Click on any question to reveal the answer
#1 In what year did Texas secede from Mexico?
Explanation
Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 following the Texas Revolution. The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation for nine years before joining the United States in 1845.
#2 The Battle of the Somme in World War I took place in which country?
Explanation
The Battle of the Somme was fought in northern France from July to November 1916. It was one of the bloodiest battles in human history, with over one million casualties, and represented the British Army's first major offensive of World War I.
#3 The creator of the Enigma Cypher and Machine was of what nationality?
Explanation
The Enigma machine was invented by German engineer Arthur Scherbius in the early 1920s. Originally designed for commercial use, it was later adopted by the German military and became famous for encrypting Nazi communications during World War II.
#4 Augustus was the cousin of Julius Caesar.
Explanation
Augustus was not Julius Caesar's cousin, but his grandnephew. Augustus (originally named Gaius Octavius) was the son of Julius Caesar's niece Atia, making him Caesar's sister's grandson and adopted heir.
#5 Which country was an allied power in World War II?
Explanation
The Soviet Union was a major Allied power after Germany invaded in 1941, despite initially having a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany. Italy, Germany, and Japan formed the core of the Axis powers against the Allies.
#6 In what year did the Berlin Wall fall?
Explanation
The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the end of the Cold War. The wall had divided East and West Berlin since 1961, and its destruction symbolized German reunification and the collapse of communist control in Eastern Europe.
#7 In 1961, an American B-52 aircraft crashed and nearly detonated two 4mt nuclear bombs over which US city?
Explanation
On January 24, 1961, a B-52 bomber carrying two nuclear weapons broke apart over Goldsboro, North Carolina. One bomb's safety mechanisms failed, and it nearly detonated with a yield 250 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb, potentially causing catastrophic damage.
#8 Which of these 1900s tanks were designed and built BEFORE the others?
Explanation
The Renault FT was designed and built during World War I (1917), making it the earliest tank among the options. The M4 Sherman, Panzer IV, and Cromwell were all World War II era tanks developed in the 1930s and 1940s.
#9 When was "The Gadget", the first nuclear device to be detonated, tested?
Explanation
'The Gadget' was detonated on July 16, 1945, during the Trinity nuclear test in New Mexico. This was the world's first nuclear explosion, marking the culmination of the Manhattan Project and occurring just weeks before the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan.
#10 All of the following are names of the Seven Warring States EXCEPT:
Explanation
The Seven Warring States (7th-3rd centuries BCE) were Qin, Chu, Zhao, Han, Wei, Yan, and Qi. Zhai was not one of these major states. The Warring States period ended when Qin unified China in 221 BCE, establishing the first Chinese empire.
#11 What is the name given to the series of confrontations between the UK and Iceland over North Atlantic fishing rights?
Explanation
The Cod Wars were a series of disputes between Iceland and the UK from 1958-1976 over fishing rights in North Atlantic waters. Despite the name, these were non-violent confrontations involving coast guard vessels and fishing boats, not actual military conflicts.
#12 Who tutored Alexander the Great?
Explanation
Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great from age 13 to 16 (343-340 BCE). Philip II of Macedon hired the famous philosopher to educate his son, and Aristotle's teachings in philosophy, science, and politics profoundly influenced Alexander's worldview and approach to ruling his vast empire.
#13 John Moses Browning, the designer of the M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) was a part of which religion?
Explanation
John Moses Browning was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon church). Born in Utah in 1855, he grew up in the Mormon community and remained faithful throughout his life while becoming one of America's most prolific firearms inventors.
#14 When was the People's Republic of China founded?
Explanation
The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949, when Mao Zedong proclaimed its establishment from Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This marked the victory of the Communist Party over the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War.
#15 Which WWII tank ace is credited with having destroyed the most tanks?
Explanation
Kurt Knispel is credited with destroying 168 enemy tanks, making him the most successful tank ace of World War II. Despite his record, he was less famous than other aces like Michael Wittmann because he was never promoted to officer rank due to his non-conformist attitude.
#16 Ottoman Empire was created in 1299.
Explanation
The Ottoman Empire was founded around 1299 by Osman I in northwestern Anatolia. Starting as a small beylik (principality), it expanded over six centuries to become one of the largest empires in history, lasting until 1922.
#17 Who was the leader of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia ?
Explanation
Josip Broz Tito led the Communist Party of Yugoslavia from 1939 and served as the country's president from 1953 until his death in 1980. He was instrumental in Yugoslavia's resistance during WWII and later maintained independence from Soviet influence during the Cold War.
