Class 10 History MCQs help students understand important historical events and ideas in a simple way. These questions follow the NCERT syllabus and cover topics like The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Nationalism in India, The Making of a Global World, The Age of Industrialization, and Print Culture and the Modern World. Practicing these MCQs makes learning easier, builds confidence, and helps students prepare better for exams.
1. What does nationalism promote?
a) Expansion of colonial rule
b) Rule by foreign powers
c) Loyalty to a king
d) Unification of people with common culture
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Explanation: Nationalism encourages the idea that people who share a common culture, language, and history should come together to form their own independent nation-state. It fosters unity based on these shared characteristics.
2. Which slogan became popular during the French Revolution?
a) Divide and Rule
b) Unification through War
c) Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
d) Long live the monarchy
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Explanation: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was the powerful slogan of the French Revolution. It symbolized the ideals of freedom, equality before the law, and fraternity, or brotherhood, which were central to the revolution’s goals.
3. What was the impact of the French Revolution on Europe?
a) Increased European unity under one empire
b) Strengthened absolute monarchies
c) Led to European economic decline
d) Encouraged nationalist movements
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Explanation: The French Revolution ignited nationalist movements across Europe. The demand for democratic reforms and independence grew, encouraging many other nations to seek similar changes in their governance and national identity.
4. What was the impact of the Treaty of Vienna (1815) on France?
a) Reduced French territory
b) Created a French republic
c) Strengthened Napoleon’s rule
d) Allowed France to expand
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Explanation: After the Napoleonic Wars, the Treaty of Vienna aimed to restore balance to Europe. It reduced France’s territorial holdings and power to prevent future expansion and maintain peace in Europe.
5. Who among the following was a famous Italian revolutionary?
a) Otto von Bismarck
b) Metternich
c) Giuseppe Mazzini
d) Napoleon Bonaparte
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Explanation: Giuseppe Mazzini was one of Italy’s most prominent revolutionary figures. He pushed for the unification of Italy through nationalist movements and inspired many others to fight for a united Italian state.
6. Which of the following was a key demand of liberal nationalists?
a) A constitution and parliamentary government
b) Complete state control over trade
c) Revival of feudal practices
d) Absolute rule by monarchs
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Explanation: Liberal nationalists demanded constitutional reforms and the establishment of a parliamentary government, as they believed these measures would promote democratic governance and limit the power of absolute monarchs.
7. Who is considered the key figure in the unification of Germany?
a) Napoleon Bonaparte
b) Otto von Bismarck
c) Giuseppe Garibaldi
d) Victor Emmanuel II
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Explanation: Otto von Bismarck was instrumental in the unification of Germany. He utilized both diplomatic strategies and military force to bring the various independent German states together under Prussian leadership.
8. Which Italian leader was known for his diplomatic efforts in unifying Italy?
a) Giuseppe Garibaldi
b) Giuseppe Mazzini
c) Count Cavour
d) Napoleon Bonaparte
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Explanation: Count Cavour, the Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, played a crucial role in uniting Italy through diplomatic means, forging alliances, and using military force when necessary to achieve unification.
9. Why did the Frankfurt Parliament of 1848 fail?
a) It successfully unified Germany
b) It lacked popular support
c) It refused to grant rights to the aristocracy
d) The king of Prussia rejected the crown offered by the parliament
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Explanation: The Frankfurt Parliament of 1848 failed because King Frederick William IV of Prussia rejected the offer of a crown, refusing to accept the idea of a constitutionally unified Germany. This rejection prevented the movement from gaining traction.
10. Which Italian leader is known for leading the Red Shirts in the unification of Italy?
a) Giuseppe Mazzini
b) Giuseppe Garibaldi
c) Victor Emmanuel II
d) Count Cavour
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Explanation: Giuseppe Garibaldi was the leader of the Red Shirts, a volunteer army that played a major role in the military campaign to unify Italy, particularly in the southern regions.
11. What was Bismarck’s policy of unification known as?
a) Democracy and Freedom
b) Nationalist Brotherhood
c) Blood and Iron
d) Peaceful Diplomacy
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Explanation: Bismarck’s policy of “Blood and Iron” reflected his belief that unification could only be achieved through strong military force (“blood”) and industrial strength (“iron”), rather than through diplomatic negotiations alone.
