America’s Early Wars
“Give me liberty or give me death!” is a famous quote from which war?
A: The American Revolution.
Patrick Henry said this in 1775, urging Virginia to support the Revolutionary cause.
“The Red Badge of Courage” is a novel about which war?
A: The Civil War.
Written by Stephen Crane, it describes a young soldier’s fears and bravery during battle.
What war was often called “The Great War”?
A: World War I.
It was the largest war the world had seen—until World War II.
What war did the “Demilitarized Zone” separate North and South Korea in?
A: The Korean War.
The DMZ is still there today and marks the ceasefire line between the two countries.
What cheerful World War I song told soldiers to “Smile, Smile, Smile”?
A: “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.”
Troops even sang it in German as they marched to war.
What war involved a protest called the Boston Tea Party?
A: The American Revolution.
Colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in 1773 to oppose taxation without representation.
“Sherman’s March to the Sea” occurred during which conflict?
A: The Civil War.
Union General William T. Sherman destroyed Confederate supplies on his march through Georgia.
What war featured soldiers walking on “duckboards” in trenches?
A: World War I.
These planks helped prevent trench foot by keeping soldiers above water in the muddy trenches.
What was the “Ho Chi Minh Trail” used for during the Vietnam War?
A: To supply North Vietnamese troops.
It was a network of jungle paths through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
What song became a homecoming anthem for WWII vets and was sung by Doris Day?
A: “Sentimental Journey.”
It brought comfort to soldiers and families during and after the war.
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair helped ignite which war?
A: The War of 1812.
A British warship attacked a U.S. Navy frigate, worsening tensions between the two nations.
Which war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1898?
A: The Spanish-American War.
This treaty gave the U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
What was the “Manhattan Project,” and in which war was it used?
A: World War II.
It was the secret U.S. program to build the first atomic bomb.
What 2003 bombing targeted the United Nations in Baghdad?
A: The Canal Hotel Bombing during the Iraq War.
This tragic attack caused most of the UN staff to withdraw from Iraq.
What 1986 Vietnam War movie was written by a veteran?
A: Platoon.
Directed by Oliver Stone, it showed the emotional toll of combat.
Who were the “War Hawks,” and during what war did they gain attention?
A: The War of 1812.
These young U.S. politicians pushed for war against Britain to defend American honor.
Who were the “Rough Riders,” and in what war did they serve?
A: The Spanish-American War.
Led by Theodore Roosevelt, this cavalry unit fought in Cuba without using horses.
The phrase “a date which will live in infamy” refers to an event in which war?
A: World War II.
President Roosevelt said this after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
What operation name was used for the War in Afghanistan after 9/11?
A: Operation Enduring Freedom.
It was followed by Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and involved training Afghan forces.
What WWII movie was based on a book called “The Filthy Thirteen”?
A: The Dirty Dozen.
The 1967 film depicted a group of convicts sent on a dangerous mission.
What famous women’s group supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War?
A: The Daughters of Liberty.
They boycotted British goods and made homemade products to help the colonies resist British rule.
What song was played as U.S. forces sailed to battle in the Spanish-American War?
A: “El Capitan March.”
Played by the Olympia Brass Band as the Navy headed to Manila Bay under Admiral Dewey.
What fast, destructive strategy did Germany use in World War II?
A: Blitzkrieg.
Meaning “lightning war,” this method used tanks and planes to strike quickly and overwhelm the enemy.
What phrase did President George W. Bush use for Iraq, Iran, and North Korea?
A: Axis of Evil.
He used this term to describe regimes supporting terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction.
What plan helped rebuild Europe after WWII?
A: The Marshall Plan.
It provided aid to rebuild war-torn nations and prevent the spread of communism.