World History MCQs
World History Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient World History, Medieval World History and Modern World History for various UPSC, PCS and other Competitive Examinations.
1. During the World War -II which among the following was not a major Axis Power?
[A] Germany
[B] Japan
[C] Hungary
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
The Axis powers during the World War-II included Italy, Germany and Japan. They were also known collectively as “Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis”. These three nations fought the WW-II against the allies but without any strong coordination between three of them. The major Allied Powers were Britain, France, Russia, and the United States. Thus, France was an allied power and not axis power.
2. Bandung Conference which was an important step toward the crystallization of the Non-Aligned Movement was organized by Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent. Which among the following participant of the Bandung Conference in 1955, was not an independent state at that time?
[A] Ceylon
[B] Cyprus
[C] Laos
[D] Liberia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cyprus]
Notes:
Please note that Cyprus got independence in 1960, after an agreement in Zurich and London between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey
3. From which nation Benin got its independence in 1960?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] Portugal
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
From the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century Portuguese Empire had a colonial presence in Benin. The Portuguese empire was engaged in the massive slave trade with Benin. This continued till the abolition of slavery through the Slave Trade Act, 1807 which weakened Benin’s (previously Dahomey) status. This lead to the emergence of French power in Benin’s soil during the mid-19th century. And finally, due to the anti-colonial stand of Beninese during the later years, France was forced to independence to Benin in 1960.
4. From which nation Djibouti gained independence in 1977?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Spain
[C] France
[D] Belgium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France]
Notes:
Djibouti gained independence from France in 1977. In 1883, French Somaliland was established when France signed treaties with Sultans of Somali and Afars. It was subsequently renamed to the French territory of Afars and the Issas in 1967. In 1977, people of Djibouti voted a referendum for independence from France. This officially leads to the establishment of Republic of Djibouti.
5. Which of the following called themselves as ‘Hellens’?
[A] Chinese
[B] Mesopotamians
[C] Greeks
[D] Romans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Greeks]
Notes:
The Greeks originlly called themselves as ‘Hellens’, but the Romans called them as ‘Greeks’ and the world has adopted the name Greeks from the Romans.
6. Which of the following region came to be known as ‘Magna Grecia’ or Greater Greece?
[A] Arabian
[B] Persian
[C] Mediterranean
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mediterranean ]
Notes:
Naval competition with ancient Phonicians turned the Greeks into good mariners. Gradually they were able to conquere and colonize the whole of the Mediterranean region. This region came to be known as ‘Magna Grecia’ or Greater Greece.
7. Which of the following wrote ‘Iliad’ and the ‘Odyssey’ ?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Sappho
[C] Homer
[D] Hesoid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Homer]
Notes:
Homer wrote the ‘Iliad’ and the ‘Odyssey’ in the 7th century B.C. The subject matter of ‘Iliad’ is the Spartan victory over Troy after a decade-long war, as well as the exploits of their legendary hero, Achilles whereas the ‘Odyssey’ describes the adventurous return journey of Odysseus from Troy.
8. Which of the following ransacked Rome 455 A.D.?
[A] Huns
[B] Vandals
[C] Visigoths
[D] Byzantines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Visigoths]
Notes:
Rome was ransacked by the Vandals in 455 A.D. While the Vandals did sack Rome, they spared most of the city’s inhabitants and did not burn down its buildings.
9. Which of the following were sent to preach Christianity to the world?
[A] Disciples
[B] Priests
[C] Bishops
[D] Apostles
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Apostles]
Notes:
In Christian theology, Apostles, particularly the Twelve Apostles which are also known as the Twelve Disciples were the primary disciples of Jesus according to the New Testament. After the death of Jesus, these Twelve Apostles helped to spread Christianity.
10. Which of the following officially adopted Christianity as the official religion of Rome?
[A] Constantine
[B] Nero
[C] Theodosius the Great
[D] Jesus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Constantine]
Notes:
During the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great who ruled from 306 A.D. to 337 A.D., Christianity began to expand. He accepted the Christian faith and became its chief patron in his time.
