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World Firsts Trivia Quiz

A variety of 'firsts' the world over - mostly multiple choice questions. Have fun!

A multiple-choice quiz by Engadine. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
Engadine

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
148,995

Updated
Jan 25 23

# Qns
15

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
6 / 15

Plays
1127

Last 3 plays: Guest 209 (5/15), Guest 180 (10/15), Guest 137 (5/15).

This quiz has 2 formats: you can play it as a or as shown below.
Scroll down to the bottom for the answer key.

1. In what year was the first ever Women's Golf Tournament? Hint

1901

1841

1811

1871

NEXT>

2. Which country has the world's oldest airline? Hint

Germany

The Netherlands

United States

Britain

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3. In what year was the first state lottery in England held? Hint

1599

1567

1609

1669

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4. Which country introduced the first car registration plates? Hint

Germany

Australia

United States

France

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5. In what year did the first pedestrian in Britain die after being hit by a car? Hint

1886

1906

1876

1896

NEXT>

6. What nationality was the winner of the first Hot-Air Balloon race? Hint

British

German

Australian

American

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7. What nationality was the inventor of the paperclip? Hint

Norwegian

British

American

Danish

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8. In what year was the first telescope demonstrated? Hint

1608

1700

1680

1646

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9. In what year was the first electrocution of a condemned man in an electric chair? Hint

1900

1895

1911

1890

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10. What was the nationality of the 'patenter' of carbon paper in 1860? Hint

American

Italian

French

British

NEXT>

11. Was the windshield wiper invented by a woman?

Yes

NEXT>

12. Who was the original Barbie doll named after? Hint

Barbarella

Barbra Streisand

Barbara Handler

Barbara Bush

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13. Did a woman invent the original 'pyrotechnic' flare?

Yes

NEXT>

14. Who invented the first video home security system? Hint

Marie Curie

Marie Brown

Marie Antoinette

Marie Claire

NEXT>

15. Did a dentist invent the first golf tee?

Yes

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In what year was the first ever Women's Golf Tournament?

Answer: 1811

On 9 January 1811 in a small Scottish town, the first ever Women's Golf Tournament took place between local players! It is believed that Mary, Queen of Scots, played at the same course at Musselburgh in 1567!

2. Which country has the world's oldest airline?

Answer: The Netherlands

In 1919 KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines, began, making it the oldest scheduled airline in the world with a continuous history. The first flight, on 17 May 1920, was from from Amsterdam to London.

3. In what year was the first state lottery in England held?

Answer: 1567

In 1567, Queen Elizabeth I organised the first English state lottery with prizes including cash, plates and tapestries. Over 400,000 tickets were offered for sale!

4. Which country introduced the first car registration plates?

Answer: France

In 1893 the world's first car registration plates were introduced in France.

5. In what year did the first pedestrian in Britain die after being hit by a car?

Answer: 1896

The first pedestrian to die after being hit by a car in Britain was Bridget Driscoll. In 1896 she panicked at the sight of an oncoming car and froze. The car was travelling at a speedy four miles per hour!

6. What nationality was the winner of the first Hot-Air Balloon race?

Answer: American

Held in 1906, the first hot-air balloon race, in Yorkshire, was won by an American, Frank Lahm, who was a member of the military.

7. What nationality was the inventor of the paperclip?

Answer: Norwegian

Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian, invented the paperclip in 1899 and patented the design in Germany as Norway had no patent laws!

8. In what year was the first telescope demonstrated?

Answer: 1608

In October 1608 a Dutch spectacle maker, Hans Lippershey, assembled and demonstrated the first telescope, but it is believed he was probably not the first person to assemble a telescope!

9. In what year was the first electrocution of a condemned man in an electric chair?

Answer: 1890

William Kemmler, who killed his lover with an axe, was electrocuted in 1890 in New York, the first person ever to be executed by electrocution.

10. What was the nationality of the 'patenter' of carbon paper in 1860?

Answer: British

In 1860, 'carbonated paper' was patented by Ralph Wedgewood of London, even though carbon paper had been invented by an Italian in 1806.

11. Was the windshield wiper invented by a woman?

Answer: Yes

Mary Anderson was granted a patent for a window cleaning device in November 1903. Her invention was intended to improve the vision of drivers during bad weather. The windsheld wiper was a standard piece of equipment on all American cars by 1916.

12. Who was the original Barbie doll named after?

Answer: Barbara Handler

In 1959, Ruth Handler invented the Barbie doll and named her after her daughter. The Ken doll was named after Ruth's son!

13. Did a woman invent the original 'pyrotechnic' flare?

Answer: No

Martha Coston patented her husband's idea for a pyrotechnic flare after he died. She developed the idea and called it 'Night Signals' as it allowed ships to communicate at night. The US Navy bought the patent rights.

14. Who invented the first video home security system?

Answer: Marie Brown

The first video home security system was patented in December 1969. The inventor, Marie Brown, used television surveillance.

15. Did a dentist invent the first golf tee?

Answer: No

Dr George Grant was a keen golfer who was also interested in the physics of golf. He wanted to improve the game and as a result he patented an improved golf tee - the world's first 'patent' for a golf tee!

Source: Author Engadine

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

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