Today in History: October 17 Quiz

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About This Quiz

In a quiet Paris apartment, Frédéric Chopin played his last note and slipped into silence; the same afternoon, a 7.0 quake ripped through the Bay Area just as NBC’s World Series feed went live, giving viewers a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s uninvited seventh-inning stretch.

Half a world away, Albert Einstein stepped onto the deck of the S.S. Westernland, his suitcase in hand, trading Europe’s gathering darkness for a lecture tour that would end in a one-way ticket to Princeton—and, eventually, the atomic age.

Meanwhile, in theaters across America, Steve McQueen was burning rubber through San Francisco’s hills in Bullitt, turning a ten-minute car chase into the gold standard for every action flick that followed.

Art bowed out, science checked in, the earth shrugged, and Hollywood hit the gas—all before the late news came on.

Now, let’s revisit the moments that made history on October 17.

START QUIZ

1/15

October 17, 1777
Which battle resulted in a pivotal American victory during the Revolutionary War?

[D] The Battles of Saratoga | This battle was the turning point of the American Revolutionary War, convincing France to officially join and aid the American cause.

2/15

October 17, 1781
What event marked a significant conclusion to the American Revolutionary War?

[C] The Surrender at Yorktown | The surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis here marked the effective end of major fighting in the American Revolution.

3/15

October 17, 1814
What unusual event occurred in London?

[B] London Beer Flood | A bizarre industrial accident in 1814 where a massive vat of beer burst, sending a deadly wave of ale through the streets.

4/15

October 17, 1849
Which famous composer and pianist died?

[C] Frédéric Chopin | This Polish virtuoso pianist and composer was nicknamed the "poet of the piano" for his expressive and romantic works.

5/15

October 17, 1860
Who won the inaugural British Open Men's Golf Championship at Prestwick GC?

[C] Willie Park Sr. | He won the inaugural British Open in 1860, becoming a key figure in the early days of professional golf.

6/15

October 17, 1907
Which company began the first commercial transatlantic wireless service between Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada and Clifden, Ireland?

[A] The Marconi International Marine Communication Company | This company pioneered wireless telegraphy, launching the world's first commercial transatlantic wireless service.

7/15

October 17, 1933
Why did Albert Einstein arrive in the United States?

[C] As a refugee from Nazi Germany | Einstein, who was Jewish, fled the rising persecution of the Nazi regime to find safety in the U.S.

8/15

October 17, 1956
Who won the Marshall Chess Club's “Game of the Century”?

[B] Bobby Fischer | This American chess prodigy defeated a Soviet grandmaster in 1956 in what was called the "Game of the Century."

9/15

October 17, 1957
Which French author was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature?

[A] Albert Camus | This French author and philosopher was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound insights into the human condition.

10/15

October 17, 1959
Why was Queen Elizabeth II fined $140?

[A] For withdrawing her racehorse | Queen Elizabeth II was fined for pulling her horse from a race, prioritizing the animal's welfare over the competition.

11/15

October 17, 1968
Which iconic film first hit theaters?

[C] Bullitt | This iconic 1968 Steve McQueen film is renowned for one of the greatest car chases in cinematic history.

12/15

October 17, 1978
Which renowned singer was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal by President Jimmy Carter?

[B] Marian Anderson | A world-renowned contralto, she became a symbol of the civil rights movement after performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

13/15

October 17, 1979
Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work with the poor in Calcutta, India?

[A] Mother Teresa | This Catholic nun was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her selfless dedication to helping the poor in Calcutta.

14/15

October 17, 1989
Which of the following earthquakes struck the San Francisco Bay Area, causing significant damage and loss of life?

[D] Loma Prieta earthquake | This 1989 earthquake famously struck the San Francisco Bay Area during a live broadcast of the World Series.

15/15

October 17th Every Year
Which International Day is celebrated?

[B] International Day for the Eradication of Poverty | This international day is observed every October 17th to raise global awareness about the need to end poverty.