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. 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.
2. 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.
3. The “1989 Tiananmen Square Protests” happened in which nation?
[A] Japan
[B] North Korea
[C] South Korea
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
The “1989 Tiananmen Square Protests” happened in China. It is also known as the June Fourth Incident. This protests happened in Tiananmen Square of Beijing. The protest’s major goals were to end the corruption of the Communist Party of China; to bring democratic reforms such as freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of association and to bring economic-free market reforms in China. But, these protests were brutally suppressed by the Chinese Government which lead to the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
4. 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.
5. The “Velvet Revolution”, also known as the “Gentle Revolution”, happened in which nation/s?
[A] Italy
[B] Austria-Hungary
[C] Czech Republic-Slovakia
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Czech Republic-Slovakia]
Notes:
The Velvet Revolution was a series of peaceful protests and political changes that took place in Czechoslovakia in 1989. It began with a student demonstration in Prague on November 17th and quickly spread throughout the country, leading to the downfall of the communist government and the transition to a democratic, multiparty political system. The name “Velvet Revolution” comes from the non-violent nature of the protests, which were marked by a lack of bloodshed and violence. This peaceful transition of power is widely seen as one of the most successful examples of nonviolent resistance in history.
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. The Qin dynasty ruled during which of the following period?
[A] 206 BCE-220 AD
[B] 386-589 AD
[C] 221-206 BC
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [221-206 BC]
Notes:
The Qin dynasty was the first dynasty of Imperial China which ruled China from 221 to 206 BC. It marked the beginning of the Chinese Empire. During the reign of this dynasty, China was greatly expanded to cover the Ye lands of Hunan and Guangdong.
8. Which of the following was the new building material discovered by Romans?
[A] Bricks
[B] Marble
[C] Concrete
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Concrete]
Notes:
The new building material discovered by Romans was concrete. Roman concrete was also called opus caementicium. It was a material used in construction in Ancient Rome and was based on a hydraulic-setting cement.
9. Which of the following officially adopted Christianity as the official religion of Rome?
[A] Constantine
[B] Nero
[C] Theodosius the Great
[D] Jesus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Constantine]
Notes:
During the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great who ruled from 306 A.D. to 337 A.D., Christianity began to expand. He accepted the Christian faith and became its chief patron in his time.
10. Which of the following was chosen as the successor to Mohammed after his death?
[A] Ali
[B] Abu Bakr
[C] Husayn
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Abu Bakr]
Notes:
After Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, his friend Abu Bakr was named caliph and ruler of the Islamic community, or Ummah. Sunni Muslims believe that Abu Bakr was the proper successor, while Shia Muslims believe that Ali should have succeeded Muhammad.