to protect a country if they act
uncivilly, he makes it clear that military power in support of peaceful aims
is justified, and should not necessarily be used as a last resort. As such,
use of military intervention only in the last resort would not summarize
President Roosevelt’s position on foreign policy.
B. Peaceful diplomacy should be backed by military might.
This answer is correct. The idea behind President Roosevelt’s Big Stick
Diplomacy is that efforts at peaceful negotiation (“speak softly”) are
supported by military might (“but carry a big stick”) as neither policy
alone is sufficient. Therefore, President Roosevelt’s position on foreign
policy could be summarized as diplomacy backed by military might.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
C. Foreign intervention should be used to spread democracy.
This answer is not correct. Foreign intervention in the name of spreading
democracy is representative of President Woodrow Wilson’s Moral
Diplomacy. It was not representative of President Roosevelt’s Big Stick
Diplomacy or his position on foreign policy.
D. Money and investments should be used to influence other countries.
This answer is not correct. Using money and investments as a “carrot” in
diplomacy to influence other countries is an example of President William
Howard Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy. It is not an example of President
Roosevelt’s Big Stick Diplomacy or his position on foreign policy.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 4
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark: 10.3.1: Describe the “push” factors (e.g., escaping
persecution and poverty) and “pull” factors (e.g., seeking freedom and
economic opportunity) that brought immigrants to the United States in the
late 19th century
Answer Key: A
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Eastern European Jews
immigrated to the United States.
What push factor largely drove this pattern of immigration?
A. Anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire
This answer is correct. Many Jewish immigrants to the United States in
the late 19th century were coming to escape anti-Semitism in Europe,
and pogroms in Russia in particular.
B. Religious liberty in the United States
This answer is not correct. Although many Jewish immigrants to the
United States came seeking religious liberty, this was a pull factor which
drew them to the United States, not a push factor which drove them to
leave Eastern Europe.
C. Low cost of living in the Russian Empire
This answer is not correct. Cost of living in the Russian empire was not a
major push factor driving the pattern of Jewish immigration to the United
States.
D. Economic opportunities in the United States
This answer is not correct. Although many Jewish immigrants to the
United States came seeking economic opportunity, this is a pull factor
which drew them to the United States, not a push factor which drove
them to leave Eastern Europe.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 5
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark: 10.3.2: Describe social, political, economic, and technological
factors (e.g., governance, corruption, fiscal policies, wages, sanitation, class
differences, health problems, transportation) of growth in 19th and 20th
century American cities (e.g., New York, Chicago, St. Louis)
Answer Key: C
How did the San Francisco cable car system, installed during the late 1800s,
affect the development of San Francisco?
A. Cable cars made living in San Francisco less desirable.
This answer is not correct. The cable car system replaced earlier animaldriven systems, making the streets cleaner while also making the city
more accessible and desirable.
B. The cable car system caused San Francisco’s population to shrink.
This answer is not correct. Between 1873 and 1890 (the years in which
the cable car system was installed), the population of San Francisco
effectively doubled, from approximately 150,000 to 299,000.
C. Cable cars allowed the city to expand and develop new neighborhoods.
This answer is correct. The development of the cable car system
connected newly developing neighborhoods to the rest of the city,
allowing San Francisco to expand.
D. The cable car system decreased the crime rate in populous
neighborhoods.
This answer is not correct. The development of the cable car system did
not have a significant impact on crime rates in San Francisco.
Page 7 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 6
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark:10.3.3: Describe how business magnates (i.e., Rockefeller,
Morgan, Carnegie and Vanderbilt) dominated politics of the Gilded Age
Answer Key: C
Look at this 1904 political cartoon depicting the Standard Oil Company.
Which statement represents the artist’s point of view about politics during
the Gilded Age?
A. Companies like Standard Oil were used by politicians to gain international
power.
This answer is not correct. While politicians may have used companies
like Standard Oil to gain international power and influence, that is not the
relationship depicted in the political cartoon.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
B. Congress was able to function apart from the influence of companies like
Standard Oil.
This answer is not correct. The political cartoon clearly depicts Congress
as being in the grip of one of the Standard Oil Company’s tentacles,
indicating that Congress was not able to function separately from the
influence of companies like Standard Oil.
C. Companies like Standard Oil used their wealth to influence state and
federal politicians.
This answer is correct. The political cartoon clearly depicts the
Standard Oil Company as an octopus with many tentacles wrapped
around a state house, the U.S. Capitol, and one tentacle reaching for the
White House, all of which shows how it is using its wealth to dominate
and influence these political institutions.
D. Politicians were able to place strong restrictions on the influence of
companies like Standard Oil.
This answer is not correct. Nothing in the political cartoon implies that
politicians were able to place strong restrictions on the influence of
companies like Standard Oil during that period.
Page 9 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 7
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark: 10.3.4: Describe reform issues of the Progressive Era
(including political reform, labor reform, and business regulation)
Answer Key: D
Read this quotation from President Theodore Roosevelt.
There are in the body politic, economic and social, many and grave evils,
and there is urgent necessity for the sternest war upon them. There should
be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil man, whether politician
or business man, every evil practice, whether in politics, business, or social
life. I hail as a benefactor every writer or speaker, every man who, on the
platform or in a book, magazine, or newspaper, with merciless severity
makes such attack, provided always that he in his turn remembers that the
attack is of use only if it is absolutely truthful.
— President Theodore Roosevelt, 1906
Which aspect of the Progressive Era does President Roosevelt refer to in this
quotation?
A. Trust-busting
This answer is not correct. Although trust-busting was a key aspect of the
Progressive Era and President Roosevelt was known for his efforts to
break up corporate trusts and monopolies, this quotation does not refer
to trust-busting.
B. Conservationism
This answer is not correct. Although President Roosevelt was a strong
supporter of conservationism, this quotation does not reference
conservationism.
C. Business regulation
This answer is not correct. Although President Roosevelt and the
Progressives did support increased business regulation, he is not speaking
about that in this quotation.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. Muckraking journalism
This answer is correct. President Roosevelt is referring to investigative
journalism, and what would become known after this speech (entitled
“The Man with the Muck-rake”) as Muckraking. Investigative journalism
was a key aspect of the Progressive Era as muckraking journalists used
their positions to expose issues such as waste, fraud, crime, public health
and safety and political corruption.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 8
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark: 10.3.5: Describe the causes of and major events associated
with the United States becoming an imperial power in the late 19th century
Scoring Rubric:
For this item, a full-credit response includes

Guam, Philippines, and Puerto Rico selected (2 points)
For this item, a partial-credit response includes

Two of the correct territories selected (1 point).
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Sample Correct Answer:
Explanation of Correct Answer:
As a result of the Spanish-American War, the United States took possession
of the former Spanish colonies Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. The
acquisition of these territories marked the emergence of the United States as
an imperial power. Hawai‘i, Alaska and Texas were acquired by the United
States by other means.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 9
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark: 10.3.6: Analyze the scope and evolution of various United
States foreign policies in the early part of the 20th century
Answer Key: C
Read this excerpt from President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1904 State of the
Union Address.
Chronic wrongdoing, or an impotence [incapability] which results in a
general loosening of the ties of civilized society, may in America, as
elsewhere, ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation, and in
the Western Hemisphere the adherence [obedience] of the United States to
the Monroe Doctrine may force the United States, however reluctantly… to
the exercise of an international police power… We would interfere with them
only in the last resort, and then only if it became evident that their inability
or unwillingness to do justice at home and abroad had violated the rights of
the United States or had invited foreign aggression [hostility] to the
detriment [harm] of the entire body of American nations.
— President Theodore Roosevelt, 1904
How does the foreign policy President Roosevelt describes in this excerpt
differ from the Moral Diplomacy practiced by President Woodrow Wilson?
A. Roosevelt’s policy was about promoting democracy, while Moral
Diplomacy focused on non-intervention in Latin America and being a good
neighbor.
This answer is not correct. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe
Doctrine focused on supporting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere
as well as keeping Europe out of the Hemisphere by force – not
promoting democracy (that was Moral Diplomacy). Moral Diplomacy did
not focus on non-intervention in Latin America – Moral Diplomacy in fact
encouraged intervention in Latin America.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
B. Roosevelt’s policy was about keeping Europe out of the Western
Hemisphere, while Moral Diplomacy was focused on promoting American
commercial interests abroad.
