A CHatGPT Produced History of Blacks in America (1945–2015)

What every APUSH student must know according to the APUSH CED

This post opens with a listing of twenty-five terms and/or phrases relating to the history of Blacks in America from 1945–2015, with each term/phrase briefly described by ChatGPT. See any glaring errors? Omissions?

This post then provides the reader with a CHatGPT-produced “history of Blacks in America” test question bank consisting of:

• Sixty short answer questions
• Forty multiple-choice question
• Twenty T/F questions,
• Eight APUSH-style long essay questions

I plan to put this work in front of my APSUH students when we begin to review for the annual exam, but first, some serious field testing is in order. If you wish to assist, feel free to email me at ppaccone@smusd.us with any suggested corrections.

Need-to-Know Words/Terms/Phrases

1. Brown v. Board of Education — Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark United States Supreme Court case decided in 1954 that declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. The case was brought by a group of African American parents in Topeka, Kansas, who challenged the constitutionality of the state’s segregated public school system. The Court held that “separate but equal” was inherently unequal and violated the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, paving the way for desegregation in other areas of society. The decision was a significant victory for the civil rights movement, but the implementation of desegregation was slow and met with resistance.
2. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 — The Civil Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965. The Act prohibited discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which had been used to prevent African Americans from voting. It also authorized the federal government to oversee and enforce voting rights in areas with a history of discrimination. The Act is widely regarded as one of the most important civil rights laws in American history, and it played a crucial role in expanding voting rights for minorities.
3. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 — The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965. The Act outlawed discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, and authorized federal oversight of elections in states with a history of voter suppression. It is considered one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in American history, and it played a crucial role in protecting and expanding voting rights for minorities.
4. The Civil Rights Movement — The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political movement in the United States during the mid-20th century that aimed to end racial discrimination and segregation against African Americans and other minorities. It was characterized by nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and grassroots activism. The movement had many leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, who advocated for equality and justice through peaceful means. The movement resulted in significant legal and social changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which helped to dismantle institutionalized racism and discrimination.
5. The Reconstruction Era Promises — During the Reconstruction Era (1865–1877), following the Civil War, there were promises made to black Americans regarding their civil rights and opportunities for equality. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were ratified during this period, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and ensured voting rights for black men. However, despite these promises, many white southerners resisted these changes and worked to limit black Americans’ rights and opportunities through discriminatory practices such as Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and violence. During the Civil Rights Movement, which began in the 1950s, black Americans sought to fulfill the promises made during the Reconstruction Era and to overcome the ongoing discrimination and inequality they faced. The movement aimed to secure legal protections and equal treatment under the law, particularly in the areas of voting rights, education, housing, and employment. Through nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and grassroots activism, the movement successfully challenged segregation and discrimination and helped to bring about significant legal and social changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
6. The Rosa Parks Story— In 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger, as was required by local segregation laws. Her act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest against segregation in public transportation led by Martin Luther King Jr. Parks’ bravery and activism helped to bring attention to the Civil Rights Movement and played a significant role in the desegregation of public transportation.
7. The Montgomery Bus Boycott — The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a year-long protest against segregation in public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama, that began in December 1955 after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. The boycott was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, who called for a city-wide boycott of the bus system. The protest resulted in significant economic losses for the bus company and helped to bring about the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery and other cities. The boycott is considered a significant event in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
8. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference — The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was a civil rights organization founded in 1957 by Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and other leaders in the aftermath of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The organization aimed to coordinate nonviolent resistance to segregation and discrimination throughout the South, and to advocate for voting rights, desegregation, and other civil rights issues. The SCLC played a major role in organizing protests and demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement, and helped to bring about significant legal and social changes.
9. The Freedom Riders — The Freedom Riders were a group of civil rights activists who rode buses through the South in 1961 to challenge segregation in interstate transportation. The group included both black and white activists, and they faced violence and arrest from white segregationists during their journey. The Freedom Rides drew national attention to the issue of segregation and helped to bring about the enforcement of federal laws banning discrimination in interstate travel. The activism of the Freedom Riders played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to inspire further nonviolent resistance against segregation and discrimination.
