Major dates in 1900s

Question 1

What event marked the defeat of Napoleon?

Answer 1

Waterloo in 1815

The Battle of Waterloo was a pivotal moment in European history, resulting in Napoleon’s final defeat.

Question 2

In which year did Victoria become Queen of the UK?

Answer 2

1837

Queen Victoria’s reign lasted until 1901, marking a period of significant industrial, cultural, and scientific change in the UK.

Question 3

What significant conflict began in 1861 in the United States?

Answer 3

U.S. Civil War

The Civil War was fought over issues including states’ rights and slavery.

Question 4

What year marks the start of the Great Famine in Ireland?

Answer 4

1845

The Great Famine was caused by a potato blight and led to massive starvation and emigration.

Question 5

In what year did Brazil become the last country in the Western Hemisphere to ban slavery?

Answer 5

1888

The abolition of slavery in Brazil was a significant step in the fight for human rights in the Americas.

Question 6

When did Mexico gain independence from Spain?

Answer 6

1821

Mexico’s independence was the result of a long struggle against Spanish colonial rule.

Question 7

What significant land acquisition did the U.S. make early in the 1800s?

Answer 7

Louisiana Territory in 1803

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened up westward expansion.

Question 8

In which year did the British gain control of Hong Kong island?

Answer 8

1841

Hong Kong became a British colony following the Opium Wars.

Question 9

What year saw the debut of Beethoven’s ninth and final symphony?

Answer 9

1824

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is renowned for its choral finale, ‘Ode to Joy.’

Question 10

When was the Eiffel Tower completed?

Answer 10

1889

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris.

Question 11

What year marked the first modern Olympic Games?

Answer 11

1896

The modern Olympics were revived in Athens, Greece, and featured athletes from 13 nations.

Question 12

What significant book was published in 1859?

Answer 12

‘On the Origin of Species’

Charles Darwin’s work introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Question 13

In what year did Marx and Engels publish ‘The Communist Manifesto’?

Answer 13

1848

‘The Communist Manifesto’ called for the working class to rise against capitalist societies.

Question 14

When was ‘Pride and Prejudice’ published?

Answer 14

1813

Jane Austen’s novel is one of the most beloved works of English literature.

Question 15

What year saw the creation of the first photograph?

Answer 15

1826

The first successful photograph was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.

Question 16

When did Morse send the first telegraph message?

Answer 16

1844

Samuel Morse’s message marked the beginning of long-distance communication via telegraph.

Question 17

What year did Vincent Van Gogh commit suicide?

Answer 17

1890

Van Gogh is known for his influential post-impressionist artwork.

Question 18

What major geographical discovery occurred in 1820?

Answer 18

Discovery of Antarctica

This discovery opened the door for future exploration of the continent.

Question 19

In what year did Prussian troops capture Paris?

Answer 19

1871

This event marked the end of the Franco-Prussian War.

Question 20

When did the Crimean War begin?

Answer 20

1853

The Crimean War was fought between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia.

Question 21

What year marks the beginning of the modern oil industry?

Answer 21

1859

The first oil derrick was built in Titusville, Pennsylvania, signaling the start of commercial oil production.