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William Grant Stairs was born in England and later moved to Canada.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, not in England.
William Grant Stairs held allegiance solely to Canada throughout his life.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs held a Canadian-British allegiance throughout his life.
William Grant Stairs received his engineering training in Canada.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Grant Stairs received his engineering training at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
Stairs worked for the New Zealand Trigonometrical Survey for over five years after graduating.
Answer: False
Explanation: After graduating as a trained engineer, Stairs worked for three years with the New Zealand Trigonometrical Survey.
What were William Grant Stairs' primary occupations?
Answer: Explorer, soldier, and adventurer
Explanation: William Grant Stairs' primary occupations were those of an explorer, soldier, and adventurer, roles he fulfilled during significant expeditions in Africa.
In which Canadian city was William Grant Stairs born?
Answer: Halifax
Explanation: William Grant Stairs was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Which of the following institutions was part of William Grant Stairs' educational background?
Answer: Royal Military College of Canada
Explanation: William Grant Stairs received part of his education at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
Before joining the British Royal Engineers, Stairs worked for three years on a survey in which country?
Answer: New Zealand
Explanation: Before joining the British Royal Engineers, Stairs worked for three years on a survey in New Zealand.
What detail about Stairs' education is mentioned specifically?
Answer: He was Student #52 at the Royal Military College of Canada.
Explanation: A specific detail mentioned about Stairs' education is that he was Student #52 at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
William Grant Stairs joined the British Royal Engineers in 1885 and trained in Chatham, England.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Grant Stairs accepted a commission in the British Royal Engineers in 1885 and subsequently trained in Chatham, England.
Shortly before his death, Stairs served in the Royal Fusiliers regiment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shortly before his death, Stairs transferred to the Welsh Regiment in 1891, not the Royal Fusiliers.
Henry Morton Stanley led the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, and Stairs joined it in Egypt.
Answer: True
Explanation: Henry Morton Stanley led the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, and William Grant Stairs joined it, sailing from London and meeting Stanley in Suez.
Following Captain Barttelot's death, Stairs was appointed the overall commander of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Captain Barttelot's death, Stairs was appointed second-in-command of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, not the overall commander.
Stairs was injured by a lion during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, an event depicted on a plaque in London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stairs was injured by a poisonous arrow during an attack by natives, not by a lion. The event is depicted on a plaque in Dublin, Ireland, related to Surgeon Major Thomas Heazle Parke.
Stairs' expedition faced challenges including navigating the Suez Canal efficiently.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stairs' expeditions faced significant challenges related to difficult terrain, such as impenetrable rainforests and swamps, rather than issues with navigating the Suez Canal efficiently.
Who was the leader of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition that Stairs joined?
Answer: Henry Morton Stanley
Explanation: The Emin Pasha Relief Expedition was led by Henry Morton Stanley, whom William Grant Stairs joined.
How was Stairs injured during an attack by natives on the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition?
Answer: He was struck by a poisonous arrow.
Explanation: Stairs was seriously wounded in the chest by a poisonous arrow during an attack by natives on the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition.
What specific geographical challenge did Stairs and his colleagues face during their 5,000 km journey?
Answer: Traversing almost impenetrable rainforests and swamps
Explanation: During their extensive journeys, Stairs and his colleagues endured extremely difficult terrain, including almost impenetrable rainforests and swamps.
What was the role of Surgeon Major Thomas Heazle Parke in relation to Stairs' injury?
Answer: He removed the poisonous arrow and sucked out the poison.
Explanation: Surgeon Major Thomas Heazle Parke played a critical role in treating Stairs' injury, removing the poisonous arrow and sucking out the venom.
What happened to Captain Barttelot during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, leading to a change in Stairs' position?
Answer: He was shot and killed by natives.
Explanation: Captain Barttelot was shot and killed by natives on July 19, 1888, which led to Stairs being appointed second-in-command of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition.
The Stairs Expedition to Katanga was the only major expedition William Grant Stairs participated in.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs also participated significantly in the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, in addition to commanding the Stairs Expedition to Katanga.