10. The Greensboro Sit-In— The Greensboro Sit-In was a nonviolent protest against segregation at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1960. Four African American college students initiated the sit-in, where they refused to leave the “whites-only” section until they were served. The protest sparked a wave of sit-ins across the country, as well as increased attention to the issue of segregation and discrimination in public spaces. The Greensboro Sit-In is widely recognized as a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to pave the way for other forms of nonviolent resistance.
11. Martin-Luther King’s March on Washington—The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, held on August 28, 1963, was a mass civil rights demonstration organized by a coalition of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations. The event, which attracted over 250,000 people to the National Mall in Washington D.C., was highlighted by a famous speech by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., known as the “I Have a Dream” speech. The march was a key moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The event is considered one of the largest and most important political rallies in American history.
12. Martin-Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech — In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech called for an end to racism and segregation in the United States and urged the country to live up to the principles of equality and justice outlined in the Declaration of Independence. The speech is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential speeches in American history, and helped to inspire further activism and progress in the Civil Rights Movement.
13. Martin Luther King’s Philosophy of Non-Violent Direct Action — Martin Luther King Jr. believed in nonviolent direct action as a means of achieving social and political change. He saw nonviolence as a way to challenge injustice and oppression, while also demonstrating the humanity and dignity of those fighting for their rights. King believed that nonviolence required discipline, courage, and a willingness to suffer, and that it could be used to confront even the most entrenched forms of discrimination and inequality. Through his leadership and example, King helped to establish nonviolent direct action as a central principle of the Civil Rights Movement
14. The Selma March and Bloody Sunday — The Selma March and Bloody Sunday were a series of protests and marches for voting rights that took place in Selma, Alabama in 1965. The first march, known as “Bloody Sunday,” was violently suppressed by state troopers, resulting in dozens of injuries and two deaths. The violence attracted national attention and led to a second march, which ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Selma March and Bloody Sunday are considered a key moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and helped to bring about significant legal and social changes in the fight for racial justice
15. Executive Order 9981 — Executive Order 9981, signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, desegregated the United States Armed Forces. The order prohibited racial discrimination in the military and established a commission to investigate and address discrimination complaints. The order marked a significant step forward in the fight against segregation and racism, and helped to pave the way for further progress in civil rights and social justice.
16. “. . . with all deliberate speed” — “With all deliberate speed” was a phrase used in the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954). The phrase instructed states to desegregate their schools “with all deliberate speed,” but did not set a specific timeline or deadline for this process. Some states resisted desegregation and used the vague language of the phrase as an excuse to delay and resist change. Despite these challenges, the decision in Brown v. Board of Education was a critical moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and helped to establish the principle of equal educational opportunity for all.
17. Bussing — In the context of the Civil Rights Movement and the history of Blacks in America, “busing” refers to a controversial policy that was implemented in the 1970s to address segregation in public schools. The policy involved transporting students, often from predominantly Black or minority neighborhoods, to schools in predominantly White neighborhoods, in an effort to promote integration and equal educational opportunity. The policy was met with resistance and controversy, with some arguing that it was disruptive to students and families, and others arguing that it was necessary to break down longstanding patterns of segregation and discrimination in education. Busing remains a contentious issue in discussions of race and education in the United States.
18. The Watts Riot — The Watts Riot was a violent uprising that took place in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles in August 1965. The riots were sparked by an incident of police brutality against a Black motorist, and were fueled by longstanding tensions over poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. The riots lasted for six days and resulted in more than 30 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. The Watts Riot was one of the most significant and destructive riots of the Civil Rights era, and highlighted the deep-seated social and economic injustices facing many Black communities in America.
19. Black Power — Black Power was a political and social movement that emerged in the United States in the mid-1960s. The movement was led by Black activists who advocated for greater self-determination, political power, and cultural pride among Black people. Black Power rejected the assimilationist strategies of the Civil Rights Movement and called for a more militant, confrontational approach to addressing racial inequality and discrimination. The movement had a significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of the United States, and helped to inspire a new generation of Black activism and resistance.
20. Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam — Malcolm X was a prominent Black activist and leader who was associated with the Nation of Islam (NOI) in the 1950s and early 1960s. The NOI was a Black nationalist and religious organization that espoused a separatist ideology and advocated for self-determination and economic empowerment for Black people. Malcolm X was a charismatic and controversial figure, known for his fiery speeches and uncompromising stance on racial justice and Black empowerment. He eventually split from the NOI in 1964, renouncing some of its more extreme views and embracing a more inclusive approach to activism. Malcolm X remains an influential figure in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, and his legacy continues to inspire activists and advocates for social justice around the world.
21. Black Nationalism — Black Nationalism is a political and social movement that seeks to promote the interests and rights of Black people, often with a focus on self-determination and cultural pride. Black Nationalism emerged in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has been a significant force in American politics and culture ever since. The movement encompasses a wide range of ideologies and strategies, from Black separatism to more integrationist approaches, but is united by a commitment to advancing the interests of Black people and challenging systemic racism and oppression.
