Decades Trivia

189+ Best Decades Trivia Questions & Answers

Mike Oberman

Updated: March 14th, 2025

Step back in time and test your knowledge of the past with our thrilling Decades Trivia! From pop culture to historical events, challenge yourself with questions spanning the 19th and 20th centuries.

1920s Trivia

Question: Which Gatsby-esque masterpiece by F. Scott Fitzgerald throws a glamorous party in the roaring Jazz Age?

Answer: The Great Gatsby

Question: Who was the sky conqueror that boldly flew solo across the Atlantic in 1927, making even the birds envious?

Answer: Charles Lindbergh

Question: What swinging dance, beloved by flappers and guaranteed to get your feet tapping, turned the 1920s into a non-stop shimmy fest?

Answer: The Charleston

Question: Which musical genre, a blend of soulful vibes and snazzy tunes, transformed the 1920s into the ultimate dance party?

Answer: Jazz

Question: Which wild amendment turned the 1920s into a real-life speakeasy secret by banning booze and sparking underground shenanigans?

Answer: Prohibition (18th Amendment)

Question: Who was the U.S. President that took charge in 1929 just as the economy took a nosedive, setting the stage for the Great Depression drama?

Answer: Herbert Hoover

Question: What iconic silent flick, featuring Charlie Chaplin in his lovable tramp role, charmed audiences without saying a word?

Answer: The Kid

Question: Which notorious gangster, with a name as cool as his reputation, ruled the Prohibition underground with infamous flair?

Answer: Al Capone

Question: Which auto giant revved up the late 1920s by rolling out the Model A, the snazzy upgrade that bid farewell to the Model T?

Answer: Ford

Question: Which eyebrow-raising courtroom drama of 1925, famously dubbed the "Scopes Monkey Trial," set the stage for a wild debate on evolution in schools?

Answer: State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes

Question: Who was the track superstar that sprinted into Olympic history by clinching four shiny gold medals at the 1924 Summer Olympics?

Answer: Eric Liddell

Question: What quirky nickname was given to the band of American literary rebels, including Fitzgerald and Hemingway, who made Paris their playground in the 1920s?

Answer: The Lost Generation

Question: Which skyscraping icon of New York, completed in 1924, soared to new heights as the world's tallest man-made marvel?

Answer: The Chrysler Building

Question: Which brilliant inventor lit up the late 1920s by creating the first practical mechanical television system, paving the way for your binge-watching marathons?

Answer: Philo Farnsworth

1930s Trivia

Question: Which country did Amelia Earhart dream of circling the globe in her daring adventure before vanishing into history's mystery?

Answer: United States

Question: Who snagged the golden Oscar for Best Picture in 1939 with the epic "Gone with the Wind," making Hollywood's heart skip a beat?

Answer: David O. Selznick

Question: Which ragtag band of World War I vets turned Washington, D.C. into a protest parade in 1932, demanding those long-awaited bonus dollars?

Answer: Bonus Army

Question: Which notorious outlaw duo, as infamous as any modern-day rebel couple, met their dramatic end in a fateful 1934 ambush?

Answer: Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow

Question: Who was the British king whose royal reign took an unexpected twist in the 1930s with an abdication so shocking it still sparks conversation?

Answer: King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor)

Question: What do you call the day—October 29, 1929—when the U.S. stock market took a nosedive, kickstarting the Great Depression with a dramatic flair?

Answer: Black Tuesday

Question: Which high-flying American aviator shattered records in 1933 by zipping around the world solo faster than you can say "jet set," leaving us all in awe?

Answer: Wiley Post

Question: Which groundbreaking public works project, a real-life superhero of employment during the Great Depression, was launched in 1933?

Answer: The Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Question: What was the name of the ill-fated German airship that burst into an explosive finale over New Jersey in 1937, etching its name in history?

Answer: Hindenburg

Question: Who was the Italian strongman who strutted into power in the 1920s, setting up a fascist regime with a style as bold as any modern meme?

