To become a citizen of the United States, you must pass a naturalization test that is comprised of 100 history and government questions. In 2022, 95.7% of all applicants passed this test, and in 2023, more than 800,000 people passed, paving the way to becoming American citizens. Yet, those who were born in this country typically have a tough time answering questions about their nation’s history. According to a 2024 national survey by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, only one in three Americans could pass the same test.
History features prominently on the exam that will allow you to call yourself a citizen, and although the United States is a fairly young country, especially when compared to other nations, it still does have quite an extensive history that we all should be aware of. Historical events happen almost daily and one of the most prominent happenings was the fight for the U.S. to become a separate country.
During the American Revolution, also called the Revolutionary War, the 13 English colonies, or the United Colonies, waged war against Great Britain, to rid themselves of British rule and gain their independence. The colonies prevailed and the United States of America was born. But, like all wars, it was not an easy battle. Great Britain tried yet again to maintain control against the newly formed United States, resulting in the War of 1812. This time the fight was mainly over Britain’s practice of forcing American sailors into service, as well as trade issues, territory, Western expansion, and the policy on Native American people.
While U.S. history has plenty of battles – from the Civil War, and the First and Second World Wars, to the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War – its relatively short history is comprised of so much more. There have been brutal murders of various political leaders and influential persons, some of it preserved for posterity in video footage, like that of the 35th president, John F. Kennedy.
To come up with American History trivia questions, 24/7 Tempo consulted educational sources including PBS, Britannica, The Washington Times, and others. These questions may or may not be on the citizenship test, but they are interesting facts about the many events that have shaped our nation. For more details about America, click here to read about the most famous female spies from the United States.
How did the Liberty Bell crack?
1926: A cavalry regiment leading the inaugural parade beneath a huge reproduction of the Liberty Bell, built for the opening of the Great Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)
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.
Answer
The bell originally arrived in the United States in 1752, and the metal used to make it wasn’t strong or sturdy. After testing the bell’s ring, a small crack appeared on the side, but after repairs, it was still used for many years. 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, which is what caused the fatal crack.
When was the New York Stock Exchange founded?
The New York Stock Exchange is the largest stock market in the world in terms of market capitalization and has helped millions of people and businesses take off. By influencing consumer confidence, the economy can then respond both positively (bull market) and negatively (bear market). The purpose of the exchange is to offer companies funding that doesn’t need to be paid back.
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. Up until the 1900s, there were technically zero national monuments on American soil and as of 2024, there are 133 officially designated U.S. national monuments.
Answer
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devils Tower in Wyoming a national monument, making it the first. 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. As each star represents a state, it was necessary to add additional stars to the flag as new states were admitted to the Union.
Answer
As of 2024, there have been 27 different versions of the flag made, 25 of them altered for stars. The most recent version of the flag was created by 17-year-old Bob Heft, who created it for a school project. The current version is the longest in use – standing at 63 years, soon to be 64.
Which amendment officially abolished slavery?
Slavery is widely considered the darkest period in American history. It was on its way to ending thanks to President Abraham Lincoln who issued the Emancipation Proclamation amidst the Civil War, another issue the South wasn’t willing to let go. To pass the law nationally, it had to be added to the Constitution.
Answer
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it didn’t officially end slavery. It took the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865 to help 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 one of the largest states in the country by land mass, and by GDP, one of the largest in the world. There are multiple billion-dollar industries housed in California. However, contrary to popular belief, the capital of the Golden State isn’t Los Angeles.
Answer
The capital of California is the northern city of Sacramento 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 but one founding father was known for his inventions and creativity as well.
Answer
In addition to inventing significant contributions like the lightning rod, swim fins, and the urinary catheter, Benjamin Franklin also created bifocal glasses to help people see. Franklin is also 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)
Many people don’t know where Mount Rushmore is, but the millions who do flock each year to South Dakota to get a glimpse of the presidents’ faces. The carving on the mountain is considered one of the greatest works of art.
Answer
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore are 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 a common practice, but one of the most famous gifts in American history is the Statue of Liberty.
Answer
France gifted the United States with the Statue of Liberty in 1885 as a way of honoring the alliance between the two nations and recognizing the country as a champion of liberty. Over time, this statue has been a symbol of 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. Construction on this monument began in 1963 and finished two years later.
Answer
The arch is a symbol of the role the city took in the westward expansion of the country during the early 19th century and commemorates the vision of Thomas Jefferson of greater opportunities for all races and creeds.
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 went on to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, making the man who started it one of the world’s first billionaires.
Answer
Celebrated philanthropist John D. Rockefeller created the oil company in the 1800s. He became a billionaire because he had a monopoly on the oil industry, and also pursued several other business ventures. His legend continues today.
Who came up with the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work week?
Before laws about the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work weeks were passed, there was no limit on how long an employer could force people to work. Employees had no laws protecting their rights. However, the 8-hour-day, 40-hour work week changed everything at the time.
Answer
American industrialist and engineer Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, 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. whose voice and message helped lift an entire race of people. However, not everyone agreed with him and he ended up being assassinated for his beliefs.
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?
Higher education is a top priority for people in the United States. With an advanced degree, people are often offered better opportunities for higher-paying careers and there are a multitude of accredited universities and colleges to choose from.
Answer
Harvard University was founded in the 1600s, making it the oldest college in the United States. Their standards of excellence haven’t changed since the doors first opened and they are consistently rated as one of the top institutions in the country.
Who was the first American president to be on a television screen?
Seeing important figures on television every few minutes is far from rare but this wasn’t always the case. The first president didn’t appear on television until 1939.
Answer
Franklin D. Roosevelt took the stage at the World’s Fair in New York City, becoming 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 rather significant area is in the workforce where women have consistently been paid less than their male counterparts. The Equal Pay Act was signed in 1963, aiming to correct that (although we’ve yet to get there).
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?
Another subject that women fought for equality in was the right to vote. They didn’t earn that 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, changing the election process 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?
It’s quite customary 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, they didn’t have the first practical subway.
Answer
Boston took the lead on this one, with the creation of the first subway in 1898. Today, the Boston subway, also called “The T”, 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)
The United States has yet to elect a female president (while other nations, like Mexico, just made history by electing their first female president). The U.S. has, however, elected women to 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, a pivotal moment in the nation’s 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?
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.