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.
41. Consider the following statements with respect to the events in the aftermath of surrender of France in the WWII:
- The part of France that had not been occupied by Germany was called the ‘Vichy France’.
- Under Charles de Gaulle, the ‘Free France Movement’ was organised from Britain.
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 June 1940, France surrendered in the WWII. While the northern France was occupied by the German troops, a French government was allowed to retain control over about half of France. This government moved to Vichy, hence it was called the Vichy government and the area under its control was called the ‘Vichy France’. The Vichy France collaborated with the Nazi Germany and in turn, it was allowed to maintain control over its colonies. So, statement 1 is correct. Charles de Gaulle, who had been a colonel in the French army at the time of the German invasion of France, had escaped to Britain after the surrender by the French government. Under the leadership of de Gaulle, now General de Gaulle, the Free France movement was started and a French army was organised in Britain to fight against the Nazi Germany. Charles de Gaulle later went on to become the President of France. So, statement 2 is correct.
42. On which side did Japan fight in the First World War?
[A] none, it wag neutral
[B] with Germany against United Kingdom
[C] against Russia on its own
[D] with United Kingdom against Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [with United Kingdom against Germany]
Notes:
The First World War involved all the world’s great powers, which were assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies (based on the Triple Entente of the United Kingdom, France and Russia) and the Central Powers (originally the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy). These alliances were both re-organized and expanded as more nations entered the war: Italy, Japan and the United States joined the Allies, and the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria the Central Powers.
43. Who said, “Adolf Hitler is Germany and Germany is Adolf Hitler. He who pledges himself to Hitler pledges himself to Germany”?
[A] R. Hess
[B] Mussolini
[C] Hitler
[D] Communist International
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [R. Hess]
Notes:
Rudolf Hess, on 25 February 1934, said: “Adolf Hitler is Germany and Germany is Adolf Hitler. He who takes an oath to Hitler takes an oath to Germany!” About a million Nazi Party officials had gathered on this day at points around Germany to swear an oath to Adolf Hitler.
44. Which of the following is correct with respect to ‘Operation Desert Storm’?
[A] It was a financial program of the World Bank and IMF for reconstruction of Eastern countries.
[B] It was an UN military action on Iraq for its invasion of Kuwait.
[C] It was an American action to remove Missiles from Cuba.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It was an UN military action on Iraq for its invasion of Kuwait.]
Notes:
Operation Desert Storm was a military operation in 1991 to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. The operation was the response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. President George H. W. Bush announced the start of the operation on January 16, 1991.
Operation Desert Storm was the first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War. It was the largest air campaign since the conflict in Southeast Asia. The U.S. and its allies defeated the Iraqi forces in 100 hours. During the operation, the U.S. and its allies destroyed over 3,000 tanks, 1,400 armored personnel carriers, and 2,200 artillery pieces.
Operation Desert Storm is also known as the first Gulf War. 75% of the coalition forces were from the U.S..
45. Which of these is one of the ships sailed for Magellan?
[A] Great Amtadore
[B] Victoria
[C] San Diego
[D] Thesius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Victoria]
Notes:
Spain planned to reach the east by sailing westwards. On August 10, 1519, Ferdinand Magellan had sailed with five Spanish ships – namely, Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Victoria, and Santiago- from the port of Sevilla.
46. Who led the Jacobian Club?
[A] Robespierre
[B] Roland
[C] Danton
[D] Leonardo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Robespierre]
Notes:
The political clubs sprang up in different quarters. The Jacobian Club was led by Robespierre, a radical democrat.
47. Elias Howe invented sewing machine in:
[A] 1844
[B] 1845
[C] 1846
[D] 1847
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1846]
Notes:
The invention of the sewing machine by Elias Howe, in 1846, accelerated the production of clothing and made possible the modern clothing industry. Thus, one invention followed another, not only in textile industries but also in many others. In this way, the present-day complex machinery has evolved.
48. The first provisional Government in Russia was formed in:
[A] 14 March 1917
[B] 25 March 1917
[C] 10 March 1917
[D] 15 March 1917
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [15 March 1917]
Notes:
On 12th March, 1917 the capital city of Petersburg (renamed Petrograd and now Leningrad) fell into the hands of the revolutionaries. Soon the revolutionaries took Moscow, the Tsar Nicholas II gave up his throne and the first provisional Government was formed on 15 March.
49. Hitler invaded Poland on:
[A] September 10, 1939
[B] September 21, 1939
[C] September 1, 1939
[D] August 22, 1939
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [September 1, 1939]
Notes:
According to the decisions taken in the Paris Peace Conference, Poland had been made an independent kingdom. East Prussia was separated from Germany. Now, Hitler wanted to unite East Prussia with Germany. Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Great Britain declared war against Germany on September 3. Second World War started.
50. What political system was established in Poland after World War II?
[A] Democracy
[B] Monarchy
[C] Communist state
[D] Federal republic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Communist state]
Notes:
Following World War II, Poland found itself within the Soviet sphere of influence, leading to the establishment of a communist state. This period, lasting until 1989, was characterized by Soviet dominance in Polish political affairs, shaping the country’s governance and international relations during the Cold War era.