Answer: Benito Mussolini

Question: Which trailblazing American aviator became a global icon in 1932 by completing the first solo transatlantic flight, proving that the sky really isn’t the limit?

Answer: Amelia Earhart

Question: Which mega sporting spectacle, hosted by Berlin in 1936, was used as a stage for political theatrics and is still remembered in pop culture lore?

Answer: The Summer Olympics

Question: Who penned the heart-wrenching novel "Of Mice and Men" in 1937, capturing life's bittersweet struggles in words that still resonate today?

Answer: John Steinbeck

Question: Which groundbreaking Disney animated film, dazzling audiences with its first-ever full-length Technicolor magic, premiered in 1937 and sparked a fairytale revolution?

Answer: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Question: Which legendary British prime minister, known for his stirring speeches and unshakeable resolve, steered the United Kingdom through the turbulent 1930s and beyond?

Answer: Winston Churchill

1940s Trivia

Question: Which dashing Brit, with a penchant for rousing speeches and bulldog determination, led the nation through WWII?

Answer: Winston Churchill

Question: What top-secret operation name unleashed an epic beach invasion on Normandy's shores on June 6, 1944, like the ultimate wartime plot twist?

Answer: D-Day

Question: Which silver screen enchantress dazzled audiences in the classic 1942 film "Casablanca," turning every scene into pure cinematic magic?

Answer: Ingrid Bergman

Question: What monumental 1947 event split British India into two vibrant nations, sparking decades of history and heartfelt drama?

Answer: Partition of India

Question: Who stepped into the Oval Office after FDR’s curtain call in 1945, navigating the post-war roller coaster with grit and resolve?

Answer: Harry S. Truman

Question: Which notorious German dictator steered the dark course of the Nazi regime during World War II, leaving an indelible mark on history?

Answer: Adolf Hitler

Question: Which global peacekeeping club, born in 1945 from the ashes of war, vowed to unite nations and keep future world battles at bay?

Answer: The United Nations

Question: What was the name of the groundbreaking electronic marvel built during WWII that kick-started the computer revolution as the first general-purpose machine?

Answer: ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

Question: Which unforgettable 1945 snapshot captured U.S. Marines hoisting the American flag on Mount Suribachi, etching a moment of triumph in time?

Answer: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

Question: Which caped crusader, making his debut in 1938 and soaring to superstardom in the 1940s, continues to inspire fans worldwide?

Answer: Superman

Question: Which Hollywood powerhouse clinched the Best Picture Oscar in 1942 with the stirring classic "Mrs. Miniver," proving that true magic happens on screen?

Answer: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Question: Which historic legal showdown in post-WWII Nuremberg put notorious Nazi officials on trial, rewriting the rules of international justice?

Answer: Nuremberg Trials

Question: Which pivotal 1947 duo of policies—the bold Truman Doctrine and the generous Marshall Plan—took center stage to thwart the spread of communism in Greece and Turkey?

Answer: The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan

1950s Trivia

Question: Which Soviet leader, known for his bombastic speeches and a penchant for rocking a wild mustache, helmed the Union through the 1950s like a real-life James Bond villain?

Answer: Nikita Khrushchev

Question: Which gritty, action-packed conflict erupted when North and South Korea squared off in 1950, turning the peninsula into a battlefield of epic proportions?

Answer: The Korean War

Question: Which U.S. president, stepping into the role of a modern-day civil rights hero, signed the first federal civil rights legislation since Reconstruction in 1957?

Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Question: Who was crowned in 1952 to become the dazzling Queen of the United Kingdom, reigning with a blend of grace and royal swagger?

Answer: Queen Elizabeth II

Question: Which rock and roll icon, with hips that shook the world and a style that screamed rebellion, earned the title "King of Rock and Roll" in the fabulous 1950s?

Answer: Elvis Presley

Question: Which coming-of-age novel by J.D. Salinger, released in 1951, captures the quirky, bittersweet adventures of youth and has become a cult classic?

Answer: The Catcher in the Rye

Question: Which tiny but mighty satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, kicked off the space race and had the world looking skyward in wonder?