King Leopold II of Belgium appointed Stairs to lead a mission to Katanga, aiming to secure the region.
Answer: True
Explanation: King Leopold II of Belgium appointed Stairs to command a mission to take Katanga, with the objective of securing the region for the Congo Free State.
The Stairs Expedition to Katanga operated under the British flag and was primarily a scientific mission.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Stairs Expedition to Katanga operated under the Congo Free State flag and was a military mission, not primarily a scientific one.
The Stairs Expedition to Katanga was not in competition with any other European powers' expansion efforts in the region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Stairs Expedition to Katanga was in direct competition with Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, which was also expanding into the region.
Stairs personally killed Msiri, the king of Katanga, during the expedition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Msiri, the king of Katanga, was killed by Captain Bodson of the Stairs Expedition after Msiri resisted arrest, not by Stairs himself.
Msiri's head was displayed on a pole in Katanga as a warning to his people after his death.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following Msiri's death, his head was severed and hoisted on a pole in Katanga as a stark warning to his subjects.
Stairs installed Msiri's eldest son as the new chief of Katanga.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stairs installed Msiri's brothers and an adopted son, Makanda Bantu, as chief, not his eldest son.
Oral histories suggest that Msiri's head was kept by the expedition and brought a curse upon those who carried it, including Stairs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Oral histories of the Garanganze people suggest that the expedition retained Msiri's head, which was believed to have cursed and caused the deaths of those who carried it, eventually including Stairs.
The Stairs Expedition to Katanga had a high survival rate, with most members returning safely.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Stairs Expedition to Katanga suffered heavy losses, with only 189 out of 400 men returning, indicating a low survival rate.
As a result of the Stairs Expedition, Katanga became part of the Congo Free State.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Stairs Expedition successfully secured Katanga, leading to its incorporation into the Congo Free State.
King Leopold II of Belgium appointed Stairs to the Katanga expedition because he believed Stairs was a skilled diplomat.
Answer: False
Explanation: King Leopold II appointed Stairs to the Katanga expedition because he perceived Stairs as being of a similar mold to Henry Morton Stanley, known for using force, rather than believing him to be a skilled diplomat.
Stairs' expedition potentially risked armed conflict with British expeditions expanding into Africa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stairs' expedition was in direct competition with Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, creating a risk of armed conflict with British expansion efforts in Africa.
Which organization appointed William Grant Stairs to command the expedition to Katanga?
Answer: King Leopold II of Belgium
Explanation: King Leopold II of Belgium appointed William Grant Stairs to command the expedition to Katanga.
What was the primary objective of the Stairs Expedition to Katanga?
Answer: To secure Katanga for King Leopold II of Belgium.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Stairs Expedition to Katanga was to secure the region for King Leopold II of Belgium.
The Stairs Expedition to Katanga was in a race against which other entity?
Answer: Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company
Explanation: The Stairs Expedition to Katanga was in a race against Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, which was also seeking to expand its influence in the region.
What happened to Msiri, the king of Katanga, during the expedition?
Answer: He was killed by Captain Bodson after resisting arrest.
Explanation: Msiri, the king of Katanga, was killed by Captain Bodson of the Stairs Expedition after resisting arrest.
What was the fate of Msiri's head after his death?
Answer: It was cut off and hoisted on a pole as a warning.
Explanation: After Msiri's death, his head was severed and displayed on a pole in Katanga as a stark warning to his subjects.
What was the primary reason for King Leopold II's interest in Katanga?
Answer: Its rich mineral resources and strategic importance
Explanation: King Leopold II of Belgium's interest in Katanga was primarily driven by the desire to secure its resources and strategic importance.
What did the source suggest about the Garanganze people following Msiri's death and the expedition's actions?
Answer: They were massacred or fled into the bush.
Explanation: Following Msiri's death, the expedition's askaris engaged in violence, massacring some Garanganze people and causing most of the remainder to flee into the bush.
How did Stairs' expedition potentially conflict with British interests in Africa?
