SAT II US History : SAT Subject Test in United States History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II US History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Representative Viewpoints In U.S. Foreign Policy From 1790 To 1898

“Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.”

Which United States President most likely spoke these words?

Possible Answers:

Andrew Jackson

John Adams

George Washington 

James K. Polk

James Madison 

Correct answer:

John Adams

Explanation:

The above quote was spoken by President John Adams. During his Presidential administration many people were clamoring for war with France—the XYZ Affair had offended American national sensibilities, and many politicians in particular felt that warfare was necessary to restore national honor. Adams resisted this feeling though, steadfastly refusing to sacrifice American boys for an unnecessary war.

Example Question #2 : Representative Viewpoints In U.S. Foreign Policy From 1790 To 1898

What was the chief aim of the James Monroe Administration in establishing the Monroe Doctrine?

Possible Answers:

To foster more cordial relations with the significant European powers of the time

To prevent European powers from interfering in the domestic politics of newly independent Latin American states

To promote American business interests across Latin America

To interfere in the domestic politics of newly independent Latin American states

To promote British interests against the overwhelming Spanish influence throughout Latin America

Correct answer:

To prevent European powers from interfering in the domestic politics of newly independent Latin American states

Explanation:

President James Monroe elucidated what became known as the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 during his seventh State of the Union Address. Worried about European colonial powers desiring to either retake their newly independent former possessions in Latin America or to promote their own interests, Monroe vowed that the United States would intervene on behalf of the newly independent states. The actual Monroe Doctrine was largely authored by John Quincy Adams, Monroe's Secretary of State and successor as President in 1825.

Example Question #3 : Representative Viewpoints In U.S. Foreign Policy From 1790 To 1898

"The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European power."

The given quote describes which foreign policy ideal?

Possible Answers:

Isolationism

The Special Relationship

Manifest Destiny

Filibustering

The Monroe Doctrine

Correct answer:

The Monroe Doctrine

Explanation:

The Monroe Doctrine was first stated by President James Monroe in his seventh State of the Union address to Congress in 1823. Written by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the Monroe Doctrine was crafted in response to Latin American revolutionary movements against European colonial powers. The Monroe Doctrine forcefully argued that it was in America's best interests to assist Latin American nations whose sovereignty was threatened by European nations.

Example Question #27 : U.S. Foreign Policy

Which of the following Native American leaders was the last to surrender to the US army?

Possible Answers:

Crazy Horse

Sitting Bull

Geronimo

Tecumseh

Osceola

Correct answer:

Geronimo

Explanation:

In the early Republic, leaders like Tecumseh and Osceola fought state and territorial militias, siding with the British in the War of 1812. After the Civil War, conflicts against Indians increased in the Western territories of the United States. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse defeated General Custer at Little Bighorn, but surrendered to US forces in the late 1870s. Geronimo and the Apaches continued fighting the US Cavalry in the Southwest until ultimately surrendering in 1886.

Example Question #1 : Summary Of U.S. Foreign Policy From 1790 To 1898

Which of these statements best summarizes the Monroe Doctrine of 1823?

Possible Answers:
The United States would slowly contain the slave trade, to prevent its expansion into new territories in the hope that it would eventually die out
The United States would protect the institution of slavery and allow its expansion into new territories to ensure the continued loyalty of the Southern states
None of those mentioned
The United States would not allow the creation of any new colonies in the Western Hemisphere, and would actively intervene to help provide self-government for those colonies already in existence
The United States would not allow the creation of any new colonies in the Western Hemisphere, but likewise would not intervene in those colonies that already existed
Correct answer: The United States would not allow the creation of any new colonies in the Western Hemisphere, but likewise would not intervene in those colonies that already existed
Explanation:

The Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823, stated that the Western Hemisphere was now, and forever, off limits to the European powers. At the time, much of Latin America was beginning to gain independence from a much weakened Spanish Empire and the United States wanted to ensure that a separate European power – such as England or France, would not take the place of Spain. The Doctrine also assured Europe that the United States would not intervene in the affairs of European nations elsewhere in the world.

Example Question #131 : Sat Subject Test In United States History

Which of these was not a consequence of the Spanish-American War?

