Europe—Whither Bound? (Quo Vadis Europa?): Being Letters of Travel From the Capitals of Europe in the Year 1921 Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the estimated number of soldiers and civilians who died in World War I?

  • 4 million
  • 8 million
  • 16 million
  • 24 million

Correct Answer: 16 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The devastating impact of World War I resulted in an estimated 16 million casualties, encompassing both soldiers and civilians, highlighting the immense human cost of the conflict.

What event sparked the chain reaction that led to World War I?

  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
  • The sinking of the Lusitania
  • The rise of Bolshevism in Russia
  • The formation of the League of Nations

Correct Answer: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Correct Answer Explanation: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggered a series of diplomatic crises, ultimately leading to the mobilization of European powers and the outbreak of World War I.

What event caused a wave of refugees to flee Russia?

  • The sinking of the Titanic
  • The rise of Bolshevism in Russia
  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
  • The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

Correct Answer: The rise of Bolshevism in Russia

Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian Revolution, fueled by political and economic unrest, led to the overthrow of the Tsar and the establishment of a communist state under Lenin. This upheaval resulted in a mass exodus of Russians seeking refuge in other European nations, creating a humanitarian crisis.

What treaty imposed harsh reparations and restrictions on Germany following World War I?

  • The Treaty of Versailles
  • The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
  • The Treaty of Lausanne
  • The Treaty of Sevres

Correct Answer: The Treaty of Versailles

Correct Answer Explanation: The Treaty of Versailles, imposed on Germany after World War I, aimed to punish the nation for its role in the war by imposing severe reparations and limitations on its military power. These harsh terms contributed to resentment and instability in Germany, ultimately paving the way for future conflicts.

Which country emerged as a dominant force in Europe after World War I?

  • England
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy

Correct Answer: France

Correct Answer Explanation: Despite facing significant losses and economic hardship, France emerged from World War I with a strong sense of national pride and a determination to prevent Germany from regaining its power, becoming a dominant force in the new European order.

What was the purpose of the League of Nations?

  • To promote international cooperation and prevent future wars
  • To establish a communist government in Russia
  • To impose reparations on Germany
  • To create a new European currency

Correct Answer: To promote international cooperation and prevent future wars

Correct Answer Explanation: The League of Nations, established after World War I, aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts through diplomacy and collective action. However, it faced significant challenges in addressing the conflicts and tensions of the post-war period, ultimately failing to prevent World War II.

What term refers to payments imposed on a defeated nation to compensate for damages caused during a war?

  • Sanctions
  • Reparations
  • Plebiscite
  • Communisms

Correct Answer: Reparations

Correct Answer Explanation: Reparations are payments imposed on a defeated nation to compensate for damages caused during a war. They are a common outcome of military conflicts, intended to hold the losing party accountable for the costs of the war and to deter future aggression.

What political ideology is characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and militarism?

  • Communism
  • Fascism
  • Democracy
  • Socialism

Correct Answer: Fascism

Correct Answer Explanation: Fascism is a political ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and militarism, often accompanied by a rejection of liberal democracy and a desire for national expansion. It gained prominence in Europe in the interwar period as a response to the perceived weaknesses of liberal democracy and the challenges of economic instability.

What is the term for a vote held to determine the wishes of a population on a particular issue, such as the future of a territory?

  • Plebiscite
  • Referendum
  • Election
  • Census

Correct Answer: Plebiscite

Correct Answer Explanation: A plebiscite is a direct vote by a population on a specific issue, often involving a significant decision, such as the future of a territory, constitutional change, or membership in an organization. It serves as a means of gauging public opinion and allowing for direct participation in decision-making processes.

What is the term for economic or military measures taken against a nation to force compliance with international agreements?

  • Sanctions
  • Reparations
  • Plebiscite
  • Communisms

Correct Answer: Sanctions

Correct Answer Explanation: Sanctions are economic or military measures imposed by a nation or group of nations against another nation to force compliance with international agreements or to punish it for violating international law or engaging in undesirable behavior. They aim to exert pressure and bring about a change in policy or behavior.

What political and economic system is based on the collective ownership of the means of production and the abolition of private property?

  • Capitalism
  • Socialism
  • Communism
  • Fascism

Correct Answer: Communism

Correct Answer Explanation: Communism is a political and economic system characterized by the collective ownership of the means of production, the abolition of private property, and the creation of a classless society. It aims to establish social equality and eliminate exploitation by abolishing the capitalist system.

