Modern European History: 1850-2000 Quiz

Answer: Crimean War

The war commenced in October 1853 and mainly took place in the Crimean Peninsula. It was a battle to decide who would control the various territories of the Ottoman Empire and religious issues were also the causes of the conflict. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1856, thus bringing an end to the Crimean War.

It is famous for highlighting the important work of women working as army nurses, such as Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.

Answer: On the Origin of Species

Darwin's controversial book 'On The Origin of Species' introduced the scientific theory that all species evolve over generations through a process of natural selection. This was as a result of the evidence he found when visiting the Galapagos Islands over two decades before his findings were published. Reception was mixed for 'On The Origin of Species' upon release as the theory seemed to contradict the words of the Bible, unless one takes the view that the depiction of creation in the Bible is an allegory.

Answer: Mercedes

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen is widely regarded as the first automobile and was produced in 1886. Just 25 were built from its original time on the production line between 1886-1893 and they sold for $1000 upon release.

Answer: Geneva

The purpose of the organisation was to prevent another World War beginning, but this goal was of course not achieved, as the Second World War began seven years before the League of Nations was dissolved. The headquarters were located at the 'Palace of Nations'.

Answer: Benito Mussolini

Benito Mussolini became the Prime Minister of Italy in 1922. He was the leader of the National Fascist Party and as a result became one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. He was ousted in 1943 and was arrested. In his attempts to escape, he was captured and executed.

His body was then taken to Milan where it was hanged upside down so the people of Italy had confirmation of his death. Of course, it was also an expression of contempt.

Answer: Finland

The Winter War was fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from November 1939-March 1940. It started as a result of a Soviet invasion of Finland, and the conflict was fought in Eastern Finland. It ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty, preserving Finland's independence in the process.

Answer: Mikhail Gorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev served from 1985-1991 and the Soviet Union was formally dissolved the day after he resigned. The other three men served as leaders of the Soviet Union before him.

Answer: Ukraine

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in Pripyat, Ukraine was one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters ever. As a result of the reactor explosion 31 people died and an approximate 18 billion rubles were spent to contain the radiation. Pripyat was also completely evacuated and the city of Slavutich was constructed for the evacuated personnel.

Answer: 1961

On August 13, 1961, the East German government erected the Berlin Wall in order to keep its citizens from fleeing to the West. The wall was criticised by most around the world and in 1989 people came with sledgehammers and other weapons to demolish the wall. The wall was officially demolished in 1990 and Germany was later re-united.

Answer: Paris, France

The disastrous event took place in Paris, France. Princess Diana was in a car with her boyfriend, bodyguard and driver. The driver lost control and crashed into a tunnel at an estimated speed of 65mph. Various conspiracy theories about her death are still being regarded to this day.