Mr ? Goes to Washington—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier post.

One

Born on 27 August 1908 in Texas, this boy went on to become the president of the United States. Who is he?

Answer: Lyndon B Johnson

Lyndon B Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, served from 1963 to 1969. He assumed the presidency after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and was later elected in a landslide. Johnson’s presidency is remembered for his Great Society programmes, which aimed to expand civil rights, improve healthcare, and combat poverty, but his legacy is also marred by the Vietnam War.


Two

On this date, Ernst Heinkel’s He178 turbojet-powered aircraft achieved the historic first jet flight. In which decade did this event occur?

Answer: 1930s (1939)

The jet engine, though conceptually ancient, only became practical in the 20th century. Early attempts, like the Caproni Campini N.1 and Tsu-11, were unsuccessful. The breakthrough came with the gas turbine, leading to the development of the turbojet, with Frank Whittle and Hans von Ohain (He178) playing pivotal roles in its creation.


Three

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, the shortest war in history, took place on 27 August 1896. How long did the war last?
1. Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes
2. Between 510 minutes and 540 minutes
3. Between 960 and 990 minutes

Answer: Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes

The war lasted no longer than 40 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.
Encyclopædia Britannica

The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history.
Wikipedia


Four

The world premiere of a film adaptation of a book by PL Travers took place on 27 August 1964 in Los Angeles. Which film?

Answer: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, a 1964 American musical film, features Julie Andrews as a magical nanny who transforms a troubled London household.


Five

On 27 August 1938, at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, Captain George E.T. Eyston set a new land speed record. What speed did he achieve?
1. 199.96 mph
2. 273.13 mph
3. 345.49 mph

Answer: 345.49 mph

Captain George Eyston, a British engineer and racing driver, broke the land speed record three times between 1937 and 1939.

Unknown's avatar

Author: Scott F

As a retired trivia writer, editor and quiz compiler, I wholeheartedly agree with Bertrand Russell’s quote: “There’s much pleasure to be gained in useless knowledge.” Trivia of all sorts has always fascinated me, and for many years, I’ve written and compiled trivia for various media, including traditional TV and radio quiz shows, newspapers and magazines, apps, and other digital platforms.

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