1959 General Knowledge Trivia
So many things happened in 1959. This quiz is a fun way to test your general knowledge about events that happened 50 years ago! Select the correct answer by ticking either A, B, C or D. There is only one correct answer for each question. The person, or team with the most correct answers wins a prize!
- 1.
Who was the Prime Minister of Australia in 1959?
- A.
John Curtin
- B.
William Slim
- C.
Robert Menzies
- D.
Humpty Dumpty
Correct Answer
C. Robert MenziesExplanation
Robert Menzies was the Prime Minister of Australia in 1959. He served as the country's Prime Minister for a total of 18 years, making him the longest-serving Prime Minister in Australian history. Menzies was known for his conservative policies and his leadership during a time of economic growth and social change in Australia. He played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape and is considered one of the most influential figures in Australian politics.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the population of Australia in 1959?
- A.
12 million
- B.
10 million
- C.
8 million
- D.
One hundred
Correct Answer
B. 10 millionExplanation
In 1959, the population of Australia was 10 million.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which movie took home the most Oscars in 1959?
- A.
Ben Hur
- B.
North by Northwest
- C.
On the Beach
- D.
Star Wars
Correct Answer
A. Ben HurExplanation
In 1959, the movie "Ben Hur" won the most Oscars. This epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler received a total of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. "Ben Hur" is known for its impressive chariot race scene and captivating storytelling, making it a standout film of its time.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who won the Gold Logie for most popular TV personality on Australian Television in 1959?
- A.
Gregory Peck
- B.
Graham Kennedy
- C.
Bert Newton
- D.
Big Bird
Correct Answer
B. Graham KennedyExplanation
Graham Kennedy won the Gold Logie for most popular TV personality on Australian Television in 1959. This award recognizes his popularity and influence in the television industry during that year. Gregory Peck, Bert Newton, and Big Bird are not relevant to the question and did not win the Gold Logie in 1959.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why was Australia Day 1959 significant for Darwin?
- A.
It was granted city status
- B.
It reached a poplulation of 1 million
- C.
It officially recorded the highest temperature in Australia
- D.
The first McDonalds opened
Correct Answer
A. It was granted city statusExplanation
Australia Day 1959 was significant for Darwin because it was granted city status. This recognition elevated Darwin's status from a town to a city, indicating its growth and development. This change in status could have had various implications for the city, such as increased funding, infrastructure development, and opportunities for economic growth.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which fashion product was introduced by Glen Raven Mills in 1959?
- A.
Sack Dress
- B.
Pantyhose
- C.
Mini Skirt
- D.
Undies
Correct Answer
B. PantyhoseExplanation
Glen Raven Mills introduced the fashion product of pantyhose in 1959. Pantyhose is a type of hosiery that combines stockings and panties into one garment, providing coverage for the legs and waist. This invention revolutionized women's fashion by eliminating the need for separate stockings and garter belts, offering a more convenient and streamlined option for wearing hosiery.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In what state of America did the plane carrying rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper crash on February 3, 1959?
- A.
Illinois
- B.
Minnesota
- C.
Iowa
- D.
Disneyland
Correct Answer
C. IowaExplanation
On February 3, 1959, the plane carrying rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper crashed in Iowa. This tragic event, known as "The Day the Music Died," occurred near Clear Lake, Iowa. The crash resulted in the deaths of all three musicians, along with the pilot. The incident had a significant impact on the music industry and is still remembered as a significant moment in rock and roll history.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Where did Vice President Nixon and Soviet Leader Khrushchev have their famous 'kitchen debate' on July 24, 1959?
- A.
Washington D.C, America
- B.
Canberra, Australia
- C.
Moscow, Soviet Union
- D.
In the toilets of the Roosevelt Hotel
Correct Answer
C. Moscow, Soviet UnionExplanation
Vice President Nixon and Soviet Leader Khrushchev had their famous 'kitchen debate' in Moscow, Soviet Union on July 24, 1959.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The United States first weather satellite was launched in February, 1959. What was the name of the weather satellite?
- A.
Echo 1
- B.
Explorer 1
- C.
Telstar
- D.
