Here are the correct answers for the Thanksgiving History quiz, along with a quick explanation for each to help you understand why they are right.
1. Who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in the U.S. in 1863?
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Answer: A) Abraham Lincoln
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Why: During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise" to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November.
2. Which was the first U.S. state to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday?
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Answer: B) New York
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Why: While many colonies held thanksgiving days, New York was the first state to officially declare it an annual holiday in 1817.
3. When was the first Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. held?
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Answer: B) 1621
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Why: The famous harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people took place in Plymouth in October 1621.
4. How long did the first American Thanksgiving celebration last?
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Answer: D) 3 days
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Why: Historical records indicate that the 1621 celebration lasted for three full days, involving feasting and recreational activities like shooting matches.
5. The first thanksgiving meal did not feature pies, cakes or desserts.
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Answer: A) True
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Why: This is true because the Pilgrims did not have ovens to bake crusts, and they had used up their supply of sugar. So, there were no pumpkin pies or sweet desserts at the first feast.
6. What does the U.S. President do every year for Thanksgiving?
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Answer: C) "Pardons" a turkey
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Why: It is a modern tradition where the President symbolically spares a turkey from being eaten, allowing it to live out its life on a farm.
7. What percentage of Americans eat turkey for Thanksgiving?
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Answer: B) 58%
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Why: While turkey is the most famous symbol of the holiday, surveys generally show that just over half (around 58%) of Americans actually eat turkey, as many families choose ham, roast beef, or vegetarian options instead.
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Final Answer:
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. B
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of social studies worksheet for 4th grade.
