The Great Depression: Causes, Consequences, and the New Deal

Question 1

What was the primary objective of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies?

Accepted Answer

To stimulate economic growth and recovery

Answer

To create a comprehensive social welfare system

Answer

To dismantle the Federal Reserve System

Answer

To deregulate major industries

Question 2

Which New Deal program had the most significant impact on the American workforce?

Accepted Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

Civilian Conservation Corps

Answer

National Industrial Recovery Act

Answer

Federal Housing Administration

Question 3

How did the Great Depression impact rural communities?

Accepted Answer

Severe unemployment, poverty, and farm foreclosures

Answer

Increased economic opportunities and prosperity

Answer

Improved sanitation and healthcare conditions

Answer

Enhanced agricultural production and exports

Question 4

Which of the following was a lasting effect of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of the federal government's role in economic affairs

Answer

Reduced government intervention in the economy

Answer

Weakening of labor unions and worker protections

Answer

Increased reliance on international trade and globalization

Question 5

In what way did the Dust Bowl contribute to the hardships of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

It devastated crops and livestock, leading to mass migration and economic decline

Answer

It caused extensive flooding and damage to homes and businesses

Answer

It reduced agricultural exports and exacerbated the economic crisis

Answer

It increased the cost of food and essential goods

Question 6

What was the central purpose of the Wagner Act of 1935?

Accepted Answer

To protect workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively

Answer

To establish minimum wage and maximum work hour regulations

Answer

To create a social insurance system for the unemployed

Answer

To provide subsidies and incentives to businesses

Question 7

Which criticism was NOT commonly leveled against the New Deal?

Accepted Answer

It was too successful in stimulating economic growth

Answer

It did not go far enough to address poverty and unemployment

Answer

It created excessive government bureaucracy

Answer

It empowered labor unions excessively

Question 8

How did the Great Depression impact the American political landscape?

Accepted Answer

It weakened the Republican Party and strengthened the Democratic Party

Answer

It led to the rise of fascist and socialist movements

Answer

It increased public trust in government institutions

Answer

It had no significant impact on American politics

Question 9

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, primarily employed young men in which type of work?

Accepted Answer

Conservation projects

Answer

Construction projects

Answer

Public works projects

Answer

Arts projects

Question 10

How did the New Deal contribute to the long-term role of the federal government in American society?

Accepted Answer

It significantly expanded the government's involvement in economic and social affairs

Answer

It reduced the size and scope of the government

Answer

It had no lasting impact on the role of the government

Answer

It temporarily increased the government's role, which was later diminished

Question 11

What historical event is generally considered to have marked the end of the Great Depression in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The outbreak of World War II

Answer

The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer

The full implementation of the New Deal programs

Answer

The discovery of new gold reserves

Question 12

In which year did the infamous Black Tuesday stock market crash occur?

Accepted Answer

1929

Answer

1927

Answer

1931

Answer

1933

Question 13

Identify the factor NOT considered a significant cause of the Great Depression.

Accepted Answer

Increased government expenditure

Answer

Surplus production and inadequate consumption

Answer

Financial instability due to bank failures

Answer

Declining global trade

Question 14

Who was the U.S. President when the Great Depression started?

Accepted Answer

Herbert Hoover

Answer

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer

Warren G. Harding

Answer

Calvin Coolidge

Question 15

Which New Deal program provided direct relief to the millions of unemployed Americans?

Accepted Answer

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

National Recovery Administration (NRA)

Answer

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Question 16

Identify the pivotal factor that ultimately led to the end of the Great Depression.

Accepted Answer

World War II

Answer

New Deal policies

Answer

Federal Reserve interest rate reductions

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 17

What was the Dust Bowl, and how did it exacerbate the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

A severe drought that devastated agricultural regions in the Great Plains

Answer

A natural disaster that caused widespread starvation

Answer

A government aid program for struggling farmers

Answer

A series of industrial strikes that crippled the economy

Question 18

How did the Great Depression transform the federal government's role in American society?

Accepted Answer

Substantial expansion of government authority

Answer

Diminished public confidence in government institutions

Answer

No significant change in the government's role

Answer

Reduced regulation of businesses

Question 19

What was the primary goal of the New Deal programs enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt?

Accepted Answer

To combat the economic crisis and provide relief

Answer

To balance the federal budget

Answer

To reduce government regulation

Answer

To promote economic growth through free-market policies

Question 20

Which of the following was a central component of the New Deal's public works programs?

Accepted Answer

Job creation through infrastructure projects

Answer

Direct cash payments to unemployed workers

Answer

Tariff increases to protect American industries

Answer

Tax cuts for businesses and high-income earners

Question 21

What was the main objective of the Social Security Act passed in 1935?

Accepted Answer

To provide financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled

Answer

To regulate the stock market and prevent future economic crises

Answer

To create new jobs and stimulate economic growth

Answer

To reduce government spending and balance the budget

Question 22

Which of the following was a severe consequence of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Mass unemployment and widespread poverty

Answer

Improved living standards for the majority of Americans

Answer

Increased government regulation of the economy

Answer

Economic prosperity and growth

Question 23

How did the Great Depression differ from previous economic downturns in American history?

