SAT II World History : North and South America

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #9 : Revolutions In South America

The money raised through the sale of arms to Iran during the Iran-Contra Affair was used to fund rebels in which Latin American country?

Possible Answers:

Guatemala

Paraguay

Panama

Colombia

Nicaragua

Correct answer:

Nicaragua

Explanation:

The Iran-Contra Affair was a political scandal that occurred during the Reagan administration. It involved the sale of arms to Iran (illegal under an international embargo) and the use of that money to fund rebels in Nicaragua (prohibited by Congress). It was also an attempt to arrange for the release of American hostages in Iran.

Example Question #10 : Revolutions In South America

Juan Peron became the long-serving President of which country following a Coup-d'etat in the 1940s?

Possible Answers:

Bolivia

Mexico

Argentina

Brazil

Colombia

Correct answer:

Argentina

Explanation:

The history of Latin America in the twentieth century is a history of revolution, populism, military coup d'etats, and American interference. Argentina is often held as the classic example of these competing trends and movements and Juan Peron is one of the most famous rulers. He came to power following the coup d'etat of 1943, in the elections of 1946, and ruled until 1955 when he himself was overthrown by a separate coup d'etat. 

Example Question #1 : Other American History From 1900 C.E. To Present

The principle tenet of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor policy involved __________.

Possible Answers:

combating the growth of Communism in many Latin American states

providing aid and military support to established governments in Latin America fighting against rebels

non-intervention in Latin American affairs by the American government

providing funding to aid the growth of Latin American corporations

providing aid and military support to rebels fighting against autocratic governments in Latin America

Correct answer:

non-intervention in Latin American affairs by the American government

Explanation:

The Good Neighbor Policy, initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, promised that the United States would adopt a policy of non-interference in the affairs of the politics of Latin American countries. This did not function as promised, however; during the Cold War, the United States intervened in Latin America on numerous occasions. 

Example Question #41 : North And South America

What name was given to John F. Kennedy's policy of encouraging social reform and economic growth in Latin America? 

Possible Answers:

The Alliance for Progress

The Square Deal

The Kennedy Doctrine

The Fair Deal

The Good Neighbor Policy

Correct answer:

The Alliance for Progress

Explanation:

In response to growing social unrest and economic difficulties in Latin America in the 1960s, John F. Kennedy initiated the Alliance for Progress to encourage social reform and economic growth.

Example Question #42 : North And South America

Which of these countries in the Western Hemisphere is part of the English Commonwealth of Nations?

Possible Answers:

Canada

Argentina

Bolivia

The United States

Chile

Correct answer:

Canada

Explanation:

The English Commonwealth of Nations is a term used to refer to the loose association of former English colonies that exist all over the world. The United States of America is one of the few former English colonies that is not a member, but Canada remains in the English Commonwealth, as do countries like Australia and India.

Example Question #1 : Family And Kinship

At the beginning of the Great Depression, many American families found they could no longer afford to live in their houses or find work, and established slums and shanty towns. What were these communities called?

Possible Answers:

Coolidges

Franklintowns

Roosevelt Mansions

Greed Alleys

Hoovervilles

Correct answer:

Hoovervilles

Explanation:

The beginning of the Great Depression took place during the presidency of Herbert Hoover who, like many Presidents when the economy is in a bad state, was widely blamed for the disaster. Many Americans were forced from their homes and unable to find work and set up slums and shantytowns throughout American cities. In the early 1930s hundreds of thousands of Americans lived in these “Hoovervilles.”

Example Question #2 : Other American History From 1900 C.E. To Present

Which of these Presidents has not received a Nobel Peace Prize?

Possible Answers:

John F. Kennedy

Jimmy Carter

Barack Obama

Theodore Roosevelt

Woodrow Wilson

Correct answer:

John F. Kennedy

Explanation:

Of these Presidents, Woodrow Wilson, Barack Obama, and Theodore Roosevelt received the Nobel Peace Prize during their terms. Jimmy Carter received his long after his Presidency ended for his dedicated humanitarian work in the years since. Only John F. Kennedy did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Example Question #3 : Other American History From 1900 C.E. To Present

What is the name given to the artistic, intellectual, and social movement that took place among African Americans in New York City in the 1920s?

Possible Answers:

The Manhattan Revival

Brooklyn Impressionism

Long Island Objectivism

Big Apple Enlightenment

The Harlem Renaissance

Correct answer:

The Harlem Renaissance

Explanation:

The Harlem Renaissance took place in the 1920s. It was an artistic movement, with intellectual and social qualities, that took place among the African-American community of New York City. In particular, it was a time of a dramatic increase in the writings of African Americans about their experiences.

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