Answer: Sputnik 1

Question: Which literary legend, whose tales of Latin America still resonate today, clinched the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, leaving an indelible mark on the world of letters?

Answer: Ernest Hemingway

Question: Which landmark Supreme Court case of 1954 dealt a decisive blow to racial segregation in public schools, reshaping American society forever?

Answer: Brown v. Board of Education

Question: Which glamorous actress, an eternal international sex symbol and the star of classics like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Some Like It Hot," continues to light up the silver screen?

Answer: Marilyn Monroe

Question: Which bold nation pushed the limits of science and policy by successfully testing a hydrogen bomb in 1952, sending shockwaves around the globe?

Answer: United States

Question: Which Hollywood powerhouse clinched the Best Picture Oscar in 1959 with the epic spectacle "Ben-Hur," proving that blockbuster drama never goes out of style?

Answer: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Question: Which fearless African-American woman, with a spirit as unyielding as your favorite superhero, ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 by refusing to surrender her seat?

Answer: Rosa Parks

Question: Which long, turbulent conflict in Vietnam, sparking debates and reshaping futures from the 1950s onward, set the stage for one of the most dramatic chapters in modern history?

Answer: The Vietnam War

1960s Trivia

Question: Which cosmic pioneer rocketed into history as the very first human to orbit Earth in 1961, turning our blue planet into his personal racetrack?

Answer: Yuri Gagarin

Question: Which civil rights champion took center stage at the March on Washington in 1963 to deliver that unforgettable "I Have a Dream" speech, inspiring millions along the way?

Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Question: Which British rock band, with a knack for catchy tunes like "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be," became the heartbeat of the '60s and still gets our feet tapping?

Answer: The Beatles

Question: Which U.S. president, with a flair for bold moves, signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, helping to shatter the chains of racial segregation and discrimination?

Answer: Lyndon B. Johnson

Question: What was the name of that legendary 1969 music festival where peace, love, and epic performances by Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin created a counterculture phenomenon?

Answer: Woodstock

Question: Which African nation, brimming with potential, broke free from Belgian rule in 1960 to start its journey as an independent country?

Answer: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Question: Who was the Soviet Union’s top honcho during most of the 1960s, steering the state with a mix of cool authority and strategic finesse?

Answer: Leonid Brezhnev

Question: What was the name of the historic lunar mission that landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969, marking one giant leap for mankind?

Answer: Apollo 11

Question: Which peace icon clinched the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for civil rights, proving that dreams can indeed change the world?

Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Question: Which elegant movie star, famed for her timeless style in classics like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "My Fair Lady," continues to dazzle as a true fashion icon?

Answer: Audrey Hepburn

Question: What was the name of the groovy counterculture movement of the 1960s that preached peace, love, and radical change, turning life into one big festival?

Answer: The Hippie Movement

Question: Which nail-biting 1962 crisis had the world holding its breath as the United States and the Soviet Union teetered on the brink of nuclear war?

Answer: The Cuban Missile Crisis

Question: Which film studio took home the Best Picture Oscar in 1967 with the riveting drama "In the Heat of the Night," leaving an unforgettable mark on cinema?

Answer: United Artists

Question: Which legendary track star sprinted into Olympic history by winning four gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Games, inspiring fans to dream big?

Answer: Jesse Owens

1970s Trivia

Question: Which U.S. leader took the wheel after Nixon's dramatic exit, steering the nation with a cool, unflappable vibe in 1974?

Answer: Gerald Ford

Question: Which epic conflict, ending with the dramatic fall of Saigon in 1975, turned North and South Vietnam into the stage for a historic showdown?

Answer: The Vietnam War

Question: Which iconic actress captured hearts galaxy-wide as the fearless Princess Leia in the legendary "Star Wars" saga?

Answer: Carrie Fisher

Question: Which groovy musical genre made the 1970s dance floors dazzle with glitter, platform shoes, and non-stop boogie, thanks to superstars like ABBA, Bee Gees, and Donna Summer?

