1920s History Quiz

After WWI, what did a “return to normalcy" mean?

• An end to isolationism

• A return to life as it had been before WWI

Answer explanation

A 'return to normalcy' after WWI meant going back to life as it had been before the war. This involved a desire for stability, peace, and a return to pre-war economic and social conditions. The correct choice highlights this concept by stating that it refers to a return to life as it had been before WWI.

Presidents Harding and Coolidge believed that the prosperity of all Americans depended upon:

• the success of American businesses

• importing goods from foreign countries

• the passage of the 18th amendment

• an end to immigration restrictions

Answer explanation

Presidents Harding and Coolidge believed in the importance of a strong economy for the prosperity of all Americans. They focused on supporting American businesses, as they thought that their success would lead to overall economic growth and well-being for the nation. This is why the correct answer is the success of American businesses.

An increase in the number of gas stations, tourist cabins and restaurants was a result of:

• the Harlem Renaissance

• the 19th amendment

• the growing auto industry

• The Red Scare

Answer explanation

The growing auto industry led to an increase in the number of gas stations, tourist cabins, and restaurants. As more people owned cars and traveled, there was a higher demand for these services, resulting in their expansion. The other options, the Harlem Renaissance, the 19th amendment, and The Red Scare, are not directly related to the growth of these businesses.

The Quota System was established to:

• Prevent anyone from leaving the United States

• Increase immigration from Mexico

• Set limits on immigration

• Help foreigners assimilate more easily

Answer explanation

The Quota System was established to set limits on immigration. This system aimed to control the number of immigrants entering the United States by imposing restrictions based on nationality. It was not designed to prevent people from leaving the country, increase immigration from Mexico, or help foreigners assimilate more easily.

“Attorney General Palmer asserted that there were 60,000 Communists at large – enough, if unchecked, to bring the republic down." This quote expresses the fear which led to:

• the alliance system

• nativism

• the return of the Ku Klux Klan

• the Red Scare

Answer explanation

The quote expresses the fear of a potential communist threat in the United States, which led to the Red Scare. Attorney General Palmer's assertion of 60,000 Communists at large highlights the widespread panic and concern for the nation's stability. This fear fueled the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment and actions in the US.

The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial and the actions of the KKK demonstrated that:

• Americans still blamed the Germans for WWI

• A strong fear of immigrants existed in America

• Less discrimination against African Americans existed in the North

• City people were more agreeable to change than farmers

Answer explanation

The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial and the actions of the KKK were both characterized by a strong fear and mistrust of immigrants. The trial was marked by prejudice against Italian immigrants, while the KKK was notorious for its xenophobic beliefs and actions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A strong fear of immigrants existed in America'.

The Charleston, jazz music, flappers, and flagpole sitting were all:

• Outlawed during the 1920s

• Causes of the Great Depression

• Brought to America by soldiers returning from WWI

• Popular fads during the 1920s

Answer explanation

The Charleston is a dance, jazz is a music genre, flappers were a type of women's fashion, and flagpole sitting was a stunt, all of which were popular fads during the 1920s. They were not outlawed, did not cause the Great Depression, and were not brought to America by soldiers returning from WWI.

A major factor helping to provide greater consumer goods to Americans in the 1920s was:

• the institution of the assembly line

• the development of the internet

• an increase in cars imported from Germany

• computers to speed up production

Answer explanation

The assembly line was a major factor in providing greater consumer goods to Americans in the 1920s. This method of production, introduced by Henry Ford, significantly increased the speed and efficiency of manufacturing, making goods more affordable and accessible to the average consumer. The other options, such as the development of the internet and computers, were not relevant in the 1920s.

What did installment buying allow consumers to do?

• Buy goods at discount prices

• Buy foreign made goods without a tariff

• buy goods and pay over time

• trade in old goods for new ones

Answer explanation

Installment buying is a method of purchasing goods in which the buyer gains immediate possession of items but pays for them over an extended period of time. This method allowed consumers to buy goods and pay for them over time, making it possible to purchase more expensive items that they might not have been able to afford upfront.

**The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s could be described as:

• a period when African Americans gained political leadership

• a major urban renewal project providing new houses for African Americans

• a time of increased recognition of African American athletes

• a rebirth of African American culture as seen through the experiences of musicians and

  writers

Answer explanation

The Harlem Renaissance, which took place in the 1920s, was a significant period in African American history. It was characterized by a flourishing of African American culture, particularly in music and literature. This cultural rebirth was not primarily about political leadership, urban renewal, or athletic recognition, but about artistic expression and intellectual movement. Therefore, the correct answer is 'a rebirth of African American culture as seen through the experiences of musicians and writers'.