World History

17 UPSC Mains GS I questions on World History, 2013 to 2025, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on World History toppers answered.

1. 2025 Q13The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2024 Q12How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?15 marks · 250 words
3. 2024 Q13How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?15 marks · 250 words
4. 2023 Q3Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2021 Q13“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2019 Q13Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2017 Q4What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula ?10 marks · 150 words
8. 2016 Q7The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.12.5 marks · 200 words
9. 2015 Q6Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England ? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present ?12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2015 Q7To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars ? Discuss critically.12.5 marks · 200 words
11. 2014 Q8What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India ?10 marks · 150 words
12. 2014 Q9What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956 ? How did it deal a final blow to Britain's self-image as a world power ?10 marks · 150 words
13. 2014 Q10The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.10 marks · 150 words
14. 2013 Q11“ ‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced.” Analyze.10 marks · 200 words
15. 2013 Q12“Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition.” Analyze.10 marks · 200 words
16. 2013 Q13“American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism.” Substantiate.10 marks · 200 words
17. 2013 Q14What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression?10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.