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World History MCQs

Posted by Web IQ Quiz

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 civilizations flourished between the rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates?

[A] Mesopotamian Civilization
[B] Harrapan Civilization
[C] Chinese Civilization
[D] Egyptian Civilization

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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.

2.Who said “Egypt is the gift of Nile”?

[A] Herodotus
[B] Sallust
[C] Aristotle
[D] Arrian

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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.

3.Which of the following was a central part of the Egyptian religion?

[A] the pharaohs
[B] the afterlife
[C] the pyramids
[D] the heavens

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Correct Answer: B [the afterlife] Notes:
The concept of afterlife was a central part of the Egyptian religion. The Egyptian religious doctrines contained three afterlife ideologies, i.e., belief in an underworld, eternal life, and rebirth of the soul.

4.The Chinese civilization flourished in the flat rich land drained by which of the following rivers?
1) The Hwang-ho
2) The Yang-tse-kiang
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2] Notes:
Like other river valley civilizations, the Chinese civilization also flourished in the flat rich land through which flowed the two great rivers – the Hwang ho and the Yang tse kiang.

5.Age of Pericles is regarded as the ‘Golden Age’ in the history of which of the following?

[A] Chinese
[B] Greeks
[C] Mesopotamians
[D] Romans

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Correct Answer: B [Greeks] Notes:
Age of Pericles is regarded as the ‘Golden Age’ in Greek history. The period was as remarkable as the Augustan Age in Rome, Elizabethan Age in England, Gupta Age in India or Meiji Age in Japan.

6.Which of the following ransacked Rome in 455 A.D.?

[A] Huns
[B] Vandals
[C] Visigoths
[D] Byzantines

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Visigoths] Notes:
Rome was ransacked by the Vandals in 455 A.D. While the Vandals did sack Rome, they spared most of the city’s inhabitants and did not burn down its buildings.

7.Which of the following is considered as the founder of Christianity?

[A] Jesus
[B] Paul
[C] Peter
[D] Constantine

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jesus] Notes:
Christianity is one of the worlds’ major religions. Jesus was the founder of this religion. He was born in a Jewish family in the year 4 B.C. or 6 B.C. ‘ in Bethlehem in the Judea province.

8.After the deaths of Ali and Husayn, Muslims split into which of the following branches?
1) Umayyads
2) Arabs
3) Sunnis
4) Shiites
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 3 & 4] Notes:
The split between the two main sects within Islam goes back some 1400 years. The original split occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad but after the deaths of Ali and Husayn, Muslims actually split into two branches which are Sunnis and Shiite.

9.The land given to which of the following was termed as fief or feud?

[A] Kings
[B] Lords
[C] Peasants
[D] Vassals

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Peasants] Notes:
During the age of Feudalism in Europe the land given to the peasants was termed as fief or feud and the produce from the land was enjoyed by the king, the feudal lords and the subjects, as per the contract.

10.Which of the following world leader(s) paid for Columbus’ expedition across the Atlantic Ocean?
1) Queen Isabella
2) King Ferdinand of Spain
3) Louis XII of France
4) King Edward IV
Select the correct answer from the codes given below?

[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3, & 4
[D] Only 3 & 4

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2] Notes:
Christopher Columbus tried for eighteen long years to persuade the rulers of Portugal and Spain to furnish him with ships for a voyage into the Atlantic. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain paid for Columbus’ expedition across the Atlantic Ocean.

11.Which of the following was the father of Mohammed?

[A] Abu Talib
[B] Abdullah
[C] Abdul-Motalib
[D] None of the above

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Correct Answer: B [Abdullah ] Notes:
Prophet Muhammad was the son of Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatimah bint Amr of the Makhzum clan. Muhammad’s father, Abdullah, died almost six months before he was born, leaving him in the care of his paternal grandfather Abd al-Muttalib.

12.Which of the following made the Islamic religion Militant?

