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. In context with the Vietnam War, the following statements holds correct?
[A] The US backed North Vietnam side and USSR was neutral
[B] The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR was neutral
[C] The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side
[D] The US backed North Vietnam side and USSR backed South Vietnam side
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side]
Notes:
The correct answer is: “The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side.” During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the United States supported the anti-communist government of South Vietnam, while the Soviet Union provided military and economic support to the communist North Vietnam. This conflict was a important aspect of the Cold War, illustrating the global struggle between capitalism (led by the US) and communism (led by the USSR). The war resulted in millions of casualties and important geopolitical changes in Southeast Asia.
2. Which of the following conflicts was put to an end by Dayton Agreement?
[A] Algerian War
[B] Vietnam War
[C] Bosnian War
[D] Chinese Civil War
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bosnian War]
Notes:
Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) ended the Bosnian War, which was part of the Yugoslav Wars. The DPA was signed on December 1995 after months of negotiations. The war lasted three and a half years and was known for its violence and atrocities. The war resulted in about 100,000 deaths and displaced two million people. The DPA also outlined a constitutional framework for peace in Bosnia. The DPA was reached by the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. The agreement was brokered by American diplomat Richard Holbrooke. The negotiations began in the Balkans and ended in Dayton, Ohio.
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. Which nation’s army unit was the “Caravan of Death”?
[A] Iraq
[B] Libya
[C] Chile
[D] Cuba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chile]
Notes:
The Caravan of Death was the Chilean army death squad during the 1970s. It was largely in action following the Chilean Coup of 1973. This death squad targeted the country’s communist and opposition leaders. This death squad was sanctioned by the then ruler of Chile Augusto Pinochet.
5. The “Opium Wars” happened in which nation?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Venezuela
[C] Cuba
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
China was associated with the Opium Wars. Opium Wars were the group of two wars between the Qing dynasty of China and the western powers. The First Opium War (1839-1842) was between the Qing dynasty and Great Britain. The Second Opium War (1856-1860) was between the Qing dynasty and western powers such as Great Britain and France. The Qing dynasty waged war against the opium trade of western powers in China. But these wars defeated the Qing dynasty and forced it to grant various favourable terms to western powers.
6. Great Pyramid of Giza’s is located in which country?
[A] Iraq
[B] Egypt
[C] Lebanon
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Egypt ]
Notes:
The religious beliefs and inspirations held by Egyptians made them the first and foremost builders in the world. Their belief in life after death, led them to build tombs and these royal tombs were the Pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. It was built in 26th century BC and is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is located in Greater Cairo, Egypt.
7. Which of the following was a central part of the Egyptian religion?
[A] the pharaohs
[B] the afterlife
[C] the pyramids
[D] the heavens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [the afterlife]
Notes:
The concept of afterlife was a central part of the Egyptian religion. The Egyptian religious doctrines contained three afterlife ideologies, i.e., belief in an underworld, eternal life, and rebirth of the soul.
8. Which of the following reasons helped the victory of the Assyrians over Babylon?
1) Their weapons were made of iron.
2) They used horses and chariots in the war.
3) They were superior warriors, more skilled in warfare.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Assyrians owed their success to three primary factors:
1) Their weapons were made of iron.
2) They used horses and chariots in the war.
3) They were superior warriors, more skilled in warfare.
9. Which of the following kings laid the foundation of the Assyrian Empire?
[A] Shalmaneser IV
[B] TiglathPilesar III
[C] Sennacherib
[D] Assurbanipal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [TiglathPilesar III]
Notes:
Tiglath Pilesar III laid the foundation of the Assyrian Empire and ascended to the throne in 745 B.C. He introduced advanced civil, military, and political systems into the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
10. The Great Wall of China was made during the reign of which of the following ruler?
[A] King Zhuangxiang
[B] Qin Shi Huang
[C] Qin Er Shi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Qin Shi Huang]
Notes:
Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of the Great Wall of China around 221 B.C. The labor force that built the wall was made up largely of soldiers and convicts. The construction of the Great Wall of China was started in the 7th Century BC and lasted until 1878.