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 one of the following is the underground army of the African National Congress?
[A] Unkhonto
[B] Kwazulu
[C] Xhosa
[D] Ulundi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Unkhonto]
Notes:
Umkhonto meaning “Spear of the Nation” was the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), co-founded by Nelson Mandela in the wake of the Sharpeville massacre.
3. Which one of the following was used as a chemical weapon in the First World War?
[A] Carbon monoxide
[B] Hydrogen cyanide
[C] Mustard gas
[D] Water gas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mustard gas]
Notes:
Although the Germans were the first to use phosgene on the battlefield, it became the primary chemical weapon of the Allies. Phosgene was responsible for 85% of chemical-weapons fatalities during World War I. Mustard gas, a potent blistering agent, was dubbed King of the Battle Gases.
4. Which nation is associated with the “Quiet Revolution” of the 1960s?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Canada]
Notes:
Quiet Revolution of the 1960s is a series of socio-political and socio-cultural change and movements in Canada. It involves the secularization of the government, the creation of state-run welfare state, more importance to federalist and sovereignty of Canada. This all leads to the election of a pro-sovereignty government in 1976.
5. The ‘ziggurats’ in Sumerian Civilization refers to which of the following?
[A] Prison
[B] Meeting hall
[C] Schools
[D] Temples
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Temples]
Notes:
The ‘ziggurats’ in Sumerian Civilization refers to temples. The temples were even storeyed and pyramidical in structure. The Sumerians knew the art of constructing the arch and the’ dome.
6. The Shang dynasty ruled during which of the following period?
[A] 1046-256 BC
[B] 1600-1050 BC
[C] 221-206 BC
[D] 206 BCE-220 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1600-1050 BC]
Notes:
The Shang dynasty is the earliest recorded Chinese dynasty supported by archaeological evidence. The Shang dynasty ruled china from 1600 B. C. to 1050 B. C. Under the Shang dynasty, there were advances in maths, astronomy, art, and military technology.
7. Which of the following is responsible for building a city-sized mausoleum for himself?
[A] Qin Shi Huang
[B] King Zhuangxiang
[C] Qin Er Shi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Qin Shi Huang]
Notes:
Qin Shi Huang became China’s first emperor when he was 38 after conquering all of the other Warring States and unified all of China in 221 BC. He was also responsible for building a city-sized mausoleum for himself, guarded by the life-sized Terracotta Army.
8. Which of the following compiled ‘Encyclopedia of Astronomy’?
[A] Cloudius Ptolemy
[B] Galen
[C] Celsus
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cloudius Ptolemy ]
Notes:
Cloudius Ptolemy who was an astronomer was the author of ‘Encyclopedia of Astronomy’. He also displayed his knowledge in geography and was the first map-maker of the world.
9. Which of the following was the new building material discovered by Romans?
[A] Bricks
[B] Marble
[C] Concrete
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Concrete]
Notes:
The new building material discovered by Romans was concrete. Roman concrete was also called opus caementicium. It was a material used in construction in Ancient Rome and was based on a hydraulic-setting cement.
10. Which of the following was the first Roman emperor?
[A] Julian
[B] Augustus
[C] Tiberius
[D] Epicurus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Augustus]
Notes:
Augustus was the first Roman emperor. He was a Roman statesman and a military leader who became the first emperor of the Roman Empire. He reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.