[A] Ali
[B] Abu Bakr
[C] Husayn
[D] Omar

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Correct Answer: D [Omar] Notes:
In 634 A. D. The Caliph Omar succeeded Abu Bakr. Omar made Islam militant by offering the non-Islam’s the three alternatives of accepting the Koran, paying tribute, or facing the sword.

13.Diemens means which of the following?

[A] Land in control of the King
[B] Land in control of the lord
[C] Land in control of the peasants
[D] Land in control of the soilders

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Correct Answer: B [Land in control of the lord ] Notes:
During the age of Feudalism in Europe, the Lords lived in castles and the vast stretch of land along the castle was called the manor whereas the land in control of the lord was known as diemens.

14.The process of Renaissance started at which of the following places?

[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Britain
[D] Italy

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Correct Answer: D [Italy] Notes:
The word ‘Renaissance’ literally means ‘rebirth’ of learning. In the 14th century the process of ‘Renaissance’ started in Italy – a literary movement – and it spread fast throughout the Europe.

15.Who invented the printing machine?

[A] Macro Polo
[B] John Gutenberg
[C] Peter Abelard
[D] None of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [John Gutenberg ] Notes:
John Gutenberg invented the printing machine. The machine was modelled on the design of existing screw presses. A single Renaissance printing press was able to produce up to 3,600 pages per workday.

16.Who invented the “Rocket”, a railway engine driven by steam power?

[A] Samuel Morse
[B] Graham Bell
[C] Thomas Alva Edison
[D] Sir George Stephenson

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sir George Stephenson ] Notes:
Sir George Stephenson invented the “Rocket” which was a railway engine driven by steam power in the year 1814. This steam engine ran between Manchester and Liverpool.

17.Which of the following constituted the privileged class in the 18th century French society?

[A] Peasants and nobility
[B] Clergy and peasants
[C] First and Third estate
[D] Clergy and nobility

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Clergy and nobility] Notes:
Clergy and nobility constituted the privileged class in the 18th century French society. They enjoyed certain special privileges and were exempted from paying any types of taxes.

18.Who became the emperor of Germany in 1871?

[A] Otto Von Bismarck
[B] Count Cavour
[C] Kaiser William I of Prussia
[D] Victor Emmanuel II

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kaiser William I of Prussia] Notes:
William I or Wilhelm I of the House of Hohenzollern or Kaiser William I of Prussia was King of Prussia from 2 January 1861. He became the first German Emperor from 18 January 1871 to his death.

19.Which of the following was the official name of Lenin’s new government?

[A] The Soviet of the People’s Commissars
[B] The Politburo
[C] The Executive Committee
[D] The Supreme Soviet

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Soviet of the People’s Commissars] Notes:
The Soviet of the People’s Commissars was the official name of Lenin’s new government. Vladimir Lenin became the head of the new government of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

20.The Treaty of Versailles was signed in which of the following year?

[A] 1917
[B] 1918
[C] 1919
[D] 1920

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Correct Answer: C [1919] Notes:
The Treaty of Versailles was one of the most important peace treaties that brought World War I to an end. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers.

21.Bretton Woods Conference was held in which of the following year?

[A] 1942
[B] 1943
[C] 1944
[D] 1945

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1944] Notes:
The Bretton Woods Conference which is officially known as the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference, was a gathering of delegates from 44 nations that met from July 1, 1944, to July 22, 1944 in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

22.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

Show Answer
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.

23.The term proletarianisation refers to which of the following?

[A] Rapid industrialisation
[B] Economic slowdown
[C] Becoming reduced to the rank of the working class
[D] None of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Becoming reduced to the rank of the working class] Notes:
Proletarianisation literally means to become impoverished to the level of working classes. The economic crisis in the aftermath of the ‘Great Depression’ created deep anxieties in people. The middle classes, especially salaried employees and pensioners, saw their savings diminish when the currency lost its value. Small businessmen, the self-employed and retailers suffered as their businesses got ruined. These sections of society were filled with the fear of proletarianisation, an anxiety of being reduced to the ranks of the working class, or worse still, the unemployed.

