Even though the United States of America has only been a country for under 300 years, enough history has happened to fill multiple textbooks. The number of wars the country has participated in is a huge reason why. For starters, to become a country, America had to fight with the world’s strongest superpower at the time – Britain. In what turned out to be a true David vs. Goliath battle, the United States came out on top. That’s not to say it was an easy battle by any means, though.
After that, the next major war the United States faced was the War of 1812. Great Britain tried to overtake the United States again that year. They looked like they were going to win until a rare hurricane hit Washington D.C. It wiped out a large part of the British military, helping the United States get another victory. The Civil War, World Wars, and Cold War are just some of the other battles that have taken place throughout the history of the United States. Another reason textbooks in American classrooms are filled is because of the brutal murders of different officials and figures.
Video footage of John F. Kennedy being assassinated circulates every year on the anniversary of his death. While Abraham Lincoln’s murder wasn’t videotaped, it took place in a public setting as well. These moments stand out in the minds of people around the world. For more details about America, click here to read about the most famous female spies from the United States.
To come up with these trivia questions about American history, 24/7 Tempo consulted educational sources. These include PBS, Britannica, and The Washington Times.
How did the Liberty Bell crack?
The Liberty Bell hangs as an iconic American symbol in Philadelphia. It’s arguably most well-known for the largely visible crack along one side. There are strict rules preventing people from touching the bell to protect it. But, how did the bell crack in the first place?
Answer
The bell originally arrived in the United States in 1752. The metal used to make it wasn’t strong or sturdy. After testing the bell’s ring, a small crack appeared on the side. After the bell was repaired, it was still used for many years anyway. Due to 90 years of continual use, the crack’s visibility spread. The last time the bell rang was in 1846 to celebrate George Washington’s birthday.
When was the New York Stock Exchange founded?
Over the years, the New York Stock Exchange has helped millions of people and businesses take off. The purpose of the exchange is to offer companies funding that doesn’t need to be paid back. When was the exchange originally founded?
Answer
The New York Stock Exchange was founded in 1792. The first company to go public on the exchange was the Bank of New York. As of 2024, there are more than 2,000 companies traded.
What was the first national monument in the United States?
As of 2024, countless places have been deemed national monuments in the United States. However, that wasn’t always true. Up until the 1900s, there were technically zero national monuments on American soil.
Answer
The first national monument was Devils Tower in Wyoming. President Theodore Roosevelt declared it as such in 1906. Some people might’ve guessed that the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore would’ve been the first, but Devils Tower in Wyoming is the original.
How many versions of the American flag have been made?
Throughout time, the style of the American flag has changed. There have been more states added since the first flag was created. That has called for more stars to be sewn on since each star represents a state. How many flags have been made in American history?
Answer
As of 2024, there have been 27 different versions of the flag made. The most recent version of the flag was created by a student named Bob Heft, who was 17 years old at the time.
Which amendment officially abolished slavery?
Slavery is widely considered the darkest time in American history. Thanks to President Abraham Lincoln, slavery officially ended. It wasn’t without a fight from the south, though. To pass the law nationally, it had to be added to the Constitution. Which amendment assured that there would be no more slavery?
Answer
The Thirteenth Amendment helped everyone feel secure that slavery was over. However, the amendment didn’t stop multiple laws from getting passed in states to oppress minorities.
What is the capital of California?
California is an important destination in the United States. It generates one of the largest GDPs in the world on its own. There are multiple billion-dollar industries housed in California. However, many people don’t realize the capital of the Golden State isn’t Los Angeles.
Answer
The capital of California is Sacramento. The northern California city is where the governor resides and makes choices that impact the rest of the state.
Which founding father created bifocal glasses?
Cropped image of attractive young female doctor in ophthalmology clinic. Doctor ophthalmologist is standing near shelves with different eyeglasses.
Most of the Founding Fathers are known for their roles as leaders and decision-makers in the United States. However, one founding father was known for his inventions and creativity as well.
Answer
Benjamin Franklin created the bifocal glasses to help people see. Throughout his life, Franklin invented many things. He’s also the one of two non-presidents whose faces have been printed on paper money.
How many presidents’ faces are on Mount Rushmore?
Portrait of American President Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865), the sixteenth President of the United States, dressed in a suit and bow tie, April 9, 1865. Five days after this portrait was taken President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a performance of 'Our American Cousin' at Ford's Theater. (Photo by Alexander Gardner/Getty Images)
Every year, millions of people flock to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to get a glimpse of the presidents’ faces. The carving on the mountain is considered one of the greatest works of art. How many presidents are shown on the mountain?
Answer
Four presidents were carved on Mount Rushmore. These include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
What country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
Countries offering gifts to each other has become common practice throughout time. One of the most famous gifts in American history is the Statue of Liberty. What country gifted this treasure to the United States?