Answer: By being in a race against Cecil Rhodes' company and risking armed conflict.
Explanation: Stairs' expedition potentially conflicted with British interests by engaging in a race against Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, creating a risk of armed confrontation.
What was the stated reason for King Leopold II of Belgium's interest in Katanga?
Answer: To secure its resources and strategic importance.
Explanation: King Leopold II of Belgium's interest in Katanga was primarily driven by the desire to secure its resources and strategic importance.
What happened to the Stairs expedition's askaris after Msiri's death?
Answer: They massacred some Garanganze people and caused others to flee.
Explanation: Following Msiri's death, the expedition's askaris engaged in violence, massacring some Garanganze people and causing most of the remainder to flee into the bush.
What was the primary reason Stairs was appointed to command the Katanga expedition?
Answer: His perceived similarity in approach to Henry Morton Stanley.
Explanation: The primary reason for Stairs' appointment to command the Katanga expedition was King Leopold II's perception of Stairs as being similar in approach to Henry Morton Stanley, who was known for employing force.
William Grant Stairs was primarily known for his contributions to cartography in Canada.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs was primarily known as an explorer, soldier, and adventurer, playing significant roles in expeditions such as the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition and the Stairs Expedition to Katanga, rather than solely for cartography in Canada.
During the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, Stairs discovered the Semliki River and was the first non-African to climb the Rwenzori Mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, Stairs made significant geographical discoveries, including the Semliki River and was the first non-African to ascend the Rwenzori Mountains.
What significant geographical feature did Stairs discover during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition?
Answer: The Semliki River
Explanation: During the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, Stairs discovered the Semliki River and was the first non-African to climb in the Rwenzori Mountains.
William Grant Stairs viewed the local populations he encountered as highly capable of self-governance.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs characterized the local populations he encountered as unfortunate, suggesting they were often incapable of managing their own affairs.
Some British individuals in Northern Rhodesia perceived Stairs negatively, considering him a mercenary.
Answer: True
Explanation: Some British individuals in Northern Rhodesia perceived William Grant Stairs negatively, viewing him as a mercenary and traitor to the British Empire, particularly those who had been unsuccessful in their own territorial ambitions in Katanga.
How did some British individuals in Northern Rhodesia perceive William Grant Stairs?
Answer: As a mercenary and traitor
Explanation: Some British individuals in Northern Rhodesia perceived William Grant Stairs negatively, viewing him as a mercenary and traitor to the British Empire, particularly those who had been unsuccessful in their own territorial ambitions in Katanga.
What was William Grant Stairs' view on the capabilities of the local populations he encountered?
Answer: He considered them unfortunate and often incapable of managing their own affairs.
Explanation: William Grant Stairs characterized the local populations he encountered as unfortunate, suggesting they were often incapable of managing their own affairs.
Stairs died at the age of 45 in Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs died at the age of 28 in Mozambique, Africa.
Upon returning to England in 1890, Stairs was recognized by geographical societies for his contributions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon his return to England in 1890, Captain Stairs was recognized by geographical societies, being named a Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
William Grant Stairs died from complications related to a battle wound sustained in Katanga.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs died from malaria contracted on the Zambezi, not from a battle wound sustained in Katanga.
William Grant Stairs is buried in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Grant Stairs is buried in the European Cemetery in Chinde, Mozambique, not in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Commemorative tablets honoring Stairs were erected in Canada, England, and Scotland.
Answer: True
Explanation: Commemorative tablets honoring William Grant Stairs were erected in Canada (Mackenzie Building), England (Rochester Cathedral), and Scotland (implied by RSGS fellowship).
The commemorative tablets mention Stairs' service in the Boer War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The commemorative tablets detail his service in the Royal Engineers and his role in the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition and Katanga Expedition, but do not mention service in the Boer War.
A memorial arch was erected at the Royal Military College of Canada in honor of Stairs in 1932.
Answer: True
Explanation: A tablet honoring Stairs was erected at the Royal Military College of Canada Memorial Arch in 1932, specifically referencing his participation in the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition.
