On This Day: October 20th—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions in my earlier post.

Sydney Opera House.
Image Wikipedia

One

On 20 October 1973, which Australian landmark officially opened to the public?  
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose citation is

Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction.
— UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Two

The Battle of Valdivia, part of the Chilean War of Independence, took place in which decade?  
1820s
This battle saw Chilean forces secure the southern stronghold from Spanish royalists, aiding in the country’s independence.

The Traveling Wilburys—top: 1. Jeff Lynne, 2. Tom Petty;
bottom: 3. Roy Orbison, 4. Bob Dylan, 5. George Harrison

Three

Which iconic rock musician gave his final live performance with his band, the Traveling Wilburys, on this day in 1990?  
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison, part of the supergroup with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, passed away later that year.

Muammar Gaddafi.
Image Wikipedia

Four

On 20 October 2011, which long-time Libyan leader was captured and killed during the civil conflict?  
Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi had ruled Libya for 42 years before being overthrown during the Arab Spring uprisings. His death, which ended one of Africa’s longest dictatorships, lead to years of instability in Libya.

Five

Which U.S. President signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty on 20 October 1803?  
Thomas Jefferson
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, adding roughly 828,000 square miles of territory.

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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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