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
22171
Which European power established the colony of 'New Sweden' in North America?
Answer:
Sweden
Sweden established a short-lived colony along the Delaware River in 1638, which was later conquered by the Dutch.
22172
The 'Corn Laws' in Britain were tariffs that protected:
Answer:
Domestic grain producers (landowners)
The Corn Laws imposed high tariffs on imported grain. Their repeal in 1846 marked a major shift towards free trade in the British Empire.
22173
The 'Congo Free State' was notorious for the production of what resource?
Answer:
Rubber
Under King Leopold II, the Congo was exploited for wild rubber to feed the growing tire industry, resulting in horrific atrocities against the local population.
22174
Which British general defeated the French at the Battle of Quebec (Plains of Abraham) but died in the process?
Answer:
General Wolfe
James Wolfe led the British forces to victory over the French in 1759, securing Canada for Britain, though he was mortally wounded during the battle.
22175
The 'War of Jenkins' Ear' was fought between Britain and:
Answer:
Spain
The conflict began in 1739 after a British captain, Robert Jenkins, allegedly had his ear cut off by Spanish coast guards in the Caribbean.
22176
Who famously greeted a lost explorer with the words 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?'
Answer:
Henry Morton Stanley
Henry Morton Stanley, a journalist and explorer, found the ailing Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika in 1871.
22177
David Livingstone was a famous explorer of which continent?
Answer:
Africa
Dr. David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and explorer who sought the source of the Nile and was the first European to see Victoria Falls.
22178
The 'Black Hole of Calcutta' incident involved the imprisonment of British subjects by:
Answer:
The Nawab of Bengal
In 1756, the Nawab of Bengal captured Fort William and imprisoned British prisoners in a cramped dungeon, where many died of suffocation, an event later used to justify British conquest.
22179
Which Asian country is famous for never having been colonized by a European power?
Answer:
Thailand (Siam)
Thailand (formerly Siam) maintained its independence through clever diplomacy and by acting as a buffer state between British Burma and French Indochina.
22180
The 'Encomienda' system in Spanish colonies was primarily a system of:
Answer:
Forced labor and tribute
The Encomienda system granted Spanish conquistadors the right to demand tribute and forced labor from the indigenous population in exchange for 'protection' and Christian instruction.