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. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on which date during World War-II?
[A] January 7, 1941
[B] December 20, 1941
[C] March 7, 1941
[D] December 7, 1941
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [December 7, 1941]
Notes:
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by by Japan on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu on December 7, 1941. Till that date, United States was neutral but entered into Second World War after this.
2. Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 started from which of the following countries?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Thailand
[C] Cambodia
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thailand]
Notes:
The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, also known as the “Asian Contagion,” began in Thailand. The crisis was sparked by a number of factors, including a sharp drop in global demand for the country’s exports, a high level of government and corporate debt, and speculative attacks on the Thai currency, the baht. As the crisis unfolded, it spread to other countries in the region, including Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia.
3. Which famous world leader was accused at the Rivonia Trial?
[A] Martin Luther King
[B] Subhas Chandra Bose
[C] Nelson Mandela
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nelson Mandela]
Notes:
The Rivonia Trial led to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and the others among the accused who were convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life at the Palace of Justice, Pretoria.
4. Which of the following is related to the North-South dialogue? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Developed and Developing countries
[B] Developing and Under-developed countries
[C] North and South countries of the world
[D] North and South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Developed and Developing countries]
Notes:
The North-South Dialogue refers to the process through which the developing and newly independent nations of the “third world,” engaged the industrialized countries of North America and Western Europe in negotiations over changes to the international economic system.
5. Which of the following refers to the North-South dialogue? (UPSC Prelims 1996)
[A] For reorganization of States between North India and South India
[B] For sharing economic resources between rich countries of the North and poor countries of the South
[C] Between countries of North America and South America for economic cooperation
[D] Between U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. in the field of space research
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [For sharing economic resources between rich countries of the North and poor countries of the South]
Notes:
The North-South Dialogue refers to the process through which the developing and newly independent nations of the “third world,” predominantly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, engaged the industrialized countries of North America and Western Europe in negotiations over changes to the international economic system.
6. From which of the following nations, Angola got its independence in 1975?
[A] Portugal
[B] Great Britain
[C] France
[D] Netherlands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Portugal]
Notes:
Angola was under Portuguese colonization until 1975. Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao reached the Angolan area in 1484. The Angolan War of Independence from 1961-1974 lead to overthrow of Portuguese from Angola.
7. Falkland Islands Sovereignty Dispute is a territorial dispute between two nations. Which among the following are those two nations?
[A] Argentina and Chile
[B] Argentina and United Kingdom
[C] Argentina and United States of America
[D] Argentina and France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Argentina and United Kingdom]
Notes:
Both Argentina and United Kingdom raise their claim of sovereign rights over the Falkland Islands. Since 1833, the UK is exercising control over the islands in practical terms. The dispute escalated in 1982 when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. This lead to a war when the UK retaliated which lead to its victory. Present-day Falkland Islanders prefer to identify themselves as British.
8. From which one of the following nations Barbados got its independence in 1966?
[A] United States of America
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Argentina
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
Barbados became a British colony in 1627. It was a wealthy sugar colony then. It became a British centre of African slave trade. Slave trade banned in 1817. Deep dissatisfaction against the British finally leads to the independence of Barbados from the United Kingdom in 1966.
9. From which nation Cape Verde got its independence in 1975?
[A] Spain
[B] France
[C] Portugal
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Portugal]
Notes:
Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands of Cape Verde during the 16th century. The economy of Cape Verde flourished with Atlantic Slave Trade, which eventually declined with the abolishment of the slave trade in the 19th century. Among all of these, islanders continued to campaign for independence which found success in 1975.
10. Which of the following was the first dynasty in China?
[A] Tang
[B] Xia
[C] Han
[D] Shang
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Xia]
Notes:
The Xia dynasty is the first dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography. It was the first government to emerge in ancient China and became the first to adhere to the policy of dynastic succession.