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. Which of the following is the foundation for many of the international treaties and organizations that currently shape the world after World War II?
[A] Breton Woods Agreement
[B] Atlantic Charter
[C] Bermuda Conference
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Atlantic Charter]
Notes:
The correct answer is the Atlantic Charter. Established in 1941 by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, it outlined principles for post-war peace, including self-determination and economic cooperation. This charter laid the groundwork for the United Nations and influenced many international treaties, promoting a new world order based on collective security and human rights.
3. Which of the following country’s government is known to impose Policy of Apartheid between 1948 and 1994 which curtailed rights of the black inhabitants and maintained rights of whites?
[A] Australia
[B] New Zea Land
[C] South Africa
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South Africa]
Notes:
Apartheid was a system of racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s. The National Party governed South Africa from 1948 until 1994. During this time, South Africa was a partial democracy because non-white people were barred from voting after 1958.
The Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) was a British organization that opposed the South African apartheid system. The AAM supported South Africa’s non-white population who were persecuted by the policies of apartheid.
Nelson Mandela was sworn in as President of South Africa in 1994. He was known for his internal resistance to apartheid.
4. With which of the following countries Black Power movement is related to ?
[A] United States
[B] Germany
[C] UK
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
Black Power movement was a political and social movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The movement emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, and the creation of political and cultural institutions. The movement’s advocates believed in racial pride, self-sufficiency, and equality for all people of Black and African descent. The Black Power movement was a branch of the civil rights movement and was motivated by a desire for safety and self-sufficiency. The Black Power movement began in 1966 and ended in 1975. Critics viewed Black Power organizations as separatist groups or street gangs. These critics ignored the movement’s political activism, cultural innovations, and social programs. The Black Power movement was a militant movement that advocated violence in the United States.
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. Why the Soviet Socialist Revolution on October is celebrated every year on November 7? (UPSC Prelims 1985)
[A] Lenin’s birthday falls on this date
[B] Russia’s victory over Germany coincides with this date
[C] The Provisional Government formed after the collapse of Czarist Government was overthrown on this day in 1917
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The Provisional Government formed after the collapse of Czarist Government was overthrown on this day in 1917]
Notes:
During October Revolution, urban workers began to organize into councils wherein revolutionaries criticized the provisional government and its actions. Bolshevik Red Guards forces under the Military Revolutionary Committee began the occupation of government buildings on 7 November 1917.
7. From which one of the following nations Armenia got its independence in 1991?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Portugal
[C] Soviet Union
[D] Netherlands
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Correct Answer: C [Soviet Union]
Notes:
Armenia became independent in 1991 during the dissolution of Soviet Union. On 21 September 1991, Armenians voted a referendum favouring independence of Armenia from the Soviet Union or USSR. Armenia gained independence formally on 26 December 1991.
8. Which nation’s economic history is associated with “Chicago Boys”?
[A] USA
[B] Canada
[C] Mexico
[D] Chile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chile]
Notes:
Chile’s economic history is associated with the term “Chicago Boys”. Chicago Boys were a group of Chilean economists of 1970s and 1980s, who were trained at the Department of Economics of the University of Chicago, USA. They were trained under Milton Friedman and Arnold Harberger. They were taken into various key positions of the Chilean Government from 1970 to 1990 and transformed the Chilean economy to Latin America’s best-performing economy.
9. 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.
10. Which war in the African continent is known as the “Africa’s First World War”?
[A] Uganda-Tanzania War
[B] First Congo River
[C] Yom Kippur War
[D] Six-Day War
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [First Congo River]
Notes:
First Congo War, happened from 1996 to 1997, was also known as Africa’s First World War. This war’s main aim was to overthrow the Mobutu regime of Zaire. This war happened mostly in Zaire (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo) and also spread into Sudan and Uganda. Rwandan Genocide, Corrupt dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko, economic decline of Zaire were the causes of this war. This war leads to the renaming of Zaire as the Democratic Republic of Congo.