22. Stokely Carmichael and Black Power — Stokely Carmichael was a prominent Black activist and leader who became associated with the Black Power movement in the mid-1960s. Carmichael was a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and helped to organize voter registration campaigns and other Civil Rights protests in the South. He became a leading advocate for Black Power, which rejected the nonviolent and integrationist strategies of the Civil Rights Movement in favor of a more militant and confrontational approach to achieving racial justice and equality. Carmichael’s advocacy for Black Power helped to inspire a new generation of Black activists and leaders, and remains a significant part of the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
23. Black Panther Party — The Black Panther Party (BPP) was a Black nationalist and socialist organization that was active in the United States from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. The BPP was founded in 1966 in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, and quickly became one of the most prominent and controversial groups associated with the Black Power movement. The party advocated for Black self-determination, community control of institutions, and an end to police brutality and other forms of systemic oppression. The BPP is known for its use of armed self-defense, community organizing, and social programs, such as free breakfast programs for children. The party’s legacy continues to be debated and analyzed, but it remains an important part of the history of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.
24. Affirmative Action — Affirmative action is a set of policies and practices designed to address the historical discrimination and underrepresentation of minority groups, including Black Americans, in education, employment, and other areas. Affirmative action programs were first established in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, as part of the Civil Rights Movement, and have been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy ever since. In the context of Black Americans, affirmative action programs are often seen as a way to address the legacy of slavery, segregation, and institutional racism that has historically limited opportunities for Black people in America. These programs can take many forms, such as college admissions policies that prioritize diversity, or employment policies that require companies to actively seek out and hire minority candidates. Proponents of affirmative action argue that these programs are necessary to redress the effects of past discrimination and to create more equitable opportunities for all Americans. Critics, on the other hand, argue that affirmative action policies can lead to reverse discrimination and can unfairly advantage certain groups over others. Despite ongoing debate and legal challenges, affirmative action programs remain an important part of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in the United States.
25. The Rodney King Riots of 1992 — The Rodney King Riots of 1992 were a series of riots and civil disturbances that erupted in Los Angeles, California, after a jury acquitted four white police officers of charges related to the beating of Rodney King, a Black man. The acquittal sparked outrage and protests in the city, which soon turned violent, resulting in looting, arson, and assault. The riots lasted for several days, resulting in over 50 deaths, thousands of injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. The Rodney King Riots highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions and systemic issues within law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
26. The Black Lives Matter Movement — The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman, a white man who fatally shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager. The movement gained renewed attention in 2020 following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others at the hands of police, as well as the nationwide protests that followed. BLM has been both praised for raising awareness about racial inequality and criticized for its tactics and political views. The movement’s main goal is to raise awareness about police brutality and systemic racism towards black people in the United States, and to advocate for policy and societal changes to address these issues.
27. The Movement to Remove Confederate Statues and Symbols in the United States — The movement to remove Confederate statues and symbols in the United States began to gain momentum in the aftermath of the Charleston church shooting in 2015, in which a white supremacist killed nine African American churchgoers. The movement argues that these statues and symbols glorify the Confederacy, which fought to preserve slavery and white supremacy, and that they contribute to a culture of racism and discrimination in the United States. Supporters of the movement argue that these symbols have no place in public spaces, while opponents argue that they represent an important part of American history and heritage. The movement has led to the removal of many Confederate statues and symbols across the United States, often accompanied by controversy and public debate.
28. The Urban Uprisings of the 1960s — The urban uprisings of the 1960s, also known as the “race riots,” were a series of violent protests that took place in many major American cities. The riots were sparked by a variety of factors, including racial discrimination, police brutality, poverty, and unemployment. The most notable uprisings occurred in Watts, Los Angeles in 1965, and in Detroit, Michigan in 1967. The riots resulted in widespread property damage, injuries, and deaths, and were seen as a reflection of the deep-seated racial tensions and inequalities in American society.
29. The Kerner Commission Report — A report commissioned by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967 to investigate the causes of the urban uprisings that occurred in several American cities during the 1960s. The report found that poverty and racism were major contributors to the uprisings and called for significant investments in housing, education, and job opportunities for African Americans, as well as an end to discriminatory practices in law enforcement and other institutions. Despite its recommendations, many of which were not implemented, the report is considered a significant milestone in the history of civil rights and social justice advocacy in the United States.
30. The Great Society — President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society programs were a series of initiatives that aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice in America, particularly for Black Americans. The Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were passed during his administration. The Great Society also included programs such as Head Start, which provided early childhood education for disadvantaged children, and Medicaid and Medicare, which provided health care for the poor and elderly. However, some criticized the programs for not doing enough to address the systemic causes of poverty and racial inequality.

