When did Christopher Columbus first arrive in the Americas?
Though CNN mentioned that Leif Eriksson and the Vikings reached the Americas nearly 500 years before Columbus, his 1492 arrival was still pivotal in shaping the centuries of colonialism that ensued.
Who is this?
Although Benjamin Franklin was never a U.S. President, his importance as a Founding Father rivals those who were. Beyond his inventions and efforts to improve Philadelphia’s institutions, The History Channel also credits him with securing a vital alliance with France, which proved critical to winning the Revolutionary War.
What event led to the beginning of World War I?
According to the Library of Congress, the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo set off a chain reaction due to a complex network of international alliances. Austria declared war on Serbia, which was allied with Russia. Both Austria and Russia invoked support from their respective allies, and soon, Europe's major powers were drawn into what became a global conflict.
What are the first three words of the U.S. Consitution?
Given that the primary reason American colonists revolted against the British crown was taxation without representation, it was fitting that the U.S. Constitution would start with "We the People." The Constitution's principles were designed to establish a government that is by, of, and for the American people.
Who built the pyramids?
As Zahi Hawass, the director general of Giza, explained to PBS, archaeological evidence from the site of Egypt's great pyramids confirms that their builders were indeed Egyptians. While many ancient civilizations, such as those in Mexico, also constructed pyramids, Egypt’s pyramids remain the most iconic and renowned.
What is the name of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech delivered in Washington?
Despite being one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech almost didn't happen as we know it. According to the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, King initially planned to focus on the struggles Black Americans faced in their fight for freedom. However, when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson urged, "Tell them about your dream, Martin!" he was inspired to share the vision that became the heart of his historic speech.
What was Alexander Fleming’s significant discovery?
As reported by the American Chemical Society, Alexander Fleming observed that a substance released by certain mold was preventing the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria in a petri dish. This groundbreaking discovery led to the development of antibiotics, marking one of the most significant advancements in the history of therapeutic medicine.
What was the name of the ship that carried the Pilgrims in 1620?
According to The History Channel, the Pilgrims originally planned to sail on both the Mayflower and another ship called the Speedwell. However, due to repeated leaks on the Speedwell, they were forced to abandon it and all crowded onto the Mayflower for their journey, ultimately landing at Plymouth Rock.
Who was this?
Regarded as one of the most significant and influential scientists in history, Albert Einstein transformed the field of physics through his formulation of the general and special theories of relativity.
Who were the first astronauts to walk on the Moon?
Although Michael Collins was part of the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon alongside Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, only Armstrong and Aldrin had the opportunity to walk on its surface. According to NASA, Collins remained in orbit around the Moon in the command module Columbia while the other two astronauts made their historic landing.
What is the name of the first national park established in the United States?
According to the National Park Service, a series of surveying expeditions leading up to 1871 convinced Congress that the natural wonders of Yellowstone were too stunning and culturally important to be handed over to private ownership. Consequently, in the following year, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law.
What was the Underground Railroad?
According to the National Park Service, while many individuals escaped slavery in the southern United States independently, this became increasingly challenging after the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted in 1850. This change prompted the need for a more organized system of safe passage, involving "conductors" like Harriet Tubman who guided escapees to available resources. This system was known as the Underground Railroad, which was metaphorical and did not include actual underground trains.
Where did the well-known "tea party" protest occur?
While not the only product that American colonists felt was unfairly taxed, the tea duties imposed by the British Crown became so egregious by 1773 that a significant protest was organized in Boston. According to the Massachusetts Historical Society, between 30 and 60 men participated in the protest, dumping a total of 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
Why do many Americans dread April 15?
While AL.com highlighted that both Abraham Lincoln and the victims of the Titanic disaster died on April 15, this fact is not as widely recognized by Americans as the income tax deadline. However, if April 15 falls on Emancipation Day, Tax Day is typically postponed to April 18.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
According to the National Archives, Thomas Jefferson began drafting the Declaration of Independence in a boarding house in Philadelphia on June 11, 1776, and presented his initial draft to the Continental Congress less than three weeks later. Although he believed his colleagues "mangled" his original wording during the revision process, that modified draft has resonated throughout history.
When did Congress establish a two-term limit for the presidency?