24.Consider the following statements:

1. Dr. Sun Yat Sen formed the Kuomintang party in China.
2. Attack by the imperial Japan forced the Kuomintang and the Chinese communist to unite.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2] Notes:
In a revolution in 1911, China was proclaimed a republic. Dr. Sun Yat Sen had played an important role in this revolution. After this revolution failed, he formed a party called Kuomintang (KMT) and led the nationalist struggle against foreign domination and internal divisive forces for a number of years. After him, the leadership of KMT was taken over by Chiang Kai Shek. Communist Party of China was formed in 1924 CE. Mao was playing a very important role in it. For a long time, there was a civil war like situation between the communists and the KMT. But, in 1930, when the Japanese attacked China with the aim of subjugating the whole country, both sides agreed to work together to resist the Japanese aggression.

25.In which of the following cities was the Charter of UNO adopted?

[A] San Francisco
[B] New York
[C] Washington
[D] London

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [San Francisco] Notes:
In the Yalta conference, it was decided to set up a new organisation to replace the League of Nations. The sole purpose was to maintain peace and promote friendly relations between nation-states. Subsequently, a conference was held at San Francisco in April, 1945. It was attended by over 50 nations. Here, the charter of United Nations Organisation (UNO) was adopted. It was then opened for ratification by nation-states of the world.

26.Consider the following statements:

1. The term ‘bourgeoisie’ refers to the industrial working class.
2. The term ‘proletariat’ refers to the middle class.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above ] Notes:
The countries to which industrial revolution had spread had their social and economic life completely transformed. Economically, urban centres surpassed the rural areas. Industries became the most important economic tool. The classes associated with the machine mode of production and distribution became more prominent than the aristocratic and peasant class. Socially, two new classes emerged in society the ‘capitalist’ or the ‘middle class and the ‘industrial working class’. The middle class was the owner of industries and controlled the trade and commerce. It was also known as the ‘bourgeoisie’. The industrial working class was called the ‘proletariat’ class, which worked for wages and lived in terrible living conditions.

27.Which of the following areas was divided along the 38th parallel during the cold war?

[A] Vietnam
[B] Korea
[C] Japan
[D] Germany

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Korea] Notes:
After the Japanese occupation of Korea ended as a result of the defeat of Japan, Korea had been divided into two occupation zones- the northern zone under the Soviet Union and the southern zone under the USA. The division was along the 38th parallel. Both these powers set up friendly regimes within their occupation zones in the North and South Korea respectively. The Korean War could also not change this boundary.

28.Reformation is:

[A] Political transformation
[B] Religious transformation
[C] Economic transformation
[D] Transformation in social science

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Correct Answer: B [Religious transformation ] Notes:
The religious transformation was symbolized by the Reformation. The spirit of individualism and humanism began to dominate in the social sphere.

29.“Italy is considered the birth place of the Renaissance” — Which of the following statement supports as cause?

[A] Italy is the birthplace of Latin language
[B] Italy worked as catalyst in spreading literature to the rest of England
[C] Invention of modern art took place in Italy
[D] All of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ] Notes:
Italy is considered the birth place of the Renaissance for several reasons. Some of them were:
Italy was the seat of ancient civilization and the Latin language.
The rich city states in Italy like Florence and Venice patronized art and literature. For example, the Medici family of Florence had patronized many scholars.
Dante’s work of art Divine Comedy triggered the Renaissance and made it spread to other parts of Europe and reach its peak in the sixteenth century.

30.Which of these is a painting by Raphael?

[A] Maddonna
[B] Monalisa
[C] The Irishman
[D] All of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maddonna] Notes:
Raphael achieved a rare blending of devotional feeling with a sense of beauty. Although Raphael died at the age of thirty-seven, he produced a great number of paintings, of which the most familiar is the Madonna.

31.“Italy is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance” — Which of the following statement supports as cause?