#18 What is the bloodiest event in United States history, in terms of casualties?
Explanation
The Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862) was the bloodiest single day in American history, with over 22,700 casualties. This Civil War battle marked the first major Union victory and provided Lincoln the political cover to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
#19 What number does the Roman numeral "D" stand for?
Explanation
In Roman numerals, 'D' represents 500. The Roman numeral system uses letters to represent numbers: I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, and M=1000. This system was used throughout the Roman Empire and medieval Europe.
#20 When did O, Canada officially become the national anthem?
Explanation
'O Canada' officially became Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, when the National Anthem Act was passed. Though written in 1880 and widely sung for a century, it wasn't legally recognized as the national anthem until Canada's 113th birthday.
#21 In what prison was Adolf Hitler held in 1924?
Explanation
Hitler was imprisoned at Landsberg Prison in 1924 following his failed Munich Beer Hall Putsch. During his relatively comfortable confinement, he dictated the first volume of 'Mein Kampf' to Rudolf Hess, using the time to refine his political ideology.
#22 The Korean War ended in 1953 without any ceasefire.
Explanation
The Korean War ended in 1953 WITH a ceasefire, not without one. The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, establishing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and ending active hostilities, though technically the war never officially ended.
#23 The crown of the Empire State Building was originally built for what purpose?
Explanation
The Empire State Building's crown was designed as a mooring mast for airships (dirigibles) in the 1930s. However, strong winds and safety concerns made this impractical, and the feature was never successfully used for its intended purpose.
#24 In what year did Kentucky become the 15th state to join the union?
Explanation
Kentucky joined the Union as the 15th state on June 1, 1792. Originally part of Virginia, Kentucky was the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains and the first admitted after the original thirteen colonies.
#25 After his loss at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to which island?
Explanation
After Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, a remote British island in the South Atlantic. This was his second and final exile - he had previously escaped from Elba in 1815. He died on St. Helena in 1821.
#26 What is the oldest US state?
Explanation
Delaware is considered the first state because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. This earned Delaware the nickname 'The First State,' though Virginia was the first colony to be permanently settled by the English.
#27 Which of the following ancient Near Eastern peoples still exists as a modern ethnic group?
Explanation
Assyrians continue to exist as a distinct ethnic and religious group today, primarily living in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. They maintain their Aramaic language and Christian identity, unlike the Babylonians, Hittites, and Elamites who were absorbed into other cultures over time.
#28 The Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear bomb ever tested, had a yield of 50 megatons but theoretically had a maximum yield of how much?
Explanation
The Tsar Bomba was designed with a theoretical maximum yield of 100 megatons, but the Soviets reduced it to 50 megatons for the 1961 test. This was done by replacing the uranium tamper with lead to reduce fallout and prevent excessive destruction over Soviet territory.
#29 The M41 Walker Bulldog remains in service in some countries to this day.
Explanation
The M41 Walker Bulldog, developed in the late 1940s, continues to serve in several countries' militaries today, particularly in South America and Asia. Despite being designed over 70 years ago, many have been modernized and remain effective for certain roles.
#30 Which country had an "Orange Revolution" between 2004 and 2005?
Explanation
Ukraine's Orange Revolution occurred from November 2004 to January 2005, when mass protests challenged the fraudulent presidential election results. The peaceful demonstrations, characterized by orange banners and clothing, led to a revote and Viktor Yushchenko's victory.
#31 What is the name of the US Navy spy ship which was attacked and captured by North Korean forces in 1968?
Explanation
The USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea on January 23, 1968, while conducting intelligence operations in international waters. The crew was held captive for 11 months, creating a major diplomatic crisis during the Cold War.
#32 In what year was the last natural case of smallpox documented?
Explanation
The last naturally occurring case of smallpox was documented in Somalia on October 26, 1977. This milestone marked the success of the World Health Organization's global eradication campaign, making smallpox the first human disease to be eradicated through vaccination.
#33 On what day did Germany invade Poland?
Explanation
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, with Operation Fall Weiss (Case White). This unprovoked attack prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany two days later, officially beginning World War II in Europe.
#34 The two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the United States in August 1945 were named 'Little Man' and 'Fat Boy'.
Explanation
The atomic bombs were named 'Little Boy' (dropped on Hiroshima) and 'Fat Man' (dropped on Nagasaki), not 'Little Man' and 'Fat Boy.' Little Boy was a uranium bomb, while Fat Man was a plutonium implosion bomb.
#35 In what year was the video game company Electronic Arts founded?