Accepted Answer

It was the longest and most severe depression in the country's history

Answer

It was the only depression to cause widespread unemployment

Answer

It was the first depression to have a significant impact on the banking system

Answer

It was relatively short-lived and had only a minor impact on the American economy

Question 24

Which of the following was a primary cause of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Overproduction and a collapse in consumer demand

Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Government intervention

Answer

High consumer spending

Question 25

The stock market crash of October 1929 is widely regarded as the:

Accepted Answer

Triggering event of the Great Depression

Answer

End of the Great Depression

Answer

Beginning of World War II

Answer

Culmination of the Great Depression

Question 26

Which of the following was a major social consequence of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased unemployment, poverty, and homelessness

Answer

Increased government regulation

Answer

Increased urbanization

Answer

Decreased racial tensions

Question 27

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal aimed to provide:

Accepted Answer

Relief, recovery, and reform

Answer

Expand the military

Answer

End Social Security

Answer

Increase taxes

Question 28

Which of the following programs was part of the New Deal?

Accepted Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

North American Free Trade Agreement

Answer

Manhattan Project

Answer

Vietnam War

Question 29

Which of the following factors contributed to the end of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

World War II's massive military spending

Answer

The New Deal's deficit spending

Answer

The Federal Reserve's monetary policy

Answer

Hollywood's escapist films

Question 30

The Great Depression remains an instructive case study for economic policymakers. Which of the following is a key lesson learned from this period?

Accepted Answer

The importance of government intervention in times of severe economic crisis

Answer

The dangers of free-market capitalism

Answer

The need for higher taxes

Answer

The importance of a balanced budget

Question 31

What was the primary objective of the New Deal?

Accepted Answer

To provide relief, recovery, and reform for the American people affected by the Great Depression

Answer

To dismantle the capitalist economic system

Answer

To expand the power of the federal government

Question 32

Which New Deal program directly provided jobs to millions of unemployed Americans?

Accepted Answer

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

Agricultural Adjustment Act

Answer

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Question 33

How did the Great Depression impact American society?

Accepted Answer

It led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and homelessness

Answer

It strengthened the U.S. position in global affairs

Answer

It resulted in increased economic prosperity

Question 34

How did the Dust Bowl contribute to the severity of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

It caused extensive drought and crop failures, exacerbating the economic crisis

Answer

It improved agricultural productivity

Answer

It had a negligible impact on the Great Depression

Question 35

Who is credited with leading the United States through the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Answer

Herbert Hoover

Answer

Harry Truman

Question 36

What was a significant foreign policy shift during the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

A retreat from international involvement and a focus on domestic issues

Answer

Increased military strength and global engagement

Answer

Expanded involvement in global affairs

Question 37

In comparison to previous economic crises in U.S. history, how did the Great Depression differ?

Accepted Answer

It was the longest and most severe economic downturn in the nation's history

Answer

It had a comparable impact to the Great Recession of 2008

Answer

It was less severe than the Panic of 1873

Question 38

The New Deal, a series of government initiatives, sought primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Stimulate economic recovery and provide aid to the unemployed

Answer

Prepare the U.S. for World War II

Answer

End Prohibition

Question 39

Which of the following events is NOT associated with the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Assassination of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer

The Dust Bowl

Answer

Bonus Army march on Washington

Answer

Stock market crash of 1929

Question 40

The Great Depression had significant societal impacts in the U.S., including:

Accepted Answer

Increased poverty and unemployment

Answer

Increased consumer spending

Answer

Reduced government regulation

Answer

Improved healthcare access for all Americans

Question 41

Which New Deal program provided employment opportunities to unemployed Americans?

Accepted Answer

Civilian Conservation Corps

Answer

National Labor Relations Act

Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Question 42

The Great Depression concluded with:

Accepted Answer

The outbreak of World War II

Answer

Repeal of Prohibition

Answer

Passage of the Social Security Act

Answer

Election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to a second term

Question 43

A lasting impact of the Great Depression on American history was:

Accepted Answer

Expansion of the federal government's role in the economy

Answer

Renewed confidence in American capitalism

Answer

End of the Progressive Era

Question 44

Which of the following is considered a primary cause of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Overproduction and speculation

Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Government overspending

Answer

The outbreak of World War II

Question 45

What was the name of the comprehensive legislation passed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis?

Accepted Answer

The New Deal

Answer

The Great Depression

Answer

The Hoovervilles

Answer

The Dust Bowl

Question 46

Which of the following was a key component of the New Deal aimed at providing work for the unemployed?

Accepted Answer

The Civilian Conservation Corps

Answer

The Social Security Act

Answer

The National Housing Act

Answer

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Question 47

What was the primary objective of the Social Security Act?

Accepted Answer

To establish a system of retirement and disability benefits

Answer

To regulate the financial industry

Answer

To create a national healthcare system

Answer

To promote economic recovery

Question 48

What was the name of the federal agency created to insure bank deposits and restore confidence in the financial system after the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Answer

The Securities and Exchange Commission

Answer

The Federal Reserve System

Answer

The National Credit Union Administration

Question 49

What was the Dust Bowl?

Accepted Answer

A severe drought and dust storms that devastated the Southern Plains

Answer

The name of a New Deal relief program

Answer

A series of labor strikes in the Midwest

Answer

A major hurricane that hit the East Coast

Question 50

How did the Supreme Court initially respond to the New Deal?

Accepted Answer

It declared several key programs unconstitutional

Answer

It ruled that the New Deal was constitutional

Answer

It played no role in the New Deal

Answer

It declined to rule on the New Deal's constitutionality

Question 51

What was the main focus of the Second New Deal?

Accepted Answer

Expanding social welfare programs and addressing ongoing economic challenges

Answer

Reversing the policies of the First New Deal

Answer

Reducing the national debt

Answer

Preparing the United States for war