Answer: Disco

Question: Which Iron Lady of British politics, famous for her conservative style and unwavering resolve, ruled the United Kingdom during most of the 1970s?

Answer: Margaret Thatcher

Question: Which legendary music festival, a kaleidoscope of peace, love, and unforgettable jams, transformed upstate New York into the ultimate celebration of the '70s spirit?

Answer: Woodstock

Question: Which tennis trailblazer, serving aces on the court and smashing records like they were nothing, left an indelible mark on Wimbledon in the 1970s?

Answer: Billie Jean King

Question: Which bold U.S. spacecraft, in 1971, made lunar history by landing two astronauts on the Moon, turning our celestial neighbor into their next big adventure?

Answer: Apollo 14

Question: Which pioneering personal computer, unveiled in 1977, sparked the microcomputer revolution and redefined the digital age?

Answer: Apple II

Question: Which rock 'n' roll poet revved up the American spirit in 1975 with the album "Born to Run," setting hearts racing like an open highway?

Answer: Bruce Springsteen

Question: Which powerhouse film studio drove home cinematic glory in 1972 by clinching the Best Picture Oscar with the hard-hitting thriller "The French Connection"?

Answer: 20th Century Fox

Question: Which Swedish pop phenomenon got the world grooving with chart-topping hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," turning the '70s into an everlasting dance party?

Answer: ABBA

Question: Which harrowing event at the 1972 Munich Olympics, marked by a hostage crisis that shocked the globe, remains a solemn reminder of sports marred by terror?

Answer: Munich Olympics Massacre

Question: Which U.S. president made a groundbreaking visit to China in 1972, shaking hands and opening a new chapter in international diplomacy?

Answer: Richard Nixon

1980s Trivia

Question: Which powerhouse woman shattered glass ceilings as the UK's first female Prime Minister, ruling with an iron will from 1979 to 1990?

Answer: Margaret Thatcher

Question: What addictive arcade game from 1980 has everyone chasing a yellow hero who gobbles dots while outsmarting pesky ghosts?

Answer: Pac-Man

Question: Which iconic British musician, a former Beatle with a visionary heart, released the timeless album "Imagine" in 1980, inviting us to dream of a better world?

Answer: John Lennon

Question: Which U.S. president, known for his resilient spirit, survived an assassination attempt in 1981, proving that sometimes, fate just has to take a back seat?

Answer: Ronald Reagan

Question: Which fiery conflict in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over a cluster of remote islands had the world buzzing about national pride and territorial tales?

Answer: Falklands War

Question: Which film studio stole the cinematic spotlight in 1983 by clinching the Best Picture Oscar with the heartfelt drama "Terms of Endearment," leaving audiences reaching for tissues?

Answer: Paramount Pictures

Question: Which dazzling star, famed for her unforgettable performances in films like "Moonstruck" and "Mask," lit up the '80s screen with a charm that still captivates today?

Answer: Cher

Question: Which Soviet reformer stirred the winds of change in the 1980s with his bold policies of perestroika and glasnost, reshaping history with every word?

Answer: Mikhail Gorbachev

Question: Which legendary Michael Jackson music video, bursting onto the scene in 1983 with moves that redefined pop culture, still makes hearts race today?

Answer: Thriller

Question: Which inspiring peace advocate was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 for his courageous efforts toward nuclear disarmament, proving that hope can change the world?

Answer: Elie Wiesel

Question: Which tragic space shuttle, whose 1986 disaster left the world in mourning, became a somber milestone in the history of space exploration?

Answer: Challenger

Question: Which beloved American sitcom, mixing nostalgic 1950s and 1960s vibes with contemporary humor, became a cultural phenomenon and household name?

Answer: The Cosby Show

Question: Which groundbreaking personal computer, unveiled by Apple in 1984 with its revolutionary graphical interface, set the stage for the digital revolution?

Answer: Macintosh

Question: Which historic event in 1989 saw a wall crumble peacefully, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and sparking celebrations around the globe?

Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall

1990s Trivia

Question: Who shattered apartheid's chains and became South Africa's first democratically elected President, inspiring the world with his legacy?

