USA Trivia

In 1996, tobacco regulation, recommended by the FDA, was approved by which President?

In 1996, tobacco regulation, recommended by the FDA, was approved by President Clinton.

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One of the worst riots in U.S. history broke out on 12th Street in the heart of Detroit's predominantly African Amercan inner city. In what year did this occur?

In 1967, one of the worst riots in U.S. history broke out on 12th Street in the heart of Detroit's predominantly African American inner city. By the time it was quelled four days later by 7,000 National Guard and U.S. Army troops, 43 people were dead, 342 injured.

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In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, U.S. forces launched their invasion of Puerto Rico, the 108-mile-long, 40-mile-wide island that was one of Spain's two principal possessions in the Caribbean.

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In 1909, French pioneer aviator Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly a heavier-than-air machine across the English Channel. It took him 36 minutes.

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In what year did the 23rd Olympic Games end in Los Angeles with a record attendance of 5.5 million people despite a Soviet-led boycott?

In 1984, the 23rd Olympic Games ended in Los Angeles with a record attendance of 5.5 million people despite a Soviet-led boycott.

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In 1862, the Union Army commanded by Maj. Gen. John Pope was defeated by Confederate troops in the first or second Battle of Bull Run?

In 1862, the Union Army commanded by Maj. Gen. John Pope was defeated by Confederate troops in the second Battle of Bull Run.

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In 1977, the first U.S. Voyager spacecraft was launched from where bound for Jupiter, Saturn, and the stars?

In 1977, the first U.S. Voyager spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., bound for Jupiter, Saturn, and the stars.

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In 1981, which President began the wholesale firing of 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who had refused his order to return to work?

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan began the wholesale firing of 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who had refused his order to return to work. Air travel was significantly slowed for months.

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In what year did Congress give final approval to legislation that would balance the federal budget by 2002?

In 1997, Congress gave final approval to legislation that would balance the federal budget by 2002.

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Most of the midnight ride of Paul Revere was accomplished by other horsemen. Joining him were William Dawes and Samuel Prescott.

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George Washington did not toss a dollar across the Potomac. Even if he did toss something, the dollar didn't come into being until after the United States gained independence, long after the fact. Incidentally, the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware, standing proudly in the front of a small boat is woefully inaccurate. First of all, soldiers never held their gun barrels up because snow and rain would dampen the powder; and the fact that George was probably smart enough not to stand up in a boat, let alone make a target of himself. Plus, the flag shown behind George wasn't designed until several years after the fact.

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The Liberty Bell was not made in the U.S. It was cast in London in 1752. It was not rung on the first 4th of July and actually cracked in 1835. Also, it was called the Liberty Bell for slaves seeking freedom...not the colonists.

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A $66 million restoration of the Statue of Liberty was capped on July 3, 1986 when President Reagan re-lit the torch in New York Harbor.

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Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, died suddenly of cholera on July 9, 1850, after only 16 months in office. He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore.

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On what date did New Hampshire become a royal colony of the British crown?

It was on July 24 in 1679 that New Hampshire became a royal colony of the British crown. And on July 24 in 1701, French explorer Antione de la Mothe Cadillac landed in what’s now Detroit.

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On what date and what year did the Declaration of Independence become adopted?

August 1 in 1776, the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, was actually signed by members of the Con- tinental Congress. Well, most of them. Five more apparently signed in the coming months, and one didn’t sign until 1777.