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 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.
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. 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.
4. Great Purge, a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution is related to which of the following countries?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] USA
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
It`s worth note that Abaninath Mukherji or Abani Mukherji, who was one of the cofounders of Communist Party of India was a victim of the Great Purge, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin in 1936-1938. It was a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union. Abani Mukherji died in Soviet Union in 1937 when he was executed and his death was acknowledged only after 1955
5. Who among the following wrote “The Communist Manifesto” along with Karl Marx? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[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.
6. Second World War started in which year?
[A] 1939
[B] 1945
[C] 1947
[D] 1949
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1939]
Notes:
In the year 1939 (3rd September), Second World War started. It ended in 1945.
7. 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.
8. Which nation’s army unit was the “Caravan of Death”?
[A] Iraq
[B] Libya
[C] Chile
[D] Cuba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chile]
Notes:
The Caravan of Death was the Chilean army death squad during the 1970s. It was largely in action following the Chilean Coup of 1973. This death squad targeted the country’s communist and opposition leaders. This death squad was sanctioned by the then ruler of Chile Augusto Pinochet.
9. 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.
10. Which of the following civilizations flourished between the rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates?
[A] Mesopotamian Civilization
[B] Harrapan Civilization
[C] Chinese Civilization
[D] Egyptian Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mesopotamian Civilization ]
Notes:
The ancient Mesopotamian points to the land between the rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. Its modern name is Iraq. The civilization flourished here almost at the same time with the Egyptian civilization.