[A] Italy is the birthplace of Latin language
[B] Italy worked as catalyst in spreading literature to the rest of England
[C] Invention of modern art took place in Italy
[D] All of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ] Notes:
Italy is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance for several reasons. Some of them were:
Italy was the seat of ancient civilization and the Latin language.
The rich city states in Italy like Florence and Venice patronized art and literature. For example, the Medici family of Florence had patronized many scholars.
Dante’s work of art Divine Comedy triggered the Renaissance and made it spread to other parts of Europe and reach its peak in the sixteenth century.

32.Who translated the Bible in the German language?

[A] Martin Luther
[B] Sebastian Brant
[C] Cervantes
[D] Edward Spencer

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Martin Luther] Notes:
In Germany, Martin Luther translated the Bible in the German language. Sebastian Brant wrote The Ship of Fools. In Spain, Cervantes authored the famous Don Quixote.

33.Which of these is a painting by Raphael?

[A] Maddonna
[B] Monalisa
[C] The Irishman
[D] All of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maddonna] Notes:
Raphael achieved a rare blending of devotional feeling with a sense of beauty. Although Raphael died at the age of thirty-seven, he produced a great number of paintings, of which the most familiar is the Madonna.

34.Which book describes all known trade routes between Europe and the Far East?

[A] A Merchants Handbook
[B] Secrets of the Faithful Crusader
[C] The Tale of Two Cities
[D] None of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Merchants Handbook] Notes:
The travel accounts of Marco Polo and Nicolo Polo about China and India kindled great enthusiasm among the Europeans about the fabulous wealth of the Eastern countries. Other accounts of the voyages also encouraged explorations. A Merchants Handbook described all known trade routes between Europe and the Far East. Similarly, the Secrets of the Faithful Crusader told about Asiatic cities.

35.Which was known as the first published work of John Calvin?

[A] Commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia
[B] Seneca’s De Clementia
[C] Guilavilan De Armesée
[D] Zärklè djouvre

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia] Notes:
The French protest reformer John Calvin was born in France. He studied humanities and Law at the University of Paris. He obtained in 1532, Doctor of Law. His first published work was a commentary on Roman philosopher Seneca’s De Clementia. In 1536, he settled in Geneva. His main teachings are that the Bible alone is the final authority for matters of faith and that salvation is attained purely through grace.

36.In which year the Hat Act was established?

[A] 1735
[B] 1734
[C] 1733
[D] 1732

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1732] Notes:
A series of Trade Acts were also passed to control the trade in the colonies. For example, the Hat Act of 1732 prohibited the import of hats from one colony to the other. The Iron Act 1750 stopped the large-scale production of iron in the colonies. These Acts were opposed by the colonies.

37.Which country did not represent in first Continental Congress?

[A] Chicago
[B] Georgia
[C] Massachusetts
[D] Berkeley

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Georgia] Notes:
The first Continental Congress, held at Philadelphia in 1774, was attended by the representatives of the twelve colonies except Georgia. This congress appealed to the British King to remove restrictions on industries and trade and not to impose any taxes without their consent.

38.Who led the French troops to help Americans in the war of 1777?

[A] Lafayette
[B] Montesquieu
[C] Gulliver
[D] Hans Gephael

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lafayette] Notes:
In 1776 the British forces led by Sir William Howe defeated Washington in the battle of Long Island. However, the army of American colonies commanded by General Gates defeated British troops at Saratoga in October, 1777. The victory at Saratoga marked a turning point in the war. The French troops under Lafayette came to the help of the American colonies.

39.The Spirit of Laws was written by:

[A] Voltaire
[B] Diderot
[C] Rousseau
[D] Montesquieu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Montesquieu] Notes:
The writings and the preaching of the French philosophers prepared the common people for the revolution. Montesquieu in his book, The Spirit of Laws advocated the constitutional form government. He introduced the idea of separation of powers into executive, legislative and judiciary to ensure the effective functioning of democracy.

40.Which book was considered as the Bible of the French Revolution?

