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.
21. Which of the following was the first Axis power to surrender in World War II?
[A] Germany
[B] Italy
[C] Japan
[D] None of the above
[B] Italy
[C] Japan
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Notes:
Italy was the first Axis power which give up in World War II. It surrendered to the Allies on September 8, 1943, six weeks after leaders of the Italian Fascist Party deposed Benito Mussolini who was Fascist leader and Italian dictator.
Italy was the first Axis power which give up in World War II. It surrendered to the Allies on September 8, 1943, six weeks after leaders of the Italian Fascist Party deposed Benito Mussolini who was Fascist leader and Italian dictator.
22. The “23rd July Revolution” happened in which country?
[A] Egypt
[B] Iran
[C] France
[D] Russia
[B] Iran
[C] France
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [Egypt]
Notes:
The Egyptian revolution of 1952, also known as the 1952 Coup d’état or 23 July revolution, began on 23 July 1952, by the Free Officers Movement, a group of army officers led by Mohammed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. The revolution was initially aimed at overthrowing King Farouk. However, the movement had more political ambitions and soon moved to abolish the constitutional monarchy and aristocracy of Egypt and Sudan, establish a republic, end the British occupation of the country, and secure the independence of Sudan (previously governed as an Anglo-Egyptian condominium). The revolutionary government adopted a staunchly nationalist, anti-imperialist agenda, which came to be expressed chiefly through Arab nationalism, and international non-alignment. The result of this revolution was that end of the rule of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, the establishment of the Republic of Egypt, end of British occupation of Egypt, beginning of the Nasser era, revolutionary wave across the Arab world, beginning of the Arab Cold War.
The Egyptian revolution of 1952, also known as the 1952 Coup d’état or 23 July revolution, began on 23 July 1952, by the Free Officers Movement, a group of army officers led by Mohammed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. The revolution was initially aimed at overthrowing King Farouk. However, the movement had more political ambitions and soon moved to abolish the constitutional monarchy and aristocracy of Egypt and Sudan, establish a republic, end the British occupation of the country, and secure the independence of Sudan (previously governed as an Anglo-Egyptian condominium). The revolutionary government adopted a staunchly nationalist, anti-imperialist agenda, which came to be expressed chiefly through Arab nationalism, and international non-alignment. The result of this revolution was that end of the rule of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, the establishment of the Republic of Egypt, end of British occupation of Egypt, beginning of the Nasser era, revolutionary wave across the Arab world, beginning of the Arab Cold War.
23. Which country was the location of the event “Storming of the Bastille”?
[A] Canada
[B] Russia
[C] Germany
[D] France
[B] Russia
[C] Germany
[D] France
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
“Storming of the Bastille” event was the major turning point of the French Revolution, which happened on 14 July 1789 in Paris, the capital city of France. Bastille was a medieval armory, fortress, and political prison which represented royal authority and a symbol of the French monarchy’s abuse of power. Revolutionaries saw the fall of the Bastille as a flashing point of the French Revolution. France celebrates every year on 14 July as the Bastille Day, which is their national day. The French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of Bastille (Bastille Day) on 14 July 1789.
“Storming of the Bastille” event was the major turning point of the French Revolution, which happened on 14 July 1789 in Paris, the capital city of France. Bastille was a medieval armory, fortress, and political prison which represented royal authority and a symbol of the French monarchy’s abuse of power. Revolutionaries saw the fall of the Bastille as a flashing point of the French Revolution. France celebrates every year on 14 July as the Bastille Day, which is their national day. The French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of Bastille (Bastille Day) on 14 July 1789.
24. Which country conducted the “Red Army invasion of Georgia”?
[A] Germany
[B] Russia
[C] Turkey
[D] Iran
[B] Russia
[C] Turkey
[D] Iran
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
The Red Army invasion of Georgia (15 February – 17 March 1921), also known as the Soviet–Georgian War or the Soviet invasion of Georgia, which forms part of the Russian Civil War and Turkish War of Independence, was a military campaign by the Russian Red Army aimed at overthrowing the Social-Democratic government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and installing a Bolshevik regime in the country. The conflict was a result of an expansionist policy by the Russians, who aimed to control as much as possible of the lands which had been part of the former Russian Empire until the turbulent events of the First World War, as well as the revolutionary efforts of mostly Russian-based Georgian Bolsheviks, who did not have sufficient support in their native country to seize power without external intervention.