Sidenote #1

• Click here for A CHatGPT Produced History of Blacks in America (1865–1945)
• Click here for a CHatGPT Produced History of Blacks in America (1607–1865)

Short Answer Questions

1. What was ONE major similarity between the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Greensboro Sit-Ins?
2. What was ONE major difference between the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement?
3. What was ONE major outcome of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
4. What was ONE major event that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
5. What was ONE major result of the Watts Riot of 1965?
6. What was ONE major event that led to the establishment of the Black Panther Party?
7. What was ONE major similarity between the philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X?
8. What was ONE major difference between the philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X?
9. What was ONE major outcome of the Selma to Montgomery March?
10. What was ONE major factor that led to the development of slavery in colonial America?
11. What was ONE major outcome of the Emancipation Proclamation as it relates to the history of Blacks in America?
12. What was ONE major literary work that led to the start of the Civil War?
13. What was ONE major outcome of the Reconstruction Era?
14. What was ONE major factor that led to the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South?
15. What was ONE major outcome of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision?
16. What was ONE major factor that led to the Great Migration of the early 20th century?
17. What was ONE major outcome of the Harlem Renaissance?
18. What was ONE major event that led to the desegregation of the armed forces?
19. What was ONE major outcome of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision?
20. What was ONE major factor that led to the rise of the Black Power Movement?
21. What was ONE major outcome of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
22. What was ONE major event that led to the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference?
23. What was ONE major factor that led to the urban uprisings of the 1960s?
24. What was ONE major outcome of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
25. What was ONE major event that led to the establishment of affirmative action policies?
26. What was ONE major outcome of the Rodney King Riots of 1992?
27. What was ONE major factor that led to the election of the first Black president of the United States?
28. What was ONE major outcome of the Black Lives Matter movement?
29. What was ONE major event that led to the removal of Confederate statues and symbols in the United States?
30. What was ONE major factor that led to the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans in colonial America?
31. What was ONE major difference between the First and Second Great Migrations of African Americans,
32. What was ONE key outcome or effect of the First and Second Great Migrations on black communities?
33. What was ONE key outcome or effect of the First and Second Great Migrations on American society more broadly?
34. What was ONE major difference between the philosophies of W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington in regard to the advancement of African Americans in the United States?
35. What was ONE major similarity between the philosophies of Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. Du Bois in regard to the advancement of African Americans in the United States?
36. What was ONE major way in which African American slaves overtly resisted the dehumanizing effects of slavery?
37. What was ONE major way in which African American slaves covertly resisted the dehumanizing effects of slavery?
38. What was ONE major difference between the Stono Rebellion and the Nat Turner rebellion?
39. What was ONE major difference between the Nat Turner Rebellion and John Brown’s raid?
40. What was ONE major similarity between the Nat Turner Rebellion and John Brown’s raid?
41. What was ONE major outcome of the Dred Scott decision on the status of black people in America?
42. What was ONE significant difference between the abolitionist movement in the North and the pro-slavery movement in the South?
43. What was ONE significant similarity between the experiences of black people during the Civil War and Reconstruction?
44. What was ONE major cause of the Civil War, specifically regarding the issue of slavery?
45. What was ONE factor that contributed to the growth of the abolitionist movement in the North?
46. What was ONE major outcome of the Compromise of 1850 on the issue of slavery in the United States?
47. What was ONE major effect of the Louisiana Purchase on the issue of slavery in the United States?
48. What was ONE significant difference between the experiences of free black people in the North and enslaved black people in the South?
49. What was ONE significant similarity between the experiences of black people during the Reconstruction era and the Jim Crow era?
50. What was ONE major outcome of the Mexican-American War on the issue of slavery in the United States?
51. What was ONE major effect of the Kansas-Nebraska Act on the issue of slavery in the United States?
52. What was ONE significant difference between the experiences of black people in urban areas and those in rural areas during the late 1800s?
53. What was ONE significant similarity between the experiences of black people during the First Great Migration and those during the Civil Rights Movement?
54. What was ONE major cause of the abolitionist movement in the United States?
55. What was ONE factor that contributed to the decline of the abolitionist movement in the mid-1800s?
56. What was ONE major outcome of the Missouri Compromise on the issue of slavery in the United States?
57. What was ONE major effect of the Compromise of 1877 on the Reconstruction era as it relates to the history of Blacks in America?
58. What was ONE significant difference between the experiences of black people during the Civil War and those during the Spanish-American War?
59. What was ONE significant similarity between the experiences of black people during the Reconstruction era and those during the Civil Rights Movement?
60. What was ONE significant impact of the Underground Railroad on the lives of enslaved black people in America?