This answer is not correct. Although the Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine was focused on keeping Europe out of the Hemisphere
by force, Moral Diplomacy was not about promoting American commercial
interests. That was Dollar Diplomacy under President William Howard
Taft.
C. Roosevelt’s policy was focused on protecting American interests and
keeping Europe out of the Western Hemisphere, while Moral Diplomacy
was about promoting democracy.
This answer is correct. Moral Diplomacy under President Wilson
promoted democracy – leading the U.S. to intervene in Latin American
countries that were undemocratic. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe
Doctrine focused on supporting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere
as well as keeping Europe out of the Hemisphere by force.
D. Roosevelt’s policy focused on non-intervention in Latin America and being
a good neighbor, while Moral Diplomacy was about promoting American
commercial interests abroad.
This answer is not correct. Moral Diplomacy was not about promoting
American commercial interests – that was Dollar Diplomacy under
President William Howard Taft. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe
Doctrine was not interested in being a “good neighbor” to Latin America –
that was the Good Neighbor Policy of Presidents Herbert Hoover and
Franklin Roosevelt.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 10
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark 10.7.1: Explain the causes of urbanization (i.e., job
opportunities, immigration patterns, technological innovations)
Answer Key: D
Which factor contributed to the rapid growth of New York City in the 19th
century?
A. New immigration quotas
This answer is not correct. Immigration restrictions and quotas were not a
cause of the urbanization of New York City in the 19th century, but a
backlash against increasing immigrant populations after the industrial
revolution. Further, quotas on immigration were intended to limit the
growth of urban areas like New York City, not to contribute to their
growth.
B. Reform of corrupt government
This answer is not correct. Government in New York City was corrupt
during the period of urbanization in the 19th century. Government
reforms would not have impacted the growth of the city.
C. High quality sanitation services
This answer is not correct. Although there were calls for reform and
improvements, sanitation was a problem in cities like New York during the
period of urbanization in the late 19th century.
D. Improved transportation systems
This answer is correct. New transportation systems such as canals,
railroads, and new roads helped facilitate the transportation of goods and
people, which led to an increase in people living in cities such as New
York. For example, the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge between
Manhattan and Brooklyn encouraged growth of the city’s population and
physical reach.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 11
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark 10.7.2: Explain the consequences of urbanization
Answer Key: C
Written in 1890, Jacob Riis’s How the Other Half Lives illustrates the poverty
of the urban working class. Read this excerpt from How the Other Half Lives.
The Senators, who had come down from Albany to find out what was the
matter with New York [City], reported that “there are annually cut off from
the population by disease and death enough human beings to people a city,
and enough human labor to sustain it.” And yet experts had testified that, as
compared with uptown, rents were from twenty-five to thirty per cent.
higher in the worst slums of the lower wards, with such accommodations as
were enjoyed, for instance, by a “family with boarders” in Cedar Street, who
fed hogs in the cellar that contained eight or ten loads of manure; or “one
room 12 x 12 with five families living in it, comprising twenty persons of
both sexes and all ages, with only two beds, without partition, screen, chair,
or table.”
— Jacob Riis, How the Other Half Lives, 1890
Which consequence of urbanization does Riis describe in the excerpt?
A. Crime became a major problem in cities.
This answer is not correct. Although crime was certainly an effect of rapid
urbanization in cities such as New York, it is not mentioned in this
excerpt.
B. Machine politics controlled local city governments.
This answer is not correct. Although machine politics was certainly an
effect of rapid urbanization in New York City, it is not mentioned in this
excerpt.
C. Overcrowding was widespread during the late 1800s.
This answer is correct. Urbanization caused overcrowding in cities like
New York. The trend of overcrowding is explicitly described in this
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
passage: “’there are annually cut off from the population by disease and
death enough human beings to people a city…’” and "’…one room 12 x 12
with five families living in it, comprising twenty persons….’”
D. Industrial pollution increased immensely in the late 1800s.
This answer is not correct. Although industrial pollution was certainly an
effect of rapid urbanization in cities like New York, it is not mentioned in
this excerpt.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 12
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark 10.8.1: Explain the characteristics of the different market
structures (i.e. monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition, and pure
competition) and their influence on product differentiation, price, barriers for
entry, and market efficiency in a competitive marketplace
Answer Key: A
What is the impact that a monopolistic market structure has on consumers?
A. Higher priced goods
This answer is correct. A monopolistic market structure raises prices
for consumers. Without competition, a single company holding a
monopoly in an industry is able to charge higher prices.
B. Higher quality service
This answer is not correct. A monopolistic market structure does not
cause consumers to benefit from higher quality service. A monopolistic
market structure lacks the incentive created by a free-market system to
have high quality service in order to maintain competitiveness.
C. Increased product efficiency
This answer is not correct. A monopolistic market structure does not
cause consumers to benefit from increased product efficiency. A
monopolistic market structure lacks the incentive created by a freemarket system to increase efficiency in order to maintain
competitiveness.
D. Increased merchandise selection
This answer is not correct. A monopolistic market structure will most
likely decrease merchandise selection. If one company controls the
market of a particular industry, their output will likely be standardized.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 13
Reporting Category: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, & Imperialism
Benchmark 10.8.2: Describe the function and responsibilities of the
Federal Reserve System in setting and carrying out the nation’s monetary
policy
Answer Key: B
Which action can the Federal Reserve take to increase employment?
A. It can raise interest rates to slow down inflation.
This answer is not correct. Although raising interest rates to slow inflation
is a tool available to the Federal Reserve in setting and carrying out the
nation’s monetary policy, it would not increase employment. Increasing
interest rates would likely depress job growth.
B. It can lower interest rates to increase borrowing and spending.
This answer is correct. The Federal Reserve can lower interest rates as
a means of carrying out monetary policy. Doing so which would increase
borrowing and spending, and therefore employment.
C. It can raise the exchange rate to make imported goods more expensive.
This answer is not correct. The Federal Reserve does not have power over
the exchange rate.
D. It can lower the exchange rate to make imported goods less expensive.
This answer is not correct. The Federal Reserve does not have power over
the exchange rate.
Page 20 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 14
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark 10.3.7: Describe the events that led the United States into
World War I
Answer Key: C
When war broke out in Europe in 1914, the United States officially declared
a position of neutrality. However, by April of 1917, Congress had passed a
formal declaration of war against Germany.
Which event caused the United States to reverse its position and enter
World War I?
A. Germany launched a full-scale invasion of Great Britain from occupied France.
This answer is not correct. During World War I, Germany launched a
blockade of Great Britain, not a full scale invasion. Additionally, although
fighting took place in France during World War I, it was not occupied by
Germany until World War II.
B. The Russian government was overthrown and formally surrendered to
Germany.
This answer is not correct. Although the government of the Russian
Empire was overthrown in 1917, it was not until two days after the U.S.
declared war. Similarly, although the new Bolshevik government would
sign a peace treaty to end its involvement in World War I, this did not
occur until 1918 and was not a formal surrender to Germany.
C. Germany resumed its use of unrestricted submarine warfare in its
blockade of Great Britain.
This answer is correct. Germany’s resumption of unrestricted
submarine warfare in February of 1917, including attacks on American
merchant ships, provoked President Wilson and Congress to enter the
U.S. in the war.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. Mexico formally aligned with Germany and began launching attacks on
the southern border of the United States.
This answer is not correct. While the Zimmermann Telegram proposed a
potential alliance between Germany and Mexico, Mexico declined the offer
and stayed out of the fighting of World War I.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 15
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark 10.3.8: Describe how domestic policies were affected by
American involvement in World War I
Answer Key: B
Mobilization for World War I accelerated the large-scale population
movement of African Americans known as the Great Migration.
What was one major factor that enticed African Americans to move from the
South to settle in the North during the Great Migration?
A. High cost of living in the South
This answer is not correct. The cost of living was actually higher in the
North than it was in the South, so this was not a factor that enticed
African Americans to move away from the South to the North.
B. Increased job opportunities in the North
This answer is correct. Wartime job openings led to an increase in job
opportunities for African Americans migrating to the Northern cities.
Labor agents for companies in Northern cities recruited labor from the
South by advertising industrial job openings and good wages.
C. Availability of agricultural land in the North
This answer is not correct. Agricultural production was concentrated in
the South, not in Northern cities, and was not a major factor enticing
African Americans to move to the North. Northern cities were often
overcrowded and people had to compete for housing.
