World War I Trivia - Mainly American Quiz

Answer: Devens

Completed in only two months time, Devens was more than just a camp of pitched tents. In addition to barracks, dining halls, a post office, recreation centers, and a fire house, a fully functional hospital was on-site to support the men's medical needs.

Answer: Donut Dollies

Four women, all part of a religious organization volunteering overseas, hit on the idea of serving our boys homemade donuts and coffee. Initially using excess rations and makeshift cooking implements such as a soldier's helmet for frying and wine bottles instead of rolling pins, the women still managed to produce edible donuts. Proving to be a "winner", the Donut Dollies pressed on and continued their work during World War II.

Answer: Tuscania

Off the coast of Islay, the first transport of 2,013 soldiers from the United States aboard the Tuscania heading for France was torpedoed by a German vessel and sank taking with her 147 American lives.

Answer: Truman

Truman thought and I quote, "I rather felt we owed France something for Lafayette", joined the National Guard after sneaking past the eye test (Truman was blind as a bat and could not see well without glasses.) He won the respect of his men while standing his ground against the Germans in Alsace-Lorraine during an artillery barrage. Truman was the only president to serve in WW1.

Answer: Hitler

Hitler is one of history's most evil "creations". Never accepting Germany's defeat in WW1, revenge permeated his thoughts. Finding a following among the National Socialist Party, he rose to prominence, took over the party and eventually the German government leading both down a path of ruin and destruction.

Answer: No

Without question a man of exceptional ability, Eisenhower somehow managed to be in the right place at the right time helping him to climb the ranks of the military hierarchy, ultimately leading to his appointment as Supreme Commander in WW2. The fact that he had never served a day in combat led many British officers to question his lack of experience and ability to take on this very important role.

Answer: True

Chevalier was wounded by shrapnel at the beginning of the war and ended up in a German prisoner of war camp for two years. He owes his release to the intervention of the King of Spain.

Answer: SS Aztec

On April 1, 1917 the SS Aztec while on her way to Le Havre, France loaded with copper, steel, lumber and machinery was hit by a German torpedo. The news reached Washington during discussions to declare war on Germany.

Answer: False

While the Communist party and the Russian monarchy were at "odds", far off in Central America, the Mexicans were also embroiled in a civil war. As a result of President Wilson supplying weapons to one side in the fight, Pancho Villa attacked a border village in New Mexico, killing 17 Americans. The Spanish Civil War took place in 1936-39.

Answer: F. D. Roosevelt

Too valuable in an administrative position, Roosevelt did not fight in WWI. The closest he ever got to the battlefields in France was as a civilian in 1918. Seeing the carnage in person he remarked, "I hate war".

Answer: Spanish Flu

Troop movements to France and back again, facilitated the spread of the deadly virus. When all was said and done, the Spanish flu was responsible for more US deaths than the war itself.

Answer: True

The flock of sheep, mostly a symbol of home front support for war effort, eliminated the need for manpower to mow the lawn and their wool earned over $50,000 for the Red Cross.

Answer: Meatless

Feeding our troops during the war was considered as important as the front lines in Europe. Our troops needed 5,000 calories a day to stay fit and most of their rations were raised in the States and shipped overseas.

Answer: Manfred von Richthofen

Richthofen is credited with 80 kills during the war before meeting his demise in 1918. When he became a squadron commander, for no apparent reason he decided to paint his aircraft red thus the nickname the "Red Baron".

Answer: Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford

Although taxes were increased to finance the war, the amount raised was not enough to cover expenditures. Liberty Bonds were issued to help cover the balance and in order to sell them, everyone from all walks of life including Hollywood stars were recruited to promote the bonds.