History is filled with significant events that have shaped the world. From great wars and revolutions to scientific discoveries and independence movements, these events have left a lasting impact on humanity.
If you’re preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, or State PSCs, or just want to test your general knowledge, this list of Famous Historical Events GK Questions and Answers will help you learn about key moments in history.
Let’s dive in!
Ancient Historical Events GK Questions and Answers
- Which civilization is known as the world’s first urban civilization?
- A) Mesopotamian Civilization
- B) Indus Valley Civilization
- C) Egyptian Civilization
- D) Chinese Civilization
Answer: A) Mesopotamian Civilization
- Who built the Great Pyramid of Giza?
- A) Ramses II
- B) Tutankhamun
- C) Khufu (Cheops)
- D) Cleopatra
- Answer: C) Khufu (Cheops)
- Which ancient city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD?
- A) Athens
- B) Carthage
- C) Pompeii
- D) Troy
- Answer: C) Pompeii
- Which empire was ruled by Alexander the Great?
- A) Roman Empire
- B) Persian Empire
- C) Greek Empire
- D) Macedonian Empire
- Answer: D) Macedonian Empire
- Who was the first emperor of China?
- A) Kublai Khan
- B) Qin Shi Huang
- C) Sun Tzu
- D) Confucius
- Answer: B) Qin Shi Huang
Medieval Historical Events GK Questions and Answers
- The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was fought between which two countries?
- A) France and Germany
- B) England and France
- C) England and Denmark
- D) Spain and Portugal
- Answer: B) England and France
- Which empire built the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia?
- A) Mughal Empire
- B) Khmer Empire
- C) Ottoman Empire
- D) Byzantine Empire
- Answer: B) Khmer Empire
- Who led the Mongol invasions and created the largest contiguous empire in history?
- A) Timur
- B) Genghis Khan
- C) Kublai Khan
- D) Attila the Hun
- Answer: B) Genghis Khan
- Which English document, signed in 1215, limited the powers of the king?
- A) The Constitution
- B) Magna Carta
- C) Bill of Rights
- D) Treaty of Versailles
- Answer: B) Magna Carta
- Who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire?
- A) Suleiman the Magnificent
- B) Osman I
- C) Mehmed II
- D) Selim I
- Answer: B) Osman I
Modern Historical Events GK Questions and Answers
- Which event marked the beginning of the French Revolution?
- A) Storming of the Bastille
- B) Execution of Louis XVI
- C) Napoleonic Wars
- D) Signing of the Treaty of Paris
- Answer: A) Storming of the Bastille (1789)
- The American War of Independence was fought between the American colonies and which country?
- A) France
- B) Britain
- C) Spain
- D) Portugal
- Answer: B) Britain
- Which treaty ended the Napoleonic Wars?
- A) Treaty of Versailles
- B) Treaty of Tordesillas
- C) Treaty of Ghent
- D) Treaty of Vienna
- Answer: D) Treaty of Vienna (1815)
- Which movement led to India’s independence in 1947?
- A) Civil Disobedience Movement
- B) Quit India Movement
- C) Non-Cooperation Movement
- D) Swadeshi Movement
- Answer: B) Quit India Movement (1942)
- Which year marked the unification of Germany?
- A) 1848
- B) 1861
- C) 1871
- D) 1890
- Answer: C) 1871
20th Century and World Wars GK Questions and Answers
- What event triggered World War I in 1914?
- A) German invasion of Poland
- B) Russian Revolution
- C) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- D) Treaty of Versailles
- Answer: C) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Which treaty officially ended World War I?
- A) Treaty of Ghent
- B) Treaty of Versailles
- C) Treaty of Paris
- D) Treaty of Tordesillas
- Answer: B) Treaty of Versailles (1919)
- Who was the British Prime Minister during most of World War II?
- A) Winston Churchill
- B) Neville Chamberlain
- C) Clement Attlee
- D) Margaret Thatcher
- Answer: A) Winston Churchill
- Which event led the United States to enter World War II?
- A) German invasion of France
- B) Attack on Pearl Harbor
- C) D-Day landings
- D) Fall of Berlin
- Answer: B) Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)
- What year did the Cold War officially end?
- A) 1989
- B) 1991
- C) 2000
- D) 1995
- Answer: B) 1991 (Dissolution of the Soviet Union)
Why Should You Learn About Historical Events?
Understanding famous historical events helps us learn from the past and shapes our knowledge about the world. These events have had significant social, political, and economic impacts that continue to influence modern life.
If you’re preparing for exams, these Historical Events GK Questions and Answers will boost your knowledge and help you score better in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking.
How many did you get right? Drop your score in the comments and challenge your friends! 
