World History MCQs Questions with answer and explanation for Competitive Exams. Important previous year questions.
Medium: English
World History Questions
Question 1: Which part of India did Alexander the Great invade?
a) Punjab
b) Bengal
c) Kashmir
d) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Alexander the Great invaded the northwestern part of India, particularly Punjab. His campaign brought significant changes to the Indian subcontinent.
Question 2: Who was the first emperor of the Maurya Empire?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Bindusara
d) Emperor Vikramaditya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire and became its first emperor. He established a significant empire in India during the 4th century BCE.
Question 3: When did World War I end?
a) 1914
b) 1918
c) 1920
d) 1939
Explanation: World War I ended in 1918 when all major powers signed peace agreements.
Question 4: Which country conducted the first nuclear bomb test?
a) USA
b) Russia
c) England
d) Japan
Explanation: The USA conducted the first nuclear bomb test in 1945, which was a significant event towards the end of World War II.
Question 5: Which empire developed the ‘Code of Laws’ in Mesopotamia?
a) Babylonian
b) Assyrian
c) Maurya
d) Greek
Explanation: The Babylonian Empire developed Hammurabi’s Code, which was an important ancient legal document.
Question 6: What was the role of the ‘Senate’ in ancient Rome?
a) Function as a court
b) Make laws and provide advice
c) Expand the empire
d) Control trade deals
Explanation: The main role of the Senate in ancient Rome was to create laws and advise the ruler. It was a crucial part of the Roman government.
Question 7: What does “Drops of John” refer to?
a) A political plan
b) A war name
c) A social movement in the USA
d) A scientific discovery
Explanation: “Drops of John” was the name of a social movement in the USA aimed at prohibiting alcohol. This movement led to “Prohibition” in the 1920s, banning alcohol production and sales.
Question 8: Which action led to the October Revolution in Russia?
a) Economic crisis
b) War defeat
c) Political dissatisfaction
d) Foreign invasion
Explanation: The main cause of the October Revolution (1917) in Russia was the country’s defeat in World War I, which led to economic and social crises, ultimately fueling the Bolshevik Revolution.
Question 9: Who was the prominent ruler of the Babylonian Empire?
a) Hammurabi
b) Nebuchadnezzar II
c) Alexander
d) Ramses II
Explanation: Nebuchadnezzar II was a significant ruler of the Babylonian Empire, known for constructing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Question 10: Which ancient civilization built the pyramids?
a) Mesopotamia
b) Egypt
c) Greece
d) India
Explanation: The ancient Egyptian civilization built the pyramids, which reflected their religious and cultural significance.
Question 11: In which year did the French Revolution begin?
(A) 1787
(B) 1789
(C) 1792
(D) 1794
Explanation: The French Revolution began in 1789. It was caused by deep social inequality and an economic crisis, with the main goal of ending the old feudal system and implementing the principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity.
Question 12: Which emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal, famous for its tomb and architecture?
(A) Akbar
(B) Shah Jahan
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Babur
Explanation: The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is an excellent example of Indian architecture.
Question 13: In which year did Columbus first discover America?
(A) 1492
(B) 1498
(C) 1500
(D) 1520
Explanation: Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. This journey was a significant historical event for the Americas.
Question 14: Which empire led to the unification of modern Germany?
(A) Roman Empire
(B) Frankish Empire
(C) Prussian Empire
(D) Ottoman Empire
Question 15: Which king achieved major victories to gain control over the Indian Ocean?
(A) Chandragupta Maurya
(B) Ashoka
(C) Samudragupta
(D) Shivaji
Explanation: Shivaji achieved significant victories to gain control over the Indian Ocean and established the Maratha Empire as a Chhatrapati.
Question 16: Which emperor adopted Islam as the state religion?
(A) Akbar
(B) Aurangzeb
(C) Babur
(D) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Aurangzeb adopted Islam as the state religion of the Mughal Empire and implemented Islamic laws during his rule.
Question 17: When was the United Nations established after World War II?
(A) 1945
(B) 1947
(C) 1949
(D) 1950
Explanation: The United Nations was established in 1945 after World War II with the aim of maintaining global peace and security.
Question 18: Which prominent scholar and writer in Akbar’s court wrote “Akbarnama”?
(A) Zahir-ud-din Babur
(B) Abul Fazl
(C) Akbar
(D) Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation: Abul Fazl was a prominent scholar and writer in Akbar’s court who wrote “Akbarnama,” a detailed account of Akbar’s life and reign.
Question 19: Who gave the slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” during the French Revolution?
(A) Louis XVI
(B) Napoleon Bonaparte
(C) Georges Danton
(D) Maximilien Robespierre
Explanation: The slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was given by Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution. It symbolized revolutionary ideals.
Question 20: In which year did the American War of Independence begin?
(A) 1776
(B) 1783
(C) 1800
(D) 1790
Explanation: The American War of Independence began in 1776 when America declared independence from Britain.
Question 21: Which empire was founded by Alexander the Great?
