World History Multiple Choice Questions
- 1.
Who were the Bolsheviks?
- A.
Radical Russian Marxist revolutionaries
- B.
Followers of Rasputin
- C.
Soldiers in the White Army
- D.
Members of the Duma, Russia's parliament
Correct Answer
A. Radical Russian Marxist revolutionariesExplanation
The Bolsheviks were a group of radical Russian Marxist revolutionaries. They played a significant role in the Russian Revolution and eventually established the Soviet Union. Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks aimed to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish a socialist state. They advocated for the rights of workers and peasants and believed in the necessity of a violent revolution to achieve their goals. The Bolsheviks successfully seized power in 1917 and implemented policies that transformed Russia into a communist state.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which country signed a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union in 1939?
- A.
The United States
- B.
Great Britain
- C.
Spain
- D.
Germany
Correct Answer
D. GermanyExplanation
Germany signed a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union in 1939. This agreement, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was signed between the foreign ministers of both countries, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov. The pact allowed for the division of Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, giving Germany a free hand to invade Poland without Soviet interference. This agreement was significant because it paved the way for the outbreak of World War II, as Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 triggered the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Following the Mexican-American War, the United States gained ______.
- A.
The Confederate States of America
- B.
California, Arizona, and New Mexico
- C.
Louisiana
- D.
Texas
Correct Answer
B. California, Arizona, and New MexicoExplanation
Following the Mexican-American War, the United States gained California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This war, which took place from 1846 to 1848, resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Under this treaty, Mexico ceded a significant portion of its territory to the United States, including the present-day states of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This acquisition greatly expanded the territorial reach of the United States and played a crucial role in shaping its future development and history.Rate this question:
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- 4.
____________ proposed the "general association of nations" that would later become the League of Nations.
- A.
Leonard Scott
- B.
Woodrow Wilson
- C.
General Schlieffen
- D.
Georges Clemenceau
Correct Answer
B. Woodrow WilsonExplanation
Woodrow Wilson proposed the "general association of nations" that would later become the League of Nations.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Marx and Engels predicted that the workers would
- A.
Become middle class.
- B.
End up happy.
- C.
Overthrow the owners.
- D.
Join foreigners in a battle royale.
Correct Answer
C. Overthrow the owners.Explanation
Marx and Engels predicted that the workers would overthrow the owners. This prediction is based on their theory of class struggle, where they argued that the working class would eventually rise up against the capitalist class and seize control of the means of production. They believed that this revolution would lead to the establishment of a socialist society, where the workers would no longer be exploited by the owners. This prediction is a central tenet of Marxist theory and has influenced numerous social and political movements throughout history.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What event in Sarajevo ignited the Great War?
- A.
Russia's mobilization of troops along the Austrian border
- B.
Austria's rejection of Serbia's offer and declaration of war on Serbia
- C.
An ultimatum presented to Serbia in response to royal assassinations
- D.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie
Correct Answer
D. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife SopHieExplanation
The correct answer is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. This event sparked the Great War because it led to a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war. The assassination took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia, when a Serbian nationalist assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife. Austria-Hungary saw this as an opportunity to assert its power over Serbia and issued an ultimatum, which eventually led to a declaration of war. This event is widely considered the catalyst for the outbreak of World War I.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The German blitzkrieg was a military strategy that depended on what advantage?
- A.
Surprise and overwhelming force using fast tanks, jeeps, and planes
- B.
A system of fortifications
- C.
Ability to make a long, steady advance
- D.
"out-waiting" the opponent
Correct Answer
A. Surprise and overwhelming force using fast tanks, jeeps, and planesExplanation
The German blitzkrieg was a military strategy that relied on surprise and overwhelming force using fast tanks, jeeps, and planes. This strategy aimed to quickly and decisively defeat the enemy by launching a swift and powerful attack that would catch them off guard and unable to effectively defend themselves. By utilizing fast-moving vehicles and air support, the Germans were able to rapidly advance and break through enemy lines, disrupting their defenses and causing confusion and chaos. This advantage of surprise and overwhelming force allowed the Germans to achieve rapid victories and conquer large territories in a short period of time.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What caused the United States to enter the Great War?
- A.
Mexico invaded the U.S.
- B.
Unrestricted submarine warfare
- C.
The British invaded Boston
- D.
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor
Correct Answer
B. Unrestricted submarine warfareExplanation
The correct answer is unrestricted submarine warfare. During World War I, Germany implemented a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved sinking any ship, including civilian vessels, without warning in the waters around Britain. This policy greatly angered the United States, as it violated the principles of freedom of the seas and endangered American lives and interests. As a result, the U.S. entered the Great War in 1917 to protect its citizens and ensure the safety of its shipping lanes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What did the Allies' strategy of "island hopping" in the Pacific involve?
- A.
attacking on all islands within 50 miles of Japan
- B.
Attacking only on islands that had Japanese and German soldiers
- C.
Attacking one island, then hopping over the next island thereby isolating it from its supply
- D.
