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. Kemal Ataturk is known as founder and builder of Modern_______?
[A] Turkey
[B] Georgia
[C] Syria
[D] Kuwait
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Turkey]
Notes:
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk also known as Mustafa Kemal Pasha (died 1938) was a Turkish leader and founder of Republic of Turkey. He is known for numerous progressive reforms that modernized Turkey into a secular, industrializing nation.
2. Which among the following date in world history is known as D-day, a date also known as of Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord ?
[A] 3 March 1943
[B] 6 March 1943
[C] 6 June 1944
[D] 6 June 1945
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6 June 1944]
Notes:
The correct answer is 6 June 1944. This date is known as D-Day, marking the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Operation Neptune was the naval component of the larger Operation Overlord, which aimed to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation. D-Day involved the largest amphibious assault in history, with over 156,000 troops landing on five beachheads in Normandy. The success of this operation was pivotal in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.
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. Ping Pong Diplomacy of early 1970s is related to which among the following two countries?
[A] China and Russia
[B] China & Japan
[C] China & United States
[D] China & India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China & United States]
Notes:
Ping pong diplomacy refers to the brief thaw in relations between the United States and China in the early 1970s, which was facilitated in part by the exchange of table tennis players between the two countries. In April 1971, a group of American table tennis players visited China for a tournament, and the Chinese government invited them to stay for several days. This marked the first time in more than 20 years that Americans had been allowed to visit China. The visit was followed by several high-level diplomatic meetings between the two countries, which ultimately led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and China in 1979.
5. Which of the following refers to the North-South dialogue? (UPSC Prelims 1983)
[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 nation Benin got its independence in 1960?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] Portugal
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
From the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century Portuguese Empire had a colonial presence in Benin. The Portuguese empire was engaged in the massive slave trade with Benin. This continued till the abolition of slavery through the Slave Trade Act, 1807 which weakened Benin’s (previously Dahomey) status. This lead to the emergence of French power in Benin’s soil during the mid-19th century. And finally, due to the anti-colonial stand of Beninese during the later years, France was forced to independence to Benin in 1960.
7. Egyptian Civilization flourished around which of the following rivers?
[A] Congo river
[B] Nile river
[C] Niger river
[D] Zambezi river
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nile river]
Notes:
The Egyptian Civilization began to flourish almost about 10,000 B.C. around the fertile valley of river Nile. The Nile river acted as the principal source of life and prosperity of the civilization.
8. Which of the following are also known as “farmers of forty centuries”?
[A] Romans
[B] Greeks
[C] Chinese
[D] Mesopotamian’s
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chinese]
Notes:
The yellow river cause devastating floods in china and thus Chinese conditioned themselves well to meet this annual calamity. They used the dykes, canals, etc to control the floods and became good farmers. They came to be known as “farmers of forty centuries”.
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 civilizations invented Tea?
[A] Greek
[B] Chinese
[C] English
[D] French
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chinese]
Notes:
According to Chinese legend, the history of tea began in 2737 B.C.E. The Emperor Shen Nong accidentally discovered Tea when a leaf from an overhanging wild tea tree drifted into his pot of boiling water.