The Ultimate 20th Century Pop Culture Quiz

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The events of the 20th century influence how we move through the world today. The technologies at our fingertips, nostalgic cultural icons, and current geo-political situations are due to innovations and decisions made from 1900 onwards. In those hundred years before the millennium humans have made progress with vaccines, the space age, the birth of the Internet, scary totalitarian regimes, and steps towards gender equality. In this last century humans turned towards specialization and introduced mass production. Dubbed by TIME magazine founder "the American century," these hundred years provided room for countless examples of American intervention abroad by military or cultural might. Because the 20th century is so referred the following quiz will contain many America-centric questions because odds are that the world was looking on.

There are historical moments that occur and immediately stall people who become aware of their reality. For example, we will remember where we were when we received the news of the Donald Trump presidency, just as our parents will remember where they were when they heard JFK died.These cultural turning-points ring true for many people because they seem pivotal, for a moment it seemed like we would define our lives chronologically around this event.

Can you ace this 20th century history quiz?

Question 1

Who was John F Kennedy's wife?

This first lady was adored by the French, not only because of her impeccable minimalist style but also because she spent a college year abroad there. After college she worked as a columnist for the Washington Times-Herald beginning in 1951 and covered the inauguration of D. Eisenhower. She would meet dashing Senator Kennedy on the job and they married in 1953. She is remembered for her support and patronage for arts and culture, as well as her strength and bravery after JFK's assassination.

Question 2

What was Michael Jackson known as?

Michael Jackson has been in the entertainment limelight since he was six and released a collaborative album at eleven. He produced seven hit solo albums during his professional career and is as popular an artist as either Elvis Presley or the Beatles. A talented singer, dancer, choreographer, and songwriter, he was crucified by the media over allegations of child abuse and his unsuccessful plastic surgeries that were meant to fix a skin condition. Despite this and his death his work continues to inspire performing artists like Janelle Monae and Rihanna.

Question 3

Who was the first female Prime Minister of Britain?

This daughter of a grocer became a leading figure and ideological figurehead for England's Conservative party throughout the 1980's. Elected Conservative leader in 1975 she became the first woman to ever lead a Western political party. As Prime Minister she curbed inflation by increasing taxes and was elected for a second term largely due to her will to keep possession of the Falkland Islands off of South America. She overhauled miner's unions in her second term and made a close diplomatic alliance with President Reagan.

Question 4

Which member of the British Royal Family passed away in a car crash?

In 1981 this noble lady announced her engagement to Prince Charles and she was immediately received warmly by the British public. As Princess of Wales she became an ambassador for the Queen overseas and was involved in dozens of children's charities. She had sons William and Harry before her separation from Prince Charles in 1996. She died in a Parisian car crash 1997 when she was only 36. Millions around the world watched her funeral and many have contended her death was in fact a planned assassination.

Question 5

What happened in Roswell to make it famous?

In 1947 this New Mexico town rose to international prominence due to supernatural occurrences. Earlier this year there were also claims of extraterrestrial sightings so these possibilities were already awaked in the public imagination. A Roswell rancher found metallic debris on his property and and called the Army Air Force Base to come investigate. RAAF made the mistake of sending out a press release that claimed to have found a "flying disk". Without context this led the country to believe the American were fighting other-worldly forces.

Question 6

When did the Berlin wall come down?

The four way occupation of Berlin came about when Allied forces partitioned off separate parts of the German capital. Soviet communists had overtaken Eastern Germany and the wall was erected in 1961 to prevent the outflow of refugees to the West. From this point forward neither capital nor humans were able to cross the concrete blockade. Protests and standoffs across Eastern Germany fought against Soviet regime and the barricade. In 1989 the head of the East German communist party announced citizens of the GDR could cross over.

Question 7

Who invented the airplane?

To clarify, these two were not the first to build an experimental aircraft they did come up with controls that made the fixed-wing flight possible. Their innovation focused on figuring a way to maintain "pilot control". This differed from the engine-centered view of their competitors. Due to this, they came up with more efficient wings and propeller systems. Their work was especially influenced by the mechanics of bicycles. After experimenting with gliders and wind tunnels, they commissioned a light weight engine and took their first powered flight.

