The 20th Century History: Quiz! Trivia
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In what year was Reagan wounded in an assassination attempt?
- A.
1975
- B.
1967
- C.
1981
- D.
1989
Correct Answer
C. 1981Explanation
In 1981, Ronald Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt. This event took place on March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency. Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. The assassination attempt resulted in Reagan being critically injured, with a bullet lodged in his lung. However, he made a remarkable recovery and returned to his presidential duties relatively quickly. This event had a significant impact on Reagan's presidency and security measures for future presidents.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who was elected Governor of New York in 1994?
- A.
Alfonse D'Amato
- B.
Rudy Giuliani
- C.
Jessie Jackson
- D.
George Pataki
Correct Answer
D. George PatakiExplanation
George Pataki was elected Governor of New York in 1994.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How many points did the Dow Jones drop on "Black Monday" in October 1987?
- A.
508 Points
- B.
208 Points
- C.
5008 Points
- D.
88 Points
Correct Answer
A. 508 PointsExplanation
On "Black Monday" in October 1987, the Dow Jones dropped by 508 points. This significant drop in points was a result of a global stock market crash that occurred on October 19, 1987. It was the largest one-day percentage decline in stock market history, with the Dow Jones losing 22.6% of its value. The crash was attributed to various factors, including computerized trading, overvaluation of stocks, and investor panic. The 508-point drop reflects the severity and impact of the crash on the financial markets.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who was assassinated on November 22, 1963?
- A.
John F. Kennedy
- B.
Marvin Gaye
- C.
Huey Long
- D.
John Lennon
Correct Answer
A. John F. KennedyExplanation
John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. He was the 35th President of the United States and his assassination in Dallas, Texas, shocked the nation and the world. Kennedy's presidency was marked by significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement. His assassination had a profound impact on American society and politics, leading to increased security measures for presidents and a lasting legacy of mourning and speculation surrounding his death.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What year did Egypt and Israel sign a formal peace accord?
- A.
2005
- B.
1968
- C.
1988
- D.
1979
Correct Answer
D. 1979Explanation
In 1979, Egypt and Israel signed a formal peace accord. This agreement, known as the Camp David Accords, was facilitated by the United States and led to the normalization of relations between the two countries. It marked a significant milestone in the Middle East peace process, as it was the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country. The accord also resulted in Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, which had been occupied during the 1967 Six-Day War.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In what year was the 50-star flag of the United States first raised?
- A.
1929
- B.
1960
- C.
1941
- D.
1938
Correct Answer
B. 1960Explanation
In 1960, the 50-star flag of the United States was first raised. This was the result of Hawaii becoming the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. The addition of a star to the flag represents the inclusion of a new state into the country. Therefore, the correct answer is 1960.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In what year did Congress pass the first copyright laws?
- A.
1969
- B.
1973
- C.
1909
- D.
1983
Correct Answer
C. 1909Explanation
In 1909, Congress passed the first copyright laws. This legislation aimed to protect the rights of creators and authors by granting them exclusive control over the reproduction and distribution of their work. The 1909 Copyright Act established the foundation for copyright law in the United States and provided creators with legal recourse against infringement. This landmark legislation has since been revised and updated several times to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and international copyright agreements.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What year did Kodak introduce the Instamatic Camera?
- A.
1913
- B.
1901
- C.
1888
- D.
1963
Correct Answer
D. 1963Explanation
Kodak introduced the Instamatic Camera in 1963. This camera was a major breakthrough in the world of photography as it was the first camera that made it easy for anyone to take high-quality pictures. The Instamatic Camera was affordable, compact, and used easy-to-load film cartridges, making it accessible to the masses. Its introduction revolutionized the photography industry and paved the way for the popularity of point-and-shoot cameras.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What country was expelled from the United Nations in 1971?
- A.
Syria
- B.
Israel
- C.
Cuba
- D.
Taiwan
Correct Answer
D. TaiwanExplanation
Taiwan was expelled from the United Nations in 1971 because the majority of UN member states recognized the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China. As a result, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations" and expelled Taiwan. This decision was based on the One-China policy, which considers Taiwan as part of China. Taiwan has since been unable to regain its membership in the UN due to China's objections.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What year was the polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk?
- A.
1955
- B.
1920
- C.
1966
- D.
1936
Correct Answer
A. 1955Explanation
In 1955, the polio vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk. This vaccine was a major breakthrough in the medical field as it effectively prevented the spread of polio, a highly contagious and debilitating disease. The development of the vaccine was a result of years of research and testing, and it played a crucial role in reducing the number of polio cases worldwide.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Where did the U.S. send troops in 1994 to end a military dictatorship?
- A.
Haiti
- B.
Chile
- C.
Cuba
- D.
Somalia
Correct Answer
A. HaitiExplanation
In 1994, the U.S. sent troops to Haiti to end a military dictatorship. The military dictatorship in Haiti, led by General Raoul Cédras, had overthrown the democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1991. The U.S. intervention, known as Operation Uphold Democracy, aimed to restore Aristide to power and bring stability to the country. The U.S. troops successfully achieved their objective and Aristide was reinstated as the President of Haiti. This intervention marked a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy as it demonstrated the willingness to use military force to restore democracy in other countries.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Aug 23, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 03, 2015Quiz Created by
Cambronbill3
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