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Which European country was the first to bring enslaved Africans to the American colonies? a) France b) England c) Spain d) Portugal
2. What was the main cash crop grown in the Chesapeake colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries? a) Tobacco b) Cotton c) Indigo d) Rice
3. What was the Underground Railroad? a) A secret network of safe houses and routes used by enslaved people to escape to freedom b) An organization that lobbied for the abolition of slavery c) A military tactic used by abolitionist forces during the Civil War d) A religious movement that advocated for the end of slavery
4. Which Supreme Court case ruled that African Americans could not be considered citizens under the Constitution? a) Marbury v. Madison b) Plessy v. Ferguson c) Dred Scott v. Sandford d) Brown v. Board of Education
5. What was the purpose of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? a) To abolish slavery and involuntary servitude b) To grant citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States c) To guarantee the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude d) To provide equal protection under the law for all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States
6. What was the significance of the Stono Rebellion? a) It was the first successful slave revolt in American history b) It led to the creation of the first all-Black regiment in the U.S. Army c) It inspired the passage of new slave codes in the American colonies d) It sparked a debate among American colonists about the morality of slavery
7. What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation? a) It immediately freed all enslaved people in the United States b) It declared that all enslaved people in the Confederacy were now free c) It granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States d) It established equal protection under the law for all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States
8. What was the purpose of the Black Codes? a) To grant citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States b) To ensure that African Americans had access to education and job opportunities c) To establish legal restrictions on the rights and freedoms of African Americans d) To provide reparations for the harms inflicted upon enslaved people
9. What was the main goal of the Civil Rights Movement? a) To end segregation and discrimination against African Americans b) To establish a separate African American state within the United States c) To encourage African Americans to return to their ancestral homeland in Africa d) To establish a system of reparations for the harms inflicted upon enslaved people
10. What was the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965? a) It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude b) It declared that all people born or naturalized in the United States were citizens c) It guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude d) It provided equal protection under the law for all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States.
11. What was the purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850? A. To abolish slavery in the United States B. To strengthen the rights of enslaved individuals C. To punish those who aided escaped slaves D. To provide financial compensation to slave owners
12. The Stono Rebellion, Nat Turner’s Rebellion, and the Haitian Revolution all had what in common? A. They were all led by white abolitionists B. They all resulted in the immediate emancipation of enslaved individuals C. They were all unsuccessful in achieving their goals D. They were all violent uprisings against slavery
13. The Middle Passage was: A. A trade route between the Middle East and Europe B. A slave trading route from Africa to the Americas C. A colonial-era law in the American South D. A transportation system used by Native Americans
14. Which of the following was a key reason for the rise of the abolitionist movement in the United States? A. Economic concerns over the cost of slavery B. Religious beliefs that slavery was immoral C. Political opposition to the power of Southern slaveholders D. Fear of a slave rebellion
15. What was the significance of the Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Sandford? A. It declared slavery illegal in the United States B. It granted citizenship to all African Americans C. It ruled that Congress could not prohibit slavery in any territory D. It led to the ratification of the 13th Amendment
16. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln during the Civil War: A. Immediately freed all enslaved individuals in the United States B. Freed only enslaved individuals in states that seceded from the Union C. Required Congressional approval to go into effect D. Was not fully implemented until after the end of the Civil War
17. What was the purpose of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? A. To grant citizenship to African Americans B. To guarantee equal protection under the law C. To abolish slavery and involuntary servitude D. To give African Americans the right to vote
18. Which of the following was a major effect of the Great Migration of African Americans in the early 20th century? A. Increased segregation and discrimination in the North B. A decline in urbanization and industrialization in the South C. The emergence of new forms of Black culture and political power D. A decrease in the number of African Americans living in the United States
19. The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955–1956 was a response to: A. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education B. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. C. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 D. The arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a bus
