The United States has a rich and complex history filled with groundbreaking events, influential leaders, and transformative moments. From the American Revolution to modern-day politics, the story of the U.S. is full of fascinating details that have shaped the nation and the world.
Do you think you know U.S. history? Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to test your knowledge, this U.S. History Quiz is the perfect challenge. Answer these 50+ trivia questions to see how much you really know about America’s past!
📝 How the Quiz Works
- Answer each question and keep track of your score.
- Questions are divided into key historical periods.
- Scroll down to check your answers.
- See how many you can get right!
🏛️ Colonial America & The American Revolution
1️⃣ Who was the first European explorer to reach North America?
2️⃣ What was the first permanent English settlement in America?
3️⃣ Which act passed by the British Parliament led to the Boston Tea Party?
4️⃣ Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
5️⃣ In what year did the United States declare independence?
6️⃣ What was the final battle of the American Revolution?
7️⃣ Which treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War?
8️⃣ Who was the first President of the United States?
📜 The U.S. Constitution & Early Government
9️⃣ What was the first governing document of the U.S. before the Constitution?
🔟 How many branches of government are established in the U.S. Constitution?
1️⃣1️⃣ Who is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
1️⃣2️⃣ How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights?
1️⃣3️⃣ What are the first three words of the U.S. Constitution?
1️⃣4️⃣ Who was the first Vice President of the United States?
⚔️ The Civil War & Reconstruction
1️⃣5️⃣ Who was President during the Civil War?
1️⃣6️⃣ What was the main cause of the Civil War?
1️⃣7️⃣ Which state was the first to secede from the Union?
1️⃣8️⃣ What document issued by Lincoln freed enslaved people in Confederate states?
1️⃣9️⃣ Which battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War?
2️⃣0️⃣ What amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.?
2️⃣1️⃣ Who assassinated Abraham Lincoln?
🚂 Westward Expansion & the 19th Century
2️⃣2️⃣ What was the belief that Americans had a right to expand westward called?
2️⃣3️⃣ Which land purchase doubled the size of the U.S. in 1803?
2️⃣4️⃣ Who led the expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory?
2️⃣5️⃣ Which famous trail was used by settlers moving west?
2️⃣6️⃣ What was the forced relocation of Native Americans called?
2️⃣7️⃣ Which war was fought between the U.S. and Mexico from 1846-1848?
🌍 The 20th Century: World Wars & The Great Depression
2️⃣8️⃣ Which event led the U.S. to enter World War I?
2️⃣9️⃣ In what year did the stock market crash, leading to the Great Depression?
3️⃣0️⃣ What was the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s plan to combat the Great Depression?
3️⃣1️⃣ What event led the U.S. to enter World War II?
3️⃣2️⃣ Who was the President during most of World War II?
3️⃣3️⃣ Which two cities were hit by atomic bombs in 1945?
✊ The Civil Rights Movement & Cold War Era
3️⃣4️⃣ What Supreme Court case ended segregation in public schools?
3️⃣5️⃣ Who gave the famous “I Have a Dream” speech?
3️⃣6️⃣ What was the goal of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
3️⃣7️⃣ Which Cold War conflict lasted from 1955-1975 and involved U.S. troops?
3️⃣8️⃣ Who was the first man to walk on the moon?
🏛️ Modern U.S. History & Politics
3️⃣9️⃣ Which President resigned due to the Watergate scandal?
4️⃣0️⃣ What year did the 9/11 terrorist attacks occur?
4️⃣1️⃣ Who was the first African American President of the United States?
4️⃣2️⃣ What was the economic crisis of 2008 called?
4️⃣3️⃣ Which movement began in 2013 to address racial injustice?
🌎 U.S. Geography & Symbols
4️⃣4️⃣ How many stars are on the U.S. flag?
4️⃣5️⃣ What is the capital of the United States?
4️⃣6️⃣ Which U.S. state was the last to join the Union?
4️⃣7️⃣ What is the national anthem of the United States?
4️⃣8️⃣ Which mountain range runs along the eastern U.S.?
4️⃣9️⃣ What is the longest river in the United States?
🎯 Bonus Challenge: Presidential Trivia
5️⃣0️⃣ Who served four terms as U.S. President?
5️⃣1️⃣ Which President signed the Emancipation Proclamation?
5️⃣2️⃣ Who was the youngest President to take office?
5️⃣3️⃣ Which President made the Louisiana Purchase?
5️⃣4️⃣ Who was the first President to live in the White House?
📝 Answer Key
Colonial America & The Revolution:
- Leif Erikson, 2) Jamestown, 3) Tea Act, 4) Thomas Jefferson, 5) 1776, 6) Battle of Yorktown, 7) Treaty of Paris, 8) George Washington
The U.S. Constitution & Early Government:
9) Articles of Confederation, 10) Three, 11) James Madison, 12) 10, 13) “We the People”, 14) John Adams
The Civil War & Reconstruction:
15) Abraham Lincoln, 16) Slavery, 17) South Carolina, 18) Emancipation Proclamation, 19) Gettysburg, 20) 13th Amendment, 21) John Wilkes Booth
Westward Expansion & the 19th Century:
22) Manifest Destiny, 23) Louisiana Purchase, 24) Lewis & Clark, 25) Oregon Trail, 26) Trail of Tears, 27) Mexican-American War
20th Century & World Wars:
28) Sinking of the Lusitania, 29) 1929, 30) The New Deal, 31) Pearl Harbor attack, 32) Franklin D. Roosevelt, 33) Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Civil Rights & Cold War:
34) Brown v. Board of Education, 35) Martin Luther King Jr., 36) End segregation, 37) Vietnam War, 38) Neil Armstrong
Modern U.S. History:
39) Richard Nixon, 40) 2001, 41) Barack Obama, 42) The Great Recession, 43) Black Lives Matter
U.S. Geography & Symbols:
44) 50, 45) Washington D.C., 46) Hawaii, 47) The Star-Spangled Banner, 48) Appalachian Mountains, 49) Missouri River
Presidential Trivia:
50) Franklin D. Roosevelt, 51) Abraham Lincoln, 52) Theodore Roosevelt, 53) Thomas Jefferson, 54) John Adams
🏆 How Did You Score?
✅ 45-54 Correct: History expert! 🎓
✅ 35-44 Correct: Impressive! 🏅
✅ 25-34 Correct: Good effort! 👍
✅ 15-24 Correct: Keep learning! 📖
✅ 0-14 Correct: Time to hit the history books! 📚
🇺🇸 Keep Exploring U.S. History!
History is full of amazing stories and lessons. Keep learning, stay curious, and challenge your friends to take this quiz too! How many did you get right? Share your score in the comments! 🎉