Attacking non-Japanese held islands
Correct Answer
C. Attacking one island, then hopping over the next island thereby isolating it from its supplyExplanation
The Allies' strategy of "island hopping" in the Pacific involved attacking one island and then moving on to the next, thereby isolating it from its supply. This strategy allowed the Allies to bypass heavily fortified islands and focus on capturing strategically important ones. By doing so, they could gradually advance towards Japan while minimizing casualties and conserving resources. This approach also prevented the Japanese from resupplying their isolated garrisons, weakening their hold on the region and facilitating further Allied advances.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which side won the American Civil War?
- A.
The North
- B.
The East
- C.
The South
- D.
Canada
Correct Answer
A. The NorthExplanation
The correct answer is the North. The American Civil War was fought between the Northern states, also known as the Union, and the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. The North emerged as the victor of the war, resulting in the preservation of the United States as a single nation and the abolition of slavery.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What event in 1937 made the Nationalists and Communists in China stop fighting each other?
- A.
Chinese Communists began a 6,000 mile journey.
- B.
The Japanese invaded China.
- C.
Chinese peasants aligned themselves with the Communists.
- D.
The Nationalists succeeded in wiping out the Communists.
Correct Answer
B. The Japanese invaded China.Explanation
The event in 1937 that made the Nationalists and Communists in China stop fighting each other was the Japanese invasion of China. This common external threat led to a temporary truce between the two factions as they joined forces to resist the Japanese aggression. The invasion shifted the focus of both the Nationalists and Communists from their internal conflict to the larger goal of defending China against the Japanese.Rate this question:
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- 12.
________ was a liberal reformer who wanted to make changes in Mexico.
- A.
John Smith
- B.
Benito Juárez
- C.
Rasputin
- D.
Adolin Kholin
Correct Answer
B. Benito JuárezExplanation
Benito Juárez was a liberal reformer who wanted to make changes in Mexico. He was a prominent figure in Mexican history, serving as the President of Mexico during the mid-19th century. Juárez implemented various reforms aimed at modernizing and liberalizing Mexico, including the separation of church and state, land reform, and the establishment of a democratic government. His efforts to promote equality, education, and indigenous rights made him a significant figure in Mexican politics and a symbol of Mexican nationalism.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What is a totalitarian state?
- A.
A state in which the people have a direct say in their government
- B.
A state in which the people elect representatives to the legislature
- C.
A state in which the government controls every aspect of public and private life
- D.
A state in which the working class is glorified and has the greatest voice in government
Correct Answer
C. A state in which the government controls every aspect of public and private lifeExplanation
A totalitarian state is characterized by a government that exercises complete control and authority over all aspects of public and private life. In such a state, the government has the power to dictate and regulate every aspect of society, including political, economic, social, and cultural aspects. This means that the government can restrict individual freedoms, suppress opposition, manipulate information, and enforce strict obedience to its policies and ideology. The people have limited or no say in the decision-making process, and dissent is often met with severe punishment.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Why did some people call for reform during the Industrial Revolution?
- A.
Reformers seemed popular.
- B.
It was part of the religious movement.
- C.
People in industrial cities had bad working conditions and bad living conditions.
- D.
Reform went along with the expansion of empires.
Correct Answer
C. People in industrial cities had bad working conditions and bad living conditions.Explanation
During the Industrial Revolution, many people called for reform because those living in industrial cities faced harsh working conditions and poor living conditions. The rapid growth of industrialization led to overcrowded cities, unsanitary living conditions, and dangerous factories. Workers were subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. These hardships prompted individuals to advocate for change and improvements in labor laws, living conditions, and workers' rights. The need for reform was driven by the dire circumstances faced by the working class during this period of significant industrialization.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which nation was unified by Otto von Bismarck and later ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II?
- A.
Germany
- B.
Austria-Hungary
- C.
Russia
- D.
Serbia
Correct Answer
A. GermanyExplanation
Otto von Bismarck played a crucial role in unifying Germany in the late 19th century. He used diplomacy and military strategies to bring together various German states and create the German Empire in 1871. After Bismarck's resignation, Kaiser Wilhelm II ascended to the throne and ruled Germany until the end of World War I. Under his rule, Germany experienced significant political and social changes, as well as an expansionist foreign policy that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who led the famous protest known as the Salt March?
- A.
Mao Zedong
- B.
Sun Yat Sen
- C.
Mustafa Kemal
- D.
Mohandis K. Gandhi
Correct Answer
D. Mohandis K. GandhiExplanation
Mohandis K. Gandhi led the famous protest known as the Salt March. This protest was a significant event in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Gandhi and his followers marched for 24 days to the Arabian Sea coast to produce their own salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly. The Salt March gained international attention and became a symbol of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. Gandhi's leadership and the success of the Salt March played a crucial role in inspiring and mobilizing the Indian independence movement.Rate this question:
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- 17.
For what is Isoroku Yamamoto famous?
- A.