D. Lack of public transportation systems in the South
This answer is not correct. Though the North did have more organized
public transportation structures in the industrialized cities, this was not a
major factor enticing African Americans to migrate.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 16
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark 10.3.9: Explain why the United States did not sign the Treaty
of Versailles
Answer Key: D
Read this quotation from Senator Henry Cabot Lodge about the League of
Nations.
…as it stands there is no doubt whatever in my mind that American troops
and American ships may be ordered to any part of the world by nations
other than the United States, and that is a proposition to which I for one can
never assent. It must be made perfectly clear that no American soldiers, not
even a corporal’s guard, that no American sailors, not even the crew of a
submarine, can ever be engaged in war or ordered anywhere except by the
constitutional authorities of the United States… The lives of Americans must
never be sacrificed except by the will of the American people expressed
through their chosen Representatives in Congress.
— Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, 1919
Which argument against joining the League of Nations is best supported by
the quotation?
A. By joining the League of Nations, the United States would move further
toward complete isolationism.
This answer is not correct. Many feared that by ratifying the Treaty of
Versailles and joining the League of Nations, the U.S would be forced into
“entangling alliances” which would move it more toward interventionism,
not isolationism. By rejecting the Treaty of Versailles, the U.S. moved
toward isolationism.
B. The financial costs of membership in the League of Nations would be too
high for the United States to afford.
This answer is not correct. Senator Lodge does not address the financial
costs of membership in the League of Nations in the excerpt.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
C. The League of Nations would be an ineffective forum for conflict
resolution because it would have too many members and make
negotiations unmanageable.
This answer is not correct. While it was a valid critique of the League of
Nations that it would be an ineffective forum for conflict resolution, that
position is not addressed by the Henry Cabot Lodge excerpt given.
D. The alliances formed by joining the League of Nations would take away
the United States’ ability to act independently and force the United States
into conflicts around the world.
This answer is correct. Critics of the Treaty of Versailles and the
League of Nations were concerned that the alliances of the League would
supersede Congress’ ability to declare war and drag the U.S. into foreign
conflicts.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 17
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark 10.3.10: Describe changes in society and culture that led to
conflicts in values in the 1920s
Answer Key: D
Which factor contributed to the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s?
A. An increase in the number of sharecroppers
This answer is not correct. The number of sharecroppers was decreasing
during the 1920s, so that would not have contributed to the rebirth of the
Ku Klux Klan.
B. Backlash against the temperance movement
This answer is not correct. The Ku Klux Klan supported the temperance
movement and prohibition.
C. New voting rights extended to African Americans
This answer is not correct. Although the extension of new voting rights to
African-Americans was a cause of the rise of the first Ku Klux Klan after
the Civil War, new voting rights were not extended to African-Americans
during the 1920s. As such, this was not a contributing factor for the
rebirth of the KKK.
D. Increased immigration of Catholics and Jews from Europe
This answer is correct. Increased immigration of Catholics and Jews
from Southern and Eastern Europe increased xenophobia in the United
States. This xenophobia led to increased nativist actions, and
consequently to the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s.
Page 26 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 18
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark: 10.3.11: Describe the significance of the literature, arts, and
feminism of the 1920s, including the “Lost Generation,” the Harlem
Renaissance, and flappers
Answer Key: B
Why were writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald known
as members of the “Lost Generation”?
A. They were opposed to the blurring of gender lines.
This answer is not correct. “Lost Generation” writers often blurred gender
lines in their works, such as Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. Similarly,
the inclusion of writer Gertrude Stein among the writers of the “Lost
Generation” is also indicative of the blurring of gender lines among “Lost
Generation” writers.
B. They wrote about themes of aimlessness and disillusionment.
This answer is correct. “Lost Generation” writers wrote about themes
of aimlessness and disillusionment that characterized the post-WWI
generation, a generation that was viewed as “lost” after coming out of the
war.
C. They told stories about a time period that had been relatively unknown to
most.
This answer is not correct. “Lost Generation” writers did not write about a
generation that had been relatively unknown to most as they often wrote
about the immediate post-World War I time period, a period that was
very well known at the time.
D. They embodied the growing youth culture movement that occurred in the
1920s.
This answer is not correct. “Lost Generation” writers did not embody the
growing youth culture movements that occurred in the 1920s. Doing so
would not have explained the origin of the term “lost generation,” which
refers to the World War I generation.
Page 27 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 19
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark: 10.3.15: Explain how programs in FDR’s New Deal, including
the FDIC, AAA, WPA, and Social Security, attempted to resolve problems
brought on by the Great Depression
Answer Key: A
Which agency was created as a part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New
Deal to address the unemployment crisis?
A. The Civilian Conservation Corps
This answer is correct. The Civilian Conservation Corps aimed to
address the unemployment crisis of the Great Depression by providing
unskilled jobs to young men who could not find work. These jobs involved
cultivating the nation’s natural resources.
B. The Social Security Administration
This answer is not correct. The Social Security Administration was
founded to alleviate the Great Depression era crisis of poverty amongst
senior citizens. Social Security aimed to address this problem by
monetary benefits to seniors.
C. The Securities and Exchange Commission
This answer is not correct. The Securities and Exchange Commission was
founded to address problems associated with the start of the Great
Depression. The SEC was given oversight and regulation authority over
the stock market.
D. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
This answer is not correct. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
was founded in response to the crisis of bank failures during the Great
Depression. The FDIC provides deposit insurance on bank accounts.
Page 28 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 20
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark: 10.3.14: Describe the effects of the Great Depression
Answer Key: D
In response to the Great Depression, Congress passed the Tariff Act of 1930.
This act, also known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, was an attempt to protect
American agriculture and manufacturing by raising U.S. tariffs to their
highest levels in history.
What was the impact of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff on the U.S. economy?
A. It improved the U.S. economic situation by increasing globalization and
the flow of international trade.
This answer is not correct. Other countries responded to the passage of
the Smoot-Hawley Tariff by adopting their own protectionist policies,
which reduced the sale of American goods abroad and contributed to an
overall decline in international trade.
B. It improved the U.S. economic situation by allowing U.S. manufacturers
to return to pre-Depression levels of production.
This answer is not correct. The U.S. economic situation was not improved
by the Smoot-Hawley tariff; it led to a decline in both American exports
and overall international trade and did not return the economy to preDepression levels of production.
C. It worsened the U.S. economic situation by shifting U.S. production away
from manufacturing and back toward agriculture.
This answer is not correct. While the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was
imposed, in large part, to protect the agricultural sector of the American
economy, it did not cause production to shift away from manufacturing
back to agriculture.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. It worsened the U.S. economic situation by provoking international trade
wars and decreasing the sale of American goods overseas.
This answer is correct. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff raised the cost of
imports so Americans bought fewer of them. U.S. trading partners
responded by enacting retaliatory tariffs and buying fewer American
goods, reducing international trade overall.
Page 30 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 21
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark: 10.8.3: Explain the purpose and/or role of government
programs and policies, including unemployment, minimum wage, and Social
Security, and their effect on the nation’s economy
Answer Key: D
Why would the government choose to raise the minimum wage during an
economic downturn?
A. To increase saving
This answer is not correct. The government would not raise the minimum
wage to increase savings. The minimum wage often affects the portion of
the population that is more likely to spend than to save, so raising the
minimum wage would not lead to an increase in savings.
B. To decrease employment
This answer is not correct. Although raising the minimum wage could
result in a decrease in employment, this would not be the goal of the
government raising the minimum wage during an economic downturn.
C. To decrease interest rates
This answer is not correct. Although the government would have an
interest in decreasing interest rates during an economic downturn, raising
the minimum wage would not directly affect the interest rate.
D. To increase consumer spending
This answer is correct. Increasing the minimum wage often increases
spending, which could stimulate the economy. During an economic
downturn, this would be a goal of the government raising the minimum
wage.
Page 31 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 22
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.16: Analyze the causes of the bombing of Pearl Harbor
Answer Key: C
In the summer of 1941, the U.S. government enacted a full embargo on
exports to Japan, including much-needed oil exports, and froze Japanese
assets in U.S. banks.
What event prompted the U.S. government to carry out these economic actions?
