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#1 On which day did ARPANET suffer a 4 hour long network crash?
Explanation
On October 27, 1980, ARPANET experienced a major 4-hour network crash due to a software bug in the routing algorithm. This early internet predecessor crash highlighted the importance of robust network design and influenced later internet protocols.
#2 Which is the hull NO. of the Fletcher class destroyer Fletcher?
Explanation
USS Fletcher (DD-445) was the lead ship of the Fletcher-class destroyers, commissioned in 1942. Named after Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in numerous major operations.
#3 Which naval battle was considered the turning point of the Pacific Ocean Theater during World War 2?
Explanation
The Battle of Midway (June 4-7, 1942) is considered the turning point of the Pacific War. The U.S. Navy's decisive victory over the Japanese fleet destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers and many experienced pilots, permanently shifting the balance of naval power in the Pacific.
#4 Which English king was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Explanation
Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152, eight weeks after her marriage to Louis VII of France was annulled. This marriage brought the vast Duchy of Aquitaine under English control and made Eleanor one of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. Richard I was her son.
#5 During World War I, which nation's monarchs were blood related?
Explanation
King George V of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia were all cousins, grandchildren of Queen Victoria. This family relationship made World War I particularly tragic, as the conflict pitted closely related monarchs against each other.
#6 What was the code name for the Allied invasion of Southern France on August 15th, 1944?
Explanation
Operation Dragoon was the Allied invasion of southern France on August 15, 1944, initially codenamed Operation Anvil. It opened a second front in France to support the Normandy landings (Operation Overlord) and helped liberate southern France from German occupation.
#7 In 1547 who became the 1st Tsar of Russia
Explanation
Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) became the first Tsar of Russia in 1547 when he was crowned at age 16. He transformed Russia from a medieval state into an empire, though his later reign was marked by increasing paranoia and brutality, earning him the nickname 'the Terrible.'
#8 What year was Canada founded in?
Explanation
Canada was founded as a federal dominion on July 1, 1867, with the British North America Act uniting four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This date is celebrated annually as Canada Day, marking the birth of modern Canada.
#9 When did Lithuania declare independence from the Soviet Union?
Explanation
Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so. This bold move sparked a chain reaction that contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union and inspired other Baltic states to follow suit.
#10 Which of these theoretical phycisists first predicted the existence of antimatter?
Explanation
Paul Dirac predicted the existence of antimatter in 1928 through his famous Dirac equation, which described the behavior of electrons. His work showed that every particle should have an antiparticle counterpart, leading to the discovery of the positron in 1932.
#11 The coat of arms of the King of Spain contains the arms from the monarchs of Castille, Leon, Aragon and which other former Iberian kingdom?
Explanation
The Spanish royal coat of arms includes the historic arms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre, representing the four major kingdoms that were unified to form modern Spain. Navarre was an independent kingdom that straddled the Pyrenees until it was incorporated into Spain in 1512.
#12 The Battle of Trafalgar took place on October 23rd, 1805
Explanation
The Battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21, 1805, not October 23rd. This decisive naval battle saw Admiral Nelson's British fleet defeat the combined French and Spanish fleets, securing British naval supremacy and ending Napoleon's invasion plans for Britain.
#13 With which Greek philosopher would you associate the phrase, "I know that I know nothing"?
Explanation
'I know that I know nothing' (Socratic paradox) is associated with Socrates, expressing his belief that true wisdom comes from recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. This philosophical stance became central to the Socratic method of inquiry and critical thinking.
#14 What did the first vending machines in the early 1880's dispense?
Explanation
The first commercial vending machines in the early 1880s dispensed postcards at London train stations. These machines were introduced to meet the growing demand for postcards among travelers, marking the beginning of automated retail technology.
#15 What micro-state is considered to have the oldest constitution still in effect?
Explanation
San Marino's constitution, enacted in 1600, is considered the world's oldest constitutional document still in effect. The tiny republic surrounded by Italy has maintained its independence and constitutional framework for over 400 years, making it unique among world nations.
#16 Which U.S. president was said to have been too honest to lie to his father about chopping down a cherry tree?
Explanation
The cherry tree story is a famous myth about young George Washington confessing to his father about cutting down a cherry tree, saying 'I cannot tell a lie.' This tale was created by Mason Weems in 1806 to illustrate Washington's honesty, but it's historically false.
#17 Who assassinated President James A. Garfield?
Explanation
Charles Guiteau assassinated President James A. Garfield on July 2, 1881, at a railway station in Washington, D.C. Guiteau was a disgruntled office-seeker who believed he deserved a government position. Garfield died 79 days later from his wounds.
#18 The son of which pope supposedly held a lecherous fête involving 50 courtesans in the papal palace?