A) Roman Empire
B) Mongol Empire
C) Macedonian Empire
D) Sassanian Empire
Explanation: Alexander the Great founded the Macedonian Empire and expanded it over a vast territory.
Question 22: Which country was most affected by the Seven Years’ War?
A) Britain
B) France
C) Russia
D) Germany
Explanation: The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) significantly impacted France, resulting in the loss of many of its colonial possessions to Britain.
Question 23: In which famous battle did Napoleon Bonaparte face defeat?
A) Battle of Waterloo
B) Battle of Trafalgar
C) Battle of Austerlitz
D) Battle of Lützen
Explanation: Napoleon Bonaparte faced defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, marking the end of his rule and bringing stability to Europe.
Question 24: Which major book was written during Akbar’s reign?
A) Baburnama
B) Akbarnama
C) Ain-i-Akbari
D) Mughalnama
Explanation: “Ain-i-Akbari” was written by Abul Fazl, detailing the administrative, social, and religious aspects of Akbar’s reign.
Question 25: Which revolution in China was a major outcome under Mao Zedong’s leadership?
A) Taiping Rebellion
B) Summer Uprising
C) Communist Revolution of China
D) Xinhai Revolution
Explanation: The Communist Revolution of China (1949), led by Mao Zedong, resulted in the establishment of Communist Party rule in China.
Question 26: In which year did Japan surrender after World War II?
A) 1945
B) 1946
C) 1944
D) 1947
Explanation: Japan surrendered in 1945, marking the end of World War II and leading to the formation of the United Nations.
Question 27: What was the primary goal of the Bolshevik Revolution?
A) End of imperialism
B) Establishment of communism
C) Establishment of democracy
D) End of colonialism
Explanation: The main goal of the Bolshevik Revolution was to establish communism, leading to the formation of a communist government in Russia.
Question 28: Which great empire played a major role in Europe after the Roman Empire?
A) Byzantine Empire
B) Ottoman Empire
C) Frankish Empire
D) British Empire
Explanation: The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, played a dominant role in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Question 29: The “Napoleonic Code” was implemented in which country?
A) Britain
B) France
C) Spain
D) Italy
Explanation: The “Napoleonic Code” was implemented in France and became an important legal framework codifying civil laws.
Question 30: When was the World Trade Organization (WTO) established?
A) 1995
B) 1990
C) 1985
D) 2000
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995 to regulate international trade and resolve trade disputes.
Question 31: When did the ancient Egyptian empire begin?
A) 3100 BCE
B) 3000 BCE
C) 2500 BCE
D) 2000 BCE
Explanation: The ancient Egyptian empire began around 3100 BCE when Narmer unified Egypt and established the first dynasty.
Question 32: In which country is the “Great Wall” located?
A) India
B) China
C) Japan
D) Vietnam
Explanation: The Great Wall of China was built in ancient times to defend against foreign invasions.
Question 33: Where was Genghis Khan born?
A) China
B) Mongolia
C) India
D) Russia
Explanation: Genghis Khan was born in Mongolia. He founded the Mongol Empire and conquered a vast territory.
Question 34: Which U.S. president played a crucial role in the construction of the Panama Canal?
A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) Woodrow Wilson
C) Franklin D. Roosevelt
D) Abraham Lincoln
Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt played a significant role in the construction of the Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914, providing a navigational route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Question 35: In which decade did colonialism come to an end?
A) 1940s
B) 1950s
C) 1960s
D) 1970s
Explanation: Colonialism largely ended in the 1960s when many African and Asian countries gained independence from colonial powers.
Question 36: In which country was the center of the Renaissance?
A) France
B) England
C) Italy
D) Spain
Explanation: The Renaissance was centered in Italy, particularly in Florence, Venice, and Rome, where major advancements in art, literature, and science took place.
Question 37: Who was one of the main revolutionary leaders during the French Revolution?
A) Maximilien Robespierre
B) Louis XVI
C) Napoleon Bonaparte
D) Georges Danton
Explanation: Maximilien Robespierre was a key revolutionary leader during the French Revolution and played a crucial role in its radical phase.
Question 38: When was the World Trade Organization (WTO) established?
A) 1995
B) 1990
C) 2000
D) 1985
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995. It is responsible for regulating global trade and resolving international trade disputes.
Question 39: Which war established the modern European balance of power?
A) Seven Years’ War
B) Thirty Years’ War
C) Napoleonic Wars
D) French Revolution
Explanation: The Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) established the modern European balance of power, leading to a global redistribution of power between Britain and France.
Question 40: What was the first constitution of France after the French Revolution?
A) Constitution of 1791
B) Constitution of 1789
C) Constitution of 1804
D) Constitution of 1795
Explanation: The Constitution of 1791 was the first constitution of France after the French Revolution. It established a constitutional monarchy, limiting the powers of the king.
Question 41: Who became the first President of Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union?
