Guides · Recent American history
Recent American History: 17 questions from World War I to September 11
Two world wars, the Depression, the Cold War, civil rights and 2001. The last history section, in the order it happened, with the accepted answer for each.
The last history section on the 2025 test is seventeen questions covering the twentieth century and the first year of the twenty-first. It is the section most applicants find easiest, because much of it is within living memory. It is also where two questions share an answer and one president covers two questions. Here it is in order.
The world wars
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. World War II. Also accepted: World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War.
Why did the United States enter World War I? Because Germany attacked U.S. ships. Also accepted: to support the Allied Powers; to oppose the Central Powers.
When did all women get the right to vote? 1920. Also accepted: after World War I; with the 19th Amendment.
Why did the United States enter World War II? The bombing of Pearl Harbor. Also accepted: to support the Allied Powers; to oppose the Axis Powers.
The Depression and the president who spanned it
What was the Great Depression? The longest economic recession in modern history. When did it start? The stock market crash of 1929.
Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II? Franklin Roosevelt. One name, two eras, one question.
Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one. General during World War II. Also accepted: president at the end of the Korean War; 34th president; signed the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act.
The Cold War
Who was the United States' main rival during the Cold War? The Soviet Union. Also accepted: the USSR, Russia.
During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States? Communism. Also accepted: nuclear war.
Why did the United States enter the Korean War? To stop the spread of communism. The Vietnam War? The same answer, word for word.
Civil rights
What did the civil rights movement do? Fought to end racial discrimination.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. Fought for civil rights. Also accepted: worked for equality for all Americans.
1991 to 2001
Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War? To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait.
What major event happened on September 11, 2001? Terrorists attacked the United States.
Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11 attacks. The War in Afghanistan. Also accepted: the War in Iraq; the War on Terror.
The shortcuts
Three shortcuts cover seven of the seventeen. To stop the spread of communism answers Korea and Vietnam. Franklin Roosevelt answers the Depression-and-war question, and 1929 dates the Depression. Communism is both the Cold War concern and the reason for two wars. Learn the two dates, 1920 and 1929, the two attacks, U.S. ships and Pearl Harbor, and the section is a short list.
Frequently asked questions
Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
Franklin Roosevelt.
What did the civil rights movement do, according to the civics test?
Fought to end racial discrimination.
What was the United States' main concern during the Cold War?
Communism. Nuclear war is also accepted.
Study the official questions, free
Both versions of the civics test, the answers for your state, and practice tests in the real format with the real pass line.
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