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When it comes to school subjects, history is a bane to most. However, as we grew up, history trivia questions became the foundation of many game nights. So, if you can’t run away from history, you might as well learn something from it. There are a lot of benefits that come with history trivia questions and answers that we might not think about!
Mark Twain once said, “History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Luckily, the fun repeats itself on game nights with friends. History trivia questions seem to be the universal solution to such nights. Like sports trivia, history questions are enjoyed best with friends.
One enormous benefit that comes with them is knowledge. The best history trivia questions force us to look at historical events differently. For example, Elizabeth the Second was 27 years old when she got coronated but 25 when she ascended the throne. Not a lot of people will know this interesting and relatively modern fact!
So, are you ready to test your history knowledge? Explore the knowledge of ages with history trivia questions below. Some of them will rack the brains of even veteran history buffs.
However, don’t rush with the questions. Take the time to learn about the dominating categories and how you can mix up trivia nights with hard and easy questions.
Types of World History Trivia Questions.
History is a large subject but the selection for questions regarding it is even larger. Luckily, you can pick and choose between the questions. However, you will notice how most of them belong to specific groups. These groups have similar characteristics. So, you might as well focus on your chosen topics to save time.
- Political events. The gears of politics might be moving slowly, but the events between and inside governments shaped our world. Wars destroyed civilizations and allowed for others to rise. Revolutions broke the governments but also allowed for new ideas to surface. Also, this topic, while boring at first sight, might be the most researched.
- Social events. Humans are the ones that create history. So, our inventions and discoveries are some of the most important in the world. Don’t be surprised why the best history trivia questions seem to touch upon human discoveries. All that is left now is to compile them into history trivia questions and use them on game nights.
- Scientific events. Believe it or not, the world we live in today is based on old scientific theories and discoveries. For example, the nuclear bomb, and other scientific findings, heavily impacted history's political and social landscape. So, don’t be surprised when someone throws you history trivia questions with scientific spins.
However, these are only three categories that are more general than niche. So, stick to the end to learn more about the harder and easier topics to explore!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
How many years did the 100 years war last?
RELATED:
#2
Who became the youngest person to win a Nobel Peace Prize at age 17 in 2014?
#3
How old was Queen Elizabeth II when she was crowned the Queen of England?
#4
How long did it take Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, to orbit Earth?
#5
Fill in the blank: The 19th Amendment guarantees ____ the right to vote.
Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago (edited)
Give it time... if MAGAts have their way, that will be done away with, unfortunately. And you can downvote this all you want. These people are scary!
#6
What are the seven wonders of the ancient world?
MissMePhoenix 2 years ago
Good for you Julia, glad you learned every single thing on this list in primary. We're just tryin to have fun here tho...
#7
Which U.S. President was inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1992?
#10
What year did the Internet become available to the public?
What Are Some Hard History Trivia Questions?
Niche topics can break even the most veteran of history buffs. What makes hard history trivia questions so interesting is that they aren’t generally known. To truly test your knowledge, look up questions about inaugurations, special events, and activities that historical figures partook in. Like flags, you must learn harder history trivia questions through failure and effort.
#11
What was the name of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant that was the site of a nuclear disaster in April 1986?
#14
Who painted the Sistine Chapel?
#15
Where did Albert Einstein live before moving to the United States?
#18
How long did the war between England and Zanzibar last?
#20
Along with Hiroshima, Japan, which Japanese city was hit by an atomic bomb in 1945?
What Are Some Easy History Trivia Questions?
Trivia nights are all about having fun with your friends. So, why not go with the more straightforward questions instead? Instead of going for the niche topics, focus more on the general ones. For example, if you are playing with Americans, ask more US history trivia questions. Touch upon the topics of civil war, the Founding Fathers.
Also, it might be good to look for interesting history trivia questions that are rather recent. After all, the more modern the events, the more we will know about them. The 2000s are a source of many quiz-like questions. So much has happened in the past few decades that the questions will seem rather easy.
#21
In which country did Buddhism originate?
#22
The United States bought Alaska from which country?
#23
When did the construction of the Great Wall of China begin?
#24
In 1996, a sheep became the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell. What was the name of that sheep?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
But WHY was she called Dolly? Because she was cloned from a mammary cell and named after Dolly Parton.
#25
How many days in a week were there in ancient Roman times?
#26
Who is the king of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology?
#27
How many Celtic languages are still spoken today?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Hmm...Welsh, Cornish, Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Breton...what's the sixth? Genuinely curious.
#29
What was the name of the ancient trade route that connected the East with the West?
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago (edited)
Amy Tan wrote a great novel about an ill-fated attempt by modern tourists to follow the Silk Road after their guide passed away. It's called Saving Fish from Drowning. Good read!
#30
How did Alexander the Great solve the puzzle of the Gordion knot?
#31
What is considered the largest empire in history?
