Register
Question 1
What was the primary goal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890?
Correct Answer:
To keep silver in circulation
Explanation:
The Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 aimed primarily to keep silver in circulation by mandating the purchase of a specific amount of silver each month by the federal government. This act represented a compromise intended to support silver producers while also addressing the economic difficulties faced by farmers and laborers who advocated for the free coinage of silver. By increasing the government’s purchase of silver, it was hoped that the resulting increase in the money supply would stimulate the economy and alleviate deflationary pressures. The legislation’s intent was to reinforce the use of silver as legal tender, thereby promoting inflation which would benefit debtors who struggled under the weight of debts during a period of economic downturn. This move was particularly significant during the late 19th century when the economy experienced deflation and many advocated for greater monetary flexibility. In contrast, reducing silver coinage, increasing production, or eliminating the gold standard did not align with the act's primary goals; instead, the act focused on maintaining and promoting silver's role in the monetary system as a response to various economic issues of the time.
Question 2
What concept proposed that the wealthy have a divine responsibility for societal benefit?
Correct Answer:
Gospel of Wealth
Explanation:
The concept that the wealthy have a divine responsibility for societal benefit is accurately represented by the idea of the Gospel of Wealth. This philosophy, famously articulated by Andrew Carnegie in the late 19th century, posits that the affluent have both a moral obligation and a stewardship role to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Carnegie argued that the rich should use their excess wealth to promote societal good, advocating for the establishment of libraries, schools, and other institutions that would uplift the community. This perspective emerged during a time of significant economic inequality and industrial expansion in the United States. It reflects a blend of philanthropy and capitalism, suggesting that wealth should not just be accumulated but also redistributed through charitable endeavors to enhance the common good. Carnegie's writings on this topic significantly shaped the philanthropic landscape and influenced how wealth was perceived in relation to social responsibility.
Question 3
Who made a major advancement in communication technology with the invention of the telephone?
Correct Answer:
Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation:
The invention of the telephone is primarily credited to Alexander Graham Bell, who was granted the first US patent for the device in 1876. Bell's work focused on improving the technology for transmitting vocal sounds electrically, and he demonstrated the first successful call when he famously spoke to his assistant, "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you." This innovation revolutionized communication by allowing people to speak to one another over long distances in real-time, which was a significant leap compared to earlier methods like the telegraph, which was limited to sending coded messages. Bell's invention laid the groundwork for the telecommunications industry as we know it today.
Question 4
What was the Ghost Dance Movement?
Correct Answer:
A religious movement resisting U.S. domination
Explanation:
The Ghost Dance Movement was primarily a religious movement that emerged among Native American tribes in the late 19th century as a response to the suppression and devastation caused by U.S. domination and expansion. The movement was founded by a Paiute prophet named Wovoka in the 1880s, promoting the belief that through the practice of the Ghost Dance, Native Americans could return to their traditional way of life, reunite with ancestors, and ultimately see the restoration of their lands and way of life that had been lost due to colonization. While elements of cultural revival and resistance to land theft were indeed associated with the movement, its core focus was on a spiritual awakening and the hope for a better future through religious practices. This belief system provided many Native Americans with a sense of hope and purpose in an era of deep despair and dislocation. The movement gained attention and led to conflicts, most notably culminating in the tragic Massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890, which underscored the tensions between Indigenous peoples and the U.S. government. The other options relate to aspects of Native American experiences but do not encapsulate the essence of the Ghost Dance as it was fundamentally a spiritual movement aimed at resisting U.S. domination through a religious framework.
Question 5
Which event marked the tragic conclusion to the Indian Wars?
Correct Answer:
Wounded Knee Massacre
Explanation:
The Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred in December 1890, is widely considered the tragic conclusion to the Indian Wars. This event involved the U.S. Army's killing of around 150 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. The massacre was the result of escalating tensions between Native Americans and the U.S. government, particularly following the Ghost Dance movement, which was seen as a threat by authorities. The event symbolizes the end of armed conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government, marking a significant moment in the history of U.S.-Native American relations. It highlights the broader context of oppression and attempts at cultural eradication faced by Native American tribes. After Wounded Knee, it became evident that the military confrontations of the Indian Wars had concluded, paving the way for the assimilation policies that dominated U.S. policy towards Native Americans in the years that followed. The other events listed, such as the Sand Creek Massacre and the Battle of Little Bighorn, were significant in their own rights but occurred earlier in the timeline of the Indian Wars, whereas Wounded Knee represents the culmination of years of conflict and the finality of military engagement. The Battle of the Washita
Question 1
Exam overview

About this Exam

Welcome to your essential resource for conquering the AMSCO AP United States History Exam (APUSH) – Period 6 Practice Test. This guide is meticulously designed for high school students currently enrolled in AP United States History who are preparing to excel in their course and on the official AP Exam administered by the College Board. This specific practice exam focuses entirely on the critical period between 1865 and 1898, a transformative era commonly known as the Gilded Age, which witnessed the rise of industrial capitalism, significant urbanization, widespread immigration, and dramatic shifts in social and political landscapes.

By providing a rigorous and representative set of practice questions, this test is an indispensable tool for gauging your understanding, identifying knowledge gaps, and building the confidence and stamina necessary for high-stakes testing. Whether you are aiming to earn college credit, impress admissions officers, or simply master a defining period in American history, this comprehensive study guide is your starting point for success.

More details

Additional Information

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The underlying AP United States History course (often supported by the comprehensive AMSCO textbook, "United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Exam") provides a detailed, analytical survey of the nation's past, focusing on seven core themes: American and National Identity; Work, Exchange, and Technology; Geography and the Environment; Migration and Settlement; Politics and Power; America in the World; and American and Regional Culture.