Explanation
Electronic Arts (EA) was founded in 1982 by Trip Hawkins in California. The company pioneered many aspects of modern video game publishing and development, becoming one of the largest video game companies in the world with franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims.
#36 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States of America?
Explanation
France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of American independence and celebrate the abolition of slavery. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, it symbolized friendship between the two republics.
#37 The seed drill was invented by which British inventor?
Explanation
Jethro Tull invented the seed drill around 1701, revolutionizing agriculture during the Agricultural Revolution. His machine allowed seeds to be planted in precise rows at specific depths, dramatically improving crop yields and efficiency compared to traditional broadcasting methods.
#38 In World War II, Hawker Typhoons served in the Pacific theater.
Explanation
Hawker Typhoons served exclusively in the European theater during World War II, particularly excelling as ground-attack aircraft in the Normandy invasion and subsequent campaigns. They were not deployed to the Pacific theater, where other aircraft like the Spitfire and Hurricane were used.
#39 What year did the Boxing Day earthquake & tsunami occur in the Indian Ocean?
Explanation
The devastating Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami occurred on December 26, 2004, in the Indian Ocean. The magnitude 9.1-9.3 earthquake off Sumatra triggered tsunamis that killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
#40 What is the name of the famous Apache leader who died in 1909 at the age of 70?
Explanation
Geronimo (Goyathlay) was a prominent Apache leader who led resistance against Mexican and American military campaigns. He surrendered in 1886 and spent his final years as a prisoner of war, dying in 1909 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The other leaders were from different tribes.
#41 The Panama Canal was finished under the administration of which U.S. president?
Explanation
The Panama Canal was completed in 1914 during Woodrow Wilson's presidency. Although Theodore Roosevelt initiated the project and oversaw much of the construction, Wilson was president when the canal officially opened to commercial traffic on August 15, 1914.
#42 Joseph Stalin had a criminal past doing what?
Explanation
Before becoming Soviet leader, Stalin participated in bank robberies and train heists to fund Bolshevik revolutionary activities. Most notably, he helped plan the 1907 Tiflis bank robbery, which netted a substantial sum for the party but resulted in many civilian casualties.
#43 Assyrian king Sennacherib's destruction of Babylon in 689 BCE was viewed as a triumph by other Assyrian citizens.
Explanation
Sennacherib's destruction of Babylon was actually viewed unfavorably by many Assyrians. Babylon was considered a sacred city and center of ancient Mesopotamian culture, so its destruction was seen as sacrilegious. This act contributed to internal opposition against Sennacherib's rule.
#44 Which of the following Assyrian kings did NOT rule during the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
Explanation
Shamshi-Adad III ruled during the Middle Assyrian period (1430-1430 BCE), not the Neo-Assyrian Empire (911-609 BCE). The other kings listed - Shalmaneser V, Esarhaddon, and Ashur-nasir-pal II - all ruled during the Neo-Assyrian period.
#45 Who was the first emperor of Rome?
Explanation
Augustus (originally Octavian) was the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BCE to 14 CE. While Julius Caesar held dictatorial power, he was never officially emperor. Augustus established the Roman Empire after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium.
#46 Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for most of World War II?
Explanation
Winston Churchill served as Prime Minister for most of World War II, from May 1940 to July 1945. He replaced Neville Chamberlain after the failed Norway campaign and led Britain through its darkest hour until victory over Nazi Germany.
#47 Under which name was Rodrigo Borgia made Pope?
Explanation
Rodrigo Borgia became Pope Alexander VI in 1492, serving until his death in 1503. He was one of the most controversial Renaissance popes, known for his corruption, nepotism, and alleged use of the papacy to advance his family's political interests.
#48 When was Napoleon Bonaparte crowned emperor of the French?
Explanation
Napoleon was crowned Emperor of the French on December 2, 1804, at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. In a famous gesture of defiance toward papal authority, Napoleon took the crown from Pope Pius VII's hands and crowned himself, symbolizing that his power came from his own achievements, not divine appointment.
#49 The Herero genocide was perpetrated in Africa by which of the following colonial nations?
Explanation
The Herero and Namaqua genocide (1904-1908) was perpetrated by German colonial forces in German South-West Africa (modern-day Namibia). General Lothar von Trotha's extermination order led to the deaths of approximately 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama people.
#50 Against which country did the Dutch Republic fight the Eighty Years' War?
Explanation
The Eighty Years' War (1566-1648) was fought between the Dutch Republic and Spain. This war of independence began as a revolt against Spanish rule in the Netherlands and ended with Spanish recognition of Dutch independence in the Peace of Westphalia.