Thomas Simpson 2 years ago
The British empire was bigger, the Mongolian empire was the largest LAND empire
#32
Which Greek historian is known as the “Father of History”?
Jeanette Vose 2 years ago
He was also wrong about many, many things... but let's be honest, that just makes history more interesting.
#33
Which movie star married the Prince of Monaco on April 18th, 1956?
#34
What was the previous name for New York?
loyalhufflepuff07 2 years ago
🎶 Even old New York was once New Amsterdam, Why they changed I can't say it, People just liked it better that way 🎶
#35
Finish the line: President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during his speech addressing the attack on Pearl Harbor: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941…”
#36
What was the name of the landmark Supreme Court case that ruled the racial segregation of schools unconstitutional?
#38
Which infamous prison was stormed on July 14th, 1789?
#39
Which Argentinian became a notable figure in the Cuban Revolution?
#40
During which war was a Christmas Truce called?
Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago
There is a beautiful song about this called "Christmas In The Trenches" by John McCutcheon based on this event.
#43
What was the name of the research ship Charles Darwin traveled with?
#45
Who was the first woman to make a million dollars in the United States?
#46
Who was the first American to win a Noble Peace Prize?
#47
Who was the first person in the world to land on the moon?
Joel Hopkins 2 years ago
I mean technically, Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon at the same time, but Armstrong was the first one to get out and walk around.
#48
Which four presidents are on Mount Rushmore?
Michelle Smith 2 years ago
None. They’re all dead. (Good dad pun.) Their likenesses are depicted there.
#49
The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of which powerful ancient empire?
#50
Which country hosted the 2016 Olympics?
#54
Which African nation successfully resisted colonialism in the late 19th century?
Answer: Ethiopia.
#55
Which two Native American leaders led Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors in the fight against Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s troops in the Battle of Little Bighorn?
#57
Who was the first Black Supreme Court justice in the United States?
#59
Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced the concept of demokratia in 507 BC. What does demokratia translate to?
#60
Which organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917?
#61
How many days was William Harrison President of the United States?
Shirley Morrison 2 years ago
Going out in the rain with or without clothing does not cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is caused by a virus or bacterium, neither of which is weather related,.
#62
In 1927, who became the first man to fly solo and non-stop across the Atlantic?
#63
In which country did the Easter Rising take place in 1916?
#64
What was the name of the first Space Shuttle to go into space?
#65
Who was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington on March 30th, 1981?
#66
Who was the first woman in space?
Ashley Deane 2 years ago
I don't know much about her at all. I don't think we did learn this in school come to think of it. But she should have been in the curriculum just like Niel Armstrong
#67
The Ptolemy dynasty ruled which ancient kingdom?
#69
Who is known for running through the streets crying Eureka?
#70
In 1939, the UK declared war on Germany after what event?
#71
Who was the first Western explorer to reach China?
#73
Which era marked a switch from agricultural practices to industrial practices?
#74
What year was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated in Washington, D.C.?
#75
Who was president during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
#76
In what year did child labor laws start in the United States?
Bouche Clay 2 years ago
Exceptions were made for child actors. It was called the Shirley Temple bill.
#77
Who was the first ruler of the Mongol Empire?
#78
What was the capital city of the Inca Empire?
Pursuing Peonies 2 years ago
And now I've got the Emperor's New Groove stuck in my head 😂 🎵 Kuzco! 🎶
#79
What was the name of the international group formed to maintain world peace after World War I?
#80
Which two city-states fought in the Peloponnesian War?
#81
Which ancient figure is often considered the founder of Western philosophy?
#82
Queen Nefertiti ruled alongside which pharaoh?
Mary Stille 2 years ago
They do believe they found her , the announcement was made yesterday that Dr. Hawass is giving a press conference on it at the end of the month I believe, I will find the article and post a link if i can
#83
What year was the first iPhone released?
#84
What was the name of the Category 5 hurricane that hit New Orleans and its surrounding areas in 2005?
#85
What year was Facebook created?
#86
Brexit refers to which country leaving the European Union?
#87
Which King of England was executed in 1649 during the English Civil War?
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
And he wore an extra shirt so that people wouldn't see him shivering and think he was afraid. Someone said, Nothing in his life became him like the leaving of it.
#88
Where were the first modern Olympics held?
#89
What does “The Magna Carta” mean?
#90
Who was the emperor of Rome from A.D. 54 – A.D. 68?
#91
The “Whitechapel Murderer” is the nickname given to which serial killer?
Patti Wagner 2 years ago
When I visited my sister and her husband, I got the opportunity to take the Whitechapel tour, which was very informative and educational, though there is still today debates on who Jack the Ripper was.
#92
In the 5,000 years of human history, what is the one disease that has been completely eradicated?
#93
What famous 5th century A.D. conqueror was known as “The Scourge of God”?
