History Trivia

15

Between 1847 and 1854 more than one million people left this European country and emigrated to the United States and elsewhere. What nationality were these people, and what natural event caused their mass emigration?

8

He reigned over the German state of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. His people called him "The Great," for he brought great military prestige to his country after the Seven Years' War. Who was he?

13

Around 1765, which two English surveyors drew a line separating the southern slave states from the northern free states?

20

English history: Name any year during which Henry VIII reigned.

11

This person, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, was the Muslim warrior who captured Jerusalem from the crusaders in 1187, thereby ending Christian control over the holy land. What was his name?

6

In 1715 the English Parliament enacted a law requiring any group of twelve or more people gathered to disturb the peace to disperse within one hour. What was this law called?

17

Which person selected the location which later became the District of Columbia (by act of Congress in 1790)?

7

This kind of dance originated in Europe in the 17th Century, but by about 1815, it became the most popular dance in the ballrooms of Europe. What was it?

5

America's first sales tax was imposed on jewelry, gold, silverware, and watches. It was made necessary because of the high cost of a war. Was this tax imposed in 1812, 1863, or 1917?

9

This town in southern France is a health resort, famous for its mineral springs and its bottled drinking water. During World War II, it was the headquarters of the French Nazi-collaborators. What is the name of this town?

10

Which two combating forces battled in the fifth century B.C. Peloponnesian War?

12

He was a warlike and despotic Aztec emperor from the 15th century. His own people despised him and rebelled against him, and the Spanish conquerors stole fabulous treasures from him and his people. What was his name?

11

Near what body of water, not far from what town, did Henry David Thoreau build a cabin in 1845 and live for more thatn two years?

9

Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, about two-thirds of these men were lawyers, judges, and merchants, but about ten of them had what down-to-earth vocation?

18

The earliest account of European travel to the far east was provided by what Venetian traveler who explored Asia from 1271 to 1295?