The Red Army invasion of Georgia (15 February – 17 March 1921), also known as the Soviet–Georgian War or the Soviet invasion of Georgia, which forms part of the Russian Civil War and Turkish War of Independence, was a military campaign by the Russian Red Army aimed at overthrowing the Social-Democratic government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and installing a Bolshevik regime in the country. The conflict was a result of an expansionist policy by the Russians, who aimed to control as much as possible of the lands which had been part of the former Russian Empire until the turbulent events of the First World War, as well as the revolutionary efforts of mostly Russian-based Georgian Bolsheviks, who did not have sufficient support in their native country to seize power without external intervention.
25. Which country was the location of the “November Revolution”?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Italy
[D] Denmark
[B] Germany
[C] Italy
[D] Denmark
Correct Answer: B [Germany]
Notes:
The German Revolution of 1918-1919 or November Revolution, happened as part of the Revolutions of 1917–1923 and political violence in Germany (1918–33), was a civil conflict in the German Empire at the end of the First World War that resulted in the replacement of the German federal constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliamentary republic that later became known as the Weimar Republic. The revolutionary period lasted from November 1918 until the adoption in August 1919 of the Weimar Constitution. It leads to the Weimar Republic victory, abdication of Emperor Wilhelm II, the monarchy of Germany and its 22 constituent monarchies abolished, suppression of leftist uprisings, including Spartacist uprising, end of the First World War and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
The German Revolution of 1918-1919 or November Revolution, happened as part of the Revolutions of 1917–1923 and political violence in Germany (1918–33), was a civil conflict in the German Empire at the end of the First World War that resulted in the replacement of the German federal constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliamentary republic that later became known as the Weimar Republic. The revolutionary period lasted from November 1918 until the adoption in August 1919 of the Weimar Constitution. It leads to the Weimar Republic victory, abdication of Emperor Wilhelm II, the monarchy of Germany and its 22 constituent monarchies abolished, suppression of leftist uprisings, including Spartacist uprising, end of the First World War and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
26. Which country’s strategic naval plan was the “Naval Order of 24 October 1918”?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] United States of America
[D] Germany
[B] France
[C] United States of America
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: D [Germany]
Notes:
Germany’s strategic naval plan was the “Naval Order of 24 October 1918”. The naval order of 24 October 1918 was a plan made by the German Admiralty at the end of World War I to provoke a decisive battle between the German High Seas Fleet and the British Grand Fleet in the southern North Sea. When the order to prepare for the sortie was issued on 29 October, a mutiny broke out aboard the German ships. Despite the operation being cancelled, these, in turn, led to the more serious Kiel mutiny, which was the starting point of the November Revolution and the proclamation of the Weimar Republic.
Germany’s strategic naval plan was the “Naval Order of 24 October 1918”. The naval order of 24 October 1918 was a plan made by the German Admiralty at the end of World War I to provoke a decisive battle between the German High Seas Fleet and the British Grand Fleet in the southern North Sea. When the order to prepare for the sortie was issued on 29 October, a mutiny broke out aboard the German ships. Despite the operation being cancelled, these, in turn, led to the more serious Kiel mutiny, which was the starting point of the November Revolution and the proclamation of the Weimar Republic.
27. Which were the countries that participated in the military attack “Occupation of the Ruhr”?
[A] United Kingdom and United States
[B] Netherlands and Belgium
[C] France and Belgium
[D] United Kingdom and Netherlands
[B] Netherlands and Belgium
[C] France and Belgium
[D] United Kingdom and Netherlands
Correct Answer: C [France and Belgium ]
Notes:
France and Belgium were the countries that participated in the military attack “Occupation of the Ruhr”. The Occupation of the Ruhr happened as part of the Aftermath of World War I and political violence in Germany (1918–33), was a period of military occupation of the Ruhr region of Germany by France and Belgium between 11 January 1923 and 25 August 1925. France and Belgium occupied the heavily industrialized Ruhr Valley in response to Germany defaulting on reparation payments dictated by the victorious powers after World War I in the Treaty of Versailles. Occupation of the Ruhr worsened the economic crisis in Germany, and German civilians engaged in acts of passive resistance and civil disobedience, during which 130 were killed. France and Belgium, facing economic and international pressure, accepted the Dawes Plan to restructure Germany’s payment of war reparations in 1924 and withdrew their troops from the Ruhr by August 1925. The Occupation of the Ruhr contributed to German re-armament and the growth of radical right-wing movements in Germany.
