Capital Gain—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier post.

National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
Washington D.C.
Image Wikipedia

One

What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election

Answer: 1960s (1964)

Twenty-Third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961, granted D.C. three electoral votes—the same number as the least-populous state. Before this, its residents had no say in electing the president or vice-president.


Two

Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?

Answer: 16th century (1534)

The Act of Supremacy officially severed England’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority, paving the way for the English Reformation. Henry’s motivations were both political and personal; he desired an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.


Laika in a mock cockpit.
Image Wikipedia

Three

A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

Answer: Sputnik 2

Laika, a stray from Moscow’s streets, became a global icon of the Space Race. Sadly, she died within hours due to overheating, although the Soviets initially claimed she survived for several days.

Four

On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

Answer: United Kingdom; and Sunday

On 3 November 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica and named it Dies Dominica, meaning ‘the Lord’s Day’. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, on 3 November 1978, Dominica achieved independence after being a British colony and briefly a French one.

Five

On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?

Answer: Louis Chevrolet; Switzerland

Louis Chevrolet’s name lives on in one of America’s most famous car brands, but he sold his stake early and never profited from its later success. Ironically, he died while working for a rival carmaker.

Capital Gain

Here are five questions which are all related to today’s date, November 3rd.

National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
Washington D.C.
Image Wikipedia

One

What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election


Two

Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?


Laika in a mock cockpit.
Image Wikipedia

Three

A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

Four

On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

Five

On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?

The Rumble in the Jungle—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I asked earlier.

The Rumble in the Jungle.
Muhammad Ali (standing) and George Foreman (on canvas).
Image USA Today

One

On October 30, 1974, the legendary boxing event The Rumble in the Jungle took place. In which city and country did this event take place? Who were the two boxers involved? And which fighter emerged victorious, reclaiming the world heavyweight title that day?

Answer: Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo); Muhammad Ali and George Foreman; and Muhammad Ali (recovered title)

This fight took place in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). It drew a massive crowd of 60,000 and was one of the most-watched televised events at the time. Ali emerged victorious by knockout in the eighth round.


Orson Welles at the press conference after The War of the Worlds broadcast, 1938.
Image Wikipedia

Two

The 1938 broadcast of a radio drama adaptation caused panic among listeners who thought it was real. What was the title of this drama and who wrote the original novel?

Answer: The War of the Worlds; (written by) H.G. Wells

The broadcast presented H.G. Wells’s story in a live news style format and reportedly caused panic by convincing some listeners that Martians were invading.


Three

In 1817, who became president of the newly formed Third Republic of Venezuela?

Answer: Simón Bolívar

Bolívar played a crucial role in Latin American independence, significantly shaping Venezuela’s early republican era.


Comparison of Nuclear Explosions.
Image World of Engineering via Reddit

Four

In 1961, the Tsar Bomba test — the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated — was detonated in what archipelago and by which country?

Answer: Novaya Zemlya (archipelago); Soviet Union (USSR)

The Tsar Bomba, or AN602, was the most powerful nuclear weapon ever created and tested, designed by Soviet physicists under Andrei Sakharov’s oversight. The bomb’s yield was around 50 megatonnes, and the test took place over the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.


Five

In 1905, to quell revolutionary pressure in Russia, a significant concession was made: the establishment of an elected parliament, the Duma, and the guarantee of civil liberties. Who made this concession?

Answer: Tsar Nicholas II

This was part of the aftermath of the 1905 Russian Revolution and marked the beginning of attempts at constitutional government in Russia, with Tsar Nicholas II issuing the October Manifesto in 1905, promising civil rights and an elected parliament, the Duma, after being pressured by Sergei Witte and Grand Duke Nicholas.

The Rumble in the Jungle

Here are five questions related to today, October 30th.

Orson Welles, 1937. See question 2.
Image Wikipedia

One

On October 30, 1974, the legendary boxing event The Rumble in the Jungle took place. In which city and country did this event take place? Who were the two boxers involved? And which fighter emerged victorious, reclaiming the world heavyweight title that day?


Two

The 1938 broadcast of a radio drama adaptation by Orson Welles caused panic among listeners who thought it was real. What was the title of this drama and who wrote the original novel?


Three

In 1817, who became president of the newly formed Third Republic of Venezuela?


Tsar Bomba

Four

In 1961, the Tsar Bomba test — the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated — was detonated in what archipelago and by which country?


Five

In 1905, to quell revolutionary pressure in Russia, a significant concession was made: the establishment of an elected parliament, the Duma, and the guarantee of civil liberties. Who made this concession?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Sic semper tyrannisc

Five questions which are all related to today, October 28th.

Unveiling of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World by Edward Moran. Oil on canvas.
The J. Clarence Davies Collection, Museum of the City of New York via Wikipedia

One

On October 28, 1922, a march on Rome resulted in the rise to power of whom?

Two

On October 28, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor. In what decade did this occur, and which US President dedicated the statue?

Three

A vote in the British House of Commons on this day in 1971 approved plans for the UK’s membership of what regional organisation had been created by the Treaty of Rome in 1957?

Four

At the 2023 Rugby World Cup final held at the Stade de France, South Africa defeated … (team), and became the first nation to win the Webb Ellis Cup … times. What team fills the first blank space, and what number is missing from the second blank?

Five

On October 28, 1919, legislation was passed in the United States that enforced the 18th Amendment and ushered in the era of Prohibition. What was the name of that act?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later

On This Day, October 26th—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

One

Which country, independent since late 1951, was raised from colonial status to part of Italy proper in 1938 by decree of Italy’s Fascist Grand Council?

Answer: Libya

Italian colonisation of Libya began in the 1920s, with significant investment in infrastructure and immigration. After World War II, Libya gained independence in 1951, becoming a kingdom under King Idris I.


