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. Which was the first country in Asia to have large scale industrialization?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Japan ]
Notes:
Japan was the first country in Asia to industrialize on a large scale. Industrialization began in Japan after the fall of the Tokugawa government in 1868. Japan industrialized faster than many European countries.
Japan’s industrialization was prompted by the need to improve the nation’s defenses against foreign threats. Local clans developed industrialization by copying Western examples and using traditional craft skills. Japan’s production included steel, machinery, metal goods, and chemicals, which were produced in quantities large enough for export.
Other Asian countries that have industrialized include: South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong.
2. First World War started in which year?
[A] 1905
[B] 1911
[C] 1914
[D] 1918
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1914]
Notes:
In the year 1914 (28th July), First World War started and ended in 1918 (11th November). England, France Russia was on a side and Germany, Austria, Hungary and Turkey were on another side.
3. 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.
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. “The Pharaoh was all” was the official title of the king of which of the following civilizations?
[A] Chinese Civilization
[B] Mesopotamian Civilization
[C] Egyptian Civilization
[D] Indus-Valley Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Egyptian Civilization ]
Notes:
“The Pharaoh was all” was the official title of the king of Egyptian Civilization. His position was so much above the common people and the nobbles, that he was regarded as the son of the chief of their Gods.
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. The Chinese civilization flourished in the flat rich land drained by which of the following rivers?
1) The Hwang-ho
2) The Yang-tse-kiang
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Like other river valley civilizations, the Chinese civilization also flourished in the flat rich land through which flowed the two great rivers – the Hwang ho and the Yang tse kiang.
8. 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.
9. The Chinese made paper in which of the following year?
[A] 100 A.D.
[B] 105 A.D.
[C] 110 A.D.
[D] 115 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [105 A.D.]
Notes:
The invention of paper in ancient China was the greatest contribution to mankind. The Chinese made paper in 105 A.D. They used a brush that was made up of camel-hair for writing and painting.
10. Which of the following is NOT a Greek deity?
[A] Zeus
[B] Apollo
[C] Athena
[D] Olympus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Olympus]
Notes:
The Greeks worshipped a number of deities like Zeus, Apollo, Athena etc. Their religion was a sort of contact between the man and the God. In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is the home of the Greek gods.