What political alliance was formed between Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Romania to prevent the return of the Habsburgs to power?

  • The Little Entente
  • The Triple Entente
  • The Axis Powers
  • The Allied Powers

Correct Answer: The Little Entente

Correct Answer Explanation: The Little Entente was a political alliance formed between Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Romania in the aftermath of World War I to prevent the return of the Habsburg dynasty to power and to ensure their own security. It played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Central Europe in the interwar period.

What is the French term meaning “out of the fight” or “incapacitated”?

  • Hors de combat
  • Amour propre
  • Sourire ironique
  • Voila tout

Correct Answer: Hors de combat

Correct Answer Explanation: Hors de combat is a French term meaning “out of the fight” or “incapacitated,” often used to describe someone who is injured or disabled and unable to participate in combat.

What is the French term meaning “self-esteem” or “pride”?

  • Hors de combat
  • Amour propre
  • Sourire ironique
  • Voila tout

Correct Answer: Amour propre

Correct Answer Explanation: Amour propre is a French term that refers to self-esteem, pride, or a sense of self-worth. It encompasses the feelings of personal value and respect that individuals have for themselves.

What is the French term meaning “an ironic smile”?

  • Hors de combat
  • Amour propre
  • Sourire ironique
  • Voila tout

Correct Answer: Sourire ironique

Correct Answer Explanation: Sourire ironique is a French term meaning “an ironic smile,” which conveys a sense of amusement or mockery, often tinged with cynicism or skepticism.

What is the French term meaning “that’s all” or “that’s it”?

  • Hors de combat
  • Amour propre
  • Sourire ironique
  • Voila tout

Correct Answer: Voila tout

Correct Answer Explanation: Voila tout is a French term meaning “that’s all” or “that’s it,” often used to signify the conclusion of a statement or an action.

What is the French term meaning “hairy” and referring to a French soldier?

  • Poilu
  • Hors de combat
  • Amour propre
  • Sourire ironique

Correct Answer: Poilu

Correct Answer Explanation: Poilu is a French term meaning “hairy” but specifically referring to a French soldier, particularly those who fought in World War I. It became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice, reflecting the hardships and experiences of French soldiers during the conflict.

What is the Latin phrase meaning “bread and circuses,” referring to the Roman practice of using entertainment and distractions to appease the populace?

  • Panem et circenses
  • De profundis
  • Ad astra
  • Mens sana in corpore sano

Correct Answer: Panem et circenses

Correct Answer Explanation: Panem et circenses is a Latin phrase meaning “bread and circuses,” referring to the Roman practice of providing free food and entertainment to the populace as a means of distracting them from political and social issues. It is often used to criticize the use of entertainment and escapism as tools for social control.

What city did the Russian refugees gather in, seeking shelter and a new life?

  • London
  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Constantinople

Correct Answer: Constantinople

Correct Answer Explanation: Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, was a major destination for Russian refugees fleeing the chaos of the revolution. The city offered a semblance of stability and opportunity, drawing thousands who sought a new start in the wake of upheaval and uncertainty.

What city did Stephen Graham visit in 1921 to witness the devastating effects of the war?

  • Rome
  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Athens

Correct Answer: Athens

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephen Graham’s travels took him to Athens in 1921, where he observed the lasting impact of the war, including the destruction of infrastructure and the lingering effects of social and economic instability.

What country was still struggling to adapt to the changing political landscape after the war?

  • Italy
  • France
  • England
  • Germany

Correct Answer: Germany

Correct Answer Explanation: Germany, defeated in World War I and burdened with heavy reparations, struggled to adapt to the new political and economic realities of the post-war period. The country faced significant challenges, including economic instability, social unrest, and the rise of nationalist and extremist ideologies.

What city did Graham visit to witness the plight of refugees from the Russian Revolution?

  • Constantinople
  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Vienna

Correct Answer: Constantinople

Correct Answer Explanation: Graham’s journey to Constantinople brought him face-to-face with the human cost of the Russian Revolution, witnessing the desperate circumstances of refugees who had lost everything and were seeking shelter and a new life.

What is the name of the Austrian Croat dramatist whose struggles to adapt to life in Serbia illustrate the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of political and national change?

