US history quiz
Checked on 11 November 2026
Question 1 of 10
Discover
Whose bold signature on the Declaration of Independence made his name an everyday word for a signature?
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The answer is John Hancock.
John Hancock signed first, with a large and stylish signature, so people still ask for your "John Hancock" when they want you to sign.
Discover
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of which country?
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The answer is France.
The statue was a gift of friendship from the people of France, dedicated in New York Harbor in 1886.
Discover
In what year did Apollo 11 make the first crewed Moon landing?
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The answer is 1969.
Apollo 11 launched in July 1969 with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin and achieved the first crewed Moon landing.
Discover
Near which North Carolina town did the Wright brothers make the first successful airplane flights in 1903?
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The answer is Kitty Hawk.
On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made their first flights a few miles south of Kitty Hawk.
Practise
From which country did the United States buy Alaska in 1867?
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The answer is Russia.
Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, a deal once mocked as "Seward's Folly".
Practise
In which state was the "Last Spike" of the first transcontinental railroad driven in 1869?
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The answer is Utah.
The ceremonial Last Spike was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869.
Practise
In what year did the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's right to vote, become part of the Constitution?
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The answer is 1920.
Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919 and it was ratified by the states in 1920.
Expert
The 1854 Gadsden Purchase, now part of southern Arizona and New Mexico, was bought from which country?
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The answer is Mexico.
The United States paid Mexico $10 million for land that became part of Arizona and New Mexico.
Expert
Which state was the first to ratify the US Constitution, on December 7, 1787?
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The answer is Delaware.
Delaware ratified first, which is why it is nicknamed "The First State".
Expert
Under Article VII, how many states had to ratify the US Constitution for it to take effect?
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The answer is 9.
Article VII said the ratification of nine of the thirteen states would be enough to establish the Constitution.