The Halifax Explosion Trivia Quiz

Answer: World War I

Unfortunately, the death toll of the First World War was already rising into the thousands and this tragic explosion killed nearly a further 2,000 people. 12,000 houses were damaged by the explosion, 1,600 homes were completely destroyed, and 6,000 people were left without shelter.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/AtoZ/HalExpl.html

Answer: Mont-Blanc

The Mont-Blanc was a French ammunition ship that was heading on its voyage to Europe to supply troops with weaponry. On board the ship were wet and dry picric acid, TNT, gun cotton, and benzol. This combination of materials was a highly explosive mixture and would cause the worst explosion in Canadian history.

Answer: New York

The Imo was heading off to New York City to pick up relief supplies and then would head off to Belgium where the cargo was to be dropped off. It has been debated as to who was at fault for the collision, however, what has been well documented is that a series of disastrous manouvers by both ships contributed to the collision.

Answer: Pier 6

Pier 6 was located in the Richmond district of Halifax. This area was in the north end of the city and was a busy commercial and industrialized location. Tragically, because of the location of this explosion, churches, schools, factories, housing, and docks and ships all became subject to this terrifying explosion.

Answer: Boston

News of the disaster reached Boston later that morning and as a result, a train of public safety workers and medical personnel were rushed to Halifax with emergency supplies. As hospitals were already overcrowded and with the Canadian medical staff already overworked, the support of the United States has been commemorated with a tree that glitters each Christmas in Boston, Massachusetts.

This tree was donated to the city of Boston by the province of Nova Scotia.

Answer: Halifax Relief Commission

The Halifax Relief Commission was established and handled pensions, claims for loss and damage, rehousing and the rehabilitation of explosion victims. In 1976, this committee was disbanded by the Canadian government, however, the remaining victims of the explosion were then compensated by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/AtoZ/HalExpl.html

Answer: The Hydrostone development

As a result of the explosion, the Canadian government introduced higher standards and regulations on shipping in Halifax Harbour. Medical supplies, hospitals, and social welfare were also improved in Halifax in case of another disaster. The Hydrostone development still exists and is an example of the housing and historical presence that Halifax had to offer following the explosion.

Answer: False

The captain and his crew were well aware of the potential disaster that was going to result should the stay on board the ship. As a result, they launched their lifeboats immediately and headed for shore. All crew members from the Mont-Blanc survived with the exception of one crewmate who later died as the result of severe wounds. All members of the Norwegian ship however, were tragically killed.

Answer: The captain, co-pilot, and naval commanding officer of the French vessel

Although these three members of the Mont-Blanc who were charged with manslaughter, it was determined that gross negligence causing death could not be proved and the charges would later be dropped. In May 1919, it was determined by the Privy Council in London, that both ships (not their actual crewmates) were at fault for the disaster.

Answer: Nova Scotia

Although this explosion hit the province of Nova Scotia, it is said that the effects of the blast could be felt hundreds of miles away in various locations of New Brunswick.