  • Kossor
  • Graham
  • Lenin
  • Trotsky

Correct Answer: Kossor

Correct Answer Explanation: The story of Kossor, an Austrian Croat dramatist, highlights the complexities of identity and the challenges of navigating changing political landscapes in the aftermath of war and revolution.

What country did Graham visit to observe the positive interactions between German and British soldiers in a prisoner of war camp?

  • Germany
  • France
  • England
  • Italy

Correct Answer: Germany

Correct Answer Explanation: Graham’s visit to a German prisoner of war camp revealed the possibility of human connection and understanding even amidst the conflict, showing how even enemies could find common ground and forge unexpected bonds.

What city did Graham visit to observe the statue of the “Republique Française pendant la guerre,” symbolizing the tension between idealistic aspirations and the reality of France’s post-war ambitions?

  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Vienna
  • Rome

Correct Answer: Paris

Correct Answer Explanation: The statue in Paris, symbolizing the “French Republic during the war,” reflected the complexities of France’s ambitions and the challenges it faced in navigating the new world order.

What city hosted the Russian National Congress in 1921, showcasing the ongoing struggle of Russian exiles to shape the future of their country?

  • Paris
  • London
  • Berlin
  • Vienna

Correct Answer: Paris

Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian National Congress in Paris brought together Russian exiles who sought to influence the future of their homeland, demonstrating the enduring influence of the revolution and the ongoing struggle for political change.

What city did Graham visit to witness the poignant performance of two elderly courtiers dancing a minuet for their deceased king, symbolizing the loss of a bygone era and the lasting impact of the revolution on Russian society?

  • Paris
  • London
  • Berlin
  • Vienna

Correct Answer: Paris

Correct Answer Explanation: The minuet performance in Paris poignantly symbolized the loss of a bygone era and the enduring impact of the revolution on Russian society, highlighting the cultural and social upheaval that followed the conflict.

What term was used in Germany to describe an Englishman who is seen as exploiting the difference in exchange rates between the mark and the pound sterling?

  • Valuta-Englander
  • Poilu
  • Hors de combat
  • Sourire ironique

Correct Answer: Valuta-Englander

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Valuta-Englander” was used in Germany to describe an Englishman who was perceived as exploiting the economic hardship of Germany by profiting from the unfavorable exchange rate between the German mark and the British pound sterling, reflecting the resentments and tensions that arose in the aftermath of war.

What city did Graham visit to observe the German railway and postal services, which were reluctant to raise prices despite the economic hardship?

  • Berlin
  • Vienna
  • Munich
  • Prague

Correct Answer: Berlin

Correct Answer Explanation: Graham’s observations in Berlin highlighted Germany’s commitment to social welfare, even in the face of economic hardship, as the country resisted raising prices for essential services such as railways and postal services, reflecting the social consciousness that persisted despite the turbulent times.

What is the name of the organization that provided humanitarian aid to Russian refugees at Gallipoli?

  • The American Red Cross
  • The League of Nations
  • The United Nations
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross

Correct Answer: The American Red Cross

Correct Answer Explanation: The American Red Cross played a significant role in providing humanitarian aid to Russian refugees in Gallipoli, offering essential assistance and demonstrating the importance of international cooperation and compassion in the face of crisis.

What city did Graham visit to observe the Armenian and Spanish Jewish shopkeepers who were selling the personal possessions of Russian refugees?

  • Constantinople
  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Vienna

Correct Answer: Constantinople

Correct Answer Explanation: Graham’s observations in Constantinople revealed the harsh realities faced by Russian refugees, who were forced to sell their belongings to survive, highlighting the devastating impact of the revolution and the desperation of those displaced by conflict.

What was the estimated population of France in 1921?

  • 20 million
  • 30 million
  • 40 million
  • 50 million

Correct Answer: 40 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of France in 1921 was around 40 million, highlighting the significant impact of the war on the country’s demographics.

What was the estimated population of England in 1921?

  • 30 million
  • 40 million
  • 50 million
  • 60 million

Correct Answer: 45 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of England in 1921 was around 45 million, reflecting the country’s size and influence in the post-war era.

What was the estimated population of Italy in 1921?

  • 25 million
  • 35 million
  • 45 million
  • 55 million

Correct Answer: 38 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Italy in 1921 was around 38 million, highlighting the country’s significant population and its role in European affairs.

What was the estimated population of Germany in 1921?

  • 50 million
  • 60 million
  • 70 million
  • 80 million

Correct Answer: 60 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Germany in 1921 was around 60 million, showcasing the country’s substantial population and its position as a major player in European politics and economics.

