How Well You Really Know Russia? Quiz

Leon Trotsky, a prominent former Soviet official, was indeed murdered in Mexico City. After being exiled from the Soviet Union, Trotsky settled in Mexico and continued to criticize the Soviet government. In 1940, he was assassinated by a Soviet agent who struck him with an ice axe. This act was ordered by Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who saw Trotsky as a threat to his power. Trotsky's murder remains a significant event in Soviet history and the history of political assassinations.

St. Petersburg was the capital of Russia in 1750. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital until 1918. The city was strategically located on the Baltic Sea, allowing for easier access to Europe and trade routes. It became a symbol of Peter the Great's modernization efforts and was designed to rival the great European cities. St. Petersburg played a significant role in shaping Russian history and culture, and its status as the capital during the 18th century is a testament to its importance.

The commonly known name of the most-visited museum in St. Petersburg is the Hermitage.

St. Petersburg is the farthest North among the given Russian cities. It is located at a latitude of approximately 59.93 degrees north, making it more northern than Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Magadan.

Olivier is a popular salad in the FSU (Former Soviet Union) region. It is a traditional Russian salad made with diced boiled potatoes, carrots, pickles, peas, and mayonnaise. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations. The salad is named after its creator, Lucien Olivier, a French chef who worked in Moscow in the 19th century. Olivier salad has become a staple dish in many countries that were part of the FSU, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Yuri Andropov served as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union before Konstantin Chernenko and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Almaty is the correct answer because horsemeat is a traditional food in Kazakhstan, and Almaty is the largest city and former capital of Kazakhstan. It is known for its diverse culinary scene, including many restaurants that serve horsemeat dishes. St. Petersburg and Vladivostok are cities in Russia, where horsemeat consumption is less common. Minsk is the capital of Belarus, where horsemeat is also not commonly served.

Pyatigorsk, Russia is the farthest south because it is located in Russia, which is further south than Ukraine. The other three cities mentioned are all located in Ukraine.

Novisibirsk, Russia has the largest population among the given cities.

Alexander II was assassinated because he implemented several reforms during his reign, including the emancipation of serfs, which angered conservative factions. He also faced opposition from revolutionary groups who sought to overthrow the monarchy. In 1881, he was assassinated by a group of revolutionaries who detonated a bomb near his carriage. His assassination marked a turning point in Russian history and led to a period of increased repression under his successor, Alexander III.

The Neva River is the correct answer because it flows through the city that was once known as Petrograd. Petrograd is the former name of the city of Saint Petersburg in Russia, and the Neva River is a prominent feature of the city, flowing through its center.

Lena is the correct answer because it is the longest river among the given options. It stretches for about 4,400 kilometers and flows through Russia, Mongolia, and China. The Dnieper, Don, and Amur rivers are also significant, but they are not as long as the Lena.

Herring is the correct answer because it is the fish that is traditionally used in the famous Russian dish known as "under a fur coat." This dish, also known as "shuba," is a layered salad made with diced herring, potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, and mayonnaise. The herring provides a salty and savory flavor to the dish and is an essential ingredient in its preparation.

Sergei Kirov was a Politburo member who was killed on December 1, 1934. His assassination is believed to have been orchestrated by Joseph Stalin, who used it as a pretext to launch the Great Purge, a campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union. Kirov's murder allowed Stalin to eliminate potential rivals and consolidate his power within the Communist Party.

Kiev is the correct answer because it is the city that contains the Lavra, an ancient Orthodox monastery of caves. The Lavra is a historic and cultural landmark in Kiev, Ukraine, known for its underground caves and religious significance. It is one of the most important and oldest monasteries in Eastern Europe, attracting tourists and pilgrims from around the world.

Hetman is a cossack leadership title. The term "Hetman" refers to a military and political leader in the Cossack Hetmanate, a historical state in Ukraine. Hetmans were elected by the Cossack army and held significant authority over military and administrative matters. They played a crucial role in organizing and leading the Cossack troops. The other options, Tsar, Vozhd, General Secretary, and Kuban, do not specifically pertain to cossack leadership titles.

Lavrenti Beria was the head of the NKVD, the predecessor to the KGB. He held this position from 1938 until 1945. Beria was a prominent figure during Joseph Stalin's regime and was known for his role in the Great Purge and the Soviet atomic bomb project. He was later executed in 1953 after Stalin's death.

Tsaritsyn is the correct answer because it was the earliest name for the city now known as Volgograd. The city was renamed multiple times throughout history, with Tsaritsyn being its name from 1589 until 1925, when it was changed to Stalingrad. It was later renamed Volgograd in 1961. Novgorod, Belgorod, and East St. Louis are not relevant to the history of Volgograd and are therefore incorrect options.

Lermontov, a 19th century Russian writer, was killed in a duel in Pyatigorsk, Russia.