Pluto-Dupo
Correct Answer
C. TelstarExplanation
Telstar was the first weather satellite launched by the United States in February 1959. It was a groundbreaking achievement in meteorology and communication technology. Telstar revolutionized the way weather information was gathered and transmitted, allowing for real-time weather data to be collected and shared across the country. Its successful launch paved the way for future advancements in weather forecasting and satellite technology.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which Disney animated classic movie premiered in 1959?
- A.
Sleeping Beauty
- B.
Lady and the Tramp
- C.
Cinderella
- D.
The Muppets in Space
Correct Answer
A. Sleeping BeautyExplanation
Sleeping Beauty is the correct answer because it is a Disney animated classic movie that premiered in 1959. The film is based on the fairy tale of the same name and tells the story of a princess who is cursed to sleep for a hundred years until she is awakened by true love's kiss. The movie is known for its stunning animation, memorable characters, and iconic musical score.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which day of the week was Tony born on (13th June, 1959)?
- A.
Friday
- B.
Sunday
- C.
Saturday
- D.
D Day
Correct Answer
C. SaturdayExplanation
To determine the day of the week Tony was born on, we can use a calendar for the year 1959. By checking the calendar, we can see that June 13th, 1959, falls on a Saturday. Therefore, Tony was born on a Saturday.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the correct way to write the year 1959 in Roman Numerals?
- A.
MCMLIIX
- B.
MCMLIXX
- C.
MCMLIX
- D.
MCMCMCMIIZZ
Correct Answer
C. MCMLIXExplanation
MCMLIX is the correct way to write the year 1959 in Roman numerals. In Roman numerals, M represents 1000, CM represents 900, L represents 50, and IX represents 9. Therefore, MCMLIX represents 1000 + 900 + 50 + 9, which equals 1959.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Boeing 707 Jet Liner came into service in 1959. How much time did it cut from the transatlantic flight?
- A.
8 hours
- B.
8 days
- C.
8 minutes
- D.
80 days
Correct Answer
A. 8 hoursExplanation
The Boeing 707 Jet Liner cut 8 hours from the transatlantic flight. This means that the introduction of the Boeing 707 Jet Liner reduced the total travel time for transatlantic flights by 8 hours compared to previous aircraft.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who came into power in Cuba in 1959 after revoloution with the first communist state in the west?
- A.
Archbishop Makarios
- B.
Fidel Castro
- C.
Dalai Lama
- D.
Barbie
Correct Answer
B. Fidel CastroExplanation
Fidel Castro came into power in Cuba in 1959 after the revolution, establishing the first communist state in the western hemisphere. He led the overthrow of the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista and implemented socialist policies in Cuba, including nationalizing industries and implementing land reforms. Castro's regime faced both domestic and international challenges, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He remained in power until 2008 when he handed over power to his brother Raul Castro.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The first known human died from a contagious disease in Conga in 1959. What was the disease?
- A.
HIV
- B.
Measles
- C.
Flu
- D.
Rodent Flu
Correct Answer
A. HIV -
- 16.
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, fleed his country in 1959 and obtained political asylum in which country?
- A.
Africa
- B.
America
- C.
India
- D.
Antartica
Correct Answer
C. IndiaExplanation
The Dalai Lama fled his country, Tibet, in 1959 and sought political asylum in India. India has been a refuge for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile ever since, providing them with a safe haven and support for their cause. The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamshala, India, where he continues to lead the Tibetan community and advocate for their rights.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which precious synthetic stone did Debeers manufacture for the first time in 1959?
- A.
Diamond
- B.
Sapphire
- C.
Ruby
- D.
Limestone
Correct Answer
A. DiamondExplanation
Debeers manufactured the first synthetic diamond in 1959. This means that they created a diamond in a laboratory using chemical processes, rather than it being naturally formed over millions of years. Synthetic diamonds have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they are created in a much shorter time frame. Debeers' achievement in creating the first synthetic diamond was a significant milestone in the diamond industry.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which Australian Personality does NOT share their 50th birthday with Tony this year?
- A.
Anthony La Paglia
- B.
Sigrid Thornton
- C.
Wally Lewis
- D.
Errol Flynn
Correct Answer
D. Errol FlynnExplanation
Errol Flynn does not share their 50th birthday with Tony this year.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 12, 2009Quiz Created by
Pennyg
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