France and Belgium were the countries that participated in the military attack “Occupation of the Ruhr”. The Occupation of the Ruhr happened as part of the Aftermath of World War I and political violence in Germany (1918–33), was a period of military occupation of the Ruhr region of Germany by France and Belgium between 11 January 1923 and 25 August 1925. France and Belgium occupied the heavily industrialized Ruhr Valley in response to Germany defaulting on reparation payments dictated by the victorious powers after World War I in the Treaty of Versailles. Occupation of the Ruhr worsened the economic crisis in Germany, and German civilians engaged in acts of passive resistance and civil disobedience, during which 130 were killed. France and Belgium, facing economic and international pressure, accepted the Dawes Plan to restructure Germany’s payment of war reparations in 1924 and withdrew their troops from the Ruhr by August 1925. The Occupation of the Ruhr contributed to German re-armament and the growth of radical right-wing movements in Germany.
28. Which country’s unconditional surrender in World War II leads to the celebration of “Victory in Europe Day”?
[A] Italy
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II leads to the celebration of “Victory in Europe Day”. Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory.
Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II leads to the celebration of “Victory in Europe Day”. Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory.
29. Which two countries fought the “Battle of Sakarya of 1921”?
[A] Greece Vs. Turkey
[B] Greece Vs. Italy
[C] Greece Vs. Egypt
[D] Greece Vs. Germany
[B] Greece Vs. Italy
[C] Greece Vs. Egypt
[D] Greece Vs. Germany
Correct Answer: A [Greece Vs. Turkey]
Notes:
The Battle of Sakarya, also known as the Battle of the Sangarios, was an important engagement in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922), the western front of the Turkish War of Independence. The battle went on for 21 days from August 23 to September 13, 1921, close to the banks of the Sakarya River, which is today in a district of the Ankara Province. It is also known as the Officers’ Battle in Turkey because of the unusually high casualty rate (70–80%) among the officers. The Battle of Sakarya is considered as the turning point of the Turkish War of Independence. This battle leads to the Turkish victory.
The Battle of Sakarya, also known as the Battle of the Sangarios, was an important engagement in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922), the western front of the Turkish War of Independence. The battle went on for 21 days from August 23 to September 13, 1921, close to the banks of the Sakarya River, which is today in a district of the Ankara Province. It is also known as the Officers’ Battle in Turkey because of the unusually high casualty rate (70–80%) among the officers. The Battle of Sakarya is considered as the turning point of the Turkish War of Independence. This battle leads to the Turkish victory.
30. What was the main context that leads to the development of the event “National Schism”?
[A] Decision whether Greece should enter World War I or not.
[B] Decision whether Greece should grant independence to Macedonia or not.
[C] Decision whether Greece should enter World War II or not.
[D] Decision whether Greece should grant independence to Cyprus or not.
[B] Decision whether Greece should grant independence to Macedonia or not.
[C] Decision whether Greece should enter World War II or not.
[D] Decision whether Greece should grant independence to Cyprus or not.
Correct Answer: A [Decision whether Greece should enter World War I or not.]
Notes:
The National Schism, sometimes called The Great Division, was a series of disagreements between King Constantine I and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos regarding the foreign policy of Greece in the period of 1910–1922 of which the tipping point was whether Greece should enter World War I. Venizelos was in support of the Allies and wanted Greece to join the war on their side, while the pro-German King wanted Greece to remain neutral, which would favour the plans of the Central Powers.
The National Schism, sometimes called The Great Division, was a series of disagreements between King Constantine I and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos regarding the foreign policy of Greece in the period of 1910–1922 of which the tipping point was whether Greece should enter World War I. Venizelos was in support of the Allies and wanted Greece to join the war on their side, while the pro-German King wanted Greece to remain neutral, which would favour the plans of the Central Powers.