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Dateline: 1846 Trivia Quiz

This is my third in a series of quizzes on events in a specific year. Enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by bullymom. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
bullymom

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
75,499

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
2174

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What planet was discovered in 1846 by English astronomer John Couch Adams following mathematical calculations by French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier? Hint

Pluto

Mars

Neptune

Jupiter

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Question 2 of 10

2. What scientist gave a lecture called 'Thoughts on Ray Variations' in London in 1846? Hint

Isaac Newton

Michael Faraday

Niels Bohr

Albert Einstein

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Question 3 of 10

3. What General and future US President was the hero in the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8? Hint

Ulysses Grant

James Polk

Andrew Jackson

Zachary Taylor

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Question 4 of 10

4. In Paris, in 1846, a new brass-reed instrument was invented by Belgian Adolphe Sax. What was it called?

Answer: (One Word)

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which state was admitted to the Union as a non-slave state on December 28? Hint

Kentucky

Illinois

Iowa

Vermont

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Question 6 of 10

6. 'The Damnation of Faust' by this composer was first performed in Paris on December 6. Hint

Camille Saint-Saens

Claude Debussy

Hector Berlioz

Maurice Ravel

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Question 7 of 10

7. In 1846, the novel 'Typee' was published by this American author. Hint

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Stephen Crane

Washington Irving

Herman Melville

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Question 8 of 10

8. In 1846, explorer Charles Sturt's two-year foray into this country's Stony Desert came to an end. Hint

South Africa

Mexico

Spain

Australia

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Question 9 of 10

9. In late 1846, 87 immigrants led by George and Jacob Donner set out for California from Independence, Missouri. Numerous members died when they became trapped in what mountain range? Hint

Appalachians

Rockies

Sierra Nevada

Cascades

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Question 10 of 10

10. In 1846, the Pennsylvania Railroad was begun between these two cities. Hint

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia

Pittsburgh and Erie

Harrisburg and Pittsburgh

Philadelphia and Harrisburg

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What planet was discovered in 1846 by English astronomer John Couch Adams following mathematical calculations by French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier?

Answer: Neptune

The new planet was discovered in England on September 23. Urbain Le Verrier had figured out that Neptune existed the previous year due to unexpected/unexplained changes in the orbit of Uranus.

2. What scientist gave a lecture called 'Thoughts on Ray Variations' in London in 1846?

Answer: Michael Faraday

Faraday, leading scientist of the day in England, lectured at the Royal Institute on the magnetic and electrical forces that hold atoms together. He was best known for his development of the electric motor.

3. What General and future US President was the hero in the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8?

Answer: Zachary Taylor

In this Mexican War battle, in what was then part of Mexico, 2,200 US troops under General Zachary Taylor defeated 6,000 Mexicans. Congress officially declared war on Mexico on May 13 after Mexicans crossed the Rio Grande and captured US soldiers.

4. In Paris, in 1846, a new brass-reed instrument was invented by Belgian Adolphe Sax. What was it called?

Answer: saxophone

The saxophone was one of several instruments invented by Sax.

5. Which state was admitted to the Union as a non-slave state on December 28?

Answer: Iowa

Iowa was the 29th state.

6. 'The Damnation of Faust' by this composer was first performed in Paris on December 6.

Answer: Hector Berlioz

The music of this French composer was not widely appreciated until the 20th century.

7. In 1846, the novel 'Typee' was published by this American author.

Answer: Herman Melville

The novel, a sailor's narrative of his Polynesian journey, was first rejected by too publishers for being 'too fantastic'. Melville is best known for his 1851 novel, 'Moby Dick'.

8. In 1846, explorer Charles Sturt's two-year foray into this country's Stony Desert came to an end.

Answer: Australia

This desert, in the central part of Australia, has the longest parallel sand dunes in the world.

9. In late 1846, 87 immigrants led by George and Jacob Donner set out for California from Independence, Missouri. Numerous members died when they became trapped in what mountain range?

Answer: Sierra Nevada

The group is perhaps best known for resorting to cannibalizing the already-dead members of the expedition to stay alive. The Donner Pass and Donner Lake in California are named after them.

10. In 1846, the Pennsylvania Railroad was begun between these two cities.

Answer: Harrisburg and Pittsburgh

Source: Author bullymom

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.
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