According to the National Constitution Center, presidents traditionally refrained from pursuing a third term following George Washington's choice to limit his own presidency to two terms. However, although he was not the first to attempt it, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's successful election to a third and fourth term led a Republican-controlled Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to limit presidential terms to two in the late 1940s. This 22nd Amendment was ratified on February 27, 1951.
What was the name of the ship used during Charles Darwin's famous voyage?
According to the American Museum of Natural History, Charles Darwin's journey around the world as a naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle not only enhanced his reputation but also had a profound impact on the world. The observations he made during this voyage laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking Theory of Evolution
Who introduced the meatpacking assembly line concept to the automobile industry?
As PBS explains, Henry Ford's assembly line approach for mass-producing his iconic Model T was influenced by the disassembly line employed in Chicago's meatpacking plants. This method reduced production costs and enabled Ford to take control of America's emerging auto industry.
Who was the first elected president of South Africa?
According to a timeline created by the United Nations, Nelson Mandela's fight against the Apartheid system in South Africa resulted in his imprisonment for 27 years. The resilience he displayed during his harsh incarceration played a significant role in ending Apartheid, and just four years after his release, he was elected president of the country. His election also signified the beginning of federal democracy in South Africa.
What was the document that restricted the powers of the King of England?
According to the National Archives, King John signed a document drafted by 40 barons who demanded that he honor their rights and property, marking a shift away from his tyrannical rule. Although the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 was quickly annulled by Pope Innocent III and England descended into civil war, it would later inspire similar struggles for liberty in the centuries to come, including the American Revolution.
Which U.S. president famously declared, "We choose to go to the Moon"?
According to NASA, President Kennedy called for the United States to catch up to and surpass the Soviet Union in the Space Race of the 1950s and 1960s. With the Soviets having already launched the satellite Sputnik and achieved a manned flight in orbit, Kennedy's goal in 1961 was to land an American on the moon. Although he did not live to witness this achievement, it was accomplished on July 20, 1969.
Who was known as “The Father Of The American Revolution?”
While Thomas Jefferson articulated America’s desire for independence, it was Thomas Paine who first popularized the concept of breaking away from the British Empire in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense. According to the Lloyd Sealy Library, this earned him the title of the Father of the American Revolution, and his arguments would also establish him as an influential figure in the French Revolution.
What renowned road linked ancient Rome to southern Italy?
According to National Geographic, the Appian Way was a 360-mile road that linked Rome to the farthest eastern parts of its empire. While it is now a popular tourist destination, it served as a vital superhighway after construction commenced in 312 B.C.
Who did America’s Union army fight between 1861 and 1865?
According to the National Park Service, by 1861, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina had all seceded from the Union to establish the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis served as the president of the Confederacy until its defeat in 1865.
In what decades was the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War was waged from November 1, 1955, until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The peak of U.S. involvement in the conflict occurred in April 1969.
Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?
It seems like you're looking to refine or correct the passage. Here’s an improved version: As The New Yorker outlined, Amelia Earhart became an American phenomenon after becoming the first woman and second person in history to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. But her record-setting feats didn’t stop there. Before her tragic disappearance in 1937, she also became the first pilot to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean and completed a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City by 1935.
What was the most devastating day of the Civil War?
Although the Battle of Gettysburg is often regarded as one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, it spanned three days. This distinction leaves the Battle of Antietam with the grim title of the deadliest single day of fighting on American soil. According to the Library of Congress, approximately 20,000 soldiers died on September 17, 1862, alone.
Who transformed the Soviet Union with the policies of Perestroika and Glasnost?
According to Time, Perestroika, meaning "restructuring," was a policy aimed at modernizing the Soviet Union by incorporating elements of a market economy and improving access to foreign goods. Glasnost, meaning "openness," referred to the easing of state censorship to promote greater transparency and free flow of information. As Mikhail Gorbachev described Glasnost, "Those who attempt to suppress the fresh voice, the just voice, according to old standards and attitudes, need to get out of the way.
How many of the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World still exist?
According to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, compiled by Peter A. Clayton and Martin Price, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only wonder still standing today. There is also ongoing debate about whether the Hanging Gardens of Babylon ever existed at all.
Who is well-known for his masterpieces, The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper?