Ordering and overseeing the Bataan Death March
- B.
The first to win American Ninja
- C.
Breaking the Japanese secret code during World War II
- D.
Masterminding the Japanese naval strategy during World War II
Correct Answer
D. Masterminding the Japanese naval strategy during World War IIExplanation
Isoroku Yamamoto is famous for masterminding the Japanese naval strategy during World War II. He was a Japanese Marshal Admiral and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet. Yamamoto played a crucial role in planning and executing major naval operations, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. He is known for his strategic brilliance and his understanding of naval warfare, which greatly influenced Japan's military tactics during the war.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Who became the president of the Nationalist Republic of China in 1928?
- A.
Chiang Kai-shek
- B.
Lenin
- C.
Hitler
- D.
Stalin
Correct Answer
A. Chiang Kai-shekExplanation
Chiang Kai-shek became the president of the Nationalist Republic of China in 1928. This is because after the death of Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek emerged as the leader of the Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang. He successfully consolidated his power and became the president, leading the Nationalist government in China.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Throughout the course of this year it can be said that the rise of the _________ class strengthened democracy.
- A.
Working class
- B.
Lower class
- C.
Middle class
- D.
Upper class
Correct Answer
C. Middle classExplanation
The middle class is often seen as a crucial component in strengthening democracy because they typically have more resources and education compared to the lower class, but they are also not as wealthy or powerful as the upper class. The middle class tends to have a greater stake in societal stability and progress, and they often advocate for policies that promote social mobility, equal opportunities, and a fair distribution of resources. Their rise can lead to a more balanced distribution of power and influence, which can ultimately strengthen democracy.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What event occurred on the day described as "yesterday, December 7th, 1941...a date which will live in infamy"?
- A.
Battle of Guadalcanal
- B.
Bombing of Hiroshima
- C.
Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese which killed 2,300 Americans
- D.
Signing of the Atlantic Charter
Correct Answer
C. Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese which killed 2,300 AmericansExplanation
On December 7th, 1941, the event that occurred was the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, which resulted in the death of 2,300 Americans. This attack is considered a significant event in history and is often referred to as a "date which will live in infamy." It marked the entry of the United States into World War II and had a profound impact on the course of the war.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Because so many men were off fighting the war, _____________ worked in factories, on farms, and as truck drivers.
- A.
Women
- B.
Rich people
- C.
Robots
- D.
Children
Correct Answer
A. WomenExplanation
During the war, many men were serving in the military, which left a shortage of workers in various industries. To fill this gap, women stepped in and took on roles in factories, farms, and as truck drivers. They played a crucial part in keeping the economy running smoothly and supporting the war effort.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What was the Industrial Revolution?
- A.
Increased populations of urban areas during the 1800s
- B.
Increased purchases of land by wealthy landowners to cultivate larger fields
- C.
Increased output of machine-made goods that began in England during the 18th-century
- D.
A widespread use of teenagers as factory laborers who worked 14 hour days, 6 days a week
Correct Answer
C. Increased output of machine-made goods that began in England during the 18th-centuryExplanation
The Industrial Revolution refers to the period of increased output of machine-made goods that started in England during the 18th-century. This was a time when there was a significant shift from manual labor to the use of machinery in manufacturing and production processes. This revolution brought about major changes in agriculture, mining, transportation, and technology, leading to the rapid growth of urban areas and the transformation of society and the economy.Rate this question:
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- 23.
He was the major leader of the Bolsheviks.
- A.
Mao
- B.
Sun Yat-Sen
- C.
Czar Nicholas II
- D.
Lenin
Correct Answer
D. LeninExplanation
Lenin was the major leader of the Bolsheviks, a revolutionary political party in Russia. He played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a socialist state. Lenin's leadership and ideology were instrumental in shaping the early Soviet Union. He implemented policies such as nationalization of industry and land redistribution, and he also advocated for international revolution and the establishment of a global communist society. Lenin's leadership and contributions make him the correct answer in this context.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What did the 13th amendment end?
- A.
Child labor
- B.
Low wage pay
- C.
Slavery
- D.
Transportation of illegal goods
Correct Answer
C. SlaveryExplanation
The 13th amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment was ratified in 1865, effectively ending the institution of slavery in the country.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What was the policy of appeasement?
- A.
The British and French decision to give into aggression to keep peace
- B.
The treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union agreeing not to fight against each other
- C.
The move that Mussolini made to form an alliance with Germany
- D.
The U.S. desire to stay out of foreign affairs
Correct Answer
A. The British and French decision to give into aggression to keep peaceExplanation
The policy of appeasement refers to the British and French decision to give in to aggression in order to maintain peace. This approach was adopted in the 1930s, particularly in response to Germany's expansionist actions under Adolf Hitler. The idea was to avoid conflict by making concessions and satisfying the demands of aggressive nations. However, this policy ultimately failed as it only emboldened Hitler and allowed him to continue his aggressive actions, leading to the outbreak of World War II.Rate this question:
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