Answer: Nelson Mandela

Question: Which brutal Balkan conflict of the 1990s, marked by ethnic cleansing and genocide, left deep scars on history and reshaped borders?

Answer: The Yugoslav Wars

Question: Which iconic American sitcom, set in a quirky New York coffeehouse, served up laughs and life lessons from 1994 to 2004, making "Friends" a household name?

Answer: Friends

Question: Who steered the United States through the vibrant and sometimes tumultuous 1990s with charm and charisma?

Answer: Bill Clinton

Question: Which global treaty, signed in 1992, set the stage for the battle against climate change by targeting greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Question: Which powerhouse Canadian singer rocked the '90s with the raw emotion of "Jagged Little Pill," making hits like "You Oughta Know" unforgettable?

Answer: Alanis Morissette

Question: Which historic 1997 event saw Hong Kong's sovereignty dramatically shift from the United Kingdom to China, marking a new era on the global stage?

Answer: Handover of Hong Kong

Question: Which film studio sailed to cinematic glory in 1997 with the epic romance-disaster "Titanic," capturing hearts and Oscars alike?

Answer: 20th Century Fox

Question: Which boxing legend, often hailed as "The Greatest," clinched Olympic gold in the ring at the 1996 Summer Olympics, inspiring future champions?

Answer: Muhammad Ali

Question: Which high-profile U.S. political scandal of the 1990s, involving President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, captivated and polarized a nation?

Answer: The Lewinsky scandal

Question: Which trio of Middle Eastern peacemakers—Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin—joined forces in 1994 to earn the Nobel Peace Prize for their bold peace efforts?

Answer: Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin

Question: Which adorable handheld digital pet from the 1990s had kids everywhere scrambling to feed, play, and care for their very own virtual companion?

Answer: Tamagotchi

Question: Which nation triumphed on home soil by hosting and winning the FIFA World Cup in 1998, sparking nationwide celebrations?

Answer: France

2000s Trivia

Question: Which trailblazing leader clinched the Oval Office after a whirlwind 2000 election battle, stepping in with a distinctive American swagger?

Answer: George W. Bush

Question: Which offbeat sport mashes up the art of axe throwing with team-based precision, turning every toss into a pop culture showdown?

Answer: Branches - Axe Throwing Competition

Question: Which tech giant revolutionized portable jams by introducing the iPod, forever changing how we groove on the go?

Answer: Apple

Question: Which cinematic powerhouse snagged the Best Picture Oscar in 2003 with the razzle-dazzle musical "Chicago," turning movie nights into full-blown spectacles?

Answer: Miramax Films

Question: Which high-stakes trivia challenge dares you to master driving rules, road signs, and regulations in a battle for DMV bragging rights?

Answer: DMV Battle

Question: Which brilliant British author cast a spell over readers worldwide with the magical Harry Potter series, making bedtime pure wizardry?

Answer: J.K. Rowling

Question: Which iconic fashion statement, a favorite among early 2000s celebrities, became synonymous with pop culture thanks to its unmistakable "juicy" logo?

Answer: Juicy Couture Tracksuits

Question: Which rap luminary dropped "The Marshall Mathers LP" in 2000, shattering records and redefining what it means to be a chart-topping icon?

Answer: Eminem

Question: Which modern adrenaline-pumping activity challenges enthusiasts to hurl axes at wooden targets, blending skill and excitement in every throw?

Answer: Axe Throwing Waldorf Waldorf

Question: Which heartwarming journey invites you to take a stroll down Memory Lane, reliving cherished moments through photos, tunes, and tales?

Answer: Memory Lane

Question: Which epic film trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson and inspired by Tolkien's timeless lore, transported audiences to a world of adventure and magic?

Answer: The Lord of the Rings

Question: Which soccer titan lifted the trophy at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, igniting celebrations across an entire nation?

Answer: Italy

Question: Which prolonged conflict, ignited in the wake of the September 11 attacks, reshaped global politics and led to a challenging War in Afghanistan?

Answer: War in Afghanistan