Explanation
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, allegedly held the infamous 'Banquet of Chestnuts' in 1501 at the Vatican Palace. This scandalous event supposedly involved courtesans and was emblematic of the corruption associated with the Borgia papacy during the Renaissance.
#19 During the Winter War, the amount of Soviet Union soliders that died or went missing was five times more than Finland's.
Explanation
During the Winter War (1939-1940), Soviet casualties were indeed approximately five times higher than Finnish casualties. The USSR suffered around 200,000-400,000 casualties compared to Finland's 70,000, demonstrating Finnish military effectiveness despite being vastly outnumbered.
#20 Which countries participated in the Lobster War?
Explanation
The Lobster War (1961-1963) was a dispute between France and Brazil over lobster fishing rights off the Brazilian coast. The conflict arose when French boats began fishing in Brazilian waters, leading to diplomatic tensions and naval confrontations over territorial fishing boundaries.
#21 The man that shot Alexander Hamilton was named Aaron Burr.
Explanation
Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States, shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. The duel resulted from years of political rivalry and personal animosity between the two founding fathers.
#22 Bohdan Khmelnytsky was which of the following?
Explanation
Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1595-1657) was a Ukrainian Cossack leader who led the Khmelnytsky Uprising against Polish-Lithuanian rule. His rebellion established a Cossack state and is considered a foundational event in Ukrainian national history.
#23 When did Spanish Peninsular War start?
Explanation
The Peninsular War began in 1808 when Napoleon invaded Spain and Portugal. This conflict lasted until 1814 and was characterized by brutal guerrilla warfare. It significantly weakened Napoleon's forces and contributed to his eventual downfall.
#24 What did the abbreviation "RMS" stand for in the RMS Titanic in 1912?
Explanation
RMS stands for 'Royal Mail Ship,' a designation given to ships contracted by the British Royal Mail to carry mail between different countries. The Titanic carried mail along with passengers, making it an official Royal Mail vessel.
#25 When was the "Siege of Leningrad" lifted during World War II?
Explanation
The Siege of Leningrad was officially lifted on January 27, 1944, after lasting 872 days (from September 1941). This was one of the longest and most devastating sieges in history, resulting in over one million civilian deaths, mostly from starvation.
#26 Who invented the "Flying Shuttle" in 1738; one of the key developments in the industrialization of weaving?
Explanation
John Kay invented the flying shuttle in 1733 (not 1738), revolutionizing the weaving industry. This device allowed weavers to work much faster and produce wider fabrics, making it a crucial innovation that helped spark the Industrial Revolution in textile manufacturing.
#27 What age was King Henry V when he died?
Explanation
King Henry V of England died in 1422 at the young age of 35, likely from dysentery contracted during his military campaigns in France. Despite his short life, he is remembered for his victory at the Battle of Agincourt (1415) and his military prowess during the Hundred Years' War.
#28 After the 1516 Battle of Marj Dabiq, the Ottoman Empire took control of Jerusalem from which sultanate?
Explanation
The Ottoman Empire conquered Jerusalem from the Mamluk Sultanate following their victory at the Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1516. This battle marked the end of Mamluk control over the Levant and brought the Holy Land under Ottoman rule for the next 400 years.
#29 Spain was formed in 1469 with the marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of what other Iberian kingdom?
Explanation
The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 created the foundation for modern Spain by uniting the two largest Christian kingdoms in Iberia. Their joint rule became known as the Catholic Monarchs, and they completed the Reconquista by conquering Granada in 1492.
#30 Which of these positions did the astronomer and physicist Isaac Newton not hold?
Explanation
Isaac Newton held many prestigious positions including Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, Warden (and later Master) of the Royal Mint, and Member of Parliament for Cambridge University. However, he never served as Surveyor to the City of London.
#31 The pantheon in Rome was used to worship what god?
Explanation
The Pantheon in Rome, built around 126 CE, was designed as a temple to all gods ('pan' meaning all, 'theos' meaning god). It was not dedicated to any specific deity but rather served as a place where Romans could worship any god they chose from their extensive pantheon.
#32 What is the name of the Boeing B-29 that dropped the 'Little Boy' atomic bomb on Hiroshima?
Explanation
The Enola Gay, piloted by Colonel Paul Tibbets, dropped the 'Little Boy' atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The aircraft was named after Tibbets' mother, Enola Gay Tibbets. This mission marked the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare.
#33 In which year did the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack occur?
Explanation
The Tokyo subway sarin attack occurred on March 20, 1995, when members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released deadly sarin gas on several Tokyo Metro lines during morning rush hour. This domestic terrorist attack killed 13 people and injured thousands.
#34 Which of the following was not one of Joseph Stalin's ten blows during World War II?
