The two world wars supply a large share of the history questions, along with the campaign for women's votes. The dates here are worth learning exactly rather than approximately.
From chapter 3 of the handbook: A long and illustrious history
Women got the vote at 30 in 1918 and at 21 in 1928, ten years apart.
The First World War ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918.
Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.
All 19 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.
In which year did the First World War begin?
The First World War began in 1914 and ended in 1918.
When did the First World War end?
The war ended at 11am on 11 November 1918, which is why Remembrance Day falls on 11 November.
Whose assassination helped trigger the First World War?
The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria set off the chain of events leading to war.
Roughly how many British casualties were suffered on the first day of the Battle of the Somme?
Around 60,000 British casualties fell on the first day alone. More than two million British casualties were suffered in the war overall.
Who was a leader of the suffragette movement?
Emmeline Pankhurst was a leader of the suffragettes, who campaigned for women's right to vote.
In 1918, which women were given the vote?
In 1918 women over the age of 30 were given the vote. Women got it on the same terms as men, at 21, in 1928.
In which year did women get the right to vote at the same age as men?
In 1928 women were given the vote at 21, the same age as men at that time.
What happened during the Great Depression of the 1930s?
Unemployment was high, but newer industries including cars and aviation continued to grow.
What event began the Second World War in 1939?
Germany invaded Poland in 1939, and Britain and France declared war.
In which year did Winston Churchill become prime minister?
Churchill became prime minister in 1940, and led the country for most of the war.
What happened at Dunkirk in 1940?
The evacuation from Dunkirk rescued over 300,000 troops, with many carried by small civilian boats.
What was the Battle of Britain?
The Battle of Britain was fought in the air in the summer of 1940, and the RAF's victory prevented an invasion.
What was the Blitz?
The Blitz was the sustained German bombing of British cities during the war.
Which British mathematician developed the idea of the 'Turing machine', which became important to modern computing?
Alan Turing developed the concept of the Turing machine in the 1930s. It became a foundation of modern computer science.
When did Germany surrender, ending the Second World War in Europe?
Germany was defeated in May 1945. The war against Japan ended later, in August 1945.
Who invented the jet engine?
Sir Frank Whittle, a British engineer, invented the jet engine.
Which Scot made the first television pictures in the 1920s?
John Logie Baird made the first television pictures in the 1920s.
Who discovered penicillin in 1928?
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.
What happened on 6 June 1944, known as D-Day?
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Allied forces landed in Normandy in northern France.
Chapter 3 practice test: Britain in the twentieth century · 19 questions · 36 minutes if you take it timed