Question 8

What was the American ban on alcohol called?

Religious furor engulfed the American Midwest in the early nineteenth century. The evangelicals and other christian sects called for a ban on alcohol to reduce domestic violence, political corruption and other societal ills. This ban was also made to highlight how inner-cities were becoming more and more sinful and to scapegoat recent immigrants with undesirable ethnicities. This call gained traction especially amongst women's movements who had mobilized and lobbied the government to create a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Question 9

Which American country singer performed at Folsom Prison?

With his deep bass voice this country artist often delved into other genres like rock and roll, blues and folk. He is recalled as "The Man in Black" and known for highlighting themes of repentance, retribution, and moral tribulation in his songs. A societal scapegoat himself, in the 1950's this singer performed live concerts in penitentiaries around the country. Later he would become an advocate for Native Americans, condemning settler violence and colonization. His drug abuse and volatile relationship with fellow country singer June both contributed to his nuanced outlook and deeply meaningful songs.

Question 10

Who became the first symbol for non-violent protests?

A leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonizers, this man led the 250 mile Dandi Salt March in 1930 to oppose the British-imposed salt tax. Later he would call for an independent India via methods of marching, sitting, and fasting. Gandhi's vision of India was based on religious pluralism but in leaving the British would carve two states based on religious majorities: India and Pakistan. His practice of nonviolent civil disobedience inspired direct action strategies around the world.

Question 11

Which member of the Beatles married Yoko Ono?

The Beatles were an international sensation beginning in 1963 till their break in 1970. He was an activist as well as co-founder and his non-confirmative way of thinking came out when the band became a commercial success. Always unbothered by a riot, he once remarked they (the Beatles) were more popular than Jesus. With albums like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, this member embraced his creative drug induced side. He was assassinated in New York in 1980 when returning home from the studio.

Question 12

Who was on trial during "The Trial of the Century"?

This defendant was charged with two accounts of murder early in 1995. This iconic celebrity was defended by the Dream Team consisting of more than five lawyers, two being Johnnie Cochran and Robert Shapiro. According to one newspaper, it was the most publicized criminal trial in history. This trial took place when LAPD had a recent history of police brutality and racial profiling. The defendant was African American. The defence team was successful in establishing reasonable doubt about DNA evidence, a recent and unfamiliar science at the time.

Question 13

What year did John F. Kennedy die?

John F. Kennedy won the Presidency against Vice Presidential incumbent due to the introduction of televised interviews. His term as 35th President of the United States was cut short due to this tragedy. The nation mourned him because though he had little experience he could connect with American viewers in their homes. His term oversaw increased tensions in the Cold War and the failed Bay of Pigs operation. While on a motorcycle tour in Texas JFK was assassinated. There is speculation the suspected killer did not act alone.

Question 14

True or False: The Statue of Liberty was built in the 20th century

This neoclassical sculpture which sits on New York City's on Liberty Island represents Libertas, a Roman goddess. She welcomes new immigrants to the land of the free. She was a gift from France meant to symbolize support for the America's abolition of slavery. However this project was delayed due to efforts being concentrated in the Franco-Prussian war. The sculpture is also appropriate since America's Constitutional format was adopted in France after their Revolution. Until recently tourists were allowed to climb to the top of the statue and look out.

Question 15

True or False: The Birth Control Pill was invented in the 20th century

This reliable method of contraception was a significant achievement and it took thirty years to perfect. This innovation inspired different ways to think about sex and was another step towards the liberation of women. However, the pill was not available to married women in every state until landmark case Griswold v. Connecticut and was not available to unmarried women until an even later case, Eisenstadt v. Baird. It is now considered a fundamental medication needed in a basic health system.

Question 16

What year did WWII end?

This global war officially began in 1939 though threats and sputters had occurred prior to this formal declaration. It directly involved over 100 million people and brought mass civilian death. The Allies in Europe managed to invade Germany after the Normandy Landings. This caused Germany to surrender and Allies drew up the Potsdam Declaration to force an end to the war in the Pacific. Americans later pursued this goal by dropping nuclear weapons. Following this the United Nations was established as an international commission to prevent future conflicts.

