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 Prime Minister is known for his “Iron Curtain Speech”?
[A] Clement Attlee
[B] Neville Chamberlain
[C] Winston Churchill
[D] Herbert Morrison
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Winston Churchill]
Notes:
One of the most famous speeches of the Cold War period in which former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill condemns the Soviet Union’s policies in Europe is also called as Iron Curtain Speech.
3. Which among the following was the immediate result of the Velvet Revolution of 1989 in Czechoslovakia ?
[A] It ended the authoritative rule & first democratic elections were held
[B] The country was peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia
[C] Czechoslovakia was turned into a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and Slovak Socialist Republic
[D] The economy of the country got devastated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It ended the authoritative rule & first democratic elections were held]
Notes:
The Velvet Revolution of 1989 was a series of peaceful protests and political events that took place in Czechoslovakia, leading to the overthrow of the Communist government and the transition to a democratic system. The Velvet Revolution, which is also known as the Gentle Revolution, began in November 1989 with a student demonstration in Prague, which was met with a violent response from the government. This sparked widespread protests and strikes, which quickly spread across the country and put pressure on the government to reform. After weeks of protests and negotiations, the Communist leadership was forced to resign, and a new government was formed. The Velvet Revolution is considered to be one of the key events of the collapse of the Communist bloc in Eastern Europe.
4. The term Rose Revolution refers to the change of power in which among the following countries?
[A] Croatia
[B] Syria
[C] Georgia
[D] Kyrgyzstan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Georgia]
Notes:
The Revolution of Roses, also known as the Rose Revolution was a pro-Western peaceful change of power in Georgia in November 2003.
5. Which one of the following was the “immediate cause” or the “spark” for the start of World War I?
[A] Imperialistic tendencies and competition among the European countries.
[B] Militarism of Germany and Russia.
[C] Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
[D] Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.]
Notes:
The immediate cause of World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. In June 1914, a Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke and his wife to take revenge against the occupation of Bosnia-Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary. immediately, after the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared the war over Serbia. This further leads to alliance nations declaring war between themselves, caused WW I.
6. Identify the infamous “Slave Coast” of the African continent from the following:
[A] Gulf of Aden coast from Somalia to the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique.
[B] Bight of Benin coast of Gulf of Guinea between Volta River and Lagos lagoon.
[C] South African coast to the coast of St. Helena Bay.
[D] Coast of western North Atlantic Ocean from Western Sahara to Liberia.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bight of Benin coast of Gulf of Guinea between Volta River and Lagos lagoon.]
Notes:
“Slave Coast” lies in the Western African Bight of Benin coast of Gulf of Guinea located between Volta River and Lagos Lagoon. This region witnessed massive Atlantic Slave Trade from the early 16t century to the late 19th century. Germans, Danes, French, Portuguese, Swedish and Spanish made all efforts to enforce their supremacy in this coast to get a larger chunk of the slave trade.
7. The “Cultural genocide of Uyghurs” happened in which nation?
[A] Turkey
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Iraq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China is associated with the Cultural genocide of Uyghurs. In 21st century, the Chinese Government adopted a policy of sinicization to propagate among the Xinjiang regions. This particular policy subjects Uyghurs to participate in state-sponsored re-education camps, suppression of Uyghur religious practices and forced sterilization and contraception of Uyghurs.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Which of the following was also known as Mycenaean civilization?
[A] Mesopotamian
[B] Greek
[C] Chinese
[D] Harappan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Greek]
Notes:
Greek civilization was named after the legendary king Minos of Crete (Minoan Civilization). Sometimes it was referred to as Mycenaean civilization, after a city called Mycenae, which the Cretans had built.