#94
In what year did humans put the first satellite into orbit?
#95
What scandal forced U.S. President Richard Nixon to resign in 1974?
#96
Who invented Penicillin?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Nobody, it's a naturally-occurring mould. Fleming *discovered* penicillin, quite by accident.
#97
What was the name of the series of programs and projects President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted during The Great Depression?
#98
Where was Martin Luther King, Jr. born?
#99
Who is commonly referred to as the person who created the first printing press?
#100
During World War II, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Which country is Normandy in?
#101
Who fought in the Hundred Years’ War?
#102
Who was the first Emperor of Rome?
The Captain 2 years ago
That would be Augustus Caesar. He renamed Sextillia to August after himself and adjusted the month to 31 days like July which was named after is great uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar because Augusts refused to allowing anything be seen about himself as less than equal to Julius.
#104
The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for which pharaoh?
Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago
Debatable, considering that the archeologist that discovered it most likely wrote Khufu's name on the wall himself.
#105
When was Julius Caesar assassinated?
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
I always wondered why we don't say "taxes are due on the ides of April."
#106
What year did the Berlin Wall fall?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
David Hasselhoff still feels he didn't get the credit he deserved for this one.
#107
The U.S. hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994. Which country won the championship?
#108
Which two countries signed the Good Friday Agreement in 1997?
#109
Who became the most decorated gymnast in history during the 2010s?
#110
Which U.S. city hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996?
#111
What is the name of the whistleblower who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013?
#112
One of the ancient world wonders, the “Hanging Gardens,” was found in which city?
#113
Which bridge was the first to be built across the River Thames in London?
#114
Which world leader is famous for his “Little Red Book”?
#116
Which English queen reigned for just nine days?
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Poor thing didn't ask to be queen, didn't want to be queen and didn't survive as a queen.
#118
What nation separated from the United Kingdom in 1921?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
WRONG. Ireland separated from Great Britain. The UK was formed AFTER Ireland left.
#119
In which country was the largest known T-Rex skeleton found?
#120
The Aztec people sacrificed about how many people per year?
#121
What group of people discovered Greenland?
Solange Brault 2 years ago
Um, what about the Inuit?...They were in Greenland wayyy before the Vikings. Like saying that the Americas were discovered by Colombus!
#122
The Cuban Revolution led to the rise of what dictator?
#123
There have been four eons since the Earth’s beginning. What is the name of the eon we are living in?
#124
Who was the king of France during the French Revolution?
#125
When was U.S. the Declaration of Independence signed?
Pursuing Peonies 2 years ago
It does make me wonder why the US doesn't acknowledge that date at all. Like.....that could've been a wonderful national holiday for voting. (Still could be if voted into existence)
#126
When was the Battle of Gettysburg fought during the Civil War?
#127
What year did the French Revolution start?
#128
What was the code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II?
#129
When did the Mexican Revolution start?
Zelda Fitzgerald 2 years ago
Fun fact: My Great Great grandparents hid Pancho Villa and his men on their ranch in Mexico and rumor has it Pancho had a thing for my 16 year old Great grandmother
#130
In what year is the Bubonic Plague believed to have started in Europe and Asia?
#131
In which country was the Battle of Culloden fought in 1746?
#132
Modern-day Istanbul, Turkey, used to be called what when it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Tigara Akimoto 2 years ago
🎼🎶 Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul not Constantinople!
#134
The U.S. rover Curiosity landed on which planet in August 2012?
#135
The ancient Egyptians worshiped dung beetle?
Crystal Caulfield 2 years ago
Is that a question? It feels like a statement with a vague answer in it.
#136
Which mountaineer and his Sherpa became the first men to conquer Mount Everest?
#137
Who was the first man to swim the English Channel?
#138
Before independence, what was Bangladesh called?
#139
In 1594, William Shakespeare joined the company of which London theatre?
#140
What is the name of the first successful colony in Virginia?
#141
Who orchestrated a terrorist attack against the United States on September 11th, 2001?
Fadhuwa Hussain 2 years ago
Umm..Muslim here!!😳 I'd like to point out that the people who carried this attack out were extremists and Islam does not believe in that! Islam allows jihad (war) only as a self-defence mechanism. These people went too far! I'm not trying to defend them. I'm trying to defend those who came after them. As in, innocent Muslims who didn't even support these people who are now being blamed, killed, and harassed simply for having the religion. Islam believes in peace and moderation. 😊
#142
Which series of wars saw European Christians invading the middle east to take the Holy Land?
#143
What was the first dynasty of Imperial China?
#144
Who was the President of the United States during the Iran Hostage Crisis?
#145
Who was the fourth president of the United States?
#146
The “shot heard ’round the world” describes the beginning of which battles in the American Revolution?
#147
What year did the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) go into effect?
#149
What year did India gain independence from Britain?