This specific practice test hones in on Period 6 (1865-1898), a time marked by rapid industrialization, the closing of the Western frontier, and massive societal changes. Core topics you must master include:

  • The Industrial Revolution and Big Business: Rise of corporations (e.g., Carnegie, Rockefeller), new technologies, labor unions, and debates over government regulation.

  • Urbanization and Immigration: Growth of cities, the "New Immigration" from Southern and Eastern Europe, and the social responses to these shifts (Nativism, social reform).

  • The Development of the West: The impact of railroads, mining, and ranching; the destruction of the buffalo and Native American resistance (Dawes Act, Wounded Knee).

  • Politics and Society in the Gilded Age: Political machines, civil service reform, the Populist movement, and the emerging Progressive impulse.

  • Race Relations: The establishment of Jim Crow laws, Plessy v. Ferguson, and distinct approaches to civil rights (Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois).

This practice exam mimics the structure of official AP questions for this time period, offering both multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts (Short Answer, DBQ, or LEQ) specific to Period 6 content.


What to Expect in the Final Exam

It is crucial to understand that this is a practice test designed to prepare you for the official College Board AP United States History Exam. While this test covers only Period 6, the actual AP Exam is a comprehensive assessment covering the entirety of U.S. history from 1491 to the present. The official AP Exam is typically divided into two main sections:

Section I:

  • Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ): You will encounter 55 questions based on various stimuli (documents, images, maps) in 55 minutes, accounting for 40% of your total score.

  • Part B: Short-Answer Questions (SAQ): You will answer three required questions in 40 minutes, constituting 20% of your score. These require concise, evidence-based responses.

Section II:

  • Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ): You will write one essay based on seven provided documents and your outside knowledge in 60 minutes (including a 15-minute reading period), representing 25% of your score.

  • Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ): You will choose one of three optional prompts, writing an essay using historical evidence and analysis in 40 minutes, contributing 15% to your score.

A high score on the APUSH exam (typically a 3, 4, or 5) demonstrates college-level proficiency and is often accepted for credit by many universities. Practice tests like this one are vital for managing your time and developing the critical thinking skills required to succeed across all exam sections.


How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for this practice exam, and the eventual official test, requires a mix of content mastery and historical analysis skills. Follow these proven strategies:

  • Review Your AMSCO Text: Dedicate time to thoroughly reading the chapters in your AMSCO book that cover Period 6. The textbook is known for its clear, concise summaries and direct alignment with AP standards. Create detailed outlines or flowcharts of major events.

  • Master the Key Terms: Go through your notes and flashcards for essential concepts, legislation, individuals, and organizations from the Gilded Age (e.g., Sherman Antitrust Act, Knights of Labor, Jane Addams, Populist Party, Social Darwinism). Focus not just on definitions, but on their historical significance.

  • Develop Historical Thinking Skills: APUSH isn't about memorization; it's about analysis. When reviewing Period 6, practice skills like chronological reasoning (causation, continuity/change over time), comparison (different reactions to industrialization), contextualization (situating events in a broader historical framework), and historical argumentation.

  • Analyze Primary Sources: Look at political cartoons, speeches, and newspaper articles from the late 19th century. Practice interpreting their main points, point of view, and context, as this is crucial for the MCQ, SAQ, and DBQ sections.

  • Take Timed Practice: When using this AMSCO APUSH Period 6 Practice Test, do so under timed conditions to simulate the pressure of the actual exam.

Regarding exam locations, this AMSCO Practice Exam is typically administered within a classroom environment, provided by your APUSH teacher. It may be taken as a written test or via an authorized online platform associated with the school’s curriculum.

However, the official AP United States History Exam is held on a specific date in May worldwide. It is administered by physical testing centers, which are usually registered high schools (your own or a nearby one). Your school's AP Coordinator will manage your registration and provide information on the precise location.


Job Opportunities from the Course

A strong performance in AP United States History, culminating in a high score on the official exam, signals a robust understanding of the nation’s past and advanced skills in critical thinking, research, and written communication. This foundation is invaluable for any career that requires analysis, public engagement, or clear synthesis of complex information.

Completing this course and pursuing higher education builds a direct pathway to several career paths, including:

  • Historian

  • College or University Professor (History)

  • Secondary School Teacher (History/Social Studies)

  • Archivist or Museum Curator

  • Lawyer or Legal Analyst

  • Political Scientist or Researcher

  • Journalist or Media Correspondent

  • Librarian or Information Specialist

  • Public Policy Analyst

  • Civil Servant or Government Administrator

  • Genealogist

  • Research Analyst (Non-Profit or Think Tank)

While the certification of the AP exam alone does not directly lead to these jobs, it provides crucial academic credit, reinforces a powerful historical perspective, and develops transferable skills that are highly competitive in the modern workforce. Your success on this practice exam is a key step toward that future.


Quiz information

Frequently Asked Questions

The complete question count is available after full access is unlocked.
No fixed duration is currently configured for this quiz.
Question explanations are included where they are available in the quiz content, helping you review the reasoning after answering.
Yes. You can retake the practice test again as you continue studying during your available access period.
After your access is confirmed, you can continue into the complete practice exam from this quiz flow.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this page provides independent practice material for study and exam preparation and is not the official examination itself.
Keep studying

Related Questions

Architecture Licensure Exam History Theory Planning Practice Test

0 min

A Level History America Practice Exam

0 min

Master ASU ARS445 History of Animation Exam 2

0 min

ABCTE United States History Practice Exam

0 min

ABCTE World History Practice Exam

0 min

Chiropractic History and Principles Practice Test

0 min