Flashback: Your Weekly History Quiz

Test your knowledge of these 8 historical events from the past century

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:25pm

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This interactive quiz challenges readers to sort 8 notable historical events from the 20th century, including the debut of the Uncle Sam recruitment poster, the completion of the Chrysler Building, the spoiling of the Oscars winners, and the use of Tootsie Rolls by U.S. marines in the Korean War.

Why it matters

This quiz provides an engaging way for readers to test their knowledge of significant moments in American and world history, from pop culture to geopolitics to scientific achievements. It also offers insights into the backstories behind some well-known historical events.

The details

The quiz covers a range of historical events from 1917 to 1997, including the creation of the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment poster, the unveiling of the Chrysler Building's hidden spire, the Los Angeles Times spoiling the Oscars winners, U.S. marines using Tootsie Rolls for sustenance in the Korean War, the U.S. gifting a nuclear reactor to Iran, the Arab oil embargo that led to Dutch families picnicking on empty roads, the uncontrolled re-entry of NASA's Skylab space station, the origins of the Simpson family names, and the chess match between Garry Kasparov and IBM's Deep Blue.

  • In 1917, the U.S. debuts the Uncle Sam recruitment poster.
  • In 1930, the Chrysler Building is completed amid the Great Depression.
  • In 1940, the Los Angeles Times spoils the winners of the Oscars.
  • In 1950, U.S. marines near Chosin Reservoir in Korea use Tootsie Rolls for meals and to plug bullet holes.
  • In 1967, the U.S. gives an atomic reactor to Iran and trains some of its first nuclear scientists.

The players

James Flagg

The artist who created the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment poster, using his own reflection as the model.

IBM's Deep Blue

The chess computer that defeated world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, with moves that unnerved Kasparov.

Matt Groening

The creator of "The Simpsons" who used the names of his own family members for the show's main characters when pitching it to a TV executive in 1987.

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What they’re saying

“Its moves unnerve him; they're not always the best moves, but they seem surprisingly human.”

— Garry Kasparov, Chess grandmaster (nytimes.com)

The takeaway

This interactive quiz offers a fun and engaging way for readers to test their knowledge of significant historical events that have shaped the 20th century, from pop culture to geopolitics to scientific achievements. The backstories behind these events provide valuable insights into the context and motivations behind some of the most iconic moments in modern history.