Daily Reenactment at the O.K. Corral.
Image Wikipedia

Two

Where did the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral take place in 1881?

Answer: Tombstone, Arizona

The gunfight at the O.K. Corral, a brief but deadly shootout between lawmen (Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holiday) and outlaws (Billy Claiborne, brothers Ike and Billy Clanton, and brothers Tom and Frank McLaury) in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, on 26 October 1881, has become an iconic event of the American Old West. The conflict, fuelled by a long-standing feud and a city ordinance prohibiting weapons, resulted in the deaths of three men and injuries to three others. The incident, largely unknown until Wyatt Earp’s death, gained widespread attention through books and films, solidifying its place in popular culture.


Three

On this day in 1955, which European country declared a law of perpetual neutrality?

Answer: Austria

Since 1955, Austria has been a permanently neutral country—a status declared after the end of post-war Allied occupation. The Austrian State Treaty restored the nation’s sovereignty on the condition that it would not join any military alliances or permit foreign bases on its soil. This neutrality, enshrined in the constitution, has shaped Austria’s identity as a bridge between East and West during the Cold War and beyond.


Erie Canal, aqueduct over the Mohawk River at Rexford.
Image Wikipedia

Four

When was the Erie Canal, a major US transport route, inaugurated?  

Answer: 1825

The canal connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, fuelling trade and the growth of New York City.


Five

How many terms did François Mitterrand, who was born today in 1916, serve as President of France?

Answer: Two

François Mitterrand, a French politician, served as President of France from 1981 to 1995, marking the longest tenure in the country’s history under the Fifth Republic. Initially aligned with the Catholic nationalist right, he shifted to the left, becoming the first left-wing president. His presidency was marked by significant reforms, such as the abolition of the death penalty and the promotion of French culture, but also faced controversies like the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. Mitterrand’s tenure spanned pivotal events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the foundation of the European Union. 

On This Day, October 26th

These questions all relate to today’s date, October 26th.

François Mitterand, 1983. See question 5.
Image Wikipedia

One

Which country, independent since late 1951, was raised from colonial status to part of Italy proper in 1938 by decree of Italy’s Fascist Grand Council?

Two

Where did the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral take place in 1881?

Three

On this day in 1955, which European country declared a law of perpetual neutrality?

Four

When was the Erie Canal, a major US transport route, inaugurated?  

Five

How many terms did François Mitterrand, who was born today in 1916, serve as President of France?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Nuclear Standoff—Answers

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

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) and Nikita Khrushchev (1894–1971) in Vienna, Austria in May 1961.
Image Wikipedia

One

President John F. Kennedy’s televised announcement on 22 October 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. What confrontation was it about?

Answer: Cuban Missile Crisis

President Kennedy, following advice from Dwight D. Eisenhower, announces that American reconnaissance aircraft have identified Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba and that he has ordered a naval ‘quarantine’ of the Communist country.


Two

Tsar Peter I proclaimed the Russian Empire. In which century was this?

Answer: 18th (1721)

> The title was transformed from the previous title of tsar and grand prince of all Russia. The old title tsar (or tsaritsa) continued to be popularly used to refer to the emperor (or empress) until the monarchy was abolished in 1917. — Wikipedia


Three

On 22 October 1964, a French writer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, though it was subsequently declined. Who was the author?

Answer: Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre declined the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature, citing his refusal to accept official honours and his belief that the prize favoured Westerners and Eastern rebels. The Swedish Academy acknowledged his decision but maintained the validity of the award.


Emperor Naruhito, official portrait 2019.
Image Wikipedia

Four

Naruhito was officially enthroned as Japan’s 126th emperor on 22 October 2019. Earlier that year, he had ascended the Imperial Throne following the abdication of whom?

Answer: Emperor Akihito


Five

Who became the first President of the Republic of Texas on 22 October 1836?

Answer: Sam Houston

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Nuclear Standoff

Here are five questions about historical events some connected to today, October 22nd.

U.S. Pres. John F. Kennedy announcing on television the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba, October 22, 1962.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

President John F. Kennedy’s televised announcement on 22 October 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. What confrontation was it about?

Two

Tsar Peter I proclaimed the Russian Empire. In which century was this?

Three

On 22 October 1964, a French writer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, though it was subsequently declined. Who was the author?

Four

Naruhito was officially enthroned as Japan’s 126th emperor on 22 October 2019. Earlier that year, he had ascended the Imperial Throne following the abdication of whom?

Five

Who became the first President of the Republic of Texas on 22 October 1836?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Let There Be Light—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

Edison incandescent light bulb enclosed in cage.
Image Wikipedia

One

On October 21, Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?

Answer: 1870s

Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman, developed influential devices like the phonograph and electric light bulb. He pioneered organised scientific invention and established the first industrial research laboratory.


Two

In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?

Answer: Three

Austrian racing driver Niki Lauda competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1979 and 1982 to 1985, winning three World Drivers’ Championships—1975, 1977 and 1984—with Ferrari and McLaren. He survived a horrific crash in 1976 and made a remarkable comeback to win his second and third titles. Beyond racing, Lauda founded three airlines and held advisory and team principal roles in Formula One.


Three

In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?

Answer: Spanish Civil War

Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, tasked with destroying a bridge. The book assumes knowledge of the war between the Republican government and the Nationalist faction, supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.


Four

The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?

Answer: Frank Lloyd Wright

Wright’s radical design broke from traditional gallery layouts, using a continuous ramp to display art in a flowing, organic space. The museum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its innovation.


Five

The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?

Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Cape Trafalgar

The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive victory for the British Royal Navy against the combined French and Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. Admiral Lord Nelson’s tactics ensured Britain’s naval supremacy but cost him his life. Trafalgar Square in London was named to commemorate this victory.