Samantha Smith
publication date: Tuesday, January 4, 2005 (part of Round XXIV)
category: 
Humanitarianism
clue: She wondered if Russia would start a nuclear war. Is that too much to ask?
explanation: Smith was a ten-year-old American girl who wrote a letter to Russian president Yuri Andropov asking whether he would initiate a nuclear war, and she made headlines when she received a cordial response. This 1983 incident was one cultural landmark that helped bring about the end of the Cold War. more…
solved by: Amy Austin, Mike Eberhart, Dave Mitzman, Elliot Farney, Scott Horowitz, Megan Baxter, Aaron Fischer, Todd Brotsch, E. M., and Tracey Lewis
Similar Goos
Anna Pavlova
This Russian achieved her dream of being one of the greatest ballet dancers through dogged determination. Go »
Renée Cox
Your mother wouldn't recognize this controversy-courting photographer if she sat down to one final dinner with her. Go »
Mae Jemison
Whatever her accomplishments in science and education, she'll always be known as the first non-white woman in space. Go »
Mira Nair
This Indian filmmaker likes to find the humor in stormy relationships. Go »
Shania Twain
Man! I hope this goo doesn't impress you much. Go »