A. The Japanese froze U.S. assets.
This answer is not correct. The U.S. implemented a full embargo on
exports to Japan and froze Japanese assets in the U.S. in response to
Japan’s continued territorial expansion in Southeast Asia, not because
Japan seized U.S. assets.
B. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
This answer is not correct. The U.S. embargo of Japan had already been
in place for several months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
occurred on December 7, 1941.
C. The Japanese invaded French Indochina.
This answer is correct. By the 1930s and early 1940s, the U.S. had
become concerned with the level of Japanese militarism in the region and
increased imperial expansion in Southeast Asia. Seeking to restrain
Japan and deter further aggression, the U.S. responded to the Japanese
invasion of French Indochina in September 1940 by enacting an embargo
against Japan and freezing Japanese assets in U.S. banks.
D. The Japanese imposed import quotas on U.S. goods.
This answer is not correct. The Japanese did not impose import quotas on
the U.S. during this time period. By the late 1930s, Japan’s economy had
become increasingly reliant on imports from the United States, which was
why Japan’s economy was so crippled by the U.S. embargo and freezing
of Japanese assets. It was only in the post-war period that Japan
imposed import quotas in order to protect its domestic industries and
rebuild its economy.
Page 32 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 23
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.17: Analyze the effects of the bombing of Pearl Harbor,
including the internment of Japanese Americans
Answer Key: B
What was one way the events of Pearl Harbor impacted Japanese Americans
in the United States?
A. Thousands of Japanese Americans were tried and convicted on charges of
espionage.
This answer is not correct. Despite fears and suspicions of the presence of
Japanese spies among the Japanese American community, no Japanese
Americans were ever tried and convicted on charges of espionage; the only
Americans convicted of spying for Japan during World War II were Caucasian.
B. Many Americans questioned the loyalty of Japanese Americans to the
United States.
This answer is correct. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many
Americans were concerned that the loyalty of citizens of Japanese descent
living in the U.S was questionable. Some feared that Japanese Americans
would feel loyalty to Japan and would possibly give aid to Japan or try to
subvert the United States from within.
C. The U.S. military no longer allowed Japanese Americans to serve during
World War II.
This answer is not correct. Japanese Americans continued to serve in the
U.S. military, often serving as translators in the Pacific Theater. The allJapanese 100th Infantry Battalion was highly decorated for their service
during WWII.
D. Japanese Americans were legally barred from running for political office in
the United States.
This answer is not correct. While discrimination after Pearl Harbor may
have prevented some Japanese Americans from being elected to political
office, they were not legally barred from running.
Page 33 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 24
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.18: Explain the turning points in the European and
Pacific theaters of World War II
Answer Key: B
Why was the D-Day invasion a major turning point in World War II?
A. It liberated Europe from the Nazis.
This answer is not correct. The D-Day invasion did not liberate Europe
from Nazi control. Nazis still held much territory in Europe and would
continue to do so until much later. D-Day was an instrumental event in
the eventual liberation of Europe.
B. It opened a new front against Germany.
This answer is correct. The D-Day invasion was a major turning point
in World War II because it opened the Western front against Nazi forces.
By being forced to fight in the West, Germany diverted much needed
resources from the Eastern front and subsequently lost ground to the
Soviet forces.
C. It prompted unconditional surrender from the Japanese.
This answer is not correct. The D-Day invasion was an offensive aimed
against German forces in Europe. It did not affect Japanese forces.
D. It marked the entrance of the Soviet Union to the Pacific theater.
This answer is not correct. The D-Day invasion took place in the European
theater of World War II.
Page 34 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 25
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.19: Describe how domestic policies were affected by
United States involvement in World War II
Answer Key: B
Read this excerpt from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1942 State of the
Union Address.
War costs money. So far, we have hardly even begun to pay for it. We have
devoted only 15 percent of our national income to national defense. As will
appear in my Budget Message tomorrow, our war program for the coming
fiscal year will cost 56 billion dollars or, in other words, more than half of the
estimated annual national income.
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1942
What was one of the major ways the U.S. government solved the problem
President Roosevelt raises in this excerpt?
A. It raised tariff rates on all foreign goods.
This answer is not correct. After the Smoot-Hawley tariff sparked trade wars,
the U.S. focused on reducing tariffs, not raising them. Furthermore, tariff
revenue during World War II was insignificant when compared to trade volume.
B. It borrowed money by issuing war bonds.
This answer is correct. The U.S. government raised billions of dollars to
finance World War II by issuing war bonds. The government appealed to
regular Americans to support the war effort by buying these bonds.
C. It reduced corporate taxes and regulations.
This answer is not correct. The U.S. government raised taxes to pay for
the war and imposed additional regulations in the form of price and wage
controls on the economy.
D. It encouraged consumer spending to boost the economy.
This answer is not correct. Instead of encouraging consumer spending
during the war, the government actually encouraged consumer saving
and rationing during World War II.
Page 35 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 26
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.20: Explain the origins of the Cold War
Answer Key: C
Read this excerpt from a speech given by Winston Churchill in 1946.
From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has
descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the
ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe... all are subject in one form or
another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases,
increasing measure of control from Moscow.
— Prime Minister Winston Churchill, 1946
How did the United States respond to Churchill’s fears of the growing Soviet
influence in Europe?
A. The United States severed ties with the United Kingdom.
This answer is not correct. The United States did not sever ties with the
United Kingdom in response to Prime Minister Churchill's fears of the
growing Soviet influence in Europe. In fact these fears of Soviet influence
and motives in Europe brought the U.S. and the U.K. closer together in
the form of alliances such as NATO.
B. The United States enforced economic sanctions against the Soviet Union.
This answer is not correct. Although the U.S. would enforce economic
sanctions against the Soviet Union, it would not do so until 1948. As
such, Prime Minister Churchill’s comments and fears of Soviet influence in
Europe did not lead to U.S. economic sanctions against the U.S.S.R.
C. The United States established aid programs to help rebuild European
nations.
This answer is correct. The U.S. established the Marshall Plan to help
rebuild Europe as a response to Prime Minister’s Churchill’s concerns
about Soviet influence in Europe. The Marshall Plan was intended to
provide a bulwark against Soviet expansion.
Page 36 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. The United States engaged in military conflicts in Europe to prevent
Soviet expansion.
This answer is not correct. Although U.S. and European defense strategy
through NATO was designed with the intention of fighting Soviet
expansion by force in the event of a Soviet invasion of Western Europe,
at no point during the Cold War did the U.S. engage in military conflicts in
Europe to prevent Soviet expansion.
Page 37 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 27
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.21: Explain how America’s foreign policy during the Cold
War led to conflicts in Asia and Latin America
Answer Key: D
How did the United States’ policy of containment lead to the April 1961 Bay
of Pigs invasion?
A. Cuba’s alliance with North Korea during the Korean War led to a
disintegration of its relations with the United States.
This answer is not correct. Cuba did not ally with North Korea during the
Korean War. Furthermore, U.S.-Cuban relations did not disintegrate until
after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, 6 years after the end of the Korean War.
B. Cuban attacks against the Florida Keys were seen as an act of military
aggression against the United States.
This answer is not correct. Communist Cuba did not stage attacks against
the United States. The first actions by the Cubans that were seen as acts
of aggression against the United States came during the Cuban Missile
Crisis in 1962, more than a year after the Bay of Pigs invasion.
C. President John F. Kennedy’s declaration of war on Cuba was part of his
limited war strategy against communism.
This answer is not correct. President Kennedy never declared war on
Cuba. Although limited war was related to containment policy, it was
President Harry Truman's strategy during the Korean War and President
Kennedy's strategy in Vietnam; limited war was not applied in Cuba and
had nothing to do with the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Page 38 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. The Cuban Revolution was interpreted as a part of an effort to spread
communism throughout the Western Hemisphere.
This answer is correct. The Cuban Revolution and the Castro
government's subsequent overtures to the Soviet Union were interpreted
by many American leaders as an effort to spread communist revolution
throughout the Western Hemisphere. As a result, U.S. containment policy
led to the Bay of Pigs invasion, which was a failed attempt to overthrow
the communist government of Cuba.
Page 39 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 28
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.24: Analyze the key factors, including legislation and
acts of civil disobedience, that brought on the African American Civil Rights
movement after World War II
Scoring Rubric:
For this item, a full-credit response includes

“Overturned the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine” at Brown v. Board of
Education (1 point)
AND

“Outlawed public discrimination” at Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1 point).
