History Quiz | Part 1

History trivia quiz questions and answers.

These history trivia questions (with answers) will test your knowledge of the pivotal moments in history that changed the world. Take a step back into the past to remember important events   through the moments that have defined our past and continue to influence our future.

Can you answer the history trivia questions below about important events that changed the world?

Instructions: Click or tap the + to show the answer. Re-clicking / tapping will hide the answer. 

On 4 October 1975, the Soviet Union successfully launched the first artificial satellite into space. What was it called?

SPUTNIK

The launch of Sputnik 1 had a profound impact on science, technology, and international politics, spurring significant advancements in space exploration and leading to the development of new technologies and scientific disciplines.


Who's discovery of gravity (circa 1665 in the UK) was integral in developing the field of science?

SIR ISAAC NEWTON

The discovery of gravity was crucial because it fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and the universe. Isaac Newton’s formulation of the law of universal gravitation in the 17th century provided a mathematical framework explaining how objects attract each other, which could be used to predict the motion of planets, the behavior of tides, and the trajectory of projectiles. This unifying principle not only advanced the scientific revolution by showing that the same physical laws apply both on Earth and in the heavens but also laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, enabling countless technological and scientific advancements.


On 20 July 1969, humanity lands on the moon. What was the mission called?

APOLLO 11


On March 1876, 29 year old Alexander Graham Bell made history with the first telephone call to his assistant. What did he say?

COME HERE, I WANT TO SEE YOU


In 1543, Polish mathematician and astronomer Nicolas Copernicus publishes his book On The Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres revealing his heliocentric theory. What is heliocentric theory?

THAT THE SUN IS AT THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE

This moved away from the Ptolemaic model with the Earth at the centre.


In 1960, Dr Gregory Pincus developed what after he was inspired by a meeting with activist Margaret Sanger?

THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL


In 1796, English doctor Edward Jenner discovered the first vaccine, providing immunity against what disease?

SMALLPOX


What was the first European colony in North America called?

ST AUGUSTINE

St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565 in what is now Florida. Established by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the continental United States. This predates other early European settlements like Jamestown, founded by the English in 1607, and Plymouth, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620.


Whose assassination on 28 June 1914 by a Bosnian Serb nationalist is believed to have prompted the start of WWI?

ARCHDUKE FRANZ FERDINAND


What was the name of the peace treaty that ended WWI on 28 June 1919?

THE TREATY OF VERSAILES

The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I and imposed harsh terms on Germany. It required Germany to cede territory, disarm, and accept full responsibility for the war (the “war guilt clause”), making it liable for extensive reparations. The treaty also stripped Germany of its overseas colonies and established the League of Nations to promote peace.


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