What was the estimated population of Poland in 1921?

  • 15 million
  • 25 million
  • 35 million
  • 45 million

Correct Answer: 27 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Poland in 1921 was around 27 million, reflecting the country’s reemergence on the map of Europe after a period of partition and its role in shaping the political landscape of Central Europe.

What was the estimated population of Czechoslovakia in 1921?

  • 5 million
  • 10 million
  • 15 million
  • 20 million

Correct Answer: 13 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Czechoslovakia in 1921 was around 13 million, reflecting the country’s newly formed identity and its role in shaping the political landscape of Central Europe.

What was the estimated population of Austria in 1921?

  • 4 million
  • 6.5 million
  • 9 million
  • 11.5 million

Correct Answer: 6.5 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Austria in 1921 was around 6.5 million, highlighting the country’s reduced size and influence compared to its pre-war status as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

What was the estimated population of Hungary in 1921?

  • 5 million
  • 7.6 million
  • 10.2 million
  • 12.8 million

Correct Answer: 7.6 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Hungary in 1921 was around 7.6 million, reflecting the country’s reduced size and influence after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

What was the estimated population of Russia in 1921?

  • 100 million
  • 130 million
  • 160 million
  • 190 million

Correct Answer: 130 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Russia in 1921 was around 130 million, highlighting the country’s vast size and its position as a major player in European and global affairs.

What was the estimated value of Germany’s war debt in 1921?

  • Billions of dollars
  • Millions of dollars
  • Thousands of dollars
  • Hundreds of dollars

Correct Answer: Billions of dollars

Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated value of Germany’s war debt in 1921 was in the billions of dollars, showcasing the immense financial burden imposed on the country by the Treaty of Versailles and its devastating impact on the German economy.

What was the estimated value of the German mark in 1921?

  • It was stable and relatively strong
  • It was declining but still relatively strong
  • It was declining rapidly
  • It was declining rapidly and nearing hyperinflation

Correct Answer: It was declining rapidly and nearing hyperinflation

Correct Answer Explanation: The value of the German mark declined rapidly in the post-war period, approaching hyperinflation, reflecting the economic instability and challenges faced by Germany in the aftermath of war and the imposition of harsh reparations.

What was the estimated value of the Austrian crown in 1921?

  • It was stable and relatively strong
  • It was declining but still relatively strong
  • It was declining rapidly
  • It was declining rapidly and nearing hyperinflation

Correct Answer: It was declining rapidly and nearing hyperinflation

Correct Answer Explanation: The value of the Austrian crown declined even more rapidly than the German mark in the post-war period, approaching hyperinflation, mirroring the economic difficulties faced by Austria as it struggled to adjust to its new status as a smaller, independent nation.

What was the estimated value of the Italian lira in 1921?

  • It was declining and nearing hyperinflation
  • It was declining but still relatively strong
  • It was stable and relatively strong
  • It was appreciating in value

Correct Answer: It was appreciating in value

Correct Answer Explanation: The Italian lira was appreciating in value during the early 1920s, reflecting the country’s economic recovery and its relatively stable political situation compared to other European nations.

What was the estimated value of the British pound sterling in 1921?

  • It was declining rapidly
  • It was declining but still relatively strong
  • It was stable and relatively strong
  • It was appreciating in value

Correct Answer: It was stable and relatively strong

Correct Answer Explanation: The British pound sterling remained relatively strong in 1921, reflecting England’s position as a global power and its comparatively stable economy in the post-war period.

What was the estimated cost of living in England in 1921?

  • It was increasing rapidly
  • It was increasing but still relatively stable
  • It was stable
  • It was decreasing

Correct Answer: It was decreasing

Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of living in England was decreasing during the early 1920s, reflecting the country’s relative economic stability and its ability to recover from the war more quickly than other European nations.

What was the estimated unemployment rate in England in 1921?

  • 1 million people
  • 2 million people
  • 3 million people
  • 4 million people

Correct Answer: 4 million people

Correct Answer Explanation: The unemployment rate in England reached 4 million people in 1921, reflecting the economic challenges and social unrest that followed the war, even as the country experienced a relatively stable economy compared to its European counterparts.

Learn more

Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

Make a quiz for your business with AI

Use our AI quiz maker to create a beautiful quiz for your brand in a minute.

Make a quiz - for free