Page 40 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Sample Correct Answer:
Explanation of Correct Answer:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed public discrimination by ending the use
of Jim Crow laws, banning discrimination in public spaces, banning
segregation in schools, and through other methods. The Supreme Court’s
Brown vs. Board of Education decision overturned the ‘separate but equal’
doctrine which had originally been upheld in a previous decision, Plessy vs.
Ferguson.
Page 41 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 29
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.26: Describe the expansion of the Civil Rights movement
to other groups, including Native Americans and women
Answer Key: B
The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s expanded to Native American
groups such as the American Indian Movement (AIM) and Indians of All
Tribes (IAT).
What strategy was used by both the African American Civil Rights movement
and Native American activists to achieve their goals?
A. Both groups focused on issues of self-governance.
This answer is not correct. Although some members of the African
American Civil Rights movement were interested in issues of selfgovernance, that was not the focus of the movement. Issues of selfgovernance were, however, the focus of Native American activists in their
quest for civil rights.
B. Both groups sought media attention in order to be in the public eye.
This answer is correct. Both the African American Civil Rights
movement and Native American groups such as AIM and IAT sought
media attention in an effort to be in the public eye during their push for
civil rights.
C. Both groups participated in bus boycotts to fight for the right to sit
wherever they wanted.
This answer is not correct. Only the African American Civil Rights
movement held bus boycotts. Native American groups did not hold bus
boycotts as part of their civil rights efforts.
D. Both groups occupied abandoned federal lands, such as Alcatraz Island in
San Francisco Bay, in the hope of repossession.
This answer is not correct. Only the Native American groups occupied
federal lands such as Alcatraz as part of their civil rights efforts.
Page 42 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 30
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.27: Assess John F. Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban
Missile Crisis
Answer Key: C
Read this excerpt from President John F. Kennedy’s letter to Soviet Premier
Nikita Khrushchev in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Undeniable photographic evidence that offensive weapons were being
installed was a deep and dangerous shock, first to this Government and then
to our whole people.
In the aftermath of this shock, to which we replied with a measured but
necessary response, I believe it is vital that we should re-establish some
degree of confidence in communication between the two of us. If the leaders
of the two great nuclear powers cannot judge with some accuracy the
intentions of each other, we shall find ourselves in a period of gravely
increasing danger—not only for our two countries but for the whole world.
— President John F. Kennedy, November 6,1962
Based on this excerpt, what did President Kennedy see as a major
contributor to the escalation of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
A. The unwillingness of the Soviet government to accept the U.S. blockade
of Cuba caused the situation to get out of hand.
This answer is not correct. Although it is certainly true that the U.S.S.R.'s
unwillingness to accept the U.S. blockade contributed to the crisis,
President Kennedy does not mention the blockade in this excerpt.
B. The failure of the United States to act more forcefully in the confrontation
allowed the Soviet Union to take advantage of the situation.
This answer is not correct. President Kennedy does not mention that the
U.S. should have acted more forcefully, and instead refers to the actions
taken as "measured" but "necessary."
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
C. The lack of effective communication between the Soviet Union and the
United States during the dangerous situation allowed it to worsen.
This answer is correct. President Kennedy emphasizes increased
communication and clarity with regard to each country’s intentions as
being vital to avoiding crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis in the future.
D. Insufficient U.S. espionage against the Soviet Union prevented the United
States from accurately judging the intentions of the Soviet government.
This answer is not correct. Although President Kennedy states that
judging the "intentions" of both sides with accuracy is important for
avoiding escalation, he does not make mention of espionage.
Page 44 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 31
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.23: Explain how the United States foreign policy has
attempted to respond to global and economic challenges of the post- Cold
War world
Answer Key: D
During the 1990s, policymakers worked to redefine the U.S. national
interests that would shape foreign policy in the post–Cold War era.
How was U.S. foreign policy in the 1990s different from foreign policy during
the Cold War?
A. The United States increased its nuclear stockpiles.
This answer is not correct. During the 1990s, the size of the U.S. nuclear
arsenal declined as a result of the START and START II agreements.
B. The United States turned toward international isolationism.
This answer is not correct. U.S interventions in Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo
during the 1990s demonstrated that the U.S. remained involved in
international affairs and did not turn toward isolationism during this
period.
C. The United States shifted its focus to a single geopolitical threat.
This answer is not correct. U.S. foreign policy in the 1990s involved a
number of different geopolitical actors and regions (Bosnia, Somalia,
Haiti, Kosovo) whereas during the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy focused
largely on a single geopolitical threat (the Soviet Union).
D. The United States became more concerned with humanitarian
intervention.
This answer is correct. U.S. interventions in Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo
during the 1990s demonstrated that the U.S. had become more
concerned with humanitarian interventions than it had during the Cold
War.
Page 45 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 32
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.28: Explain the emergence and impact of the student
movements and the counterculture of the 1960s
Answer Key: B
How did protesters of the Vietnam War view student deferments?
A. They believed that student deferments were an act of civil disobedience.
This answer is not correct. Student deferments were not seen as an act of
civil disobedience by protesters of the Vietnam War during the 1960s.
B. They believed that student deferments were an unfair advantage for the
rich.
This answer is correct. Many students protested the Vietnam War
during the 1960s because they believed that student deferments
increased the likelihood of people with limited education and from lowincome families being drafted. As deferments were largely given to more
affluent and educated young men at the time, they forced the draft pool
to focus more on poorer, less educated males.
C. They believed that student deferments limited college prospects for
returning soldiers.
This answer is not correct. Student deferments had no effect on the
college prospects of returning soldiers during the 1960s. Returning
soldiers would have either already used their deferments prior to their
deployment, or did not receive one to begin with.
D. They believed that student deferments encouraged the enlistment of
college students.
This answer is not correct. Student deferments were not viewed as
motivation for students to enlist in the armed forces during the Vietnam
War. Deferments were a means to avoid being drafted into the military at
the time.
Page 46 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 33
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.29: Evaluate Lyndon Johnson’s vision of the Great
Society
Answer Key: A
What was one of the main goals of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society
vision?
A. The reduction of poverty
This answer is correct. President Johnson used numerous policies to
attempt to reduce the effects of poverty in the United States. This was
one of the main parts of his Great Society vision.
B. Victory in the space race
This answer is not correct. While the space race was an important part of
Johnson’s presidency, the Great Society was focused on domestic reforms
in poverty reduction and racial justice.
C. Harsher sentencing of criminals
This answer is not correct. Harsher sentencing of criminals was not a part
of the Great Society. This idea is more closely associated with politicians
in the latter part of the twentieth-century who wish to appear ‘tough on
crime.’
D. The containment of communism
This answer is not correct. While containment was a key pillar of
President Johnson’s foreign policy, this was not a main element of the
Great Society. Great Society programs focused on domestic reforms in
poverty reduction and racial justice.
Page 47 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 34
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.30: Explain how the Watergate affair led to a crisis of
confidence in the government
Answer Key: C
The Watergate affair caused Americans to have feelings of mistrust toward
the federal government.
How did the Watergate affair cause this cynical view of government?
A. The Watergate affair diminished the authority of the Supreme Court in
relation to the Executive Branch.
This answer is not correct. The Supreme Court did not lose authority
during the Watergate affair. In fact, the Court's order for President Nixon
to release additional White House tapes was a large factor in the calls for
Nixon to be impeached and Nixon's ultimate decision to resign.
B. Participants in the Watergate affair ignored the traditional respect paid to
the historic Watergate Hotel.
This answer is not correct. While the Watergate Hotel was and still is a
famous building that hosts many important people, it warrants no
tradition of respect. The fame of the Watergate Hotel has only increased
since the Watergate affair.
C. The Watergate affair shed light on wrongdoing by members of the Nixon
administration.
This answer is correct. The Watergate affair did shed light on
wrongdoing by members of the Nixon administration, including
involvement in the break-in, wiretaps, and cover-ups. These revelations
ultimately led President Nixon to resign, and caused the American public
to hold a cynical view of government.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. The Watergate affair increased media and political attention on the
Vietnam War.
This answer is not correct. Media attention on the Watergate affair
actually detracted from focus on the Vietnam War. Furthermore, the
political repercussions for President Nixon of the Watergate affair
interfered with his diplomatic plans for Vietnam.