Although Leonardo da Vinci was a prolific inventor and was recognized by Nature for his keen passion for human anatomy, he is most celebrated as an artist. It’s no surprise that the Mona Lisa is considered the most famous painting in the world.
What civilization created the first writing system, cuneiform?
According to the Library of Congress, the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia developed a symbolic writing system known as cuneiform, which was inscribed on clay and stone tablets, such as the one shown here. This writing system predates the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt.
Who was credited for inventing the electric lightbulb?
After Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory in Newark, New Jersey, successfully created the tin foil phonograph in 1878, he turned his attention to perfecting electric lighting for practical use in American homes. As the National Park Service explains, he realized that dream when the entire Menlo Park complex was illuminated with incandescent light in December 1879.
In which month do the United States general elections take place?
Although the United States Government's website states that the official winner of American elections is not determined until Congress counts the Electoral College votes in early January, the public casts their votes on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. However, election results are usually well-known shortly after that day.
What ancient Roman city was destroyed by a volcano in 79 CE?
In 79 CE, a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii and its inhabitants beneath layers of molten rock. While the city was largely destroyed, the eruption also preserved its structures and even the remains of its citizens, which can still be seen in tours of the ruins today.
What was World War I called before World War II?
According to National Geographic, the vast territorial scale and the involvement of ground, naval, and aerial conflicts in the broader context of the war led to World War I being referred to as “The Great War.” It was also sometimes called "The War to End All Wars," a title that was tragically proven incorrect with the onset of World War II in 1939.
Which canal provides a connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans?
Building on a prior French effort at the request of then-President Theodore Roosevelt, the American government initiated the construction of the Panama Canal to create a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for trade facilitation. According to The History Channel, the canal was constructed from 1904 to 1913, and the United States retained exclusive control over the passage until it was transferred to Panama in 1999.
What world-changing weapon was developed during World War II?
While chemical weapons were a terrifying aspect of warfare during World War I, the infamous Manhattan Project resulted in the development of nuclear weapons that devastated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Although this marked the first and only use of such weapons in conflict, their threat would shape the dynamics of the Cold War that followed.
Who was the Soviet leader during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
According to the U.S. Office of the Historian, Nikita Khrushchev sent ballistic missiles to Cuba, believing that President Kennedy would be too weak to respond decisively. However, when Kennedy implemented a naval blockade of Cuba and both nations’ military forces teetered on the edge of nuclear war, Khrushchev agreed to dismantle the missiles in Cuba in exchange for the removal of American missile sites in Turkey.
Which group successfully thwarted the German Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain?
According to the Imperial War Museum, the Luftwaffe operated from a position of strength as the largest air force in the world during the Battle of Britain in 1940. However, Britain's hard-won victory was aided by the home-field advantage, the bravery of its pilots, and advanced fighter aircraft of the time, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane.
What event was considered the start of the Great Depression?
While the "dust bowl" conditions that affected American farms during the Great Depression exacerbated an already dire situation, the Library of Congress noted that many of these farms had been endangered by the sudden stock market crash of 1929. Unfortunately, the persistent droughts left many farmers unable to recover from economic hardship without completely abandoning their life's work.
Who was the first president of the United States?
After guiding the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution, George Washington became the first president of the United States and sought to define the role of the office. Although it would take more than a century and a half for a law to formalize this limit, his decision to retire after eight years established the informal precedent that presidents should serve only two terms.
Why was John Hancock’s signature so important?
According to The History Channel, John Hancock's position as president of the Continental Congress made him the first to sign the historic Declaration of Independence, a moment so notable that people still refer to their signatures as their "John Hancock." It certainly helped that his signature was both notably large and stylish.
What was the intended purpose of the Great Wall of China?
According to UNESCO, the Great Wall of China was constructed as a defensive measure to safeguard the country from northern invaders. This monumental project began in 220 BCE during the reign of Qin Shi Huang and was completed in the 17th century during the Ming Dynasty.
What Crimean War volunteer is considered the mother of nursing?
According to the National Women’s History Museum, Florence Nightingale’s nursing expertise was widely recognized in England when the Crimean War began. Her efforts to improve sanitary conditions for recovering soldiers and provide compassionate care led to a remarkable decrease in the death rate at one field hospital, dropping from 40% to just 2%.
