Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Canada
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Commonwealth Games are a major multi sport event involving athletes from member countries of the Commonwealth. They were originally known as the British Empire Games when first held in 1930. Questions about the origin of the Games, including the first host country, are popular in exams that test general knowledge of international sports history. This question asks you to recall which country hosted the inaugural edition in 1930.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The concept is historical recall of host cities and countries of major multi sport events. The first British Empire Games, later known as the Commonwealth Games, were held in Hamilton, a city in Canada, in 1930. Australia, England, and New Zealand have also hosted later editions of the Games, but the very first hosting honour belongs to Canada. The approach is to link the year 1930 and the British Empire Games with Hamilton, Canada, and thus select Canada from the options provided.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the first Commonwealth Games were called the British Empire Games in 1930.
Step 2: Recall that these inaugural Games were held in the city of Hamilton.
Step 3: Identify the country in which Hamilton is located, which is Canada.
Step 4: Review the options and see that Australia, England, and New Zealand are also Commonwealth countries but did not host the first Games.
Step 5: Choose Canada as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by remembering common exam facts: 1930 Hamilton, Canada is frequently mentioned as the starting point of the Commonwealth Games movement. Later editions rotated to other Commonwealth nations, including England, Australia, and New Zealand. If you link the earliest year, 1930, with Canada, and later years with other hosts, it becomes easier to avoid confusion. Also, many GK tables explicitly list 1930 as Hamilton, Canada, confirming that Canada is the right choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Australia: Australia has hosted several successful Commonwealth Games editions, but not the inaugural 1930 Games.
England: England has also hosted the Commonwealth Games, for example in London and later in other cities, but did not host the first edition in 1930.
New Zealand: Another active Commonwealth Games participant and later host, but not the country where the first Games were held.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to guess England or Australia because they are prominent Commonwealth nations and frequent hosts of international events. Another pitfall is to forget that Hamilton is in Canada and not in England or elsewhere. To avoid these issues, memorise the simple pair: first Commonwealth (British Empire) Games, 1930, Hamilton, Canada. Keeping this compact association in mind allows you to quickly answer any question about the first host country.
Final Answer:
The first Commonwealth Games in 1930 were held in Canada, so option D is correct.
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