[A] Social Contract
[B] Social Affairs
[C] Social Reflection
[D] Revolution & Society

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Social Contract] Notes:
Rousseau was the author of the famous book, Social Contract, which was considered the Bible of the French Revolution. He said that the real sovereignty rests with the people. His famous statement, “Man is born free and is everywhere in chains” kindled the revolutionary spirit of the masses.

41.Tennis Court Oath was taken by:

[A] The members of National Assembly
[B] Louis XVI
[C] The revolutionists
[D] The reformers

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Correct Answer: A [The members of National Assembly ] Notes:
The members of the National Assembly went to a nearby Tennis Court and took an oath to frame a new constitution. This is known as Tennis Court Oath.

42.Who issued the famous Declaration of Pilnitz in 1791?

[A] King Leopold of France
[B] King Leopold of Italy
[C] King Leopold of Germany
[D] King Leopold of Austria

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [King Leopold of Austria] Notes:
King Leopold of Austria issued the famous Declaration of Pilnitz against the revolutionaries on 27th August 1791. War broke out between the revolutionary government and Austria in 1792.

43.Who invented the power loom?

[A] Carter
[B] Cartwright
[C] Cameron
[D] Hargreaves

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cartwright] Notes:
Arkwright improved the ‘spinning jenny’ in 1769. Compton improved it still further in 1779. In 1785, Cartwright invented the power loom.

44.Which of these was marked as Settler colonies?

[A] Philadelphia
[B] New Zealand
[C] Kansas City
[D] Columbia

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Zealand ] Notes:
Settler colonies in colonialism, such as the original thirteen states of the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina arose from the emigration of peoples from a mother country. This led to the displacement of the indigenous peoples.

45.Which of these was the first battle of Russia in World War I?

[A] Battle of Tanintore
[B] Battle of Tahsenberg
[C] Battle of Tannenberg
[D] Battle of Tamblyn

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Battle of Tannenberg] Notes:
Russia’s first major battle in the Great War was a disaster. In the 1914 Battle of Tannenberg, over 120,000 Russian troops were killed, wounded, or captured, while Germany suffered only 20,000 casualties. Whatever nationalistic or patriotic support the Russian government had gained in the early stages of the war had been lost.

46.Mussolini was the editor of which socialist journal?

[A] Avanti!
[B] Swastik
[C] Faces of Fascism
[D] All of the above

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avanti!] Notes:
In 1912 Benito Mussolini started the editing of Avanti!, a socialist journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.

47.Which association was formed by Hitler?

[A] National Socialist German Labour Party
[B] National Socialist Labour Association
[C] National German Labour Union
[D] National German Labour Party

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Socialist German Labour Party] Notes:
Hitler believed that the Jews and the communists were responsible for the defeat of Germany. He therefore undertook a programme to avenge the defeat. He began to work as a spy in Munich. He also started a new party with the cooperation of his friends. National Socialist German Labour Party was launched.

48.Who was known as the “Morning Star” of China?

[A] Hung Kun Chimin Ho
[B] Dr. Sun Yat Sen
[C] Cho Si Min
[D] Jung Hinita Sun

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dr. Sun Yat Sen] Notes:
During the time of Boxer Rebellion, an intellectual emerged as the undisputed leader of China. He was Dr. Sun Yat Sen. He is known as the “Morning Star” of China.

49.Who was the founder of Communist Party of China?

[A] Mao Tse Tung
[B] Jimin Ho
[C] Dr Sun Hin Ho
[D] Len Yong Kim

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mao Tse Tung] Notes:
It was during the period Chinese Communist Party of China was started. Mao Tse Tung and Chou –en-lai were the original founding members of the Communist Party of China.

50.In 1991, the ‘historic’ START – I Treaty was signed in:

[A] Berlin
[B] New York
[C] Moscow
[D] Beijing

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Moscow] Notes:
With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe occurred. The bipolar world became unipolar world. On 31st July 1991, American President George Bush and Soviet leader Michael Gorbachev signed the ‘historic’ START – I Treaty in the Moscow Summit. This marks the end of the Era of Cold War.

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