#150
Who established the Xia Dynasty in China?
#152
The Maya Empire was centered in what is now which country?
#153
Which famous battle is widely considered a turning point in the wars between Persia and Greece?
#154
The Colosseum started to be built under while which Roman emperor was in power?
#155
Which fabric was discovered in Ancient China?
Crystal Caulfield 2 years ago
Invented? It's a naturally occurring fiber from insects that was woven into fabric in ancient China. I don't know if invented is the best word. But I can't think of a better one so I guess I will take it.
#156
What was the acronym commonly used for the 2000 software problem that many thought would cause computers to become inoperable?
Bouche Clay 2 years ago
My mom demanded I turn the computer off a minute before midnight and not turn it back on until a minute after.
#157
Greenland was a colony of which country until 1981?
#158
Which U.S. president had a home called The Hermitage?
#159
Which famous battle took place on Sunday, June 18th, 1815?
#161
When did the first Space Shuttle go into space?
#162
In which Libyan city was the American diplomatic compound attacked in September 2012?
#163
Roald Amundsen led a successful expedition to what location in 1911?
#164
Octavian defeated Mark Antony in which famous naval battle of 31 B.C.?
#165
In which year was the first Super Bowl played?
#166
Which team won the first Super Bowl?
#167
During which years were the Spanish Civil War?
#168
Which British ocean liner did a German U-boat torpedo on May 7th, 1915?
#170
What city was formerly known as Saigon?
#171
Who invented the steam engine?
#173
What was the name of the battle in the Pacific fought between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942?
#174
What event is commonly believed to have sparked World War I?
Ashley Deane 2 years ago
Wow the murder of one man set off a world war? Clearly I was absent during history class a lot.
#175
In what year did Libya gain independence from Italy?
#176
How long did the Han Dynasty rule China?
#177
Who won the 2008 U.S. Presidential election?
#178
What U.S. government department was created in the wake of the September 11 attacks?
#179
Which seven U.S. states seceded and formed the original Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War?
Ayush Chamoli 1 year ago
Answer: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.
#180
What name is given to Britain’s policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws on early American colonies?
#181
Which Russian astronaut was the first man to conduct a spacewalk?
#182
Who built the first car in America?
Dan Holden 2 years ago
Incorrect. Henry Ford was the first to mass produce cars. The first American car was the the Duryea Motor Wagon.
#183
What is the name of the first female Hispanic astronaut?
#184
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was fought in which country?
#185
Which Roman Emperor built a massive wall across Northern Britain in 122 A.D.?
#186
Which human ancestor was the first to discover fire?
#187
Where was Cleopatra’s birthplace?
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Incorrect. She was of Greek ancestry but she was born in and died in Alexandria, Egypt. She claimed to be descended from Alexander the Great.
#188
What was the name given to the laws aimed at enforcing segregation in public places in the United States?
#189
What dynasty was Cleopatra part of?
#190
What was the global recession that lasted from 2007 to 2009 called?
#191
What year was the Paris Agreement signed?
#192
What was the family name of the Russian rulers from the 17th century until the 1917 revolution?
#193
In 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. Where did this take place?
#194
What is the modern name for Van Diemen’s Land?
#195
What was the Great Western Schism?
Ayush Chamoli 1 year ago
Answer: When more than one pope claimed authority over the Roman Catholic church.
#196
The Khmer Rouge was a regime ruling which nation in the 20th century?
#197
What documents were responsible for establishing the 17th Parallel as the line that separated Vietnam during the Vietnam War?
#198
Who was the first woman to be elected Vice President of the United States in 2020?
#199
Who was the first female to be elected into the U.S. Congress?
#200
Which union has 27 member countries, many of which use the euro as their currency?
#201
Who invented the telephone?
Jeanette Vose 2 years ago (edited)
Not true in the slightest. That would be Antonio Meucci. Bell stole many of his supposed inventions.
#202
From what city did the Titanic set sail?
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Southampton, if I remember correctly, not South Hampton (pedantic bonus nag: as a steamer it/she technically didn't set sail at all)
#203
Who was not a member of the Allied Powers during World War II?
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Erm - f*****g loads of people. Japan, for one. Switzerland. Ireland. The Federated States of Micronesia. What sort of question is this?
What do you think ?
Deborah Harris 2 years ago
No idea why it says these are way cooler than things learned in school as these ARE the things we learned in school lol.. maybe this could be used for a pub quiz :0) xx
costin rotaru 2 years ago
Trivia foe americans, who cannot learn them in school because they are budy hiding from active shooters
Deborah Harris 2 years ago
No idea why it says these are way cooler than things learned in school as these ARE the things we learned in school lol.. maybe this could be used for a pub quiz :0) xx
costin rotaru 2 years ago
Trivia foe americans, who cannot learn them in school because they are budy hiding from active shooters
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