If We Show You a Flag, Can You Guess the Battle the Country Fought In?

By: Tasha Moore
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
If We Show You a Flag, Can You Guess the Battle the Country Fought In?
Image: Pixabay / alles

About This Quiz

"Battle" and "war" are used interchangeably at times. On this military challenge, we've sorted through some serious battles from the past to help you understand just how distinct the two terms are. You are encouraged to choose the correct battles of history based on the flag images that we present. 

Think of war as a sum of previous battles. Every war includes traces of old conflicts (big or small) that date back hundreds, even thousands of years. Take the history of China and Japan's diplomatic relationship as an example. Some of Japan's clashes with China during World War II were continuations of World War I gripes. China's protests against Japan during World War I stemmed from how the two allies managed to contribute to winning the war. Communism was a primary cause of contention between the world powers back then, and land possession continues to be a testy issue. On this quiz, learn about their continual World War II struggle for China's Changsha region, which gave way to a crucial path during the Second World War.

Unlike wars, battles tend to include the participation of brave citizenry who have fought for their independence against massive armies. Poland's citizens took on the Nazi's during the Siege of Warsaw during World War II. And in the 16th century during the SIege of Vienna, Austrian citizens battled and defeated Suleiman "the Magnificent" and his Ottoman army that some war historians suggest numbered as high as 300,000 soldiers.  

After taking this quiz, you'll see why battles were important times when nations tested weaponry, war readiness and the will of the people. Will you master this military test? 

France naval flag
Wiki Commons
The flag that you see belongs to a contender that participated in what conflict that took place on July 11, 1302?
Battle of Wenden
Battle of Bapheus
Battle of the Golden Spurs
Battle of Dimbos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the Battle of Golden Spurs, about 10,000 Flemish infantry soldiers stormed the citadel of Courtrai while France attempted to quell the uprising. Knights that died on the battleground were found with hundreds of golden spurs, which the victorious townspeople also hung in the church abbey.

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Turkey flag
Wiki Commons by David Benbennick
What altercation saw this municipality and another prior victor fall out of agreement?
Battle of Happrew
Sieges of Stirling Castle
Battle of Guruslau
Battle of Methven
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On August 3, 1601, General Giorgio Basta and Voivode Michael the Brave were joined in victory against Sigismund Bathory's armies. The victors also successfully besieged Transylvania, but they ultimately clashed. Basta called for the execution of Michael the Brave, which occurred on August 9, 1601.

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England flag
Wiki Commons by Anomie
The municipality participated in a clash with Napoleon's troops near Egypt. Do you know the name of the skirmish?
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Battle of Halmyros
Battle of Gallipoli
Battle of Amorgos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Napoleon returned to France victorious after the Battle of Aboukir Bay, which took place in August 1798 off the coast of Egypt. Admiral Lord Nelson led the British fleet that had been in pursuit of the French vessels for weeks.

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Albania flag
Pixabay / DavidRockDesign
Rebels from this place fought in Macedonia's second-largest city in 2001. How well do you know the melee?
Battle of Gammelsdorf
Battle of Bannockburn
Battle of Tetovo
Battle of Montecatini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since the end of the 19th century, some ethnic Albanians have contended that Albanian-speaking people should be united under one principality. The fight for a "Greater Albania" gave way in 2001 when rebels attempted to seize former and current Yugoslav states.

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France Flag
Shutterstock
King Edward III led a British warships fleet during which battle?
Battle of Morgarten
Battle of Sluys
Battle of Picotin
Battle of Manolada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On June 24, 1340, King Edward III defeated the invading French fleet led by Phillipe IV for control of the English Channel. The British first began using cannons and firearms at sea during the Battle of Sluys.

