The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : What major event took place in France on September 28, 1958?
Possible answers:
- The creation of the École Polytechnique
- The enactment of a law on the emancipation of Jews
- The approval of the Fifth Republic constitution
- The founding of the First International
Explanation: The referendum of September 28, 1958 marks the birth of the French Fifth Republic, with a Constitution drafted under the impetus of General de Gaulle. It was approved by nearly 80% of votes cast, establishing a semi-presidential system that is still in place today.
Question 2 : In 1066, William the Conqueror landed in England. In which coastal town did this landing take place?
Possible answers:
- Dover
- Portsmouth
- Brighton
- Pevensey
Explanation: William landed at Pevensey on 28 September 1066, before winning the famous Battle of Hastings on 14 October. This landing marked the beginning of the Norman conquest of England and profoundly transformed the English language, culture and aristocracy.
Question 3 : Louis Pasteur, who died on September 28, 1895, is best known for which major discovery?
Possible answers:
- The discovery of penicillin
- Pasteurization and vaccines against rabies and cholera
- The invention of the medical thermometer
- The classification of blood groups
Explanation: Beyond pasteurization, which bears his name, Louis Pasteur developed the rabies vaccine in 1885 and demonstrated that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, thus founding modern microbiology. He died at his residence in Marnes-la-Coquette.
Question 4 : What great philosophical figure was born on September 28, 551 BC?
Possible answers:
- Lao Tzu
- Confucius
- Buddha
- Sun Tzu
Explanation: Confucius (Kong Qiu) is the founder of Confucianism, one of the great moral and political philosophies in history. Born in the state of Lu (present-day China), he championed virtue, respect for ancestors, and social harmony. His thinking influenced centuries of Asian civilization and continues to permeate contemporary Chinese culture.
Question 5 : In 1894, the Pathé brothers founded their cinematographic company. What was the first name of Émile Pathé's brother?
Possible answers:
- Henri
- Gaston
- Charles
- Georges
Explanation: Charles Pathé and his brother Émile founded Pathé Frères on September 28, 1896. Charles Pathé would become one of the most influential figures in world cinema, building an empire spanning from production to distribution. The Gallic rooster, the emblem of the Pathé brand, is still recognizable today.
Question 6 : Which famous French politician and military figure, born on September 28, 1841, served twice as President of the Council?
Possible answers:
- Jules Ferry
- Georges Clemenceau
- Raymond Poincaré
- Léon Gambetta
Explanation: Georges Clemenceau, nicknamed 'the Tiger', served as President of the Council from 1906 to 1909 and then from 1917 to 1920. His second term, in the middle of World War I, was decisive for the morale of French troops. He represented France at the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 and clashed with Woodrow Wilson on several points.
Question 7 : Pope John Paul I died on September 28, 1978. What is the notable particularity of his pontificate?
Possible answers:
- He was the first non-European pope of the 20th century
- He voluntarily abdicated after one month
- His pontificate lasted only 33 days, one of the shortest in history
- He was elected unanimously during a record conclave of two days
Explanation: John Paul I, born Albino Luciani, reigned for only 33 days, from August 26 to September 28, 1978, making him one of the shortest-reigning popes in modern history. He was the first pope to refuse to wear the papal tiara and to use the term "I" rather than the royal "we". His sudden death fueled much speculation.
Question 8 : Which Henri-Georges Clouzot film was released in Paris on September 28, 1943?
Possible answers:
- La Bête humaine
- Le Corbeau
- Les Visiteurs du soir
- L'Éternel Retour
Explanation: Le Corbeau is a film noir that tells the story of a town thrown into turmoil by anonymous letters. Upon its release during the Occupation, it was accused of playing into the enemy's hands by painting a dark portrait of French society. Clouzot was temporarily banned from directing at the Liberation, before being rehabilitated and going on to make classics like Les Diaboliques and Le Salaire de la peur.
Question 9 : In 1864, the International Workingmen's Association, known as the "First International", was founded. In which European city did this workers' organisation come into being?
Possible answers:
- Paris
- Geneva
- Berlin
- London
Explanation: The First International was founded on 28 September 1864 in London, at a meeting held at St. Martin's Hall. Karl Marx played a central role by drafting its statutes. The organisation brought together trade unionists, socialists and anarchists from several countries, but quickly fell apart due to tensions between Marx and Bakunin.
Question 10 : Mika Häkkinen, born on September 28, 1968, was a Formula 1 world champion. Which team did he win his titles with?
Possible answers:
- Ferrari
- Williams
- McLaren
- Benetton
Explanation: Mika Häkkinen won two consecutive Formula 1 world championship titles in 1998 and 1999 with the McLaren-Mercedes team. Nicknamed "The Flying Finn", he was known for his clean driving style and great consistency. His rivalry with Michael Schumacher remains one of the most memorable in motorsport history.
