FunTrivia History Mix: Vol 16 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Alaska

The purchase of Alaska was generally perceived by the public as a positive step towards expanding the United States' territory, but many prominent politicians and publishers mocked the addition of Alaska. Many felt that Alaska was a barren, worthless land that added nothing of value to America.

Question by player gandalfthegrey

Answer: Proximity and price of coal

At a time when the world had opened up to new lands and agricultural techniques, allowing for increased production of cotton and wool, it soon became clear that hand spinning and weaving techniques would not cope with demand. England was ideally placed, with its coalmines scattered about the small country, and a good system of canals for transport, which allowed coal and coke to be utilized as a cheap and reliable power source for the new machines. Many countries (including France) had already developed workable machinery, but the source of coal was too far away from the textile centres. China (prior to the Industrial Revolution, a major player in the textile industry) had developed excellent iron foundries in the 11th Century using coal as a power source, but this had died out as other regions (with no local coal) further south took over control of China's economy.

Question by player windrush

Answer: Venezuela

The next few days were spent rescuing more than 2,000 people from destroyed buildings. Over the next few months another 5,000 victims were claimed due to famine and dysentery caused by polluted water supplies. Over the next 200 years the country would not see another earthquake that would match its deadly toll.

Question by player OldManJack

Answer: Signing of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta was a charter issued by King John of England in 1215. The Diet of Worms refers to the specific formal assembly held in 1521 addressing Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 in Philadelphia, PA. Michael's moonwalk seems like only yesterday.

Question by player Nealzineatser

Answer: Battle of Fort Sumter

South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860, and demanded that U.S. forces withdraw from Fort Sumter near Charleston. When this request was refused, the Confederate army opened fire on the fort on April 12, 1861, capturing it.

Question by player johnnycat777

Answer: doughface

The term "doughface" was coined by U.S. Representative John Randolph, who was a Virginian Republican-Democrat who opposed slavery. The term "doughface" then became common political parlance. Even U.S. President Abraham Lincoln used the term to describe Stephan Douglas, whom he called the "worst doughface of them all".

Question by player trident

Answer: Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge happened in the Ardennes region of Belgium and is considered one of the Allied Powers' biggest victories. Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe was the commander of the 101st Airborne Division.

Question by player GoodVibe

Answer: Elizabeth I

The Tudor period was a turbulent time for religious people, particularly ordained clergy. In Elizabeth I's reign, Catholic priests were committing high treason if they were living in England. If caught on English soil, they were often tortured and killed. Priest holes were built into some houses so that Catholic clergy could hide if the building was searched. They would be squeezed into tiny spaces behind false walls or under floorboards.

Question by player AcrylicInk

Answer: De Havilland Mosquito

It was affectionately known as "The Wooden Wonder" and "Mossie".

Question by player Didger

Answer: The US military invades Afghanistan

The USA launched Operation 'Enduring Freedom' on October 7th, 2001, following the attacks of 9/11. The other events all happened in 1996, listed here chronologically: The XXVI Summer Olympics were hosted by the USA in Atlanta, Georgia from July 19th to August 4th; Prince Charles and Lady Di finalized their divorce on August 28th; and the UN General Assembly elected Ghanaian Kofi Annan as the 7th Secretary-General, his term beginning on January 1st, 1997.

Question by player reedy