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United States flag
Wiki Commons by CDC
Name the September 1, 1774 struggle that instigated a revolution.
Second Battle of Athenry
Powder Alarm
Battle of Dysert O'Dea
Battle of Faughart
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rumors of British attacks and Parliamentary laws, known as the Intolerable Acts, prompted American colonists to mobilize for civil war. On September 1, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Gage removed gun powder from storage at Charlestown as a precaution, an act that further fueled tensions.

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England flag
Wiki Commons by Anomie
Do you know the battle where Royal Welch Fusiliers confronted the French?
Battle of Chios
Battle of Albuera
Battle of Saint George
Battle of Bliska
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On May 16, 1811, the first battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers successfully assailed French troops. The Royal Welch Fusiliers were first established in 1689 as Lord Herbert's Regiment.

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England flag
Wiki Commons by Anomie
The British Expeditionary Force decided to stand its ground during the ________, three days after retreating from the Battle of Mons in World War.
Battle of Muhldorf
Battle of Zappolino
Battle of Le Cateau
Battle of Varey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Exhausted troops of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) joined French soldiers to stop an advancing German Army, ultimately pushing their opponent to the River Aisne border. War historians have dubbed the pivotal World War I event the "Great Retreat."

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Poland naval flag
Wiki Commons
Some of their citizens converted houses into forts during which battle??
Battle of Cassel
Battle of Pelekanon
Battle of Ardnocher
Siege of Warsaw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Poland's 1939 battle with Germany during the Siege of Warsaw saw many Polish citizens take up arms, digging trenches and fighting the Germans until the country's surrender. The German high command expected "unconditional capitulation" on September 29.

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Germany flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
France seized the opportunity to infiltrate this nation's western border on September 7, 1939. Can you ID the exact brawl?
Operation Saar
Battle of Posada
Battle of Fiodh-an-Atha
Battle of Halidon Hill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Germany's forces were fully occupied on the war front in Poland when French General Maurice Gamelin led the 1939 invasion of Germany known as Operation Saar. While Gamelin's Third, Fourth and Fifth armies first marched passed the German border, they witnessed vacant posts and little resistance.

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Soviet Union flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Finland conceded to the principality when it signed a peace treaty on March 13, 1940. What conflict compelled Finland to surrender?
Battle of Minatogawa
Battle of Suomussalmi
Battle of Cadzand
Siege of Kanegasaki
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Finland's battle with the Soviet Union lasted a little over three months before Finland finally surrendered. Resilient Finnish forces were gravely outnumbered by the Soviet war arsenal that included 100 times as many tanks and 30 times the air support as Finland.

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Japan flag
Wiki Commons by Porsche997SBS
The country continually battled China over the same region during the Second World War. What is the name of one altercation?
Battle of Arnemuiden
Battle of Parabiago
Battle of Sluys
Battle of Changsha
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On several occasions during World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army battled Kuomintang Chinese Nationalists in an attempt to take over Changsha, China. Control of Changsha meant command of south China and access to rail paths leading to Burma and India.

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Germany flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Can you guess the World War II brawl that involved this nation and took place off the South American coast?
Battle of the River Plate
Battle of Saint-Omer
Battle of Rio Salado
Battle of Champtoceaux
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On December 13, 1939, during the Battle of the River Plate, New Zealand and Britain sank the Admiral Graf Spee German "pocket battleship" that had ravaged the South Atlantic and destroyed nine Allied merchant ships. The Graf Spree battleship sank near Uruguay.

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Byzantine Empire flag
Wiki Commons by Dragases
When the river Sangarius flooded in the spring of 1302, Ottomans advanced northward and eventually clashed with this realm at which battle?
Battle of Brest
Battle of Bapheus
Battle of Morlaix
Battle of Auberoche
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Followers of Osman I defeated Byzantine forces at the Battle of Bapheus in 1302, signaling the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The flood had caused the Ottomans to migrate northward in search of fertile land before they encountered the considerable Byzantine army.