Page 49 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 35
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.31: Explain how the election of Ronald Reagan marked a
new era of conservatism in American politics
Scoring Rubric
For this item, a full-credit response includes

“Decreased taxes,” “Increased defense spending” and “Decreased
business regulation” selected (1 point).
Page 50 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Sample Correct Answer:
Explanation of Correct Answer:
The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked the emergence of a
conservative era in U.S. politics. President Reagan sought to decrease taxes
as a part of a supply-side economic strategy. He also increased defense
spending in an effort to win the Cold War. Another part of President
Reagan’s agenda was decreasing business regulation in an effort to spur
private-sector growth. Increasing spending on social programs was not a
focus of the Reagan administration.
Page 51 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 36
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.32: Explain how the administrations from Reagan to the
current president dealt with major domestic issues
Scoring Rubric:
For this item, a full-credit response includes




“Taxes are reduced on businesses and the wealthy” in step 1
AND
“Business investment is increased” in step 2 or step 3
AND
“Economy grows” in step 3 or step 2
AND
“Standard of living is increased for everyone” (2 points)
For this item, a partial-credit response includes

Any two of the steps in the correct order (1point).
Page 52 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Sample Correct Answer:
Explanation of Correct Answer:
One of the central ideas behind trickle-down economic theory, as advocated
by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, was adjusting the tax policy in the
United States to stimulate economic growth. By reducing tax rates on the
wealthy and on businesses, additional money would be available for these
top earners and business owners to save or invest. The resulting increase in
business investment would help to stimulate economic growth, benefitting
society as a whole by raising the standard of living for everyone. Thus, the
economic benefits granted to the wealthy and business owners in the form of
tax cuts “trickle down” to the poorer members of society by stimulating
growth and improving the general economy.
Page 53 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 37
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.2: Determine the relevance of sources and assess their
credibility
Answer Key: B
Immigration has been a recurring political issue in the United States since
the founding of the country. Some believe immigration should be limited and
regulated, while others consider that it should be open and free.
Which source would give the most reliable and fact-based information about
this issue?
A. A phone survey of people’s opinions on immigration issues
This answer is not correct. While a phone survey of people’s opinions on
immigration issues would potentially provide interesting information, the
information it provides would be opinion-based.
B. A bipartisan research study on the effects of immigration
This answer is correct. A bipartisan research study on the effects of
immigration would be both reliable and fact based. Research on politically
charged issues is often influenced by political points-of-view. A bipartisan
study would not be impacted by political ideology.
C. A political party’s platform position on immigration
This answer is not correct. While a political party’s platform position on
immigration would provide useful background on the politics of the issue,
it is not necessarily reliable and fact-based because it is written in an
attempt to influence voters and appeal to the general public.
D. A college professor’s viewpoints on immigration
This answer is not correct. Although a professor’s opinions can be
informative, the professor alone could not provide the unbiased analysis
that an independent research group could. Further research would be
needed to verify the professor’s claims and uncover potential biases.
Page 54 of 80
U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 38
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.30: Explain how the Watergate affair led to a crisis of
confidence in the government
Answer Key: B
In August 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned from office. Vice President
Gerald Ford assumed the presidency.
What action did President Ford take that led to decreased confidence in
government after the Watergate scandal?
A. He forced all Nixon administration officials to resign.
This answer is not correct. Although some Nixon administration officials
did resign following the Watergate scandal, President Ford did not force
them to do so. Had President Ford forced former officials to resign, this
action likely would have increased rather than decreased confidence in
government.
B. He pardoned President Nixon from any related criminal action.
This answer is correct. After assuming the presidency, President Ford
pardoned President Nixon for crimes related to the Watergate scandal. He
faced widespread criticism for this action and later lost the presidency to
Jimmy Carter when he and Ford faced off in the next presidential election.
C. He asked Congress to impeach President Nixon for his criminal actions.
This answer is not correct. Though the threat of impeachment was there,
President Nixon’s resignation made it impossible for him to be impeached.
Had Ford taken this action, it likely would have increased rather than
decreased confidence in the government.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. He gave immunity to all Nixon administration officials for their crimes
related to the scandal.
This answer is not correct. President Ford did not grant immunity to all
Nixon administration officials for their actions related to the Watergate
scandal. Some officials were later brought to trial for their crimes.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 39
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.4: Evaluate the quality of historical accounts based on
the arguments they advance and the evidence they use
Answer Key: D
A speech by President John F. Kennedy on spaceflight is shown.
Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world
between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which
occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the
Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men
everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they
should take… Now it is time to take longer strides—time for a great new
American enterprise—time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in
space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on
earth…
While we cannot guarantee that we shall one day be first, we can guarantee
that any failure to make this effort will make us last. We take an additional
risk by making it in full view of the world, but as shown by the feat of
astronaut Shepard, this very risk enhances our stature when we are
successful…
I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before
this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to
the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to
mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and
none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish…In a very real sense, it
will not be one man going to the moon—if we make this judgment
affirmatively, it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him
there.
— President John F. Kennedy, 1961
According to President Kennedy, what would be the primary benefit to the
United States of successfully landing an astronaut on the moon?
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
A. It would cost the Soviet Union a lot of wasted money, time, and effort.
This answer is not correct. Though President Kennedy wants to appear
superior to the Soviet Union, he does not view space exploration as a
waste of money, time or effort. He invests U.S. efforts in this endeavor
because he sees it as a demonstration of American excellence.
B. It would provide Americans with a distraction from the conflict in
Vietnam.
This answer is not correct. President Kennedy does not imply that a
benefit of space exploration would be to provide Americans with a
distraction from the war in Vietnam. Instead, President Kennedy looks at
the increased commitment to space exploration as a way to focus
Americans on the broader, worldwide divide between democracy and
communism.
C. It would provide the United States with scientific advances and
knowledge.
This answer is not correct. Although the U.S. (and the world) would gain
vast amounts of scientific knowledge from a successful mission to the
moon, this was not what President Kennedy believed would be the
primary benefit of space exploration. He saw this as a secondary benefit,
but less important than the impact that a successful American moon
landing would have on America’s standing as a world leader.
D. It would demonstrate the superiority of the American system over the
Soviet system.
This answer is correct. President Kennedy viewed landing on the moon
as a demonstration of the superiority of the American system over the
Soviet system. This act would demonstrate to the world American
leadership on issues of global significance.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 40
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.32: Explain how the administrations from Reagan to the
current president dealt with major domestic issues
Answer Key: B
President Ronald Reagan’s economic philosophy was influenced by the
theory of supply-side economics.
Which economic policy is a key component of the theory of supply-side
economics?
A. Increased interest rates
This answer is not correct. Interest rates are not a factor of supply-side
economics. Interest rates are influenced by monetary policy, which is set
and controlled by the Federal Reserve, not by politicians.
B. Lower corporate tax rates
This answer is correct. Lower corporate tax rates are a key factor of
supply-side economics. Under this economic theory, lower corporate tax
rates will allow corporations to keep larger amounts of their profits, which
they in turn will spend on hiring more employees and creating more jobs.
The supply-side economics belief is that lower corporate tax rates will
lead to increased corporate spending and overall economic growth.
C. Regulation of corporations
This answer is not correct. Supply-side economics would in fact
encourage limited regulation of corporations. Under this economic theory,
the argument is made that corporations should have freedom to act
without government oversight because that freedom will inspire
innovation and lead to greater growth.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. Increased income tax rates
This answer is not correct. Supply-side economics would in fact
encourage lowered income tax rates. Under this economic theory,
allowing individuals to retain more of their income will encourage
consumer spending and spur economic growth.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 41
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.3: Formulate and defend an opinion on a major
contemporary social issue using the tools and methods of inquiry and
perspective
Answer Key: C
Which theory would be best supported by this excerpt?
A. Wildlife should be protected near U.S. foreign military bases.
This answer is not correct. Although the speaker does mention national
security, he is not referencing foreign military bases. He references
national security because it is often deemed an important issue and he
hopes referring to it alongside the environment will emphasize the
importance of protecting the environment.
B. The United States should reduce its budget for environmental spending.
This answer is not correct. The speaker is arguing for increased protection
of the environment. This would not be accomplished by reducing the
government’s budget for environmental spending.
