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. Who among the following wrote “The Communist Manifesto” along with Karl Marx?
[A] Emile Durkheim
[B] Friedrich Engeles
[C] Robert Owen
[D] Max Weber
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Friedrich Engeles]
Notes:
On February 21, 1848, The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx with the assistance of Friedrich Engels, is published in London by a group of German-born revolutionary socialists known as the Communist League.
3. The “1911 Revolution” happened in which nation?
[A] Japan
[B] North Korea
[C] South Korea
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
The 1911 Revolution is also known as the Chinese Revolution or the Xinhai Revolution. This revolution overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty, the Qing dynasty. This revolution leads to the abdication of Puyi, the last imperial ruler of China; end of imperial China; establishment of the Republic of China. This revolution happened from 10 October 1911 to 12 February 1912.
4. Which two nations were involved in “Ping-pong Diplomacy”?
[A] China and North Korea
[B] North Korea and United States of America
[C] China and United States of America
[D] Japan and United States of America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China and United States of America]
Notes:
The diplomatic relations between China and the United States of America of the early 1970s were known as “Ping-pong Diplomacy”. Ping-pong is the Chinese word of Table Tennis. It involves the exchange of table tennis players between the United States of America and China in the early 1970s. This particular gesture boosted the Sino-American Relations with the visit of President Richard Nixon to Beijing in 1972.
5. Which war in the African continent is known as the “Great War of Africa”?
[A] Sudan-South Sudan Border War of 2012
[B] Uganda-Tanzania War
[C] Second Congo War
[D] Central African Republic Civil War
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Second Congo War]
Notes:
Second Congo War which happened between 1998 and 2003 was known as the Great War of Africa or the Great African War. This war was started as a result of the expulsion of Rwandan and Ugandan army forces from the land of Congo. This war resulted in a military stalemate in which all Rwandan forces were asked to withdraw from the land of Congo through the Pretoria Accord.
6. “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.
7. Who said “Egypt is the gift of Nile”?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Sallust
[C] Aristotle
[D] Arrian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Herodotus]
Notes:
Herodotus had said that “Egypt is the gift of the Nile.” The Egyptian Civilization began to flourish almost about 10,000 B.C. in the fertile valley of river Nile. The Egyptians worshiped Nile as God.
8. Which of the following was the world’s earliest form of paper that was invented by the Egyptians?
[A] Hieroglyphics
[B] Papyrus
[C] Cuneiform
[D] Bone Script
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hieroglyphics]
Notes:
Hieroglyphics was the world’s earliest form of paper that was invented by the Egyptians. All the sacred literatures of Egyptians were written in hieroglyphics which were in the form of some signs, each sign representing some expression.
9. Which of the following had invented a type of water-clock to measure time?
[A] Sumerians
[B] Assyrian
[C] Akkadian
[D] Babylonian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sumerians]
Notes:
The Sumerians invented a type of water-clock which was used to measure time. They counted their twelve months of the year by observing the decrease and increase in the shadow of the moon.
10. 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.