Question 17

Where was the second atomic bomb dropped?

One of the final actions of WWII was the American release of two atomic bombs. These attacks caused massive casualties on the same day as well as thousands of deaths in the following months resulting from burns and radiation sickness. In July of this year the Potsdam declaration outlined that if surrender was not given total use of force would employed. However, President Truman's decision to firebomb ultimately only prevented an American invasion and instead killed thousands of civilians. The use of nuclear weapons is still hotly debated today.

Question 18

Who was the first man on the moon?

This astronaut was not only the first man on the moon but also the first civilian astronaut to fly in space as command pilot of Gemini 8. The 1969 Apollo 11 first-manned moon landing let three astronauts out to explore the moon's surface for two and a half hours. He is quoted saying the experience was "one small step for man, one massive leap for mankind". The political context of the Apollo 11 mission was to gain an edge on the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Question 19

Who gave the "I have a dream" speech?

The 1960's saw amazing progress in the civil rights movement along with intense violence. There were many voices being heard who'd never had a forum before and it rocked the nation. Many of the proponents who were active and protesting then are still around today, but unfortunately many were brutalized and even assassinated in an effort to keep whole groups of people down. Today, when things get bad, we have that blueprint to follow in order to maintain our rights, very much thanks to the person who gave this speech.

Question 20

True or False: In the US, women already had the right to vote in 1910

In the nineteenth century the Seneca Falls Convention brought about a consensus amongst women to fight for suffrage. Unfortunately many of these women were divisive in their campaign for voting rights, drawing along lines of race and class and ultimately making their demands exclusive and unequal. Ultimately both the women's temperance movement and World War I would turn the tide in favour of women's suffrage. They would ultimately be granted the the 19th Amendment which vows to protect this right.

Question 21

Which famous boxer coined the tagline, "float like a butterfly sting like a bee"?

Widely regarded as an influential sports figure and activist, this iconic personnage embodied so much of the 20th century. Early on he won an Olympic gold, converted to Islam, and refused to be drafted into the Vietnam war for religious as well as political reasons. After he overturned his conviction in 1971 he returned to boxing and remains the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion. He was both a rapper and a poet and after his retirement dedicated himself to religious and charitable work.

Question 22

Which 20th century conflict was referred to as "The Great War"?

This conflict marked the first time soldiers were mobilized in the millions. It was the first time industrial era weapons were being used and commanders did not have strategies to deal with this technology in trench warfare. All the great economic powers were involved and the war dissolved or caused the disappearance of four different Empires. The war was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary monarchy. The ending context of this war set the stage for another massive military conflict.

Question 23

What 1992 riots plagued Los Angeles for six days?

These riots were the biggest anti-police demonstrations in America. They consisted of lootings, arsons, and civil disturbances leaving damage up to $1 billion dollars. These riots were sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers who were on tape beating an unarmed black man. This can be seen as a precursor to the frustration and injustice organized more civilly in the Black Lives Matter movement. These riots also set the scene for the LAPD to have a negative light in the later O.J. Simpson trials.

Question 24

Who was the most infamous criminal held in Alcatraz?

Co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit, this gangster made a living providing alcohol during the Prohibition era. From a family of Italian immigrants, this figure was seen running an underground economy and even contributing some of his earnings to charity. However the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre between Irish and Italian led mafias turned influential people against him and publicized Chicago as a violent place. He was prosecuted for tax evasion and sentenced to eleven years though he was already suffering from syphilitic dementia.

Question 25

When did the Titanic sink?

The Titanic was the second of three Olympic-class ocean liners and the biggest ship afloat at the time. She sunk during her maiden voyage with both captain and architect going down with the wreck. The starboard of the Titanic hit an iceberg and created holes in the bottom of the ship. Though she was furnished lavishly with high end upper class cabins and a swimming pool there were only lifeboats enough for half the passengers. The Titanic was considered unsinkable.

Question 26

Which famous theme park was erected in Anaheim?

This park is the only one of it's kind to have been constructed under the supervision of Walt Disney. The property is 160 acres and was unveiled in 1955. Since this park's completion it has undergone further construction and expansion to accommodate for smaller themed parks inside it like Mickey's Toontown. These parks have the highest cumulative visits in its eleven locations. Whenever the company erects a new park it tries to buy the surrounding land and has even created a master-planned community in Florida: Celebration.