C. Environmental protection should be a top priority of the U.S. government.
This answer is correct. By grouping environmental protection with
national security, the speaker is arguing that the environment should be
vigorously protected by the government, just as national security is.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. The United States is at the forefront of concerns involving environmental
protection.
This answer is not correct. The speaker is arguing for increased
environmental protection, because he does not feel that current levels of
protection are adequate.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 42
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.2: Determine the relevance of sources and assess their
credibility
Answer Key: B
A student is writing a paper on the effects of New Deal programs on the
United States economy during the 1930s. She finds a magazine article that
she would like to use as a source but must first determine whether the
article is relevant and credible.
An excerpt from the article is shown.
Works Progress Administration: The Most Important New Deal
Program?
By Jane Carter
A recent study published by a U.S. government agency has found that most
economists believe the Works Progress Administration was the most
important New Deal program. The study polled hundreds of economists
across the country and asked them which New Deal program had the
greatest impact on the country’s economy.
The Works Progress Administration was formed in 1935, and by its end in
1943, it employed millions of unskilled laborers. These laborers completed
many public works projects, such as the building of roads, the construction
of civic buildings like town halls, and the creation of recreational spaces like
gymnasiums and parks.
The Works Progress Administration was incredibly successful. It was only
dissolved when World War II drew the labor force into the armed forces, and
most people were employed as members of the military or as laborers
producing war goods.
Jane Carter is a professor of political science and regular contributor to this
magazine.
Which statement describes why this article is both relevant and credible?
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
A. The article is relevant because it comes from a magazine and credible
because it talks about a well known New Deal program.
This answer is not correct. The fact that the source was published in a
magazine does not lend it relevance. A magazine can still be written
about any topic. The fact that the source talks about a New Deal program
does not lend it credibility. Details about the facts in the source and the
author of the source would impact the credibility of the source.
B. The article is relevant because it gives details about a New Deal program
and credible because it cites verifiable evidence from a U.S. government
study.
This answer is correct. The source is relevant to the student's paper
because the source focuses on a New Deal program and it is credible
because it cites a study done by a credible agency that itself used
credible sources.
C. The article is relevant because it was written by a professor and credible
because it cites verifiable information about those employed by the Works
Progress Administration.
This answer is not correct. Though the information presented in the
article may suggest it is credible, the fact that the article was written by a
professor does not make it relevant. The author's credentials speak to the
credibility of a source. The relevancy of a source depends on whether or
not the information provided is related to the research topic.
D. The article is relevant because it describes the Works Progress
Administration’s relation to World War II and credible because it was
written by a regular contributor to the magazine.
This answer is not correct. While the source could be relevant because it
talks about a New Deal program, it does not gain credibility from being
written by a regular contributor to a magazine. Without knowing the
author's area of expertise or the nature of the magazine, the source can
not necessarily be marked as credible.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 43
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.2: Determine the relevance of sources and assess their
credibility
Answer Key—Part A: C
Answer Key—Part B: B, E, F
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer
Part B.
Part A
A student is writing a paper about the economic impact of post-World War II
immigration.
Which source would be the most credible and relevant to the student’s
Paper?
A. A 1952 magazine interview with a recent Irish immigrant about increased
crime in major U.S. cities
This answer is not correct. Although an interview with an immigrant is likely to be
credible, it is not relevant in
B. A scholarly, peer-reviewed article written in 1937 about immigration from
Germany to the United States
This answer is not correct. While a scholarly article about recent
immigration from Germany in 1937 would be credible, it is not relevant,
as it was written before the time frame of the paper.
C. A U.S. Department of Labor study published in 1959 documenting an
increase in the foreign-born workforce
This answer is correct. A study by the U.S. Department of Labor on
immigration and labor during the time frame of the paper would be both
credible and relevant.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. A best-selling fiction novel written in 1978 detailing the experiences of
immigrants living in the United States
This answer is not correct. Although a novel on the experiences of
immigrants may be relevant, it is not the most credible source. Because it
is a fictional novel, it is not necessarily accurate and therefore not
necessarily credible.
Part B
Select all of the details about the source you identified in part A that
demonstrate either its credibility or its relevance to the student’s paper.
A. It contains a firsthand account.
This answer is not correct. Although primary sources can potentially be
both credible and relevant, the U.S. Department of Labor study is not a
firsthand account.
B. It is from the correct time period.
This answer is correct. The U.S. Department of Labor study was
created in the correct time frame for the issue of the paper, making it
relevant.
C. It is widely available to the public.
This answer is not correct. The fact that a source is widely available to
the public does not necessarily make it either credible or relevant.
D. It is popular with the American people.
This answer is not correct. The fact that a source is popular with the
public does not necessarily make it either credible or relevant.
E. It is about the intended research topic.
This answer is correct. The U.S. Department of Labor study is on the
topic of immigration and the economy, making it relevant.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
F. It contains data from a trustworthy source.
This answer is correct. The fact that the official U.S. Department of
Labor study was created by a non-partisan organization—in this case the
government—lends to its credibility.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 44
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.31: Explain how the election of Ronald Reagan marked a
new era of conservatism in American politics
Answer Key—Part A: A
Answer Key—Part B: B
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer
Part B.
Part A
The election of President Ronald Reagan marked a significant shift in political
thinking in the United States.
Which political philosophy was supported by President Reagan’s
administration?
A. Conservatism
This answer is correct. President Ronald Reagan was a conservative
and a strong supporter of conservative ideas.
B. Environmentalism
This answer is not correct. President Ronald Reagan was a conservative,
not an environmentalist, so his administration did not reflect
environmentalism as an ideology.
C. Liberalism
This answer is not correct. President Ronald Reagan was not liberal, he
was a conservative. With the election of President Reagan, many policies
were enacted to support conservative ideology.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. Socialism
This answer is not correct. President Ronald Reagan was an opponent of
socialism, so his administration did not reflect socialism as an ideology.
Part B
Which statement describes how President Reagan’s administration supported
the political philosophy that you identified in Part A?
A. His administration sought to increase federal spending on programs
designed to regulate pollution.
This answer is not correct. During the Reagan Administration, the budget
for pollution control efforts declined as a portion of the federal budget.
This was a result of the conservative belief that reduced regulation of the
economy would produce greater economic growth.
B. His administration sought to increase defense spending in order to
counter the threat of the Soviet Union.
This answer is correct. During the Reagan Administration, the United
States significantly increased defense spending, which was a key tenet of
conservatism.
C. His administration sought to increase federal funding for social programs
designed to serve low-income citizens.
This answer is not correct. The United States did not increase funding for
social services as a portion of the federal budget during the Reagan
Administration. Increased spending for social services is not a
conservative idea, and the portion of the budget dedicated to social
services went down during this period.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. His administration sought to increase tax rates for the most prosperous
Americans in order to redistribute wealth more evenly.
This answer is not correct. During the Reagan Administration, the tax
rates for all Americans declined due to the important tenet of
conservatism that the reduction of tax rates is a means of promoting
economic growth. As a staunch anti-socialist, President Reagan would not
have supported the redistribution of wealth.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 45
Reporting Category: World War I & the Great Depression
Benchmark: 10.3.8: Describe how domestic policies were affected by
American involvement in World War I
Answer Key: A, C, D
An excerpt from a speech by President Woodrow Wilson is shown.
These, then, are the things we must do, and do well, besides fighting...
We must supply abundant food for ourselves and for our armies and our
seamen not only, but also for a large part of the nations with whom we have
now made common cause, in whose support and by whose sides we shall be
fighting.
— President Woodrow Wilson, Address to the Nation, April 16, 1917
Select all of the ways that the United States responded to the challenge
described by President Wilson in the excerpt.
A. Citizens planted vegetable gardens in their homes and public parks.
This answer is correct. The U.S. government encouraged citizens to
plant war gardens in their homes and in public spaces, like parks, to
supplement the country’s agricultural production and to support the war
effort.
B. The government banned the export of all U.S. agricultural products to
European nations.
This answer is not correct. While the government did maintain stricter
regulations over the production, distribution, and export of U.S.
agricultural products, it did not impose a ban on the export of these
goods to other countries. A portion of U.S. agricultural goods were
exported to European allies that could no longer sustain their own
agricultural production during wartime.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
C. The government regulated prices of the agricultural goods produced in
the United States.
This answer is correct. The Food and Fuel Control Act (Lever Act) of
1917 granted President Wilson the authority to oversee and regulate
prices of agricultural goods. President Wilson passed this power onto
Herbert Hoover as head of the U.S. Food administration. Hoover used this
power to set wheat prices.
