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. Who was the leader of Russia during the March Revolution?
[A] Joseph Stalin
[B] Czar Nicholas
[C] Vladimir Lenin
[D] None of the above
[B] Czar Nicholas
[C] Vladimir Lenin
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [Vladimir Lenin]
Notes:
Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia in 1917, while Bolshevik Vladmir Lenin lived in exile. However by October, the revolution had reversed their roles, leaving the former tsar a prisoner and Lenin holding all the power.
Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia in 1917, while Bolshevik Vladmir Lenin lived in exile. However by October, the revolution had reversed their roles, leaving the former tsar a prisoner and Lenin holding all the power.
22. The First Arab-Israeli War happened in which year?
[A] 1947
[B] 1948
[C] 1949
[D] 1950
[B] 1948
[C] 1949
[D] 1950
Correct Answer: B [1948]
Notes:
The “1948 (or First) Arab–Israeli War” was the second and final stage of the 1947–49 Palestine war. The Middle East region has probably suffered more rivalry and conflict than any other part of the world. The 1948 Arab-Israeli war was the first instance of a bloody and hostile battle, triggered by the declaration of Israel’s independence on 14 May 1948. The 1948 war was caused by a number of ‘international and intraregional factors’ intertwining to create a complex situation and catalyst for war. The war resulted in Israel’s victory, yet had significant consequences on not only regional politics of this area, but also international relations, which are still visible today. This war resulted in – Israeli victory, Jordanian partial victory, Palestinian Arab defeat, Egyptian defeat, Arab League strategic failure, 1949 Armistice Agreements; Israel keeps the area allotted to it by the Partition Plan and captures ~60% of the area allotted to Arab state; Jordanian rule of West Bank, Egyptian occupation of the Gaza Strip.
The “1948 (or First) Arab–Israeli War” was the second and final stage of the 1947–49 Palestine war. The Middle East region has probably suffered more rivalry and conflict than any other part of the world. The 1948 Arab-Israeli war was the first instance of a bloody and hostile battle, triggered by the declaration of Israel’s independence on 14 May 1948. The 1948 war was caused by a number of ‘international and intraregional factors’ intertwining to create a complex situation and catalyst for war. The war resulted in Israel’s victory, yet had significant consequences on not only regional politics of this area, but also international relations, which are still visible today. This war resulted in – Israeli victory, Jordanian partial victory, Palestinian Arab defeat, Egyptian defeat, Arab League strategic failure, 1949 Armistice Agreements; Israel keeps the area allotted to it by the Partition Plan and captures ~60% of the area allotted to Arab state; Jordanian rule of West Bank, Egyptian occupation of the Gaza Strip.
23. The “Yekatit 12 Massacre” happened in which country?
[A] Austria
[B] Uruguay
[C] Cambodia
[D] Ethiopia
[B] Uruguay
[C] Cambodia
[D] Ethiopia
Correct Answer: D [Ethiopia]
Notes:
The Yekatit 12 Massacre happened in Ethiopia from 19 February 1937 to 21 February 1937, sanctioned by the Italian rulers of Ethiopia in retaliation to the failed assassination attempt of Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, the then Viceroy of Italian East Africa. Graziani has led the Italian forces to victory over the Ethiopians in the Second Italian invasion of Ethiopia. This event led to a massive scale of imprisonment and massacre of Ethiopians which amount from 19200 to 30000 civilians. This also involved the massacre of several members of “Black lions”, an anti-fascist resistance movement formed to fight against Italy during it’s the occupation of the Ethiopian Empire in the World War II. The “Yekatit 12 Monument” was unveiled in the city of Addis Ababa to commemorate the victims of the massacre.
The Yekatit 12 Massacre happened in Ethiopia from 19 February 1937 to 21 February 1937, sanctioned by the Italian rulers of Ethiopia in retaliation to the failed assassination attempt of Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, the then Viceroy of Italian East Africa. Graziani has led the Italian forces to victory over the Ethiopians in the Second Italian invasion of Ethiopia. This event led to a massive scale of imprisonment and massacre of Ethiopians which amount from 19200 to 30000 civilians. This also involved the massacre of several members of “Black lions”, an anti-fascist resistance movement formed to fight against Italy during it’s the occupation of the Ethiopian Empire in the World War II. The “Yekatit 12 Monument” was unveiled in the city of Addis Ababa to commemorate the victims of the massacre.
