Only a True Master of History Can Pass This Ultimate World History Quiz!

By: Becky
Image: wikimedia Central Photographic Agency (CAF) in Warsaw

About This Quiz

Think you're an ace history buff? Take this quiz to find out.

Whether you've traveled the world or just boned up on your world history at home in front of your computer, you clicked on this quiz because you think you can hang with the other history buffs on the interwebs. Well, saddle up ... do we have a quiz for you.

World history began ... well, when the world did, but we're not going back that far. Yeah, all that primordial ooze and stuff, we consider science. But we do expect you to know a bit about ancient dynasties, religions and trade. We also suggest that you study up some on the wars of history. Oh yeah, make sure you know your historical figures as well. If you're not sure if you know these things well enough, go do some reading before you take this quiz.

So, do you know who led Germany during World War II, what Roman Emperor was assassinated on the steps of the senate and what war started in 1955? If you said Adolph Hitler, Julius Caesar and the Vietnam War, you might just be ready to show your history stripes.

But, if you think you're smart enough to ace this quiz, let's get started.

Which country launched the first satellite into outer space?

The USSR launched the first satellite into outer space. Sputnik 1 was launched in 1957.

Joseph Stalin was the head of what country?

Joseph Stalin was the head of the Soviet Union. This dictator died in 1953.

Where was the Magna Carta signed?

The Magna Carta was signed in England. It was signed in 1215.

What Westerner first explored China?

Marco Polo first explored China. He wrote a book about the experience in 1300.

Caligula promoted what to the post of senator?

Caligula promoted his horse to the post of senator. Caligula was a Roman Emperor.

How many wives did Henry VIII have?

English king Henry VIII had six wives. Three of his marriages were annulled, which means they never happened, so does that mean he had only three wives? We're confused.

Which one of the following is NOT one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

The Statue of Liberty is not one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Statue of Liberty is located in New York.

Who conquered Egypt in 30 BC?

The Romans conquered Egypt in 30 BC. Roman Emperor Octavian won out over Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

The United States opposed what superpower during the Cold War?

The United States opposed the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Berlin Wall was constructed during the Cold War.

What war took place between 1955 and 1975?

The Vietnam War took place between 1955 and 1975. The official combatants were North and South Vietnam.

Who was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II?

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II. Eisenhower became the 34th U.S. president in 1953.

What country did Germany and the Soviet Union divide between themselves at the beginning of WWII?

Germany and the Soviet Union divided Poland between themselves in 1939. They did this as part of a non-aggression pact.

Which country was NOT a member of the Allied Powers during World War II?

Japan was not a member of the Allied Powers during World War II. Japan was part of the Axis Powers.

Who developed the Three Principles of the People?

Sun Yat-sen developed the Three Principles of the People. The three principles are nationalism, democracy and welfare.

A system in which a government controls the distribution of land and resources is known as what?

A system in which a government controls the distribution of land and resources is known as communism. North Korea is a communist country.

Who was the last tsar to rule Russia?

Nicholas II was the last tsar to rule Russia. Nicholas and his family were executed in 1918.

Who led Japan during World War II?

Hideki Tojo led Japan during World War II. He ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Who ruled as the first Yuan emperor?

Kublai Khan ruled as the first Yuan emperor until 1294. He was a grandson of Genghis Khan.

What was the name of the ancient network of trade routes?

The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes. These routes enabled trade in the Asia-Pacific region.

What is used to justify the rule of the Emperor of China?

The Mandate of Heaven is used to justify the rule of the Emperor of China. The mandate states that the Emperor rules at the pleasure of heaven.

Emperor of Rome from 306 BC to 337 AD?

Constantine was the Emperor of Rome from 360-337 AD. He made Christianity the official religion of Rome.

What is the earliest written legal code?

The Code of Hammurabi is the earliest written legal code. The code dates back to about 1754 BC.

When was the Storming of the Bastille?

The Storming of the Bastille occurred in 1489. This event was a major part of the French Revolution.

Who was the leader of Germany during World War II?

Adolf Hitler was the leader of Germany during World War II. Hitler came to power in 1934.

The Normandy landings happened on what day?

The Normandy landings were part of D-Day. The day was June 6, 1944.

What attack occurred on Dec. 7, 1941?

The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on Dec. 7, 1941. Roosevelt called the event "a date which will live in infamy."

What Roman ruler was assassinated by members of the senate?

Julius Caesar was assassinated by members of the Roman senate. The attack happened on the Ides of March, 44 BC.

What city was buried in ashes by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius?

Pompeii was buried in ashes by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The event happened in AD 79.

What English king founded the Anglican Church so he could get a divorce?

Henry VIII founded the Anglican Church so he could get a divorce. After his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, he married Anne Boleyn.

Who led French troops into battle during the 100 Years War when she was just a teenager?

Joan of Arc led French troops into battle during the 100 Years War when she was just a teenager. She was burned at the stake when she was 19.

Who painted the Mona Lisa?

Leonardo DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa. He was also a scientist.

Which of the following was the language of ancient India?

Sanskrit was the language of ancient India. The language originated in the 2nd millennium BC.

When did the Korean War begin?

The Korean War began in 1950. The war ended in 1953.

What Chinese teacher taught that proper conduct could solve the problems of society?

Confucius taught that proper conduct could solve the problems of society.

When did Christopher Columbus land in North America?

Christopher Columbus landed in North America in 1492. Remember: in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

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