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United Kingdom flag
Wiki Commons by Acts of Union 1800
Certain Danish citizens heard of this country's arrival eight days before a major fight, called what?
Battle of Gamenario
Battle of Warns
Battle of Copenhagen
Battle of Llucmajor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roughly 100,000 Danes observed the Battle of Copenhagen take place on April 2, 1801. Deemed one of the most savage battles of the Napoleonic Wars, the Copenhagen conflict resulted in a British defeat.

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North Macedonia flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Are you confident that you know the tussle that ensued between this country and ethnic Albanian rebels?
Operation Vaksince
Battle of Winchelsea
Combat of the Thirty
Battle of Saintes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Political parties of Macedonia ventured to form a unity government to end the conflict launched by ethnic Albanian rebels that used 3,500 citizens as human shields. Party leaders attempted to work with ethnic Albanians, who have complained of discrimination in the Slavs majority state.

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Germany flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Among the options, what is the name of the sudden defeat in September 1914 that the nation kept concealed from its citizenry?
Battle of Ardres
Battle of Mauron
Battle of the Marne
Battle of Sapienza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Allied forces defeated Germany during the Battle of Marne, which was the first skirmish of World War I. Germany's Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hentsch issued the order of retreat at the end of the battle that many war historians believe changed the world.

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Britain flag
Wiki Commons by Mr Taz
This location of which 1915 battle was swampy and dismal?
Fall of Gallipoli
Battle of Campo delle Mosche
Battle of Visby
Battle of Neuve Chapelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle raged from March 10 to March 12, 1915. Britain demonstrated considerable land force during the clash; half of Britain's forces that confronted Germany were from the Indian Corps.

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Canada flag
Wiki Commons by E Pluribus Anthony
German forces introduced poison gas to this country and the world on April 22, 1915. Can you name the altercation?
Battle of Helsingborg
Battle of Brignais
Battle of Blue Waters
Second Battle of Ypres
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Second Battle in the Flemish town of Ypres, Belgium is the first successful large-scale use of a gaseous war weapon on the Western Front. Germany unleashed a cloud of chlorine gas released from cylinders.

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France Flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
A victorious military eyewitness from the region described how its forces "carried the Haudromont quarries, the work and farm of Thiaumont, the slopes of the Dame and Couleuvre ravines ... " Can you identify the correct battle?
Battle of Verdun
Battle of Cascina
Battle of Adrianople
Battle of Baesweiler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

German General Erich von Falkenhayn led the failed charge against the city of Verdun, France in February 1916. Under-Secretary for Artillery M. Albert Thomas and General Petain helped to lead France's important counterattack that secured the fortress city during World War I.

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Germany flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Have you figured out the name of the battle also known as the Second Battle of the Aisne?
Battle of Maritsa
Battle of La Rochelle
Battle of Chiset
Nivelle Offensive
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Launched by the French on April 16, 1917, the Nivelle Offense is considered one of the worst debacles in French military history. French General Robert Nivelle lost 120,000 soldiers in just five days.

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Germany flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Identify the 1917 conflict during which roughly 24,000 British soldiers hid from this opponent eight days prior.
Battle of Arras
War of the Eight Saints
Battle on Pyana River
Battle of Dubravnica
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the Battle of Arras in World War I, British soldiers hid in a maze of underground quarries built from medieval times. The devastated Germans retreated beyond the Vimy Ridge, having lost many soldiers and close to one hundred weapons.

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Philippines flag
Wiki Commons by Achim1999
Spot the April 9, 1942 battle when 75,000 soldiers from the U.S. and this place surrendered to Japanese forces.
Battle of Kulikovo
Battle of North Walsham
Battle of Bataan
Battle of Roosebeke
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Japanese soldiers forced Filipinos and Americans to march for 70 miles through scorching Philippine jungles to an internment camp. Navy, Marines, Army Air Corps and Army soldiers were among the American prisoners in the ordeal that lasted for six days.

