World History MCQs

Notes:
When the WWII started, USA announced its neutrality. The American public opinion was favourable to the cause of Britain, but they did not want to join in the war. Britain was allowed to buy arms. Gradually, the US support to the Britain grew. In March 1941, the US Congress passed a law under which the US president was given the right to lend or lease armaments to any country whose defense was vital to the defense of the United States. This was known as the ‘Lend-Lease’ system. Under this, Britain began to receive massive supplies from USA. In November 1941, the ‘Lend-Lease’ system was extended to the Soviet Union also. So, option a is the correct answer.

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. So, the correct answer is option ‘b’.

Notes:
On February 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon arrived in China, becoming the first U.S. president to do so since China was established in 1949. This was an important event because the U.S. was seeking to improve relations with a Communist country during the Cold War.

Notes:
The policy of racial discrimination followed in South Africa was called Apartheid.

Notes:
On 4th July 1776, the American Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. It was prepared by a committee of five led by Thomas Jefferson who included the ideals of human freedom in it.

Notes:
In 1764, Hargreaves invented the ‘spinning jenny’. This machine could spin eight threads at the same time, instead of one.

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:
In March 1920, the royalists under the leadership of Dr. Kapp revolted. But he failed and surrendered before the republican government. The second such revolt was led by Ludendorff. He was assisted by Hitler.

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:
Between 1955 and 1958, West Asia remained the centre of the Cold War. In the series of western military pacts, the Baghdad Pact was concluded in 1955, later known as Central Treaty Organization (CENTO).