24. Which country was the location of “May 68 Events”?
[A] United States of America
[B] France
[C] Canada
[D] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] Canada
[D] United Kingdom
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
Beginning in May 1968, a period of civil unrest occurred throughout France, lasting some seven weeks and punctuated by demonstrations, general strikes, and the occupation of universities and factories. At the height of events, which have since become known as May 68, the economy of France came to a halt. The protests reached such a point that political leaders feared civil war or revolution; the national government briefly ceased to function after President Charles de Gaulle secretly fled France to Germany at one point. The protests spurred movements worldwide, with songs, imaginative graffiti, posters, and slogans.
Beginning in May 1968, a period of civil unrest occurred throughout France, lasting some seven weeks and punctuated by demonstrations, general strikes, and the occupation of universities and factories. At the height of events, which have since become known as May 68, the economy of France came to a halt. The protests reached such a point that political leaders feared civil war or revolution; the national government briefly ceased to function after President Charles de Gaulle secretly fled France to Germany at one point. The protests spurred movements worldwide, with songs, imaginative graffiti, posters, and slogans.
25. Which were the four countries that occupied Germany, upon the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II?
[A] United Kingdom, the United States, France and the Soviet Union
[B] United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and the Soviet Union
[C] United Kingdom, the United States, Netherlands and the Soviet Union
[D] United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium and the Soviet Union
[B] United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and the Soviet Union
[C] United Kingdom, the United States, Netherlands and the Soviet Union
[D] United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium and the Soviet Union
Correct Answer: A [United Kingdom, the United States, France and the Soviet Union]
Notes:
The United Kingdom, the United States, France and the Soviet Union were the four countries that occupied Germany, upon the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Allied-occupied Germany was the state of Germany upon the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II when the victorious Allies asserted joint authority and sovereignty over Germany as a whole, defined as all territories of the former German Reich west of the Oder–Neisse line, having declared the destruction of Nazi Germany at the death of Adolf Hitler. The four powers divided “Germany as a whole” into four occupation zones for administrative purposes under the United States, United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union, respectively. This division was ratified at the Potsdam Conference (17 July to 2 August 1945). The four zones were as agreed in February 1945 by the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union meeting at the Yalta Conference; setting aside an earlier division into three zones (excluding France) proposed by the London Protocol.
The United Kingdom, the United States, France and the Soviet Union were the four countries that occupied Germany, upon the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Allied-occupied Germany was the state of Germany upon the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II when the victorious Allies asserted joint authority and sovereignty over Germany as a whole, defined as all territories of the former German Reich west of the Oder–Neisse line, having declared the destruction of Nazi Germany at the death of Adolf Hitler. The four powers divided “Germany as a whole” into four occupation zones for administrative purposes under the United States, United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union, respectively. This division was ratified at the Potsdam Conference (17 July to 2 August 1945). The four zones were as agreed in February 1945 by the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union meeting at the Yalta Conference; setting aside an earlier division into three zones (excluding France) proposed by the London Protocol.
26. Who was the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution?
[A] Toussaint Louverture
[B] Jean-Jacques Dessalines
[C] Alexandre Petion
[D] Jean-Pierre Boyer
[B] Jean-Jacques Dessalines
[C] Alexandre Petion
[D] Jean-Pierre Boyer
Correct Answer: B [Jean-Jacques Dessalines]
Notes:
Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution. Under Dessalines, Haiti became the first country to permanently abolish slavery. Initially regarded as governor-general, Dessalines was later named Emperor of Haiti as Jacques I (1804–1806) by generals of the Haitian Revolution Army and ruled in that capacity until being assassinated in 1806. He is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Haiti.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution. Under Dessalines, Haiti became the first country to permanently abolish slavery. Initially regarded as governor-general, Dessalines was later named Emperor of Haiti as Jacques I (1804–1806) by generals of the Haitian Revolution Army and ruled in that capacity until being assassinated in 1806. He is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Haiti.