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Italy flag
Wiki Commons by -revi
Germany's Rommel initiated what 1942 Axis campaign to seize Tobruk?
Battle of Atoleiros
Siege of Lisbon
Battle of Gazala
Battle of Leca
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rommel initiated the Battle of Gazala on May 26, 1942, to seize control of Tobruk, the only port that accommodated massive ships anywhere along the African coast that stretched for a thousand miles between Egypt and Tunisia. Germany's Fifteenth Rifle Brigade reinforced Italian forces stationed there.

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Japan flag
Wiki Commons by Porsche997SBS
America's Task Force 18 endured this nation's torpedo-bombers in 1943. Does this fact help your best guess?
Battle of the Tejo
Battle of Trancoso
Battle of Aljubarrota
Battle of Rennell Island
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Japanese bombers sank USS Chicago with six aerial torpedoes off Rennell Island during the January 1943 melee. The Battle of Rennell Island was one of several intense clashes between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Navies of Allied forces that occurred from December 1942 to March 1943.

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United States flag
Wiki Commons by CDC
After the ________, Japan did not attempt to bolster its forces near the Aleutian Islands.
Battle of Valverde
Battle of Savra
Battle of the Komandorski Islands
Battle of Sempach
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Neither the United States or Japan intended to clash in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands during World War II. The American heavy cruiser Salt Lake City sustained considerable damage in the haphazard battle.

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Japan flag
Wiki Commons by Porsche997SBS
The country tussled for an outpost located 600 miles east of Mindanao Island. Do you know this battle?
Battle of Plocnik
Battle of Castagnaro
Battle of Peleliu
Battle of Margate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

U.S. First Marine Division clashed with Japanese forces at Peleliu Island, a Pacific outpost that Japan had established during the 1930s. The Peleliu skirmish began in September 1944 and lasted for several months.

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Bulgaria flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
Serbia lost the 1885 confrontation to this municipality. Can you guess the scuffle?
Battle of Buir Lake
Battle of Otterburn
Battle of Bileca
Battle of Slivnitsa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Battle of Slivnitsa was the crucial November 1885 battle of the Serbo-Bulgarian War. Bulgarian forces crushed the Serbs in a dispute over land. Bulgaria's win was particularly significant since the country had secured independence from the Turks with Russia's assistance as recent as 1878.

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Poland Flag
Shutterstock
Three months after this battle this nation's contender signed the Treaty of Bila Tserkva.
Battle of Alessandria
Battle of Rovine
Battle of Portomaggiore
Battle of Berestechko
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth forces crushed Ukranian rebels' fight for self-determination in the Battle of Berestechko of 1651. Ukranian Cossacks officially conceded by signing the Treaty of Bila Tserkva on September 28, 1651, several months after the military defeat.

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Romania flag
Wiki Commons by Alex:D
Does this banner help you to ID the conflict in which Vlad III Dracula pushed out Turks from Wallachia in 1462?
The Night Attack
Battle of the North Inch
Battle of Tragh-Bhaile
Battle of the Vorskla River
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known for his unique strain of cruelty, Vlad III Dracula was unseated from his throne after he successfully defeated the Turks in Wallachia. During his cruel reign, Dracula often savored dining while witnessing mass executions.

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Spain flag
Pixabay / OpenClipart-Vectors
On January 2, 1492, this kingdom drove the Moors from their last stronghold. How well do you know the battle?
Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen
Battle of the Cosmin Forest
Battle of Drumchatt
Battle of Granada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Spanish Muslims held ground with skillful military science until their defeat at the Battle of Granada in 1492. The battle forced Ferdinand's army to revolutionize combat methods that Spain diligently refined for several decades to become formidable logistical strategists and artillery experts.

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Norway flag
Wiki Commons by Dbenbenn
The realm allegedly became unified during a victory that took place in the southwestern region of Stavanger. What's the correct conflict?
Battle of Zonchio
Battle of Hemmingstedt
Battle of Modon
Battle of Hafrsfjord
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Norwegian sculptor Fritz Reed created Swords in Rock, or "Sverd i Fjell" (also called Swords in Stone), to honor the 872 Battle of Hafrsfjord when King Harald Harfagre allegedly united all of Norway under one crown. Harfagre is considered the first official king of Norway.