12. What was the primary aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) To seek full independence for India
b) To support the British government
c) To promote communal harmony
d) To boycott British goods and institutions
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Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to challenge British colonial rule by boycotting British goods and services, promoting self-reliance, and refusing to cooperate with the British authorities.
13. Which Indian leader called for the “Quit India” movement in 1942?
a) Subhas Chandra Bose
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Sardar Patel
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Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi launched the “Quit India” movement in 1942, urging the British to immediately leave India. This movement symbolized India’s growing desire for independence and led to mass protests across the country.
14. The famous “Jallianwala Bagh Massacre” occurred in which city?
a) Kolkata
b) Amritsar
c) Delhi
d) Lahore
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Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in Amritsar in 1919 when British troops, under the command of General Dyer, opened fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds. It became a turning point in the Indian struggle for independence.
15. Which of the following was a key feature of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Boycotting British goods and institutions
b) Armed rebellion against the British
c) Participation in elections under British rule
d) Establishment of a new Indian monarchy
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Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement, led by Gandhi, focused on peaceful resistance by boycotting British goods, services, and institutions, aiming to weaken British authority and promote self-reliance.
16. The Rowlatt Act was passed in which year?
a) 1915
b) 1916
c) 1919
d) 1920
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Explanation: The Rowlatt Act, passed in 1919, allowed the British government to arrest and detain Indians without trial, further fueling unrest and resentment among the Indian population.
17. What was the significance of the Khilafat Movement?
a) It was a movement against British rule
b) It was led by Muslims in support of the Ottoman Caliph
c) It aimed to promote non-violence
d) It demanded greater rights for women
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Explanation: The Khilafat Movement was launched by Indian Muslims to support the Ottoman Caliph, whose empire was being dismantled after World War I. This movement later merged with the Non-Cooperation Movement, strengthening the struggle for independence.
18. What is Satyagraha also known as?
a) Dandi March
b) Quit India Movement
c) Non-Cooperation Movement
d) Round Table March
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Explanation: Satyagraha, famously associated with Mahatma Gandhi, is the method of nonviolent resistance or civil disobedience. The Dandi March in 1930, protesting the salt tax, was one of the most notable events using this strategy.
19. Which movement aimed to support the workers’ rights in the tea plantations?
a) The Champaran Satyagraha
b) The Quit India Movement
c) The Non-Cooperation Movement
d) The Plantation Strikes
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Explanation: The Plantation Strikes, particularly in Assam, aimed to improve the working conditions for laborers in the tea plantations, demanding better pay and treatment.
20. Who gave the slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ during the Indian freedom struggle?
a) Subhas Chandra Bose
b) Bhagat Singh
c) Lala Lajpat Rai
d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
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Explanation: ‘Inquilab Zindabad,’ meaning “Long live the revolution,” was coined by Bhagat Singh, symbolizing the call for a revolutionary struggle against British colonial rule.
21. Who gave the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Subhas Chandra Bose
c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
d) Lala Lajpat Rai
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Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter, famously said “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” inspiring countless Indians to demand self-rule from the British.
22. Which of the following was a major factor in the creation of a global economy?
a) The discovery of America
b) Development of railways
c) The rise of trade unions
d) The increase in local markets
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Explanation: The development of railways allowed for the quicker and more efficient transport of goods, thus facilitating global trade and contributing to the emergence of a global economy.
23. Who were the main European powers involved in global trade during the 19th century?
a) China and India
b) Mexico and Brazil
c) Russia and Japan
d) Britain and France
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Explanation: Britain and France were the dominant European powers during the 19th century, controlling vast colonial empires and playing key roles in global trade networks.
24. What was the primary impact of the Great Depression of 1929?
a) Economic prosperity
b) Rise in global trade
c) Widespread unemployment and poverty
d) Industrial expansion
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Explanation: The Great Depression of 1929 caused massive economic downturns across the world, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and a dramatic decline in industrial and agricultural output.
25. Which of the following is a result of the Columbian Exchange?
a) Isolation of continents
b) Exchange of goods, crops, and diseases between continents
c) Decline in global trade
d) End of colonization
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Explanation: The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world.
26. What was the role of railways in the expansion of global trade?
a) They slowed down trade
b) They only served local markets
c) They helped transport goods faster and cheaper
d) They disrupted ocean shipping routes
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Explanation: Railways played a vital role in speeding up transportation, making it more cost-effective and efficient. They helped link distant regions, enabling the quicker movement of goods and thus promoting global trade.