27. Which are the two countries that were involved in the “Iran hostage crisis”?
[A] Iran and United Kingdom
[B] Iran and United States of America
[C] Iran and Russia
[D] Iran and Israel
[B] Iran and United States of America
[C] Iran and Russia
[D] Iran and Israel
Correct Answer: B [Iran and United States of America]
Notes:
Iran and the United States of America are the two countries that were involved in the “Iran hostage crisis”. The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran. Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage after a group of militarized Iranian college students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line, who supported the Iranian Revolution, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and seized hostages. The hostages were held for 444 days from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981.
Iran and the United States of America are the two countries that were involved in the “Iran hostage crisis”. The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran. Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage after a group of militarized Iranian college students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line, who supported the Iranian Revolution, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and seized hostages. The hostages were held for 444 days from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981.
28. From which country, Iraq gained independence in 1932?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Netherlands
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Netherlands
Correct Answer: A [United Kingdom]
Notes:
Iraq gained independence in 1932 from the United Kingdom. In April 1920 the British Mandate of Mesopotamia was created under the authority of the League of Nations. A British-backed monarchy joining the vilayets into one Kingdom was established in 1921 under Faisal I of Iraq. The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq gained independence from the UK in 1932.
Iraq gained independence in 1932 from the United Kingdom. In April 1920 the British Mandate of Mesopotamia was created under the authority of the League of Nations. A British-backed monarchy joining the vilayets into one Kingdom was established in 1921 under Faisal I of Iraq. The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq gained independence from the UK in 1932.
29. Which of the following leaders played a great role in the Italian Unification?
[A] Biscmark
[B] Garibaldi
[C] Nelson Mandela
[D] Martin Luther King Jr
[B] Garibaldi
[C] Nelson Mandela
[D] Martin Luther King Jr
Correct Answer: B [Garibaldi]
Notes:
The Unification of Italy was an event of great importance in world history. Garibaldi was the prominent figure who paid contribution to the Italian Unification.
The Unification of Italy was an event of great importance in world history. Garibaldi was the prominent figure who paid contribution to the Italian Unification.
30. Consider the following statements with respect to the Jacobin Club:
- Its members largely came from the less prosperous sections of society.
- Robespierre was the leader of Jacobin Club.
- ‘Sans-culottes’ was a rival group of the Jacobin Club.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Large sections of the population were convinced that the revolution had to be carried further. Political clubs became an important rallying point for people who wished to discuss government policies and plan their own forms of action. The most successful of these clubs was that of the Jacobins, which got its name from the former convent of St Jacob in Paris. Women too, who had been active throughout this period, formed their own clubs. The members of the Jacobin Club belonged mainly to the less prosperous sections of society. They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as well as servants and daily-wage workers. So, statement 1 is correct. The leader of the Jacobin Club was Maximilian Robespierre. When the Jacobins proclaimed France as a republic, Robespierre presided over the new government. So, statement 2 is correct. A large group among the Jacobins decided to start wearing long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers. This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society, especially nobles, who wore knee breeches. It was a way of proclaiming the end of the power wielded by the wearers of knee breeches. These Jacobins came to be known as the sans-culottes, literally meaning ‘those without knee breeches’. ‘Sans-culottes’ men wore in addition the red cap that symbolised liberty. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
Large sections of the population were convinced that the revolution had to be carried further. Political clubs became an important rallying point for people who wished to discuss government policies and plan their own forms of action. The most successful of these clubs was that of the Jacobins, which got its name from the former convent of St Jacob in Paris. Women too, who had been active throughout this period, formed their own clubs. The members of the Jacobin Club belonged mainly to the less prosperous sections of society. They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as well as servants and daily-wage workers. So, statement 1 is correct. The leader of the Jacobin Club was Maximilian Robespierre. When the Jacobins proclaimed France as a republic, Robespierre presided over the new government. So, statement 2 is correct. A large group among the Jacobins decided to start wearing long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers. This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society, especially nobles, who wore knee breeches. It was a way of proclaiming the end of the power wielded by the wearers of knee breeches. These Jacobins came to be known as the sans-culottes, literally meaning ‘those without knee breeches’. ‘Sans-culottes’ men wore in addition the red cap that symbolised liberty. So, statement 3 is incorrect.