1. On 20 December 1803, a huge area of North America was formally handed over to the United States at a ceremony in New Orleans. What was this deal called, and from which country was the land bought?

2. On 20 December 1860, which became the first state to secede from the United States?

3. On 20 December 1917, the Bolsheviks set up a secret police force. What was it called, and who led it?

4. A Christmas film premiered in New York on 20 December 1946 and is now a holiday classic. Name the film, its main character, and the angel who saves him.

5. On 20 December 1999, a European country handed back its last Asian colony to China. Name the territory and the country that had ruled it.

6. On 20 December 1951, an experimental reactor in Idaho became the first to produce usable electricity from nuclear power. How many light bulbs did it famously light?

7. On 20 December 1989, the United States invaded Panama to remove its military leader. Who was he?

8. Which American author of "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men" died on 20 December 1968?

9. Australia's longest-serving prime minister was born on 20 December 1894. Who was he?

10. An English actress born on 20 December 1952 starred as Bobbie in a famous 1970 film about children living near a railway. Name her and the film.