27. What was the significance of the Suez Canal for global trade?
a) It increased shipping times
b) It linked the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea
c) It connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
d) It restricted trade between Europe and Asia
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Explanation: The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, linked the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, offering a much shorter shipping route between Europe and Asia. This revolutionized global trade by reducing travel time.
28. Which nation was known for its imperial control over India in the 19th century?
a) Spain
b) Portugal
c) France
d) Britain
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Explanation: During the 19th century, Britain ruled India as part of its vast empire. British control over India had significant political, economic, and cultural impacts that lasted until India gained independence in 1947.
29. What was the primary impact of Rinderpest (the cattle plague) on Africa?
a) It led to a massive decrease in agricultural output
b) It caused widespread death in humans
c) It caused the decline of European empires in Africa
d) It led to the rise of new trade routes
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Explanation: Rinderpest, a cattle plague that spread in Africa, devastated livestock populations. This significantly affected agriculture and food security, leading to economic hardships across many African regions.
30. Which of the following was a key industry that Indian entrepreneurs were involved in abroad?
a) Rubber manufacturing
b) Textiles and trading
c) Oil drilling
d) Automobiles
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Explanation: Indian entrepreneurs were heavily involved in textiles and trading in various parts of the world, including Africa and the Caribbean. These industries were central to their success in foreign markets.
31. The rise of industrialization was most significant in which sector?
a) Agriculture
b) Military
c) Textile production
d) Education
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Explanation: The textile industry saw the most significant growth during the early phases of industrialization, with the development of machinery revolutionizing textile production and creating a demand for mass-produced fabric.
32. What was a key factor in the growth of industrial cities?
a) Rural development
b) Migration of workers from rural areas
c) Decline in urban population
d) Decrease in factory production
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Explanation: As factories expanded during industrialization, workers moved in large numbers from rural areas to urban cities in search of jobs, leading to rapid urbanization and the growth of industrial cities.
33. What was the impact of Manchester’s textiles on India?
a) It led to the decline of traditional Indian handloom industries
b) It improved Indian textile production
c) It encouraged self-sufficiency in India
d) It made cotton cheaper in India
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Explanation: Manchester’s machine-made textiles flooded the Indian market, which led to a decline in India’s traditional handloom industries. Local artisans struggled to compete with the cheaper British products.
34. What was a major challenge faced by small-scale industries during industrialization?
a) Increased demand for goods
b) Technological advancements making their methods obsolete
c) Government subsidies for local producers
d) Easy access to global markets
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Explanation: Small-scale industries found it hard to survive during industrialization as technological advancements led to mass production in factories, making their manual or small-scale methods less efficient and competitive.
35. What was a major problem for workers before the Industrial Revolution?
a) Lack of factories
b) High wages
c) Low wages and long hours
d) Too many workers
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Explanation: Before industrialization, workers, including artisans and farmers, faced poor working conditions, with long hours and low wages. This led to widespread poverty and hardship for the laboring classes.
36. What was the role of artisans in pre-industrial economies?
a) They were mostly farmers
b) They worked in factories
c) They were involved in transportation
d) They produced goods by hand in workshops
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Explanation: Before industrialization, artisans were skilled workers who made products by hand in small workshops. They crafted items like textiles, tools, and pottery, which were sold locally.
37. Which European country played a key role in establishing industries in their colonies?
a) Portugal
b) Spain
c) Britain
d) France
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Explanation: Britain played a big part in setting up industries in its colonies, especially in India, Africa, and parts of Asia. The country’s factories and trade networks were crucial for its economy.
38. Which Indian city became a major center for textile production due to British policies?
a) Kolkata
b) Ahmedabad
c) Chennai
d) Mumbai
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Explanation: Ahmedabad became a key textile center during British rule, thanks to British investment in its mills. The city thrived as a result of colonial policies supporting textile production.
39. What was the first book printed using the printing press?
a) The Bible
b) The Ramayana
c) The Quran
d) The Iliad
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Explanation: The Bible was the first major book printed using movable type. This marked the start of mass book production, making books more accessible to a larger audience.
40. What was the role of pamphlets in spreading ideas?
a) They were used for entertainment
b) They were only printed for advertisements
c) They were expensive and limited to the rich
d) They were used to spread political and religious ideas
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Explanation: Pamphlets were an important tool for spreading political and religious ideas. They were affordable and could reach many people, especially during times of political and religious change.
