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. Burma become independent sovering republic in the year:
[A] 1946
[B] 1948
[C] 1950
[D] 1962
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1948]
Notes:
The British took over the administration of Burma after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century. On 4 January 1948, Burma (now known as Myanmar) got independence from Britain, under the terms of the Burma Independence Act 1947. The new country was named the Union of Burma, with Sao Shwe Thaik as its first President and U Nu as its first Prime Minister.
43. Which decade is called as the “Era of Decolonisation”?
[A] 1950’s
[B] 1980’s
[C] 1990’s
[D] 1970’s
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1950’s]
Notes:
Most historians describe late 1950s as the era of decolonization. It was in this decade that large-scale decolonization in Africa first began. In 1951 Libya became the first African country to gain independence in the decade, and in 1954 the Algerian War began. 1956 saw Sudan, Morocco, and Tunisia become independent, and Ghana became the first sub-saharan African nation to gain independence in 1957.
44. Wall Street collapse led to:
[A] World War II
[B] Recession
[C] U.S. attack on Iraq
[D] Great Depression
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Great Depression]
Notes:
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 led to the beginning of the 10-year Great Depression that affected all Western industrialized countries. Also known as Black Tuesday, the Great Crash, or the Stock Market Crash of 1929, it began on October 24, 1929 (“Black Thursday”), and was the most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States.
45. The Cold War is refers to the:
[A] Increased tension and series of confrontation between USA and the USSR
[B] Crashing of global market and loss of millions of jobs
[C] Liberation of states from USSR
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Increased tension and series of confrontation between USA and the USSR]
Notes:
The Cold War is referred to the competition, the tensions and a series of confrontations between the United States and Soviet Union, backed by their respective allies. Thus, a is the correct answer.
46. Where was the first Continental Congress held in 1774?
[A] Geneva
[B] Berlin
[C] Philadelphia
[D] Massachusetts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Philadelphia]
Notes:
The American colonists decided to unite in their fight against the British. In September 1774, the first Continental Congress was held at Philadelphia.
47. 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.
48. Which was the earliest industry to invent machinery revolution?
[A] Iron and Steel
[B] Transport
[C] Publishing
[D] Textile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Textile]
Notes:
The primary cause of the Industrial Revolution was the scientific inventions. The earliest mechanical inventions came in the textile industry.
49. What is the reduction of tension between the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. known as?
[A] Era of revolt
[B] Era of détente
[C] Era of Cold war
[D] Era of purgatory
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Era of détente]
Notes:
After the 1970s, the friction between the Soviet Union and Communist China led to Sino-Soviet rift. The People’s Republic of China was admitted into the UN. President Nixon of U.S.A. visited Moscow in May 1972 and concluded the SALT -I Treaty (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty). In June 1973, Brezhnev paid a nine-day visit to the United States and further progress was made in the direction of strategic arms limitation. This reduction of tension between the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. is known as era of détente.
50. When did the Philippines gain independence from American colonial rule?
[A] 1898
[B] 1912
[C] 1946
[D] 1965
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1946]
Notes:
The Philippines attained full sovereignty from American colonial oversight on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila. This transition ended a period of American rule that began in 1898, ushering in a new era of independence for the Philippines.