History Trivia Questions | Part 3

History trivia | Events that changed the world

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 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandella was freed from 27 years in prison followed increased pressure internationally and domestically. Who was the South African president who freed him?

FW DE KLERK


In December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created by the United Nationals Human Rights Commission in New York City. It was chaired by the wife of a former US president. What was her name?

ELANOR ROOSEVELT

Eleanor Roosevelt played a pivotal role in the drafting and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As the chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from 1946 to 1951, she led efforts to create a comprehensive document that would outline fundamental human rights and freedoms for all people. Her leadership and advocacy were instrumental in shaping the Declaration, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Roosevelt’s work in this area established her as a key figure in the promotion and protection of human rights globally.


Considered one of the most important documents in history, what document was established in 1215 between King John and the leading barons of England establishing that nobody, including the King, was above the law?

THE MAGNA CARTA


In 1955 in Alabama USA, who said

People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.

ROSA PARKS


What Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels book, published in 1948, was formative in the creation of the Soviet Union and helped legitimise the international labour movement that was instrumental in the struggle for workers' rights?

THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO


On 23 February, children received the first polio vaccine. Who invented the vaccine?

DR JONAS SALK


On 23 July 1944, the New York Times reporter Bill Lawrence wrote

I have seen the most terrible place on the face of the Earth.

To what was he referring?

LUBLIN-MAJDANEK CONCENTRATION CAMP

This was the first major death camp to be liberated as the Red Army progressed through Eastern Poland at the end of World War II.


The Analects is a collection of the teachings, ideas and conversations of which Chinese philosopher that has heavily shaped Chinese culture, impacting areas such as education, morality and art?

CONFUCIUS


On 8 August 1974, Richard Nixon formally resigned as president of the USA. Who then took the presidency?

GERALD FORD


What is the name of the Scottish physician and scientist who discovered penicillin?

ALEXANDER FLEMING


So, how did you do? Didn’t get a perfect score? Why not try again and see if you can improve?  Make sure you come back to see how much information you’ve retained. Thanks for visiting.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is curated and typed up by real humans, not AI.  While we do our best to check its accuracy and to ensure we don't have any typos, there may be errors in content on this website. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information on this website.  Some of our trivia questions and answers may contain errors or inaccuracies and users are encouraged to verify any information independently before relying on it. We hope you forgive us for any mistakes and don't feel the need to bombard us with any abuse because it hurts our feelings. If you're interested, you can read our website disclaimer here or reach out to us via ask@mindmazetrivia.com. Thanks for visiting.