Possible Answers:
American annexation of the Philippines
American annexation of Puerto Rico
These were all consequences of the Spanish-American War
The effectual end of the Spanish Empire
The independence of Cuba
Correct answer: These were all consequences of the Spanish-American War
Explanation:

The Spanish-American War lasted a mere three months, and resulted in the deaths of relatively few Americans. As a result it was roundly viewed as a spectacular success in the United States. After the destruction of their fleet, and battle losses in Cuba and the Southern Pacific, the Spanish sued for peace. The Americans agreed on the terms that Cuba should be liberated from Spanish rule (it was placed temporarily under American control, but gained full independence four years later), and that America would annex Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. Defeat in the war and substantial loss of territory spelled the effectual end of Spain as a global power. Therefore, all the answer choices here are correct. Additionally, the war spelled an ascension to world power status for the United States and helped quell social unrest domestically. 

Example Question #132 : Sat Subject Test In United States History

Which 1794 treaty, between the United States and Britain, helped to resolve some of the lingering tensions from the Revolutionary War?

Possible Answers:

Treaty of Paris

Treaty of Ghent 

Jay Treaty 

Monroe Treaty

Pinckney Treaty 

Correct answer:

Jay Treaty 

Explanation:

The Jay Treaty, signed in 1794, was a successful attempt by the United States and the British Empire to avert war and resolve some disputes that had existed since the signing of the Treaty of Paris, eleven years prior. The Treaty assured the United States that the British would abandon their forts and military stations still held in American territory. It also granted the United States certain trading rights with British possessions, in exchange for British rights to American cotton. The Jay Treaty successfully averted war, but an attempt at a replacement treaty ten years later failed and, in 1812, the United States and Britain would fight a second war in an attempt to resolve their existing differences. The Jay Treaty was also crucial in solidifying the early identities of the Federalists (pro-big business; pro-British) and the Democratic-Republicans (pro-agriculture; pro-French). 

Example Question #133 : Sat Subject Test In United States History

The Chesapeake-Leopard Incident __________.

Possible Answers:

terminated the political career of Aaron Burr

resulted in the massacre of thousands of Native Americans

escalated tensions between Great Britain and the United States 

resolved the territorial disputes between France and the United States

caused disharmony among the African-American population 

Correct answer:

escalated tensions between Great Britain and the United States 

Explanation:

The Chesapeake-Leopard Incident was a brief naval conflict that occurred between Great Britain and the United States in 1807. The British HMS Leopard attacked and boarded the USS Chesapeake to capture and try deserters. This policy of impressment was common practice in the British Empire, but, to most Americans, the attack represented an insulting incursion upon American sovereignty. The incident escalated tensions between Britain and the United States almost to the point of war, but Congress balked at open warfare with the British Empire and Jefferson issued the Embargo of 1807. War would have to wait a further five years of escalating tensions and naval engagements. 

Example Question #134 : Sat Subject Test In United States History

The Aroostook War was between __________.

Possible Answers:

Native-Americans and American settlers in Ohio

the British and the French in Nova Scotia

British and American forces in Maine 

Native-Americans and French settlers in Quebec

American and Mexican settlers in Texas

Correct answer:

British and American forces in Maine 

Explanation:

The Aroostook War was an international incident between the British and the United States. Both sides claimed greater territory in the New Brunswick and Maine region that the other side was willing to concede. The word “war” was used somewhat ironically, as conflict never broke out, but forces from both sides were stationed prepared for conflict. Eventually a diplomatic resolution was worked out in the Webster-Ashburton Treaty in 1842. 

Example Question #135 : Sat Subject Test In United States History

The Treaty of Wang Hya, signed in 1844 ___________.

Possible Answers:

granted Chinese mainland territory to Japan

represented the first trade agreement between China and the United States

ended the Boxer Rebellion

was broken during the outbreak of the First Opium War

granted exclusive Chinese trading rights to the British Empire

Correct answer:

represented the first trade agreement between China and the United States

Explanation:

The Treaty of Wang Hya was signed between the United States and China in 1844. The treaty allowed American merchants to trade in Chinese ports and goods. It also placed the United States on an equal relationship with China as only Britain had previously enjoyed. It represents the first of a series of attempts to better relations between the United States and China. 

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