World History MCQs

Notes:
The French Revolution was a period of far-reaching social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially carried forward by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire. The Revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and finally culminated in a dictatorship under Napoleon.

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.

Notes:
Russia was a big and powerful country. Even Napoleon Bonaparte could not conquer Russia in 1812. However, during the beginning of the 20th Century Russia was no longer a powerful country. During this time Russia was ruled by the Romanov dynasty. Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia at the time of the Revolution.

Notes:
One of the most important events in the history of socialist movement was the formation in 1864 of the International Working Men’s Association or the First International. During the short period of its existence, the International exercised a tremendous influence on workers’ movements in Europe.

Notes:
Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism. He was born in 1883. Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower of Socialism. Hence, Mussolini was influenced by the socialistic ideology.

Notes:
In the first party convention of Milan, Mussolini announced the programmes and Charter of demands of the party. They were:

• Nationalisation of factories
• Confiscation of surplus money from the capitalists
• Universal Franchise
• Forfeiture of the Church property
• Eight hours work in factories
• Framing of a new constitution.

These demands of the Fascist Party soon achieved popularity in Italy.

Notes:
The Second World War was over. At the end of the war, some 13 million Europeans were killed and 17 million civilians had died as a result of the fighting. All major cities were in ruins. Agriculture was ruined. People of the entire world had to face untold miseries, directly or indirectly. Results of the Second World War:

• In this war, about 15 Million soldiers and 10 million civilians lost their lives.
• An important result of the Second World War was that it brought to an end the colonial Empire of the European countries in Asia and Africa.
• Multi-polar world became bi-polar world.
• The USA and USSR emerged as Super Powers.
• Cold War started as an ideological war between USA and USSR.

Notes:
Japan followed a policy of militarism and imperialism. Japan defeated China in 1894-95. Subsequently, it defeated the biggest European country Russia in 1904-05. During the First World War Japan captured the Chinese territory of Shantung which was leased to Germany. It also imposed the 21 Demands on China.

Notes:
In response to the western military pacts, the Soviet Union concluded the Warsaw Pact on 14th May 1955 with her satellite powers. During this phase a number of military pacts were concluded, but the tension between East and West was somewhat reduced.

Notes:
All these reforms led to revolutionary changes in the U.S.S.R. On 8th December 1991, the leaders of the Russian, Ukrainian, and Byelorussian republics issued a declaration that the Soviet Union was dissolved and replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).