The Lisbon Earthquake (1755, Portugal) — Questions and answers

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What devastating event happened in Lisbon on November 1, 1755?

Choices

  1. A huge earthquake and tsunami ✓
  2. A big party for All Saints' Day
  3. King José I built a new palace
  4. The Tagus River dried up completely

Answer: A huge earthquake and tsunami

From page 1

What did King João V do to Lisbon decades before the earthquake?

Choices

  1. Transformed it into a grand European capital ✓
  2. Made everyone discontent and unhappy
  3. Built only small, simple houses
  4. Discovered a brand new river

Answer: Transformed it into a grand European capital

From page 2

According to Father Gabriel Malagrida, what had angered God?

Choices

  1. Lisbon's sins ✓
  2. The outdated Portuguese fleet
  3. Too many new palaces
  4. The strong ocean currents

Answer: Lisbon's sins

From page 3

Who was the Kingdom's chief engineer concerned about the stability of Lisbon's buildings?

Choices

  1. Manuel da Maia ✓
  2. Voltaire
  3. Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo
  4. King José I

Answer: Manuel da Maia

From page 4

Why did wealthy merchants and nobles resist Sebastião José's new building codes?

Choices

  1. They cared more about beauty than safety ✓
  2. They thought he was foolish for suggesting them
  3. They wanted to build even bigger palaces
  4. They believed disasters were impossible

Answer: They cared more about beauty than safety

From page 5

What kind of system did Sebastião José use for the layout of the new city?

Choices

  1. A grid system with wide streets ✓
  2. A maze of narrow alleys
  3. A random arrangement of buildings
  4. A circular design around a palace

Answer: A grid system with wide streets

From page 8

What did King José I and Sebastião José focus on to strengthen Portugal?

Choices

  1. Trade and industry ✓
  2. Building more opulent churches
  3. Increasing the power of the nobility
  4. Blaming the earthquake on divine wrath

Answer: Trade and industry

From page 9

After the earthquake and reforms, what did Lisbon become a symbol of?

Choices

  1. Resilience and urban planning ✓
  2. Old, crumbling traditions
  3. Fear and sadness
  4. Blaming others for problems

Answer: Resilience and urban planning

From page 10