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Vietnam flag
Wiki Commons by Government of Vietnam
Can you determine the 938 A.D. confrontation that took place on a river in this country?
Battle of Bach Dang
Battle of Vedrosha
Battle of Ruvo
Battle of Cerignola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the Battle of Bach Dang commenced, brilliant Vietnamese strategist Ngo Quyen had his army thrust iron spikes into the Bach Dang riverbed. The spikes impaled Chinese ships after Ngo Quyen had lured the doomed opponent into battle during a period of high tide.

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Switzerland flag
Pexels / Surendra Singh
Forces from this municipality patiently waited for invading Austrian soldiers during which battle?
Battle of Garigliano
Capture of Ormuz
Battle of Cannanore
Battle of Morgarten
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Switzerland demonstrated unique martial ability against the massive Habsburg army at the Battle of Morgarten in 1315. War historians have noted that the victorious Swiss army's lying-in-wait tactic against Austria exemplified the supreme discipline of the Swiss.

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Croatia flag
Pixabay / paulbr75
This European region participated in what battle near Udbina?
Battle of Diu
Battle of Agnadello
Siege of Padua
Battle of Krbava Field
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Battle of Krbava Field in 1493 was a culmination of sporadic raiding campaigns the Turks unleashed upon Croatia practically on a yearly basis. Raiding parties had hit the coastal area between Slunj and Senj hardest.

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India flag
Pixabay / BilliTheCat
This nation made Portugal experience its first defeat in the Indian Ocean at the ________ since the European power showed up there a decade prior?
Battle of Polesella
Siege of Mirandola
Battle of Chaul
Sack of Brescia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1508 Battle of Chaul saw the defeat of Portuguese naval forces by an armada of warships owned by sultan of Gujarat and Mamluk Egypt. Portugal's loss took place off the Konkan coast.

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Austria flag
Wiki Commons by Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung
When did citizen mercenaries from this region eventually defeat the massive army of Suleiman "the Magnificent"?
Battle of Ravenna
Battle of Novara
Siege of Vienna
Battle La Motta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The late-September 1529 Siege of Vienna spelled defeat for the Ottoman Empire. Suleiman "the Magnificent" and his mighty army of approximately 120,000 to 300,000 soldiers were no match for Austria's will to win.

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Italy flag
Wiki Commons by -revi
This is where forces collided during the feast day of Saint Barnabas on June 11, 1289. Have you figured out the right answer?
Battle of Orsha
Battle of Chaldiran
Battle of Campaldino
Siege of Arai
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Battle of Campaldino happened on mountainous terrain that stretches from Arezzo to Florence in Italy. The famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri served as an elite "striker" with other Guelph Florentines; he's known to have plowed straight into the chaos. Dante published his "Inferno" in the 14th century.

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Hungary flag
Wiki Commons by SKopp
This battle involved the nation represented by the flag shown and transpired in 1330 from November 9 to 12.
Battle of Marj Dabiq
Battle of Posada
Battle of Yaunis Khan
Battle of Ridaniya
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Basarab I commanded the army of Wallachia to overpower forces led by Hungarian King Charles Robert of Anjou during the Battle of Posada. Charles Robert's defeat ensured Wallachia's independence from Hungary.

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Portugal flag
Wiki Commons by Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro
This nation and another European power came to blows in China during which battle?
Battle of Macau
La Noche Triste
Fall of Tenochtitlan
Battle of Pampeluna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As a result of cordial relations between Portugal and China, the Portuguese leased China's Macau territory as a trading port starting in 1557. Dutch forces made an unsuccessful attempt against Portugal to control the region on June 24, 1622.

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Pixabay / alles