World History for UPSC

Introduction

World history is often the neglected part of UPSC preparation. However, it is also one of the important subject.

First of all, it is important to understand that in humanities, it is not possible to make digital compartmentalization. Everything you study can be used anywhere else. History, politics, economy, geography – all of these have bearing on one another. And therefore, a mature study involves a multidimensional approach.

World history is, then, not an exception. Good knowledge of world history helps us better understand the Indian freedom struggle. It helps us consolidate our knowledge of geography and the economy. It explains a lot about present international relations. And if you are a student of political science, it’s not optional for you.

However, as an independent subject, the importance of World history is not beyond 1-2 questions. The graph below reflects the trend in the last few years. Surprisingly, no question was asked in 2018, 2020 & 2022 GS-1 on World History.

Since it is part of the syllabus you can expect a question or two in 2021. A good understanding of world history will improve your answers. It will help in essay writing and also in the interview.

Apart from all the reasons above, world history is a highly interesting subject in itself.

World History Previous Year Questions (2013-2022)

1. ” There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. [2021/Q13/15m/250w]
2. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution.  [2019/Q13/15m/200w]
3. What problems are germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?    [2017/Q4/10m/150w]
4. The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western -educated Africans. Examine. [2016/Q7/12.5m/200w]
5. Why 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? [2015/Q6/12.5m/200w]
6. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically [2015/Q7/12.5m/200w]
7. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? [2014/Q8/10m/150w]
8. What 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? [2014/Q9/10m/150w]
9. “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.  [2013/Q11/10m/200w]
10. Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.  [2013/Q12/10m/200w]
11. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.  [2013/Q13/10m/200w]
12. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?  [2013/Q14/10m/200w]