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. The term “two-state solution", sometimes seen in news, would settle dispute between:
[A] India and Pakistan
[B] Israel and Palestine
[C] China and Taiwan
[D] Ukraine and Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Israel and Palestine]
Notes:
The two-state solution refers to a solution of Israeli-Palestinian conflict which calls for “two states for two groups of people.” The two-state solution envisages independent State of Palestine as a single democratic country alongside the State of Israel.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. From which nation Cape Verde got its independence in 1975?
[A] Spain
[B] France
[C] Portugal
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Portugal]
Notes:
Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands of Cape Verde during the 16th century. The economy of Cape Verde flourished with Atlantic Slave Trade, which eventually declined with the abolishment of the slave trade in the 19th century. Among all of these, islanders continued to campaign for independence which found success in 1975.
5. 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.
6. Which city was the capital of “Free France” between 1940 and 1943?
[A] London
[B] Algiers
[C] Brazzaville
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brazzaville]
Notes:
Brazzaville was the capital of “Free France” between 1940 and 1943 during the period of World War II when France was under the occupation of Germany, under Axis Powers. It was the decision of the Empire Defence Council to designate Brazzaville, the capital of French Equatorial Africa, as the administrative seat of Free France. It was ratified by the Barzaville Manifesto.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Which of the following were the first inventors of the Mariner’s compass?
[A] Spainish
[B] Greek
[C] Chinese
[D] Persian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chinese]
Notes:
The Chinese were the first inventors of the Mariner’s compass. It was invented in China during the rule of the Han Dynasty between the 2nd century BC and 1st century AD.