General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
51
Which treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War?
Answer:
Treaty of Portsmouth
Brokered by Teddy Roosevelt (who won a Nobel Peace Prize for it), the treaty recognized Japanese rights in Korea and Manchuria.
52
Which European country controlled the largest colonial empire in terms of land area?
Answer:
Great Britain
At its height, the British Empire covered about 25% of the world's land surface, making it the largest empire in history.
53
The 'Cape to Cairo' railway was the vision of which imperialist?
Answer:
Cecil Rhodes
Rhodes wanted a continuous line of British territory and a railway from the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) to Cairo (Egypt).
54
What was the 'British Commonwealth' originally designed to be?
Answer:
An association of self-governing territories
It began as an association of the British Dominions (like Canada and Australia) and evolved to include former colonies after independence.
55
The 'Ghost Dance' was a spiritual movement resisting expansion in:
Answer:
North America (Native Americans)
Native American tribes performed the Ghost Dance hoping to drive away white settlers and restore the buffalo; it ended with the Wounded Knee Massacre.
56
Who was the last monarch of Hawaii?
Answer:
Queen Liliuokalani
Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American sugar planters and businessmen, leading to US annexation.
57
Assimilation was a colonial policy primarily used by:
Answer:
France
The French sought to turn their colonial subjects into 'Frenchmen' by imposing French language, culture, and laws, unlike the British 'indirect rule'.
58
The 'Hundred Days of Reform' was a failed modernization attempt in:
Answer:
China
Emperor Guangxu attempted rapid modernization in 1898, but was overthrown by Empress Dowager Cixi, who opposed the reforms.
59
Which conflict is often considered the first 'media war' due to yellow journalism?
Answer:
Spanish-American War
Newspapers led by Hearst and Pulitzer exaggerated Spanish atrocities in Cuba ('Yellow Journalism') to whip up public support for the war.
60
The 'Black Hole of Calcutta' incident involved:
Answer:
Imprisonment of British soldiers
The Nawab of Bengal imprisoned British captives in a small dungeon where many died of suffocation, an event used to rally British support for conquest.