What inspired Isaac Newton to develop the Theory of Gravity?
While some versions of Isaac Newton's legend suggest that an apple fell on his head, the University of York proposed that he actually observed it falling to the ground. This sparked his curiosity and led him to explore the mechanics behind the apple's descent, ultimately resulting in the development of his Theory of Gravity.
What were the years during which World War I took place?
Between the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, and Germany’s surrender on November 11, 1918, four years of exhausting and costly conflict unfolded. While various countries joined and withdrew from the war during this period, the prolonged struggle severely impacted those who remained committed to the fight.
What Roman general’s ambitions led to his assassination?
While Roman emperors Caligula, Aurelian, and Galba were assassinated due to their abuse of power, Julius Caesar was killed in 44 BC for attempting to seize power in the first place. Ironically, his ambitions ultimately led to the transformation of Rome from a democratic republic into an empire after his death, despite the intentions of his assassins.
Who was the first explorer to discover a sea route to India?
While Christopher Columbus sought a route to India, it was the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who ultimately discovered the passage. After navigating around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, he confirmed that India was accessible to Europeans, who at the time valued Indian spices as highly as gold.
What year did the notorious Titanic disaster take place?
While World War I is often seen as the primary reason the 1910s were a tumultuous decade for the world, an unprecedented tragedy had already unfolded before the war began. According to ABC27, the sinking of the RMS Titanic resulted in the deaths of 1,517 passengers and crew. Although it no longer holds the title of the worst maritime disaster in history, it was considered so at the time, prompting a significant global reaction.
Which of these spheres is as large as the Soviet satellite Sputnik?
Despite the significant impact of Sputnik's launch in 1957, which prompted the United States to enter the Space Race, the satellite itself was relatively small. According to National Geographic, it was roughly the size of a basketball.
Who was the King of England during the American Revolution?
According to PBS, King George III is often viewed unfavorably among British monarchs. His rigid and uncompromising leadership style distanced several Prime Ministers during his reign, ultimately allowing the growing grievances of the American colonies to culminate in a full-scale revolution.
What is the most accurate description of the European Renaissance?
The History Channel highlights that in the 14th century, a movement known as humanism emerged in Italy, promoting a revival of classical arts, sciences, and education. The invention of the Gutenberg press in the subsequent century accelerated the spread of humanist ideas, inspiring individuals such as Leonardo da Vinci to deepen humanity's understanding of science and explore its artistic
What civil rights leader sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
While Rosa Parks is well-known for her pivotal role in inspiring the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott by refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on December 1, 1955, her contributions went far beyond that single act of defiance. According to the National Women’s History Museum, she was also a key figure in planning and organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
While many of her domestic policies have led to her being viewed as a controversial or polarizing figure in British politics, Margaret Thatcher's election as Prime Minister in 1979 is a significant milestone. She was not only the first woman to occupy this role, but she also became the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century.
Where was England’s first permanent American settlement?
While St. Augustine, Florida, is recognized as the oldest European settlement in North America, founded in 1565, it was initially governed by the Spanish Empire. The British Empire did not establish a permanent settlement in North America until the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.
During what geologic period was Stonehenge likely built?
According to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, the Neolithic Period was a crucial transitional phase for humanity. During this time, early humans began to develop more complex tools, cultivate plants, and domesticate animals, making it the earliest plausible period for the construction of a structure like Stonehenge.
What foundational Chinese philosopher is also called Kong Qiu?
According to National Geographic, Confucianism is primarily focused on honoring one’s ancestors and providing guiding principles for leading a harmonious life. The core tenet of this philosophy is the principle of “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.
Which Egyptian Pharaoh does the Great Sphinx represent?
While the Smithsonian Magazine highlighted that the pharaoh Khufu oversaw the construction of the pyramid located behind the Sphinx, it is believed that his son Khafre was responsible for the creation of the Sphinx itself.
Who was the first ruler to create a system of law?
According to the Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative, the code attributed to Ur-Nammu, an ancient Sumerian ruler, dates back to 2100 BCE. While only the prologue and 40 of its laws remain today, these laws were organized as a series of if/then statements outlining the state’s responses to different criminal offenses.