August 29 — This Day in History

 Question 1 Which devastating 2005 hurricane struck southeast Louisiana on August 29, breaching levees, causing nearly 1,400 deaths, and resulting in $200 billion in damage?

• A) Hurricane Katrina

• B) Hurricane Sandy

• C) Hurricane Andrew

• D) Hurricane Harvey Correct Answer: A) Hurricane Katrina

Question 2 In 1825, the Treaty of Rio de Janeiro was signed between Brazil and which European nation to formally end the Brazilian War of Independence?

• A) Spain

• B) Portugal

• C) France

• D) United Kingdom Correct Answer: B) Portugal

Question 3 On August 29, 1944, 15,000 troops from which American infantry division marched down the Champs-Élysées celebrating the liberation of Paris?

• A) 101st Airborne Division

• B) 1st Infantry Division

• C) 28th Infantry Division

• D) 82nd Airborne Division Correct Answer: C) 28th Infantry Division

Question 4 In 1949, the United States' monopoly on atomic weapons came to an end after which country detonated its first atomic bomb on August 29?

• A) China

• B) Soviet Union

• C) United Kingdom

• D) France Correct Answer: B) Soviet Union

Question 5 At which famous San Francisco venue did The Beatles perform their final commercial, ticketed public concert on August 29, 1966?

• A) Shea Stadium

• B) Candlestick Park

• C) Hollywood Bowl

• D) Cow Palace Correct Answer: B) Candlestick Park

Question 6 During the 2004 Athens Olympics marathon, which Brazilian runner was tackled by an intruder while leading the race, eventually finishing third and receiving the Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship?

• A) Vanderlei de Lima

• B) Stefano Baldini

• C) Meb Keflezighi

• D) Eliud Kipchoge Correct Answer: A) Vanderlei de Lima

Question 7 In 2008, US Republican presidential nominee John McCain selected which Alaska Governor as his vice-presidential running mate?

• A) Nikki Haley

• B) Sarah Palin

• C) Michele Bachmann

• D) Kristi Noem Correct Answer: B) Sarah Palin

Question 8 Which powerful 2021 category storm blasted ashore in Louisiana on August 29, knocking out power across New Orleans and briefly reversing the flow of the Mississippi River?

• A) Hurricane Irma

• B) Hurricane Ida

• C) Hurricane Maria

• D) Hurricane Ian Correct Answer: B) Hurricane Ida

Question 9 Which US agency, responsible for printing paper currency, officially began its operations at the United States Treasury on August 29, 1862?

• A) Federal Reserve

• B) United States Mint

• C) Bureau of Engraving and Printing

• D) Internal Revenue Service Correct Answer: C) Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Question 10 Which legendary American Olympic track and field athlete—celebrating his 80th birthday on August 29—famously broke the world record in the men's long jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics?

• A) Carl Lewis

• B) Bob Beamon

• C) Jesse Owens

• D) Mike Powell Correct Answer: B) Bob Beamon