20. What was the purpose of the Black Panther Party? A. To promote Black economic and political power B. To advocate for the immediate abolition of slavery C. To encourage African Americans to assimilate into mainstream American society D. To support segregation and racial inequality in the United States
21. What was the name of the system of laws that regulated slavery in the Southern colonies? a) The Slave Code b) The Jim Crow laws c) The Black Codes d) The Fugitive Slave Act
22. What was the name of the slave rebellion that took place in Virginia in 1831? a) The Stono Rebellion b) The Nat Turner Rebellion c) The Bacon’s Rebellion d) The Pottawatomie Massacre
23. What was the name of the Supreme Court case that ruled that Black people were not citizens and could not sue in federal court? a) Dred Scott v. Sandford b) Brown v. Board of Education c) Loving v. Virginia d) Roe v. Wade
24. What was the name of the law passed in 1850 that required citizens to assist in the capture and return of runaway slaves? a) The Fugitive Slave Act b) The Missouri Compromise c) The Kansas-Nebraska Act d) The Emancipation Proclamation
25. What was the name of the organization founded in 1909 that aimed to improve the lives of Black people in America? a) The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) b) The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) c) The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) d) The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)
26. What was the name of the Supreme Court case that ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional? a) Plessy v. Ferguson b) Brown v. Board of Education c) Roe v. Wade d) Miranda v. Arizona
27. What was the name of the court case in 1857 that denied citizenship to Black people and ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional? a) Dred Scott v. Sandford b) Brown v. Board of Education c) Plessy v. Ferguson d) Marbury v. Madison
28. What was the name of the military unit made up of Black soldiers during the Civil War? a) Buffalo Soldiers b) Green Berets c) Navy SEALs d) Delta Force
29. What was the name of the organization founded by Marcus Garvey in 1914 that advocated for Black nationalism and self-reliance? a) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) b) Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) c) Black Panthers d) Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)
30. Which act passed by Congress in 1862 granted land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and engineering? a) Homestead Act b) Morrill Act c) Kansas-Nebraska Act d) Emancipation Proclamation
31. Which event, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., called for equal voting rights for Black Americans and took place in Alabama in 1965? a) Montgomery Bus Boycott b) Greensboro sit-ins c) Selma to Montgomery marches d) March on Washington
32. What was the name of the period of social and cultural explosion of Black creativity and pride that emerged in the 1920s and 30s, also known as the “New Negro Movement”? a) Reconstruction Era b) Jim Crow Era c) Harlem Renaissance d) Civil Rights Movement
33. What was the purpose of the Underground Railroad? a) To transport goods and products across the country b) To help slaves escape to freedom in the North c) To provide free education for Black children in the South d) To aid in the recapture of escaped slaves
34. What was the outcome of the Dred Scott v. Sandford case? a) Slavery was abolished in the United States b) Dred Scott was granted his freedom c) The Supreme Court ruled that slaves were not citizens and could not sue in court d) The Supreme Court ruled that all slaves were entitled to their freedom
35. What was the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott? a) It led to the desegregation of buses in Montgomery, Alabama b) It resulted in the imprisonment of many Black activists c) It sparked a wave of violent protests across the country d) It had no impact on the Civil Rights Movement
36. What was the Harlem Renaissance? a) A period of significant economic growth in Harlem in the early 20th century b) A cultural movement that celebrated Black art, literature, and music c) A political movement that sought to establish Black nationalism d) A religious revival that swept through Black churches in Harlem
37. What was the outcome of the Brown v. Board of Education case? a) Schools could continue to be segregated based on race b) Schools had to integrate their students and facilities c) Schools had to provide separate but equal facilities for Black students d) Schools could only integrate their facilities, but not their students
38. What was the goal of the Black Power movement? a) To achieve equality and justice for Black people through political and economic means b) To establish a separate state for Black people c) To continue the nonviolent methods of the Civil Rights Movement d) To maintain the status quo of racial segregation and discrimination
39. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Declaration of Independence and the history of blacks in America a) The Declaration of Independence specifically granted freedom to all slaves in the colonies. c) The Declaration of Independence made no mention of slavery or the rights of black people. c) The Declaration of Independence was written primarily to address the injustices faced by black people in the colonies. d) The Declaration of Independence only granted freedom to slaves who fought for the Continental Army.
40. Which of the following was a significant impact of the Mexican Cession on the history of Blacks in America? a) It led to the expansion of slavery into new territories, exacerbating tensions between the North and the South. b) It gave Blacks in America greater access to education and employment opportunities. c) It sparked a wave of anti-slavery sentiment in the South. d) It resulted in the abolition of slavery in all territories acquired from Mexico.