Answer
France gifted the United States with the Statue of Liberty. Over time, this statue has been a symbol to immigrants arriving in the United States.
What monument is known as the “Gateway to the West?”
As of 2024, one monument is currently recognized as a significant place to visit while in St. Louis. However, it used to symbolize freedom to slaves who escaped their conditions. Once former slaves saw it, they knew they made it to the west and were free.
Answer
The Gateway Arch symbolized freedom to millions of formally enslaved people. Based on its historical value, it’s honored and taken care of in a way that represents that.
Who founded the Standard Oil Company?
PEKANBARU, SUMATRA, INDONESIA - JULY 12: A view of palm oil plantation in Pelalawan district on July 12, 2014 in Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia. The Nature Climate Change journal has reported that Indonesia lost 840,000 hectares of natural forest in 2012 compared to 460,000 hectares in Brazil despite their forest being a quarter of the size of the Amazon rainforest. According to Greenpeace, the destruction of forests is driven by the expansion of palm oil and pulp & paper has increased the greenhouse gas emissions, pushing animals such as sumatran tigers to the brink of extinction, and local communities to lose their source of life. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)
The Standard Oil Company blew up into one of the most valuable companies in the world. The man who started it was considered one of the richest individuals alive at the time.
Answer
John Rockefeller created the oil company in the 1800s. He was a billionaire because he had a monopoly on the oil industry. He also pursued several other business ventures. His legend lives on.
Who came up with the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work week?
Before laws about the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work were passed, there was no limit on how long an employer could force people to work. There were no laws protecting the rights of employees. However, the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work week changed everything at the time.
Answer
Henry Ford didn’t want his employees to be overworked. He implemented the rule for his staff, and it spread quickly to other businesses. These days, it’s still seen as the standard for working.
Where was Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated?
Millions of people loved and cherished Martin Luther King Jr. His voice and message helped lift an entire race of people. However, tons disagreed with him. He ended up being assassinated for his beliefs. Where did his assassination take place?
Answer
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel. Today, the motel is a museum that tells the story of King and his efforts.
What is the oldest college in the United States?
Education is a top priority for people in the United States. With a higher level degree, people are offered opportunities for higher paying careers. This usually comes in the form of college attendance. Which university is the oldest in American history?
Answer
Harvard University was founded in the 1600s, making it the oldest college in the United States. Their standards of excellence haven’t changed ever since the doors opened.
Who was the first American president to be on a television screen?
In 2024, seeing important figures on TV every few minutes is far from rare. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first president didn’t appear on television until 1939. Who was he?
Answer
Franklin D. Roosevelt took the stage at the World’s Fair in New York City. He became the first president to be on television. Things have certainly evolved because these days, elected presidents tend to spend a lot of time in front of cameras.
What president signed the Equal Pay Act?
Women have been fighting for equal rights since the beginning of time. One of the most obvious ways to cause a divide is by offering people different salaries based on gender. That changed in 1963 when the Equal Pay Act was signed.
Answer
President John F. Kennedy signed that bill to make it illegal to base pay on the gender of someone. While that didn’t solve everything, it was a positive start.
What state was the first to give women the right to vote?
Something else women fought for was the right to vote. It didn’t become a right until 1920, almost 150 years after the United States first became a country. One state came first in allowing this change.
Answer
Wyoming gave women the right to vote in 1869. That changed the way elections went for the better. As of 2024, women around the United States maintain the right to vote.
What American city used the first practical subway system?
In 2024, it’s normal to think New York City has the best subway system in the United States. You can get anywhere you want in the city without stepping into a car. But, what city had the first practical subway?
Answer
Boston took the lead on this one, creating the first subway in 1898. Today, the Boston subway is another system that’s considered as advanced as New York’s.
Who was the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
1983: The nine members of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, (back row, from left) John Paul Stevens, Lewis F. Powell Jr., William Rehnquist, and Sandra Day O'Connor and (front row, from left) Thurgood Marshall, William J. Brennan Jr., Chief Justice Warren Burger, Byron White and Harry A Blackmun. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman to serve on the court, while Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American to be appointed. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)
While the United States is still waiting for the first woman to be elected president, there have been women on the Supreme Court over the years. One trailblazer helped make this possible for all women to follow in her footsteps.
Answer
Sandra Day O’Connor was first elected in 1981. It was a pivotal moment in history. It’s important to get input from people who come from all walks of life regarding decision-making practices for the country.
Which president is known for his involvement in Watergate?
Some presidents will do anything to be in power. Watergate became a scandal known for wiretapping private conversations. During one election, the Democratic Headquarters were tapped so the Republicans could get information on Democratic plans.
Answer
Richard Nixon was the man behind that operation. He won the election, but when the story was exposed, he stepped down from his position. He didn’t want to be the first president to be impeached. For more US history content, click here to read about Americans locked up in prison for espionage.