Chapter 3 topic practice

First and Second World Wars Practice Questions

Keep the wars on two separate timelines. The First World War ran from 1914 to 1918; the Second from 1939 to 1945. Attach each battle, leader and social change to the correct conflict.

Questions with explanations

10 The world wars questions

Choose an answer before opening the explanation. These study questions are presented in static HTML so they can be read without starting a timer or enabling JavaScript.

  1. Sample question 1

    When did the First World War end?

    • 9th of November 1918
    • 11th of November 1918
    • 9th of December 1918
    • 11th of December 1918
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: 11th of November 1918

    The First World War ended at 11.00 am on the 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.

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  2. Sample question 2

    Which British Prime Minister was famous for the speech ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’?

    • Clement Attlee
    • Anthony Eden
    • Winston Churchill
    • Harold Wilson
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Winston Churchill

    During the Second World War, Winston Churchill made many famous speeches including lines which you may still hear: ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’. This was Churchill’s first speech to the House of Commons after he became Prime Minister, 1940.

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  3. Sample question 3

    Which of the following countries did not belong to the Allies during World War I?

    • France
    • Bulgaria
    • The UK
    • Australia
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Bulgaria

    Bulgaria was not part of the Allies during the First World War.

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  4. Sample question 4

    Which of the following countries was not part of the Allied Powers during the First World War?

    • France
    • Japan
    • Serbia
    • Bulgaria
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Bulgaria

    Bulgaria formed part of the Central Powers during the First World War.

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  5. Sample question 5

    When did the First World War finish?

    • At 12 am on 11th November 1916
    • At 11 am on 11th November 1918
    • At 11 pm on 13th November 1916
    • At 12 am on 13th February 1918
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: At 11 am on 11th November 1918

    The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.

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  6. Sample question 6

    How many British casualties were recorded during the first day of the British attack of the Somme in July 1916 during the First World War?

    • 60,000
    • 70,000
    • 30,000
    • 50,000
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: 60,000

    The British attack of the Somme in July 1916, resulted in about 60,000 British casualties on the first day alone.

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  7. Sample question 7

    Who was voted the greatest Briton of all time in 2002?

    • Clement Attlee
    • Winston Churchill
    • Anthony Eden
    • Harold Wilson
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Winston Churchill

    Winston Churchill in 2002 was voted the greatest Briton of all time by the public.

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  8. Sample question 8

    Which event refers to the German bombing of London and other British cities at night during the Second World War?

    • The Bombing
    • The German raid
    • The Blitz
    • The Axis
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: The Blitz

    The Blitz refers to the German bombing of London and other British cities at night during the Second World War.

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  9. Sample question 9

    Churchill was the son of a politician and, before becoming a Conservative MP in 1900, was a soldier and journalist.

    • TRUE
    • FALSE
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: TRUE

    This statement is true.

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  10. Sample question 10

    When did the First World War start?

    • 1912
    • 1914
    • 1942
    • 1940
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: 1914

    On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated. This set off a chain of events leading to the First World War (1914-18).

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