The 20th Century: 10 questions (one from each decade)

1. In 1909, which Frenchman became the first man to fly across the English Channel?
2. Which 15th century city was rediscovered in 1911 by the US explorer Hiram Bingham?
3. In 1924, who became the first Prime Minister of the UK from the Labour Party?
4. In 1937, a comic book called “The Broken Ear” was released. Which popular schoolboy hero did this comic introduce?
5. In 1947, Mohammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of which country?
6. Which country was rocked by the Mau Mau uprising in 1952?
7. On 5 October 1962, the first James Bond film and the first Beatles single were both released. What were the names of both?
8. On September 19 1977, North Korean agents kidnapped a man living on the Noto Peninsula, beginning a spate of abductions of citizens from which country?
9. In 1981, which channel launched with the music video for Buggles’ hit “Video Killed The Radio Star”?
10. In 1993, Andrew Wiles presented his proof of which famous mathematical theorem?

Answers below (scroll down)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. In 1909, which Frenchman became the first man to fly across the English Channel?
   A: Louis Bleriot
2. Which 15th century city was rediscovered in 1911 by the US explorer Hiram Bingham?
   A: Machu Picchu (quick overview of the man and his discovery available here)
3. In 1924, who became the first Prime Minister of the UK from the Labour Party?
   A: Ramsay Macdonald
4. In 1937, a comic book called “The Broken Ear” was released. Which popular schoolboy hero did this comic introduce?
   A: Tintin
5. In 1947, Mohammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of which country?
   A: Pakistan
6. Which country was rocked by the Mau Mau uprising in 1952?
   A: Kenya
7. On 5 October 1962, the first James Bond film and the first Beatles single were both released in the UK. What were the names of both?
   A: Dr. No and Love Me Do  
8. On September 19 1977, North Korean agents kidnapped a man living on the Noto Peninsula, beginning a spate of abductions of citizens from which country? The abductions remain a stumbling block in improving diplomatic relations to this day.
   A: Japan
9. In 1981, which channel launched with the music video for Buggles’ hit “Video Killed The Radio Star”?
   A: MTV
10. In 1993, Andrew Wiles presented his proof of which famous mathematical theorem?
    A: Fermat’s Last Theorem (if you want to hear a song about Fermat’s last theorem, and who wouldn’t, click here)

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