Trivia Questions with Answers: Can You Pass This U.S. History Quiz Most People Fail?

Do you think you know about the United States’ history? From the stars and stripes to famous revolutions, iconic leaders, and the bold moments that shaped it as a nation. America’s past is filled with stories that are worth remembering. But here’s the real test: how much of it can you recall without asking some else, and especially without Google? 

Here I have come up with a fun set of trivia questions that will challenge your memory, sharpen your knowledge, and maybe even surprise you.

Check out: Trivia Questions with Answers: Can You Name These U.S. State Capitals Without Googling?

U.S. History Trivia Question with Answers

1. How many stripes are there on the American flag?

A) 10

B) 13

C) 15

D) 50

Correct Answer:B) 13

Explanation: The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.

2. On December 16, 1773, American colonists dumped 342 chests of imported tea into Boston Harbor due to which of the following acts?

A) The Stamp Act

B) The Townshend Acts

C) Taxation without representation

D) The Quartering Act

Correct Answer:C) Taxation without representation

Explanation: Known as the Boston Tea Party, this act of defiance was a protest against British taxes, specifically the Tea Act, which colonists viewed as a blatant violation of their rights since they had no voice in the British Parliament.

3. The American anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" was originally a poem titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry."

A) True

B) False

Correct Answer:A) True

Explanation: The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of the large American flag still flying after the battle inspired his poem.

4. Which of the following founding fathers never became a U.S. President?

A) Benjamin Franklin

B) George Washington

C) John Adams

D) Thomas Jefferson

Correct Answer:A) Benjamin Franklin

Explanation: While a key figure in the American Revolution, a diplomat, and a brilliant inventor, Benjamin Franklin never served as president. He was, however, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

5. On July 4, 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from which country?

A) Spain

B) Great Britain

C) France

D) Russia

Correct Answer:C) France

Explanation: The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the young United States and was orchestrated by President Thomas Jefferson with Napoleon Bonaparte of France. This massive land deal opened up the western part of the continent for American expansion.

6. Which was the last state to join the United States?

A) Alaska

B) Arizona

C) Oklahoma

D) Hawaii

Correct Answer:D) Hawaii

Explanation:Hawaii was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, making it the 50th and final state. Alaska joined earlier that same year on January 3rd.

7. Which city was the first capital of the United States?

A) Washington, D.C.

B) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

C) New York City, New York

D) Boston, Massachusetts

Correct Answer:C) New York City, New York

Explanation: While Washington, D.C., is the permanent capital today, New York City was the first, serving from 1785 to 1790. The capital was then moved to Philadelphia for a decade before settling in its current location.

8. In the American Civil War (1861-1865), the Union fought the Confederates over the issues of industry vs. farming, states' rights, expansionism, and slavery.

A) True

B) False

Correct Answer:A) True

Explanation: These four points are indeed the primary causes of the Civil War. The industrial North and the agrarian South clashed over economic systems, while the expansion of the United States westward brought the issue of whether new states would be "free" or "slave" to a head, with slavery being the central, most divisive issue.

9. Great American inventor Thomas Edison had how many unsuccessful event before finally making the light bulb?

A) 100

B) 1,000

C) 10,000

D) 100,000

Correct Answer:B) 1,000

Explanation: While the exact number is debated, the anecdote highlights Edison's persistence. He famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This quote, however, refers to his overall work, but the 1,000-attempt figure is often cited concerning the light bulb and has become a part of his legend.

Check out:Which U.S. State is Known as the 'Sooner State'? Check Here!

10. Which U.S. state has a bear on its flag?

A) Alaska

B) Montana

C) Wyoming

D) California

Correct Answer:D) California

Explanation: The flag of California, known as the "Bear Flag," features a grizzly bear, a symbol of strength and independence. The flag was first raised in 1846 during the Bear Flag Revolt against Mexican rule.