A) Mikhail Gorbachev
B) Boris Yeltsin
C) Vladimir Putin
D) Nikita Khrushchev
Explanation: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Boris Yeltsin became the first President of Russia. He served from 1991 to 1999.
Question 42: The “Cold War” was fought between which two countries?
A) USA and Japan
B) USA and Soviet Union
C) Britain and France
D) Germany and Italy
Explanation: The Cold War was an ideological and political conflict between the USA and the Soviet Union after World War II, lasting from 1947 to 1991.
Question 43: In which year was the Berlin Wall brought down?
A) 1987
B) 1989
C) 1991
D) 1993
Explanation: The Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989, marking the reunification of East and West Germany and signaling the end of the Cold War.
Question 44: When did the “D-Day” operation take place during World War II?
A) 1941
B) 1942
C) 1944
D) 1945
Explanation: The D-Day operation took place on June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed in Normandy, France. This was a crucial step in defeating Nazi Germany.
Question 45: Where did the “Renaissance” begin?
A) England
B) France
C) Italy
D) Germany
Explanation: The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy, during the 14th to 17th centuries. It led to major advancements in art, science, and culture.
Question 46: Who established democracy in Athens?
A) Solon
B) Pericles
C) Aristotle
D) Plato
Explanation: Under the leadership of Pericles, democracy was established in Athens. He encouraged civic participation and made Athens a cultural and political hub.
Question 47: In which battle was the great French leader Napoleon Bonaparte defeated?
A) Battle of Waterloo
B) Battle of Trafalgar
C) Battle of Leipzig
D) Battle of Austerlitz
Explanation: Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After this defeat, he was exiled, bringing peace to Europe.
Question 48: Who was the first Emperor of Rome?
A) Nero
B) Julius Caesar
C) Augustus
D) Caligula
Explanation: Augustus was the first Emperor of Rome. He was the successor of Julius Caesar and expanded the Roman Empire during his reign.
Question 49: In which country did the “Industrial Revolution” first begin?
A) Germany
B) France
C) Britain
D) United States
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution started in Britain in the mid-18th century. It brought revolutionary changes in production methods and had a global economic impact.
Question 50: In which country did the Bolshevik Revolution take place?
A) China
B) Russia
C) Cuba
D) Vietnam
Explanation: The Bolshevik Revolution occurred in Russia in 1917, leading to the rise of communism and the establishment of the Soviet Union under Vladimir Lenin.
Question 51: In which year did the American War of Independence end?
A) 1776
B) 1781
C) 1783
D) 1791
Explanation: The American War of Independence ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, in which Britain recognized the independence of the 13 American colonies.
Question 52: Along which river did the ancient Egyptian civilization develop?
A) Tigris
B) Yangtze
C) Nile
D) Indus
Explanation: The ancient Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River. The annual flooding of the Nile provided the necessary resources for agriculture and survival.
Question 53: Who led the Allied Powers during World War II?
A) Winston Churchill
B) Adolf Hitler
C) Joseph Stalin
D) Franklin D. Roosevelt
Explanation: Winston Churchill led the Allied Powers during World War II and played a crucial role in the fight against Nazi Germany.
Question 54: Who is known as the “Founder of Revolutionary China”?
A) Chiang Kai-shek
B) Mao Zedong
C) Sun Yat-sen
D) Deng Xiaoping
Explanation: Mao Zedong is known as the “Founder of Revolutionary China.” He established the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and laid the foundation for communist rule in China.
Question 55: In which year did the Glorious Revolution of England take place?
A) 1642
B) 1688
C) 1701
D) 1789
Explanation: The Glorious Revolution of England took place in 1688. It was a peaceful revolution in which King James II was deposed, and his daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange, were installed as rulers. This revolution laid the foundation for constitutional governance in England, establishing parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy.
Question 56: From which country did the European Renaissance begin?
A) England
B) France
C) Italy
D) Greece
Explanation: The European Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that marked a revival in art, science, and literature after the Middle Ages. It began in Italy in the late 14th century and lasted until the 17th century.
Question 57: Who was the Mughal emperor during the Revolt of 1857?
A) Akbar
B) Shah Alam
C) Bahadur Shah Zafar
D) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor during the Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence. He was seen as a symbolic leader by the rebels and led the uprising in Delhi against British rule.
Question 58: When did Alexander invade India?
A) 326 BCE
B) 356 BCE
C) 300 BCE
D) 250 BCE
Explanation: Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE and fought the Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus on the banks of the Jhelum River.
Question 59: When was Bangladesh established?
A) 1972
B) 1971
C) 1970
D) 1975
Explanation: In 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League declared independence for Bangladesh on March 26. This led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
Question 60: Who discovered the Harappan civilization?
A) Alexander Cunningham
B) Robert Bruce Foote
C) Dayaram Sahni
D) John Marshall
Explanation: The Harappan civilization was discovered in 1921 by Dayaram Sahni. He was an official of the Archaeological Survey of India and conducted excavations at Harappa (now in Pakistan). Later, this civilization was termed the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest civilizations.