The Average American Can’t Answer These Simple World History Facts

World history is an important topic for Americans to learn. Even though students learn a lot of world history facts in school, there are a lot of simple world history facts that most people don’t remember. The average American can tell you some basic historical facts, especially when it comes to American history. However, when it comes to world history, many Americans fall short. Test your knowledge of world history with these simple world history questions the average American can’t answer.

Question

What was the main language spoken in the Roman Empire?

Answer: Latin

The two major languages spoken in the Roman Empire were Latin and Greek, although there were other languages spoken in different regions.

Question

When did the Berlin Wall fall?

Answer: 1989

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to divide East and West Germany, but after many protests, the wall fell in 1989.

Question

Who led the Soviet Union during World War II?

Answer: Joseph Stalin

During World War II, Joseph Stalin ruled as a dictator in the Soviet Union. He ruled until his death in 1953.

Question

What disease killed a third of the people in Europe in the 14th Century?

Answer: The Plague

The Plague, also known as the Black Death, completely devastated the European population, killing a third of the people in Europe.

Question

What major event caused the start of World War I?

Answer: The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

A month after the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This was the beginning of World War I.

Question

What year did World War I begin?

Answer: 1914

Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914. World War I began one month later on July 28, 1914.

Question

What empire did Genghis Khan rule?

Answer: The Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire in Asia in 1206. He ruled this empire until his death in 1227.

Question

Machu Picchu was built by what ancient civilization?

Answer: The Inca

Machu Picchu is an ancient city in Peru that was built by the Inca Empire. This site was discovered in 1911 and historians believe it was built in the 15th century.

Question

What two countries fought in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer: England and France

The Hundred Years’ War took place between 1337 and 1453. In this war, England and France fought over many issues, including succession to the French throne.

Question

Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize?

Answer: Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a physicist who was recognized for her work related to radioactivity. She was not only the first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, but she was also the only woman to win two Nobel Prizes.

Question

What major historical event began in France in 1789?

Answer: The French Revolution

1789 was the beginning of the French Revolution. This revolution went on for over 10 years from 1789 to 1799.

Question

When was the Magna Carta signed?

Answer: 1215

The Magna Carta, a document that limited the powers of the king of England by establishing he was not above the law, was signed in 1215.

Question

Who was involved in the Cold War?

Answer: The Soviet Union and the United States

The Cold War was a conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States, although other countries were involved as well. This war lasted for 45 years until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

Question

What was the end result of the American Revolution?

Answer: The Thirteen American Colonies Gained Independence

The American Revolution took place between 1775 and 1783. The end result of the revolution was the thirteen colonies gaining independence from Britain and forming the United States of America.

Question

Where did the Renaissance begin?

Answer: Italy

In the 14th century, the Renaissance began in Florence, Italy. It was a period of cultural change in Europe that was motivated by a resurgence of Classical thought and philosophy.

Question

When did the Roman Empire fall?

Answer: 476 AD

Rome fell in 476 AD after a German king removed the last Roman emperor. The Western Roman Empire fell while the Eastern Roman Empire became the Byzantine Empire.

Question

What was the first civilization?

Answer: Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is considered the earliest civilization, which existed from 4000-3500 BC. The Sumerians established this ancient civilization.

Question

When was the Roman Empire founded?

Answer: 27 BC

The ancient Roman Empire began at the end of the Roman Republic in 27 BC. The first emperor of Rome was Augustus Caesar.

Question

When did the Industrial Revolution begin?

Answer: 18th Century

The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century around 1760. This period of innovation lasted until about 1830.

Question

How long was the American Civil War?

Answer: 4 Years

The American Civil War was a conflict between the Confederate states and the Union states. This conflict lasted four years and took place between 1861 and 1865.

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