William Grant Stairs' diaries are entirely preserved and accessible at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia.
Answer: False
Explanation: While some of William Grant Stairs' diaries are preserved at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, others are noted as being lost.
Stairs Island in Ontario was named in honor of William Grant Stairs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stairs Island in Parry Sound, Ontario, was named in honor of William Grant Stairs.
The memorial tablet in St. George's Cathedral, Kingston, was destroyed by a flood in 1905.
Answer: False
Explanation: The memorial tablet in St. George's Cathedral, Kingston, was destroyed by a fire in 1899, not by a flood in 1905.
The book 'African Exploits' is based on William Grant Stairs' expedition diaries and was edited by Jane M. Konczacki.
Answer: False
Explanation: The book 'African Exploits' is based on William Grant Stairs' expedition diaries but was edited by Hon. Roy MacLaren, not Jane M. Konczacki.
Joseph Moloney's book about the Katanga expedition was titled 'The Scramble for Africa.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Moloney's book about the Katanga expedition was titled 'With Captain Stairs to Katanga,' not 'The Scramble for Africa.'
The authority control databases section lists sources for biographical data on Stairs, such as VIAF and Library of Congress.
Answer: True
Explanation: The authority control databases section indeed lists sources such as VIAF and Library of Congress, which provide cataloged biographical data and identifiers for William Grant Stairs.
At what age and in which country did William Grant Stairs die?
Answer: Age 28, in Mozambique
Explanation: William Grant Stairs died on June 9, 1892, in Mozambique at the age of 28.
What was the ultimate cause of William Grant Stairs' death?
Answer: Malaria contracted on the Zambezi
Explanation: William Grant Stairs succumbed to malaria, which he contracted on the Zambezi River, leading to his death in June 1892.
Where is William Grant Stairs buried?
Answer: Chinde, Mozambique
Explanation: William Grant Stairs is interred in the European Cemetery in Chinde, Mozambique, situated at the mouth of the Zambezi River.
Which of the following was named in honor of William Grant Stairs?
Answer: Stairs Island in Ontario
Explanation: Stairs Island in Parry Sound, Ontario, was named in honor of William Grant Stairs.
What happened to the memorial tablet dedicated to Stairs at St. George's Cathedral in Kingston?
Answer: It was destroyed in a fire in 1899.
Explanation: The memorial tablet in St. George's Cathedral, Kingston, was destroyed in a fire in 1899 and has not been replaced.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a place where a commemorative tablet for Stairs was erected?
Answer: The British Museum, London
Explanation: Commemorative tablets for Stairs were erected at Rochester Cathedral (England), the Mackenzie Building (Canada), and St. George's Cathedral (Kingston), but the British Museum, London, is not mentioned.
Which of the following books is mentioned as providing background on the Stairs family of Halifax?
Answer: "Merchant Princes, Halifax's First Family..." by James Frost
Explanation: James Frost's book, "Merchant Princes, Halifax's First Family of Finance, Ships and Steel," published in 2003, is mentioned as providing background information on the Stairs family of Halifax.
Which of the following is a book written by Joseph Moloney about the Katanga expedition?
Answer: "With Captain Stairs to Katanga"
Explanation: Joseph Moloney authored a book about the Katanga expedition titled "With Captain Stairs to Katanga," published in London in 1893.
What recognition did Stairs receive from geographical societies upon his return in 1890?
Answer: Fellowship in the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Explanation: Upon his return to England in 1890, Captain Stairs received recognition from geographical societies, being named a Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
What is mentioned about the book 'In Darkest Africa'?
Answer: It was published in 1890 and written by Henry Morton Stanley.
Explanation: The book 'In Darkest Africa,' mentioned in the context of Stanley's expeditions, was published in 1890 and written by Henry Morton Stanley himself.
Which of the following streets in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is named after William Grant Stairs?
Answer: Stairs Place
Explanation: Both Stairs Street and Stairs Place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are named in honor of William Grant Stairs.