Can You Name All of These World Leader Duos From an Image?


By: Gavin Thagard

7 Min Quiz

Image: Carol M. Highsmith via WikiCommons

About This Quiz

It takes a lot to be effective in a leadership role, and even more so when that role is expanded to the world stage. That is why the greatest leaders never embrace their role alone. Whether it was evident that someone was working behind the scenes or if a pairing was publicly sharing responsibilities, these world leader duos left their mark on history, be it good or bad. 

What exactly does it take to work with another leader on the world stage, though? Some of these pairings balanced each other out — one was the perfect fit to make up for the shortcomings of the other. However, not all of these duos got along. Sometimes a partnership was based more on necessity and a desire for power than on mutual respect and understanding. In the end, they made it work — for a time at least.

Are you going to be able to identify all of the duos this quiz throws at you? From ancient warriors to powerful monarchs and even recent politicians, this quiz covers an array of leaders throughout history, so expect a variety of personalities to be thrown your way. 

If you're ready, get started and see if you can conquer this quiz on your own.

A vice president can be just as influential as a president, as evidenced by which two politicians shown here?

After John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became the 36th president of the United States. Johnson carried over many of Kennedy's policies while also calling for the creation of a "Great Society."


How well do you know these two political activists who helped bring an end to apartheid in South Africa?

Fearing a rebellion, the South African government arrested Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and others who were part of the armed group known as Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). The arrested were found guilty of sabotage at the Rivonia Trial and served over 25 years in prison.


At times, the first lady has been as influential as the president of the United States. Name this couple who once occupied the White House?

As Bill Clinton's second presidential term came to an end, Hillary Clinton ran for and won a seat in the Senate. She would later serve as secretary of state under Barack Obama after losing the 2008 Democratic primary. She ran for the presidency again in 2016 but lost that year as well.


Can you identify these arch enemies who worked together to help bring an end to the Cold War?

By the time Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met in 1985, the nuclear arms race was at its height, and neither side budged during that first meeting. The two sides met a year later, and though no formal agreement was reached, the meeting is credited with cooling tensions and opening positive dialogue between the two powers.


Before bringing an end to the Roman Republic, who served Rome as a consul beside their friend, and who was that friend?

Julius Caesar and Marcus Crassus formed the First Triumvirate, a political pact, with Pompey the Great in 60 B.C. Crassus' death brought an end to the pact, leading to a war between Caesar and Pompey that resulted in Caesar's rise to power.


This president and future president were instrumental in winning the American Civil War. Who are they?

Abraham Lincoln went through several generals in the Civil War, but he was dissatisfied with them all because they failed to secure a definitive victory against the Confederacy. That was until Ulysses S. Grant came along — a soldier who Lincoln realized was willing to fight.


Can you identify this president and vice president who worked in tandem rather than against one another?

Near the end of his second term in office, Barack Obama rewarded Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The ceremony, which took place in 2017, was a complete surprise to Biden — he didn't know he was receiving the honor until the end of Obama's emotional speech.


The history of France would have been shaped differently if not for which two important leaders depicted here?

Louis-Alexandre Berthier gained Napoleon Bonaparte's support and ear after serving the French leader loyally during his campaigns in Italy and Egypt. Berthier remained by Bonaparte's side until Bonaparte was forced to abdicate the throne in 1814. Bonaparte returned the following year, but Berthier was mysteriously killed, ending their partnership.


The Communist Party of the Soviet Union might not have gained full control of Russia if not for which two leaders shown here?

As the elder statesman of Russia, Vladimir Lenin held a deep disdain for Joseph Stalin, the young politician on the rise. However, despite this tension, the two leaders crafted Russia into a superpower that rivaled the United States during the Cold War.


Identify these rulers who weren't afraid to send Christopher Columbus across the sea?

Queen Isabella and Prince Ferdinand united Aragon and Castile, becoming the first monarchs of a united Spain. As Catholic rulers, they initiated the Inquisition to find and kill any heretics residing in their country.


Not every duo has good intentions. What's the name of this duo who killed millions during their time in power?

Heinrich Himmler is often credited with encouraging Adolf Hitler to begin the racial purification of Germany by killing off other races, particularly Jews. Himmler was instrumental in either imprisoning or forcing Jews out of occupied territories and replacing them with German settlers.


