The History of Glasgow Trivia Quiz

Answer: Saint Mungo

In some places, Saint Mungo is also known as Saint Kentigern. He founded a small church on the location that Glasgow Cathedral now stands. According to brief and sometimes unclear written accounts, St. Mungo was born on a wooden boat after his mother was thrown off a cliff by her father for being unwed and pregnant (she had been raped.) There was an anti-Christian sentiment in the region of Scotland where St. Mungo lived. Disgusted, St. Mungo left Strathclyde, maintaining his Christian principles. Unlike other saints, St. Mungo is not a martyr and died a natural death in old age in 614 A.D.

Answer: Somerled

David I of Scotland had died and was succeeded by his grandson Malcolm IV, who was not even a teenager. The line of succession was not completely clear at the time and Somerled believed that he had a claim to the throne through some obscure lineage and his relationship with David's oldest brother.

He sacked the city during the power struggle as soon as Malcolm IV, who was inexperienced, came to power.

Answer: St. Andrews

St. Andrews University was founded in 1410 by clergymen who left Paris. The University of Glasgow was establsihed because Bishop William Turnbull had wanted a university as part of the local cathedral. In modern times, the university is among the highest rated in the world for its research.

Answer: Tobacco and cotton

Merchants in Glasgow had invested heavily in and benefited from the triangular trade which brought tobacco and cotton, among other things, into Glasgow from the Americas. During the American Revolution, Glasgow ceased receiving goods from the United States, but were still able to rake in the money from the trade with the Caribbean colonies.

Answer: The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was professor of economics and philosophy at the University of Glasgow. "The Wealth of Nations" is considered one of the fundamental works - even the key first work - of modern economics. Smith's belief in economic competition was mocked by some of the politicians and wealthy merchants of his day who believed that competition would lead to economic decline and uncertainty and wanted to maintain control of the economy.

Adam Smith is particularly noted for his use of the term "(the)invisible hand", though it was a metaphor and its exact meaning is in dispute. For example, some take it to mean the (largely unrestricted) operation of market forces, while others believe it means that a free market economy ultimately benefits all - namely, that the pursuit of self-interest (within the law) by individuals ultimately promotes the general good. Other interpretations are possible.

Answer: Electoral reform

The early 19th century saw a depression throughout Scotland characterized by inflation and low wages. Workers in Glasgow went on strike in April 1820 to demand that government pay more attention to their interests. The protesters ultimately lost and the leaders were shipped to penal colonies and their leader, James Wilson, was convicted of treason and was hanged.

However, in 1832 Glasgow was granted seats in Parliament.

Answer: Shipbuilding

Glasgow's location near the coast and on the River Clyde made it ideal for shipbuilding. Previously, shipbuilding had been a huge industry in Glasgow but declined significantly as British colonies in the Americas started achieving independence.

Answer: Robert Bruce

Some of things that Bruce advocated for and were implemented were: spreading the population out and away from the town center and improving housing conditions in the poor neighborhoods. Not all of Bruce's ideas were utilized such as his desire to demolish old (often historic) buildings including churches.

Answer: Glasgow's Miles Better

The main focus of the campaign was to move away from Glasgow's rapidly failing industries to services. It also sought to advocate Glasgow as a tourist destination. The logo of the campaign was Mr. Happy from the popular "Mr. Men" series of books.

Answer: The Commonwealth Games

The 2014 Commonwealth Games were immensely popular with the Scottish people. Glasgow, in particular, was thrilled to host the Commonwealth Games as many saw it as a triumph after the economic ups and downs Glasgow has experienced toward the end of the 20th century.