True/False Questions

1. True or False: Slavery was legal in all 13 colonies at the time of the American Revolution.
2. True or False: The Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves in the United States.
3. True or False: The Underground Railroad was an actual railroad system used to transport slaves to freedom
4. True or False: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
5. True or False: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
6. True or False: The Jim Crow laws were a series of state and local laws in the United States that legalized racial segregation and discrimination against black people.
7. True or False: The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
8. True or False: The Montgomery bus boycott, led by Martin Luther King Jr., was a nonviolent protest against the city’s segregated public transportation system.
9. True or False: The Black Panthers were a militant black power organization that advocated for self-defense against police brutality and racism.
10. True or False: The election of Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States marked a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
11. The Emancipation Proclamation freed all enslaved people in the United States.
12. The Underground Railroad was an actual railroad system.
13. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
14. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
15. Rosa Parks was the first Black person to refuse to give up their seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.
16. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in World War II.
17. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.
18. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a nonviolent protest against racial segregation on public transportation.
19. Brown v. Board of Education was a Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
20. The Black Lives Matter movement began in the 1970s in response to police brutality against Black people.

Long Answer Questions

1. Evaluate the extent to which the institution of slavery impacted the economy of the Southern colonies in the period from 1700–1750.
2. Evaluate the extent to which the experience of slavery for African Americans in the United States changed from 1800 to 1850
3. Evaluate the extent to which the Great Migration shaped the landscape of America in the early 20th century.
4. Evaluate the extent to which the Civil Rights Movement impacted race relations in America from 1954–1975.
5. Evaluate the relative importance of the causes of the Nat Turner Rebellion in 1831
6. Evaluate the relative importance of the outcomes of the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision in 1857
7. Evaluate the relative importance of the causes of the Great Migration between 1916 and 1970
8. Evaluate the relative importance of the outcomes of the Brown v. Board of Education case between 1954 and 1984