This king and queen of England caused havoc across Europe when they decided to marry. What are their names?

Before Henry VIII could marry Anne Boleyn, he had to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. However, Pope Clement VII refused to annul their marriage, which forced Henry to separate from the Catholic Church. This resulted in the start of the English Reformation.


These Founding Fathers were instrumental in establishing the federal government's role in financial policies. Who are they?

As the first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton served an important role during George Washington's presidency. In this position, Hamilton was instrumental in establishing the national bank, which he believed was a necessary financial institution for a developing country.


Sometimes the relationship between two leaders is based more on their ideology than on their personal relationship. How well do you know these leaders who shared an ideology?

Martin Luther King Jr. was only 19 years old when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. However, despite never meeting, the pair made the perfect match when King started implementing Gandhi's approach to change through nonviolent resistance. Both men had a profound impact on the world, but their lives ended the same.


Religious figures have influenced rulers for centuries. Are you familiar with this religious zealot and the leader he influenced?

Grigori Rasputin's influence over Nicholas II was viewed negatively across Russia, which had fallen on hard times after losing a series of battles in World War I. Rasputin was assassinated by Russian nobles. Still, the move was too late, as the Romanov dynasty was already on the verge of collapse.


Are you familiar with these Founding Fathers who shaped an entire political party in the early years of the United States?

The relationship between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison developed while Jefferson was serving as the Governor of Virginia and Madison on the Council of State. Needing the council to pass legislation, Jefferson worked beside Madison on a daily basis, building a friendship that would shape the country.


WWII might have been lost by the Allies if not for the resilience of which two statesmen shown here?

At the start of WWII, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt fought two completely different battles. Churchill inspired British subjects to remain firm while Germany took the European mainland, and Roosevelt tried to gain support for the war in the United States. Neither leader would be in power by the end of the war, but their efforts helped secure the victory.


Italy was run by which two rulers depicted here during WWII?

Fearing the effects of civil unrest in Italy following WWI, Victor Emmanuel III appointed Benito Mussolini as Prime Minister after he led the March on Rome. However, as it became clear that Italy would fall in WWII, Emmanuel removed Mussolini in 1943 and established a separate government until the war was over.


Vietnam might still be divided if not for these two leaders. Who are they?

Pham Van Dong first met Ho Chi Minh when he traveled to China in 1926 to study communist theory at the Huangpu Military Academy. The two eventually returned to Vietnam to fight for independence by establishing a coalition known as the Viet Minh.


Who are these two leaders that led the First War of Scottish Independence?

Following his victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, William Wallace was recognized as the Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland. He was defeated a year later at the Battle of Falkirk. After this defeat, he lent his support to Robert the Bruce, the future King of Scotland.


Can you name these leaders who helped reunify China after the fall of the Qing dynasty?

As a member of the Kuomintang, Chiang Kai-shek served as a lieutenant under Sun Yat-sen as they sought to bring down the Beiyang government. Chiang would eventually lead China to reunification after the death of Sun in 1925.


Japan was led into the horrors of WWII by these leaders. Can you name them?

Asserting that he was merely a puppet, Emperor Hirohito took little blame for the events that occurred during WWII and was not prosecuted for war crimes. Hideki Tojo, on the other hand, was credited with instigating much of the conflict and executed for his involvement.


How well do you know this philosophical leader and the ruler he influenced?

Aristotle spent seven years tutoring Alexander the Great in Greek philosophy, helping Alexander transition from a boy into a philosopher-king. Alexander was so enamored by his tutor that he spread Aristotle's work across the regions he conquered.


Prior to WWII, the Philippines were shaped by which two leaders shown here?

Manuel Quezon is recognized as the second president of the Philippines, a position he held from 1935 until his death in 1944. During this time, he built a relationship with Douglas MacArthur, who he appointed Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. MacArthur is the only person ever to hold this title.


The private and public life of married rulers can be complicated, to say the least. Can you name this royal couple who struggled with these two sides of their relationship?

Though there are conflicting views on how they actually felt about each other, mainly based around Albert's desire for power, Queen Victoria was greatly affected by his death in 1861. His death caused her to seclude herself from the public, and the crown suffered for a bit because of it.


