A New Day Yesterday Trivia Quiz

Answer: United States

Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the Declaration of Independence, which was submitted to the Congress in Philadelphia. The thirteen colonies proclaimed their independence from Britain after the Congress approved the Declaration on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration shows July 4, 1776 as the official date, which is why the USA celebrates its independence every July 4th, with fireworks, food and big parties.

Answer: Argentina

On July 9, 1816, the Congress of Tucuman declared the United Provinces of South America independent from Spain, a revolution that was sparked when Napoleon took over Spain, just as in other countries like Mexico. After the Declaration of Independence was signed, a civil war began in Argentina, but today, July 9 commemorates Argentina's national independence day.

Answer: Nnamdi Azikiwe

In the late 1950s, the United Kingdom started preparing Nigeria for self-government. Many African colonies had also begun to ask for independence. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was the leader of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, became Governor-General in November 1960, and on October 1, 1963, he became the first President of Nigeria. That same day, October 1, is commemorated as Nigeria's independence day today.

Answer: Malaysia

The Republic of Singapore started existing on August 9, 1965, after the government of Malaysia expelled Singapore from the federation. Lee Kuan Yew was the first Prime Minister of the sovereign Singapore, a position he held until 1990, and the first President of the Republic of Singapore was Yusof bin Ishak. Singapore's independence is celebrated as National Day, every August 9.

Answer: Vanuatu

Walter Lini founded the New Hebrides National Party in 1970, and in 1974, the party was renamed Vanua'aku Pati and wanted independence. On July 30, 1980, both France and the United Kingdom decided to grant independence to the territory, which was later renamed as the Republic of Vanuatu.

Answer: September 7

On September 7, 1822, Prince Pedro I of Brazil declared independence from Portugal, ending more than 300 years under Portuguese rule. Independence was not recognized officially until August 29, 1825, but regardless of this, Brazil celebrates Independence Day every September 7, since it celebrates the Declaration of Independence and the day it was approved.

Answer: Mexico

On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, rang a church bell, and presumably yelled "long live our Lady of Guadalupe and Ferdinand VII". Although we don't know the exact words he said, it is clear that the revolt was against Napoleon's new government of Spain, and not against the idea of being a colony. Today, Mexico celebrates independence on September 16, and the President gives a modified cry of independence, as Hidalgo did.

Answer: Russia

Until 1809, the territory of Finland was ruled by Sweden, but Tsar Alexander I conquered Finland in that year, and that remained until 1917, when several revolutionary movements were successful in Russia (during World War I), and Finland took its opportunity to become a sovereign nation.

Answer: Mohandas Gandhi

Mahatma or Mohandas Gandhi is known for his non-violent resistance against British rule, and his several fasts and hunger strikes that were used by Gandhi to gain sympathy and as a political weapon against the British. On August 15, 1947, Britain split the land in two and declared both India and Pakistan independent.

Answer: Salva Kiir Mayardit

Salva Kiir Mayardit held the position of First Vice President of Sudan from 2005 to 2011, while he simultaneously was the President of Southern Sudan. After South Sudan was granted independence from Sudan (following a referendum in which more than 95% of South Sudanese people voted in favor of independence, Salva Kiir Mayardit became the first President of South Sudan.