The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : What major World War II event opened on November 20, 1945?
Possible answers:
- The Yalta Conference
- Japan's surrender to the Allies
- The Nuremberg Trials
- The founding of the United Nations
Explanation: The Nuremberg trials judged 24 Nazi leaders. They laid the foundations of modern international criminal law and led to the creation of the concept of 'crime against humanity', now enshrined in international law.
Question 2 : What operating system was launched by Microsoft on November 20, 1985?
Possible answers:
- MS-DOS 3.0
- Windows 1.0
- Windows 95
- OS/2
Explanation: Windows 1.0 was a graphical interface layered on top of the MS-DOS system. It allowed multiple windows to be displayed on screen, but they couldn't overlap. It was a revolution in home computing.
Question 3 : What major international convention in favor of children was adopted on November 20, 1989?
Possible answers:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The Geneva Convention on Minors
- The International Charter on Education
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child
Explanation: The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most ratified international treaty in the world. It recognizes the right to education, health, and protection against exploitation. November 20 is now World Children's Day in its honor.
Question 4 : In 1910, November 20 marks the beginning of an armed uprising in which Latin American country?
Possible answers:
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
Explanation: The Mexican Revolution officially began on November 20, 1910, with Francisco Madero's call to arms against dictator Porfirio Díaz. This conflict, which lasted until 1920, profoundly transformed Mexican society and inspired many artists like Diego Rivera.
Question 5 : On November 20, 1805, which Beethoven opera was performed for the first time in Vienna?
Possible answers:
- Don Giovanni
- The Magic Flute
- Fidelio
- La Clemenza di Tito
Explanation: Fidelio is the only opera composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It went through several revised versions between 1805 and 1814. Its central theme, freedom and justice triumphing over tyranny, makes it a deeply political and humanist work.
Question 6 : In 1998, which country launched the rocket that placed the first element of the International Space Station into orbit?
Possible answers:
- The United States
- China
- Russia
- Europe via the ESA
Explanation: The Zarya module, the first element of the ISS, was placed into orbit by a Russian Proton rocket on November 20, 1998. Zarya, which means 'dawn' in Russian, provided the initial electrical power and propulsion for the station before other modules were added.
Question 7 : In 1947, Elizabeth of England married Philip Mountbatten. What title did Philip hold within the British royal family?
Possible answers:
- Duke of Windsor
- Prince of Wales
- Duke of Edinburgh
- Earl of Cambridge
Explanation: Philip received the title of Duke of Edinburgh on the day of his marriage to Elizabeth. Born Prince of Greece and Denmark, he had renounced his foreign titles to obtain British nationality. He was the longest-serving consort of a British monarch in history, passing away in 2021 at 99.
Question 8 : On November 20, 1984, which famous manga made its first appearance in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine?
Possible answers:
- One Piece
- Dragon Ball
- Naruto
- Sailor Moon
Explanation: Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is one of the best-selling mangas in the world with more than 260 million copies sold. The work is loosely inspired by the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'. It gave birth to several animated series, films and video games.
Question 9 : What major cultural reopening took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris on November 20, 1993?
Possible answers:
- The inauguration of I. M. Pei's glass pyramid
- The opening of the renovated Sully wing
- The reopening of the Richelieu wing
- The installation of the Venus de Milo in a new room
Explanation: The Richelieu Wing, reclaimed from the Ministry of Finance, was inaugurated by President Mitterrand as part of the Grand Louvre project. This project, launched in the 1980s, had also included the construction of the famous glass pyramid designed by architect I. M. Pei in 1989.
Question 10 : The Cuban Missile Crisis, in 1962, ended with a major decision by the United States on November 20. What was it?
Possible answers:
- The signing of a non-aggression treaty with Cuba
- The official lifting of the naval blockade of Cuba
- The severing of diplomatic relations with the USSR
- The sending of UN observers to Cuba
Explanation: The lifting of the US naval blockade of Cuba on November 20, 1962 officially ended the Cuban Missile Crisis, which had nearly led to nuclear war. In exchange, the USSR had withdrawn its missiles. The United States had also quietly agreed to withdraw their Jupiter missiles installed in Turkey.
