Today in History: October 19 (Quiz)

About This Quiz

In this quiz, we'll journey through time to revisit some of the most notable happenings that have marked October 19th. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries that reshaped our understanding of the world, to the launch of influential cultural movements that captivated societies, each event stands as a testament to human ingenuity and progress.

Each question is carefully designed to challenge your historical knowledge and perhaps introduce you to fascinating facts you never knew existed. This is an opportunity to delve deeper into the events that have left an indelible mark on our timeline.

So, let's embark on this historical expedition together. As you answer each question, may your responses be as memorable as the events themselves. Good luck!

START QUIZ

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1. On October 19, 1630, what significant event took place in Boston?

[B] The first general court session | On October 19, 1630, the first general court in Boston was convened. This marked an important step in the formation of a colonial government in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The general court served as the colony's legislative and judicial body, handling a range of issues from creating laws to hearing legal disputes. This event was a key milestone in the development of self-governance and the rule of law in the early years of the American colonies.

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2. On October 19, 1722, which invention was patented by French inventor C. Hopffer in England?

[C] The fire extinguisher | On October 19, 1722, French inventor C. Hopffer was granted a patent for the fire extinguisher in England. This invention was an early version of the automatic fire extinguisher, which was a significant development in fire safety technology.

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3. On October 19, 1932, which notable figure in American industry delivered their first radio speech?

[B] Henry Ford | On October 19, 1932, Henry Ford, the industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company, made his first radio speech. This event is documented in historical recordings, showcasing Ford's influence and the reach of early radio broadcasting.

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4. On October 19, 1932, which sport was voted to be introduced in the 1936 Olympics by the Berlin Olympic Committee?

[A] Basketball | The Berlin Olympic Committee made a historic decision on October 19, 1932, to introduce basketball as an official Olympic sport in the 1936 Games . This decision marked the beginning of basketball's journey as an Olympic event, which took place for the first time in Berlin in 1936.

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5. On October 19, 1937, which notable physicist known as the father of nuclear physics died at the age of 66?

[D] Ernest Rutherford | Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealand-born British physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of atomic structure and is recognized as the father of nuclear physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for his work on the disintegration of elements and the chemistry of radioactive substances.

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6. On October 19, 1941, which female jockey made history in North America?

[C] Anna Lee Wiley | Anna Lee Wiley was a trailblazer in the world of horse racing. On October 19, 1941, she made history by becoming the first woman to ride as a jockey in North America, with her debut taking place in Mexico. This significant event marked a major step forward for women in the sport, as it broke down barriers and paved the way for future female jockeys to follow in her footsteps.

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7. On October 19, 1954, what significant mountaineering feat was accomplished?

[D] The first ascent of Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest mountain | Cho Oyu, standing at 8,201 meters, had its first successful ascent on October 19, 1954. This significant event in mountaineering history was achieved by a Swiss expedition team led by Herbert Tichy, and it marked an important milestone in the exploration of the world's highest peaks.

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8. On October 19, 1957, which NHL player achieved a milestone by scoring his 500th career goal?

[C] Maurice "Rocket" Richard | On October 19, 1957, Maurice "Rocket" Richard of the Montreal Canadiens made history by becoming the first player in the National Hockey League (NHL) to score 500 career goals.

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9. On October 19, 1958, which British driver won the Moroccan Grand Prix, securing the World Drivers Championship by just one point?

[B] Mike Hawthorn | On October 19, 1958, Mike Hawthorn won the Moroccan Grand Prix, which was the final race of the 1958 Formula One season. Hawthorn started from pole position driving for Ferrari, but it was Stirling Moss in his Vanwall who took the chequered flag first. Despite Moss's victory, Hawthorn's second-place finish was enough for him to secure the World Drivers Championship by the slimmest of margins — just one point ahead of Moss. This made Hawthorn the first British driver to claim the title.

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10. On October 19, 1966, for which NHL team did Bobby Orr make his regular-season debut?

[B] Boston Bruins | On October 19, 1966, Bobby Orr, a future Hall of Fame defenseman, made his National Hockey League (NHL) regular-season debut playing for the Boston Bruins against the Detroit Red Wings. Orr's debut was the beginning of a legendary career with the Bruins, where he would become known for his exceptional skating, scoring, and playmaking abilities. He went on to win numerous awards and championships, including two Stanley Cups, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

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11. On October 19, 1969, which driver won the F1 World Drivers Championship by finishing 4th in the Mexican Grand Prix?

[A] Jackie Stewart | On October 19, 1969, Jackie Stewart secured his first Formula One World Drivers Championship with a 4th place finish in the season-ending Mexican Grand Prix. Driving for the Scottish Matra-Ford team, Stewart's consistent performance throughout the season earned him the title by a comfortable margin of 26 points over Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. This victory marked a significant achievement in Stewart's racing career and solidified his status as one of the top drivers in the world of motorsports.

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12. On October 19, 1973, what significant action was taken by Arab states that affected the global oil supply?

[D] Saudi Arabia and other Arab states proclaimed an embargo on oil exports to the United States | On October 19, 1973, in response to the U.S. support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and other Arab states within the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) proclaimed an embargo on oil exports to the United States and other countries that supported Israel.

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13. On October 18, 1981, which scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contributions to the development of the laser?

[C] Nicolaas Bloembergen and Arthur Schawlow | On October 18, 1981, Nicolaas Bloembergen and Arthur Schawlow were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Kai Siegbahn, for their work on the development of laser spectroscopy.

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14. On October 19, 1987, what significant event occurred in financial history known as "Black Monday"?

[B] The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22% | On October 19, 1987, the global stock markets experienced a dramatic crash known as "Black Monday." The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell by 508.32 points, which accounted for a 22% drop, more than doubling the previous record for a single day. This event was a pivotal moment in financial history, as it resulted in a widespread loss of wealth and had lasting effects on the global economy. The crash prompted numerous investigations and changes in financial regulations to help prevent similar events in the future.

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15. On October 19, 2005, which hurricane set the record for the most intense Atlantic hurricane?

[A] Hurricane Wilma | on October 19, 2005, Hurricane Wilma is the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, with a minimum central pressure of 882 millibars. This record intensity surpassed that of Hurricane Gilbert (1988) and set a new benchmark for Atlantic hurricanes.