Question 27

Where does this iconic picture take place?

These protests also known as the June Fourth Incident were incited by frustration at inflation, the one-party system, and restrictions on political participation. As many as thousands of civilians died in that Beijing square while calling for a more overt government. This image simultaneously depicts resolve of an action as well as hopelessness for the future. This martyr is ready to give his life in protest. Every year around June 4th the Chinese government scrubs their user's net from finding any words/events that would incite future uprisings.

Question 28

Which US President is heavily associated with national parks?

During this President's administration five new parks were created and fifty-one bird sanctuaries. He was an environmentalist also saving over 100 million acres of national forest though he was bizarrely born in New York City. He was the youngest President at the age of 42 and entered office due to an assassination of his running-mate. He advocated for the preservation of nature's resources and advocated for the "Square Deal". This promised pure food and drugs, average citizen fairness, and railroad regulation.

Question 29

What year was the Russian Revolution?

Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg) was the seat of the Tsarist autocracy and shortly after the Provisional government which the revolutionaries would take over in October. The revolutionaries were Bolsheviks, translated to mean ones of the majority, led by Vladimir Lenin, an ardent Marxist and social theorist. Immediately thereafter Russia exited WWI. The Bolsheviks fended off other independence movements and contenders for power and once they defeated their rivals they formally established the Communist Party. Throughout Russia peasants were redistributing land.

Question 30

The Wall Street stock market crash (Black Tuesday) took place in what year?

Occurring in October, this Wall Street Crash sparked the twelve year Great Depression. Black Tuesday followed a similar crash in London and was rural families flocking to urban centres following the first World War. Overproduction in agriculture pushed the economy over the edge and following this the government would create subsidies, paying farmers to produce less. Speculation, corruption, and fraud were also factors in the crash. It amounts to the largest financial crisis of the 20th century, and it was largely solved by the second World War.

Question 31

In what Caribbean country did the Cold War almost come to a head in?

During this 13 day confrontation both the US and the USSR considered deploying ballistic missiles. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev placed nuclear weapons on Cuba to arm Fidel Castro and threaten the mainland US. With Cuba only 90 miles from Florida and an American Presidential campaign ongoing, this fortnight was complete political turmoil. Following McCarthyism and other political scares, Americans were prepping themselves for the end of the world. President Kennedy negotiated the situation and both sides chose to disarm, the SU in Cuba and the US in Turkey and Italy.

Question 32

When was the Empire State building built?

Located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th street New York, this building was the world's tallest building for forty years. It took only 410 days to build and was designed from the top down by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. It's name "Empire State" is a fond New York nickname, and the building is created in Art Deco style. It was recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and crowned a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Question 33

Which Latina singer was murdered by her assistant?

This American Mexican singer began her career when she was twelve. She won female singer of the year for Tejano Music awards in 1987 and put college aside to pursue her musical fame. She married Chris Perez, a guitarist who'd played in her band for two years. However when she was only 23 she was shot dead by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldívar. Her name is stuff of lore, she was a lively Latina woman and a budding popular singer-- all gone before her time.

Question 34

Who developed the World Wide Web?

An English engineer and computer scientist, this man was the first to implement successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and an internet server. The impact of his information management and sharing system cannot be underestimated. Along with being knighted he has been named in TIME's 100 most influential people in the 20th century and received various other honours and orders. He favours net neutrality and considers personal data should be guarded and not hoarded and analyzed without explicit consent.

Question 35

When was Khomeini's Iranian Revolution/American Embassy in Tehran occupied?

Ayatollah Khomeini led this revolution to overthrow the Shah who was kept in place by imperial interests. Iranian politics had been manipulated by the West so the U.S. and Britain could maintain direct access to oil markets. The secularized Shah however was distanced from important social facets like the Shi'a (majority sect) clergy and the working classes. The revolution plunged Iran into an Islamic Republic after 2500 years of Iranian monarchy. Ayatollah Khomeini became Supreme Leader of Iran and surrounding Arab nations looked to carry on this momentum.

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