D. Families tried to conserve food by participating in “Meatless Mondays”
and “Wheatless Wednesdays.”
This answer is correct. Through the U.S. Food Administration, the
government encouraged citizens to make sacrifices such as “Meatless
Mondays” and “Wheatless Wednesdays” in order to conserve and ration
food.
E. Industrial plants across the country halted production in order for their
workers to be retrained in farming techniques.
This answer is not correct. The United States relied on its industrial plants
during World War I to mobilize its army and navy, and to supply its allies
fighting in Europe. It did not halt production of industrial plants to train
industrial workers in agricultural practices.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 46
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.29: Evaluate Lyndon Johnson’s vision of the Great
Society
In the mid-1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson implemented a series of
domestic programs known as the Great Society.
Select the boxes to match each Great Society program description with its
official title.
Scoring Rubric:
For this item, a full-credit response includes

“Head Start Program” selected for “Provide pre-school education for
disadvantaged children”
AND

“Economic Opportunity Act of 1964” selected for “Provide education and
vocational training to young men and women”
AND

“Higher Education Act of 1965” selected for “Provide grants and loans to
help students attend colleges and universities”
AND

“Medicaid” selected for “Provide funding for health services to low-income
individuals and families” (2 points).
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
For this item, a partial-credit response includes

At least two correct selections (1 point).
Sample Correct Answer:
Explanation of Correct Answer:
President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society was a set of programs all with the
broad goal of eliminating poverty. The individual programs addressed
different issues with the goal of reducing poverty. The Economic Opportunity
Act of 1964 provided education and vocational training to young men and
women. The Head Start Program provided pre-school education for
disadvantaged children. The Higher Education Act of 1965 provided grants
and loans to help students attend colleges and universities. Medicaid
provided funding for health services to low-income individuals and families.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 47
Reporting Category: Contemporary Culture & Society
Benchmark: 10.3.32: Explain how the administrations from Reagan to the
current president dealt with major domestic issues
Answer Key: A
Which domestic action was taken by President George W. Bush’s
administration in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001?
A. The administration started new government-regulated procedures for air
travel security.
This answer is correct. Following the terrorist attacks of September
11th, 2001, the federal government increased spending on airport and air
travel security and created government agencies responsible for new
security procedures.
B. The administration reduced funding for U.S. intelligence agencies that had
failed to prevent the attacks.
This answer is not correct. The United States did not decrease funding for
intelligence agencies that failed to prevent the attacks. More money was
spent on intelligence gathering activities and terrorism prevention.
C. The administration officially closed U.S. embassies located in the home
countries of suspected attackers.
This answer is not correct. The United States did not close embassies in
the home countries of suspected attackers. The U.S. worked closely with
these nations to investigate the attackers and to try to gain intelligence
about terrorist networks.
D. The administration permanently banned future air travel to countries with
unstable or hostile governments.
This answer is not correct. Although the administration did ground air
travel to numerous countries following the September 11 attacks, it did
not permanently ban future air travel to a specific country or specific
countries.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 48
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.24: Analyze the key factors, including legislation and
acts of civil disobedience, that brought on the African American Civil Rights
movement after World War II
Answer Key: A
From 1955 to 1956, religious and political activist organizations led a boycott
of the Montgomery, Alabama public bus system.
How did the Montgomery bus boycott advance the cause of the AfricanAmerican Civil Rights Movement?
A. It drew nationwide attention to the injustices faced by African Americans
in the South.
This answer is correct. The Montgomery bus boycott was one of the
first large-scale protests against de jure segregation in the South. It led
to the eventual reform of Montgomery's public bus system, but also led to
calls for the end of segregation in other aspects of public life.
B. It forced the federal government to send U.S. troops to protect AfricanAmerican boycotters.
This answer is not correct. The Montgomery bus boycott did not prompt
the federal government to send U.S. troops to protect African Americans
participating in the boycott. The federal government did not become
involved in this instance, as it later would in Little Rock.
C. It forced the city of Montgomery to offer alternate public transportation
for African Americans.
This answer is not correct. The boycott meant to bring attention to the
unfair segregation of public systems in Montgomery; it did not attempt to
get the city government to provide additional separation.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
D. It drew nationwide attention to the lack of public transportation available
to African Americans in the South.
This answer is not correct. The availability of public transportation for
African Americans was not a major concern of the African American Civil
Rights Movement; instead, the movement sought to overturn legal
segregation in public transit and other aspects of public life.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 49
Reporting Category: Historical Skills & Understandings
Benchmark: 10.2.1: Use knowledge of historical periods to assess
contemporary issues and decisions
Answer Key: A
Presidents Harry Truman and Bill Clinton both supported free trade
agreements. Excerpts from speeches by both presidents discussing free
trade are shown.
I believe we have made a
decision [about the North American
Free Trade Agreement] now that will
permit us to create an economic
order in the world that will promote
more growth, more equality, better
During the 1930s many nations acted preservation of the environment, and
a greater possibility of world peace.
independently, each attempting to
We are on the verge of a global
gain advantage at the expense of
economic expansion that is sparked
others. The result was a vicious
circle—with restrictions by one nation by the fact that the United States at
this critical moment decided that we
provoking more serious restrictions
would compete, not retreat.
by other nations in retaliation. The
end result was a tremendous drop in
— President Bill Clinton, Washington,
the volume of international trade
D.C., December 8, 1993
which made the general depression
worse and injured all countries.
We have learned through bitter
experience how necessary it is for
nations to approach jointly the task
of improving the conditions of world
trade.
— President Harry
Truman, Washington, D.C., April 28,
1949
Which statement best summarizes the reasons both presidents supported
free trade?
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
A. Free trade promotes global peace and economic stability.
This answer is correct. Both Presidents Truman and Clinton express the
idea that free trade promotes greater global peace and economic stability.
President Truman explains how acting independently, rather than jointly,
led to further instability in the 1930s and President Clinton argues that
free trade will increase the possibility of world peace.
B. Free trade decreases U.S. dependence on foreign markets.
This answer is not correct. Neither president argues that free trade
decreases U.S. dependence on foreign markets. Both point out that, by
engaging in free trade, the United States will have greater interaction
with, not less dependence on, other nations.
C. Free trade allows wealth to be more equally distributed among workers.
This answer is not correct. Although President Clinton does mention the
potential for more equality in his speech, there is no direct reference by
either president to the idea that free trade allows wealth to be more
equally distributed among workers.
D. Free trade gives the United States a competitive advantage in the global
economy.
This answer is not correct. Even though President Clinton's excerpt hints
at U.S. dominance in the global market, President Truman's excerpt
clearly indicates the disadvantages of engaging in isolationism and highly
taxed trade. He refers to it as a "vicious circle" that does not help any
nation and can lead to greater economic hardships.
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U.S. History End of Course Exam Answer Key
Question 50
Reporting Category: World War II & the Postwar Era
Benchmark: 10.3.16: Analyze the causes of the bombing of Pearl Harbor
Answer Key: C
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a massive surprise attack against
Pearl Harbor.
What did Japan hope to achieve through this attack?
A. Japan hoped to seize Pearl Harbor and use it as a naval base for its
military operations in Southeast Asia.
This answer is not correct. Japan did not intend to capture Pearl Harbor
through its attack. Holding this base would not have aided its military
operations in Southeast Asia because it is too far away.
B. Japan hoped to open a second front against the United States and use it
to aid its ally Germany in the European theater.
This answer is not correct. While Japan and Germany were allies at the
time of the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States had not yet entered the
war. The attack led to the United States' declaring war against both Japan
and Germany.
C. Japan hoped to cause extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet in order
to expand its territory in Southeast Asia without interference.
This answer is correct. Japan hoped that by attacking the U.S. Pacific
Fleet at Pearl Harbor, U.S. naval capabilities would be limited and Japan
would be able to expand its territory in Southeast Asia without facing
interference from the United States.
D. Japan hoped to use Pearl Harbor and the surrounding Hawaiian islands to
launch an economic blockade of the West Coast of the United States.
This answer is not correct. The attack on Pearl Harbor was intended to
destroy the U.S. naval fleet stationed there, not to give the Japanese a
point from which to launch a blockade of the West Coast of the United
States.
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