Though they didn't always work together, which rulers depicted here unified Japan?

Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu were prominent samurai during the end of the Sengoku period, a time of constant warfare in Japan. The two managed to put aside their differences to unify the country, but after the death of Hideyoshi, Ieyasu seized power and established the Tokugawa Shogunate.


Select the name of this emperor and empress whose fondness for one another led to the construction of one of the most important monuments in history?

Though not his first wife, Mumtaz Mahal was the favorite consort of Shah Jahan. To his dismay, she died early, at the age of 38, while giving birth to their 14th child. To honor her, Jahan commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal.


Letters were instrumental in this couple's relationship during their time in the White House. Do you recognize them?

Primarily due to her advisory role to John Adams, Abigail Adams is viewed as one of the most prominent first ladies in U.S. history. The letters they exchanged expressed much of their political connection and just how important she was in policymaking during Adams' presidency.


Religion and state have worked well together at times. Identify this religious figure and the king he crowned?

Fearing opposition within Rome, Pope Leo III sought an alliance with an empire powerful enough to defend him against his enemies. His desire for protection led the pope to crown Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor, reestablishing a form of Roman influence in Western Europe.


What two kings shown here put their differences aside to take part in the Third Crusade?

After growing ill, Philip II of France was forced to abandon the Third Crusade, though he did leave forces behind to help Richard I of England. Richard gained a considerable amount of fame due to his victories in the crusade, but he never reconquered Jerusalem.


These two leaders shaped China into the nation it is today. Who are they?

Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai were two of the early leaders of the Communist Party of China, which they spent their lives building up. They went on to become the top officials in the People's Republic of China when it was established in 1949.


Are you able to identify this emperor and empress whose influence in the Qing dynasty went back and forth?

Zaitian, who became the Guangxu Emperor, obtained the throne at the request of Empress Dowager Cixi. However, even after he came of age, the empress continued to push her influence, which eventually led the empress to stage a coup to reassert her power in 1898.


Are you familiar with the king and queen who co-reigned over England, Scotland and Ireland in the 17th century?

During their reign, William III and Mary II moved from Whitehall to Hampton Court, which upset others in the government due to its location. To answer these concerns, the two decided to purchase a house in Kensington from the Earl of Nottingham, which they turned into their personal palace.


Do you recognize these two generals who helped the Parliamentarians win the English Civil War?

Parliamentarians were fed up with the governorship of King Charles I, who had excluded Parliament's advice for over a decade. Their displeasure with the king led to the English Civil War, which ended with a Parliamentarian victory. The two most prominent leaders to come out of this war were Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax.


The Eastern Orthodox Church recognized both of these leaders as saints. Are you familiar with them?

Theodora was the wife of Justinian I, who served as the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. According to some records, she was also his co-regent. Whether she was co-regent or not, her influence was substantial, particularly when it came to women's rights. She helped women with many issues, including prostitution, divorce and property ownership.


The relationship between the prime minister of England and the monarchy has been shaky at times, but which two leaders here managed to work it out?

For a king and prime minister who lost the English colonies in the American Revolution, one might think they would blame one another. However, Frederick North's handling of other issues like the treasury and the Church of England earned him the favor of King George III.


Name these two key figures from the First Crusade?

When the Turks captured Anatolia from the Byzantine Empire, the Byzantine emperor reached out to the rest of Europe to aid in the conflict. Pope Urban II echoed this request at the Council of Clermont, calling for a retaking of the Holy Land. Peter the Hermit was one of the first leaders to answer the call.


Do you recognize these two leaders who played a role in Greece's victory over Persia?

History teaches about Leonidas' stand at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, where he led a small group of Greek soldiers for three days against the overwhelming forces of Persia. However, what's often left out is that Themistocles also engaged in a naval battle with the Persians at this time that helped the Greeks organize for the coming assault.


Love can often create a strong partnership. Do you recognize these leaders whose reign ended in tragedy?

After losing the Battle of Actium, Mark Antony and Cleopatra were forced to retreat to Egypt, where they were pursued by Octavian as he sought to eliminate anyone who stood against him. In Egypt, incorrectly believing Cleopatra to be dead, Antony took his own life. Cleopatra soon followed suit.


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