General History Quiz: MCQ!

In 1808, the European kingdom that temporarily moved its seat of government to the New World was Portugal. This move was a result of the Napoleonic Wars, during which Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal. The Portuguese royal family, led by Prince Regent John, fled to their colony of Brazil in South America. They established their court in Rio de Janeiro and ruled the Portuguese Empire from there until 1821 when they returned to Portugal. This move allowed the Portuguese government to continue functioning and maintain control over their colonies despite the threat from Napoleon.

On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupted. This volcanic eruption was a significant event in the history of the United States. It resulted in the death of 57 people and caused widespread destruction in the surrounding areas. The eruption released a massive amount of ash, which spread over several states and affected air travel. The explosion also caused the collapse of the volcano's north flank, leading to a massive landslide. This event is remembered as one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic eruptions in U.S. history.

Gertrude Traudl Junge was Hitler's secretary during World War II. As his secretary, she was responsible for various administrative tasks, such as typing his speeches, taking dictation, and organizing his schedule. Junge was present during significant events, including the last days in Hitler's bunker in Berlin. She provided valuable insights into Hitler's daily life and the inner workings of the Nazi regime through her memoirs and interviews. Her role as Hitler's secretary allowed her to witness firsthand the decisions and actions of one of history's most notorious figures.

Admiral Nimitz was nicknamed "Cottonhead" in WWII. The nickname was given to him due to his distinctive white hair, which resembled cotton.

The Terrapin was a British Amphibious Load Carrier used during WWII. It was designed to transport heavy loads across land and water, making it a versatile vehicle for military operations. Its ability to operate in both environments made it a valuable asset for the British forces during the war.

The 82nd Airborne Division liberated Sainte-Mere-Eglise on June 6, 1944, during World War II. Sainte-Mere-Eglise is a town in Normandy, France, and it was one of the first towns to be liberated by the Allies during the D-Day invasion. The town was strategically important as it was located near key roads and bridges that the Allies needed to secure in order to advance further into France. The liberation of Sainte-Mere-Eglise was a significant milestone in the Allied campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

Before WWII, Heinrich Himmler's occupation was a chicken farmer. This means that he was involved in the business of raising and breeding chickens for commercial purposes. This occupation is quite unexpected considering his later role as one of the most powerful and influential figures in Nazi Germany, where he became the head of the SS and played a major role in the Holocaust. However, it is important to note that his occupation as a chicken farmer was before his involvement with the Nazi Party and his rise to power.

During World War II, the British developed a unique type of tank called the "Ark." This tank was specifically designed to carry and deploy a bridge, allowing military vehicles to cross obstacles such as rivers and ditches. The purpose of the Ark tank was to provide a mobile bridge-laying capability for the British forces, facilitating the movement of troops and equipment across difficult terrain.

Truman's plane was named Independence because it was a reference to his hometown of Independence, Missouri. This name was chosen as a symbol of his connection to his roots and his commitment to his constituents. It also represented his strong sense of independence and determination as a leader.

During World War II, George McGovern served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces. His plane was named "Dakota Queen." The name "Dakota" refers to the Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft, which was commonly used during the war for transport and cargo missions. McGovern's plane was given the additional moniker "Queen" to signify its importance and significance in his military service.

During World War II, the German ship Graf Spee was scuttled in Montevideo, Uruguay. The ship had engaged in a series of battles with British ships in the South Atlantic, and after being heavily damaged, its captain decided to scuttle the ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Montevideo was chosen as the location for scuttling due to its neutral status during the war. This decision allowed the crew to disembark safely and the ship was later partially dismantled by the Uruguayan authorities.

During World War II, the term "Red Devils" was used to refer to the British Paratroopers. This nickname was given to them due to their distinctive maroon berets and their daring and courageous actions during airborne operations. The British Paratroopers played a crucial role in various operations, including the famous Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. Their bravery and effectiveness in combat earned them the nickname "Red Devils."

During the Korean War, the "Flying Cheetahs" referred to the South African Pilots. These pilots were part of the South African Air Force (SAAF) and were deployed to support the United Nations forces in Korea. They were known for their exceptional flying skills and bravery in combat. The nickname "Flying Cheetahs" was given to them due to their agility and speed in the air, similar to the characteristics of a cheetah.

Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980. This was a significant event in African history as it marked the end of white minority rule in the country, which was previously known as Rhodesia. The independence movement in Zimbabwe was led by Robert Mugabe, who became the country's first prime minister after independence. The struggle for independence in Zimbabwe was characterized by armed conflict and political negotiations, ultimately leading to the establishment of a new government and the end of colonial rule.

Idi Amin fled to Libya during the war with Tanzania. Libya, under the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, provided support to Amin and allowed him to seek refuge there. Amin's decision to flee to Libya was strategic, as he believed that Gaddafi's regime would offer him protection and assistance against his enemies. Libya's proximity to Uganda also made it a convenient destination for Amin to escape to during the war.