World History Notes - IAS Preparation
History is an important element of the UPSC IAS Syllabus, and it is critical to learn the entire section with a thorough comprehension in order to pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination. World History is also included in the UPSC Mains syllabus for Civil Services Exams.
This section of the General Studies paper covers events from the 18th -19th century. Aspirants need to have a solid understanding of world history to face this section. Candidates will benefit not just in General Studies Paper 1 but also in General Studies Paper 2 if they have a good comprehension of world history. Every incident should be examined for its causes and outcomes by aspirants.
Taking in cognizance of the importance of the subject, we have developed World History Notes for UPSC Examination Aspirants.
| Feudalism | Modern Era | Beginning of International Trade |
| Rise of Absolute Monarchies | The English Revolution | Seven Year Global War (1754-63) |
| American Revolution (1765-1783) | Mercantile Capitalism | American Revolutionary War or American War of Independence (1775) |
| French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars | Events in the French Revolution of 1789 | Nationalism - Rise and Impact |
| Role of Revolutionary Thinkers | Industrial Revolution & Nationalism | Unification of Germany |
| Unification of Italy | Industrial Revolution | Impact of Industrial Revolution |
| Colonialism | Difference between Colonialism and Imperialism | History of New Imperialism |
| Colonialism in Africa | Colonialism in Pacific | Colonialism in Central and West Asia |
| Two Opium Wars (1840-2 and 1858) | Chinese Communist Party (1921+) | Imperialist Japan |
| Causes of Friction within Europe | Worl War I | Treaty of Versailles |
| Impact of the World War I (1914-19) | League of Nations | Comparison of UN with the League of Nations |
| Similarities between UN and LoN | Economic Crisis of 1929 | Lausanne Conference (1932) |
| World Disarmament Conference | USSR-Germany Relations (1919-33) | US Foreign Policy (1919-23) |
| Adolf Hitler & The Nazis | World War II | Role of the Navy in WWII |
| Forms and Shades of Socialism | Evolution of Socialism as a Politico-Economic System | Ideas of Karl Marx |
| Socialism in Russia: Social Revolutionaries, Bolsheviks and Mensheviks | Lenin and Marxism | Socialism in India |
| Stalinism | Cold War | NAM |
FAQs
Ques: How many questions are asked from World History?
Ans:
World History is a component of the General Studies Paper-1 and is only included in the UPSC Mains test. In the main exam, there are a maximum of 1–2 questions. There may not even be a question. Therefore, investing too much time is not recommended.
Ques: What does the world history syllabus consist of?
Ans:
The syllabus includes topics such as events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redraw of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.— their forms and effect on society.
Ques: What are the sources for World History?
Ans:
Sources of World History:
- Old Ncert Class 9 and 10- The story of civilization
- One can also refer to Old Ncert World History by Arjun Dev
- Online study Material and PDFs by Preppias
- For reference and value addition you can browse through Norman Lowe
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