Unit 1 of 5
Study guide for CLEP CLEP History of the United States II — Unit 1: Reconstruction and Gilded Age (1877-1900). Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
215
Practice Questions
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Key Topics
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What was the main goal of the Federal Reserve System when it was established in 1913?
To impose protectionist trade policies
To reduce the national debt
To promote economic growth through low interest rates
To stabilize the financial system and regulate banking
To abolish the gold standard
Answer: D — To stabilize the financial system and regulate banking is correct because the Federal Reserve System was established to provide liquidity to the banking system, regulate banking, and act as a lender of last resort, thereby preventing future financial panics.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was sparked by the actions of
Martin Luther King Jr.
Rosa Parks
Malcolm X
Thurgood Marshall
Frederick Douglass
Answer: B — Rosa Parks is correct because she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white person, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights Movement, since her actions led to a 381-day boycott of the buses.
What was the significance of the construction of the transcontinental railroad in 1869?
It marked the beginning of the decline of the railroad industry
It led to the growth of the automobile industry
It facilitated westward expansion and the growth of international trade
It resulted in the decline of urbanization
It had no impact on the development of the United States
Answer: C — It facilitated westward expansion and the growth of international trade is correct because the transcontinental railroad connected the east and west coasts of the United States, enabling the rapid transportation of goods and people, and facilitating the growth of international trade and the development of the western United States.
What was the significance of the Indian Removal Act of 1830?
It granted land to Native American tribes
It established the Bureau of Indian Affairs
It forced the relocation of Native American tribes
It prohibited the sale of Native American land
It recognized Native American sovereignty
Answer: C — Forcing the relocation of Native American tribes is correct because the Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in significant loss of life and cultural disruption, as the U.S. government sought to expand its territory.
Which musician is known as the 'King of Swing'?
Louis Armstrong
Duke Ellington
Benny Goodman
Count Basie
Charlie Parker
Answer: C — When you attend a vintage jazz festival, you might hear the emcee introduce a big band performance by saying "the King of Swing" is about to take the stage. This title refers to Benny Goodman, a legendary musician and bandleader known for his energetic and lively swing music. Benny Goodman earned this nickname due to his highly influential swing orchestra and hit songs like "Sing, Sing, Sing". In contrast, Louis Armstrong, although a famous jazz musician, is often called "Satchmo" and is not typically known as the "King of Swing".
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