41. How did the printing press affect the spread of ideas?
a) It slowed down the spread of ideas
b) It made ideas less accessible
c) It helped spread ideas quickly and widely
d) It only spread religious ideas
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Explanation: The printing press made it easier and faster to spread ideas. Books, newspapers, and pamphlets became widely available, allowing information to reach more people quickly.
42. What did the ‘Reading Mania’ refer to?
a) The spread of books in India
b) The large number of books printed in the 20th century
c) The spread of newspapers
d) The widespread excitement over reading during the 19th century
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Explanation: ‘Reading Mania’ refers to the enthusiasm for reading that grew in the 19th century. The availability of printed books and newspapers made reading more popular, especially among middle-class people.
43. What was the effect of print on the Catholic Church?
a) It helped the church spread its messages more effectively
b) It led to the Protestant Reformation
c) It caused a decline in its followers
d) It had no effect
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Explanation: The printing press played a key role in the Protestant Reformation. Printed books and pamphlets spread new ideas that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to religious conflict in Europe.
44. What role did print culture play in colonial India?
a) It isolated India from the world
b) It had no influence
c) It encouraged social reforms and nationalism
d) It focused solely on religious content
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Explanation: In colonial India, print culture helped spread nationalist and social reform ideas. It made it easier for people to share ideas, which played a key role in the independence movement.
45. Which Indian reformer used print culture to spread his ideas about social reform?
a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) Swami Vivekananda
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Jawaharlal Nehru
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Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy used print culture to promote social reforms, such as the abolition of Sati and the promotion of education. He helped spread progressive ideas through newspapers and books.
46. What is a printing press?
a) A machine for copying handwritten notes
b) A device for carving wood
c) A machine for printing text and images
d) A painting tool
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Explanation: A printing press is a machine that applies ink to paper. It makes it possible to print large numbers of books, newspapers, and pamphlets quickly and efficiently.
47. What was a key feature of the Gutenberg printing press?
a) It relied on hand-carved woodblocks
b) It printed only one page at a time
c) It used parchment instead of paper
d) It used movable metal type
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Explanation: Gutenberg’s printing press used movable metal type. This allowed for faster printing and made it possible to produce multiple copies of a book in a shorter amount of time.
Class 10 History MCQs – Chapter-wise Practice
Explore the topics below to practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from each chapter of Class 10 History:
- Class 10 History Chapter 1 – The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
- Class 10 History Chapter 2 – Nationalism in India
- Class 10 History Chapter 3 – The Making of a Global World
- Class 10 History Chapter 4 – The Age of Industrialization
- Class 10 History Chapter 5 – Print Culture and the Modern World
Why Should You Practice Class 10 History MCQs?
Practicing Class 10 History MCQs is a great way to prepare for exams and understand important historical topics better.
- Revises Key Concepts: MCQs help you quickly review important topics like Nationalism in Europe, Nationalism in India, the Making of a Global World, the Age of Industrialization, and Print Culture. Practicing regularly helps you remember these topics well.
- Improves Exam Skills: Regular practice of MCQs will help you answer questions faster and more accurately, which is useful for managing time during exams.
- Enhances Conceptual Clarity: Practicing different questions helps you better understand historical events like nationalism or industrialization, making the subject easier to grasp.
- Reduces Exam Stress: Continuous practice builds your confidence and helps you feel well-prepared for the exam, reducing stress and anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Class 10 History MCQs
Q1. What are the key chapters to focus on for Class 10 History MCQs?
The key chapters in the NCERT Class 10 History syllabus include:
- The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
- Nationalism in India
- The Making of a Global World
- The Age of Industrialization
- Print Culture and the Modern World
Q2. How do MCQs help in exam preparation?
MCQs help you quickly review important historical events, improve your speed in answering questions, enhance time management, and identify areas that need more focus during study sessions.
Q3. Are Class 10 History MCQs based on the NCERT syllabus?
Yes, the Class 10 History MCQs are strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus, covering all important topics from your curriculum.
Q4. How often should I practice Class 10 History MCQs?
Practicing MCQs daily or at least a few times a week helps with regular revision, better retention, and a deeper understanding of historical events and concepts.
Q5. Can MCQs help with quick revision?Q6. Are Class 10 History MCQs useful for all types of exams?
Yes, practicing MCQs is helpful for not just school exams but also for competitive exams that include history or general knowledge in their syllabus.
