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
What was the main role of the League's Secretariat?
Answer:
Administrative and civil service work
The Secretariat prepared agendas, published reports, and handled the day-to-day paperwork and organization of the League's activities.
52
Which city was declared a 'Free City' under League protection?
Answer:
Danzig
The port city of Danzig (now Gdańsk) was declared a Free City under the protection of the League to give Poland access to the sea while maintaining its self-governance.
53
Which British territory in the Middle East was a Class A Mandate?
Answer:
Iraq
Iraq (along with Palestine) was a British Class A Mandate. Syria and Lebanon were French Mandates.
54
Why did the Disarmament Conference of 1932-1934 fail?
Answer:
Germany demanded equality in armaments
Germany demanded the right to rearm to the level of other powers. When France refused, Hitler withdrew Germany from both the conference and the League.
55
Which League commission was responsible for ending the practice of slavery worldwide?
Answer:
The Slavery Commission
The Slavery Commission worked to abolish slavery and slave trading, achieving success in freeing workers in Sierra Leone and Burma.
56
What did Article 10 of the League Covenant oblige members to do?
Answer:
Protect the territorial integrity of other members
Article 10 was the 'collective security' clause, where members pledged to respect and preserve the territorial integrity and independence of all members against aggression.
57
The 'Upper Silesia' dispute was between Germany and which other country?
Answer:
Poland
Both Germany and Poland claimed the industrial region of Upper Silesia. The League organized a plebiscite and successfully partitioned the area between them in 1921.
58
Which country left the League in 1933 shortly after Germany?
Answer:
Japan
Japan withdrew in 1933 after the League adopted the Lytton Report criticizing its invasion of Manchuria. Germany also announced its withdrawal in late 1933.
59
Which pact, signed in 1928, renounced war as an instrument of national policy?
Answer:
Kellogg-Briand Pact
Although not a League document per se, the Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed by many League members, condemning war. Its failure to prevent WWII reflected the League's weakness.
60
Which region's status was decided by a League plebiscite in 1935?
Answer:
The Saar
The Saar region was administered by the League for 15 years. In 1935, a plebiscite was held, and over 90% of the population voted to rejoin Germany.