Here’s the correct answer key and explanation for each question on the “Thanksgiving History” quiz:
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1. Who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in the U.S. in 1863?
✔ A. Abraham Lincoln
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Explanation: In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation setting aside the last Thursday in November as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” This established Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday.
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2. Which was the first U.S. state to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday?
✔ B. New York
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Explanation: New York became the first state to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday in 1817. Other states followed, but it wasn’t until Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation that it became a national observance.
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3. When was the first Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. held?
✔ B. 1621
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Explanation: The first Thanksgiving feast occurred in the fall of 1621 at Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. It was a three-day celebration shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people after a successful harvest.
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4. How long did the first American Thanksgiving celebration last?
✔ D. 3 days
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Explanation: Historical records (primarily from Edward Winslow’s account) indicate the 1621 celebration lasted three days, including feasting, games, and military exercises.
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5. The first Thanksgiving meal did not feature pies, cakes or desserts.
✔ A. True
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Explanation: There were no ovens or wheat flour available to the Pilgrims in 1621, so they couldn’t make pies or cakes. Desserts as we know them today were not part of the menu. The meal likely included venison, fowl (possibly turkey), corn, beans, and squash.
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6. What does the U.S. President do every year for Thanksgiving?
✔ C. "Pardons" a turkey
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Explanation: Since 1947 (formally institutionalized in 1989), the U.S. President performs a symbolic “turkey pardon,” sparing a live turkey from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a lighthearted tradition, not a legal pardon.
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7. What percentage of Americans eat turkey for Thanksgiving?
✔ B. 58%
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Explanation: According to surveys by the National Turkey Federation and other polling organizations, about 58% of Americans report eating turkey on Thanksgiving. While it’s iconic, not everyone eats it — some choose ham, chicken, vegetarian alternatives, or other dishes.
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✔ Final Answer Key:
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. B
Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a printable answer sheet or with sources!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 4 grade social studies worksheet.