Explanation
Stalin's 'Ten Blows' were major Soviet offensives in 1944 that drove German forces from Soviet territory. The Vistula-Oder Offensive occurred in January 1945, after the Ten Blows campaign ended. Operation Bagration was the most famous of the ten blows, destroying German Army Group Center.
#35 Which country did the Eureka Rebellion, an 1856 battle against colonial rule, take place in?
Explanation
The Eureka Rebellion took place in Australia on December 3, 1854 (not 1856), at the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat, Victoria. Gold miners rebelled against the colonial government's mining licenses and taxation policies, leading to a brief but significant armed confrontation.
#36 From 1940 to 1942, what was the capital-in-exile of Free France ?
Explanation
Brazzaville, in French Equatorial Africa (now Republic of the Congo), served as the capital of Free France from 1940 to 1942. Charles de Gaulle established his government-in-exile there after French colonies in Africa rallied to the Free French cause following the fall of metropolitan France.
#37 In the year 1900, what were the most popular first names given to boy and girl babies born in the United States?
Explanation
John and Mary were the most popular baby names in the United States in 1900. John had been the top male name for decades, while Mary dominated female names throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting traditional Christian naming practices of the era.
#38 When was Finland's 100th year of being independent?
Explanation
Finland celebrated its 100th year of independence in 2017, marking a century since declaring independence from Russia on December 6, 1917. The centennial year was celebrated nationwide with special events, commemorations, and cultural programs throughout 2017.
#39 The main objective of the German operation "Case Blue" during World War II was originally to capture what?
Explanation
Operation Case Blue (Fall Blau) was launched in 1942 with the primary objective of capturing the Caucasus region and its vital oil fields. While Stalingrad became a major focus, the original strategic goal was to secure Soviet oil resources to fuel the German war machine.
#40 Toussaint Louverture led a successful slave revolt in which country?
Explanation
Toussaint Louverture led the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), the most successful slave revolt in history. He transformed the slave uprising in French colonial Saint-Domingue into a movement that ultimately led to Haiti becoming the first free black republic and the second independent nation in the Americas.
#41 Who was the last emperor of Mexico?
Explanation
Maximilian I (Ferdinand Maximilian) was the last emperor of Mexico, ruling from 1864 to 1867. An Austrian archduke, he was installed by French forces under Napoleon III but was executed by republican forces led by Benito Juárez, ending the Second Mexican Empire.
#42 The fourth funnel of the RMS Titanic was fake designed to make the ship look more powerful and symmetrical.
Explanation
The Titanic's fourth funnel was indeed fake and served no engine exhaust purpose. It was designed for symmetry and to make the ship appear more powerful, as four funnels were associated with speed and luxury. It actually served as ventilation for the ship's kitchen and other areas.
#43 Which day did World War I begin?
Explanation
World War I officially began on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, which triggered the chain of events leading to global conflict.
#44 The Kingdom of Prussia briefly held land in Estonia.
Explanation
The Kingdom of Prussia never held land in Estonia. Estonia was historically controlled by Denmark, Sweden, and Russia, but never by Prussia. The Duchy of Courland (in modern Latvia) was the closest Prussian influence came to the Baltic states.
#45 List the following Iranic empires in chronological order:
Explanation
The correct chronological order of these Persian/Iranian empires is: Median Empire (7th-6th century BCE), Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), Parthian Empire (247 BCE-224 CE), and Sassanid Empire (224-651 CE). Each empire succeeded the previous one as the dominant Persian power.
#46 What was the aim of the "Umbrella Revolution" in Hong Kong in 2014?
Explanation
The Umbrella Revolution (or Umbrella Movement) in Hong Kong aimed to achieve genuine universal suffrage for the election of the city's chief executive. Protesters opposed Beijing's plan to pre-screen candidates and demanded true democratic elections as promised under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.
#47 What was the original name of New York City?
Explanation
New York City was originally called New Amsterdam when it was founded by Dutch colonists in 1624. The city was renamed New York in 1664 when the British took control and named it after the Duke of York (later King James II of England).
#48 Who was the President of the United States during the signing of the Gadsden Purchase?
Explanation
Franklin Pierce was President when the Gadsden Purchase was signed in 1853. This $10 million purchase from Mexico acquired approximately 30,000 square miles of land (parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico) to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route.
#49 During the Spanish Civil War (1936), Francisco Franco fought for which political faction?
Explanation
Francisco Franco led the Nationalist faction during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The Nationalists, supported by fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, fought against the Republican government and its supporters, ultimately winning the war and establishing Franco's dictatorship until 1975.
#50 What was found in 1946 by two young shepards near a cave?
Explanation
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 (not 1946) by Bedouin shepherds near Qumran caves by the Dead Sea. These ancient Jewish religious manuscripts, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.