GK Important Dates and Events

The Chinese Revolution (Xinhai Revolution) began in 1911 and successfully overthrew the Qing Dynasty, ending imperial rule in China. This revolution established the Republic of China.

The Republic of China was officially proclaimed on January 1, 1912, following the success of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. Sun Yat-sen became the first provisional president.

The Russian Revolution occurred in 1917, specifically the Bolshevik Revolution (October Revolution) that overthrew the Provisional Government and established the world's first communist state under Lenin.

The Panama Canal officially opened to traffic on August 15, 1914, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and dramatically reducing shipping routes.

World War I began in 1914, triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June. The conflict eventually involved over 30 nations and reshaped the global political landscape.

Mahatma Gandhi assumed leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, transforming it into a mass movement for Indian independence through non-violent civil disobedience.

The League of Nations was founded in 1920 as part of the Treaty of Versailles ending World War I. It was the first worldwide intergovernmental organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace.

The first demonstration of a working television system was in 1926 by John Logie Baird, who demonstrated mechanical television in London. This marked the beginning of the television age.

The United Nations General Assembly held its first session in 1946 in London, shortly after the UN was officially established in 1945 as a successor to the League of Nations.

Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space on April 12, 1961, aboard Vostok 1. This Soviet achievement marked the beginning of human space exploration.

Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, appointed by President Hindenburg. This marked the beginning of Nazi rule in Germany and led to World War II.

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, following the Indian Independence Act passed by the UK Parliament. This marked the end of nearly 200 years of colonial rule. 1946 (A) was too early, while 1948 (D) and 1961 (E) are incorrect years.

The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9) in 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and ending World War II. 1946 (A) and 1947 (C) are post-war years, while 1948 (D) is incorrect.

The Communist Party of China, led by Mao Zedong, established the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, after winning the Chinese Civil War against the Nationalists. 1947 (C) is too early, while 1961 (E) is much later.

Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, after nearly 150 years of colonial administration. 1947 (C) is one year too early, while 1946 (A) and 1945 (B) are incorrect.

Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon on July 20, 1969. 1957 (C) marks Sputnik's launch, while 1953 (A), 1991 (D), and 1995 (E) are incorrect.

Mount Everest was first conquered on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal). 1969 (B) is the moon landing year, while 1957 (C), 1991 (D), and 1995 (E) are incorrect.

The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, on October 4, 1957, marking the beginning of the Space Age. 1953 (A) is Stalin's death year, while 1969 (B) is the moon landing.

Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union, died on March 5, 1953, after nearly 30 years in power. 1957 (C) is the Sputnik launch year, while 1969 (B), 1991 (D), and 1995 (E) are incorrect.

The United Nations Organization (UNO) was founded on October 24, 1945, after World War II to promote international peace and cooperation. 1946 (A), 1947 (C), 1948 (D), and 1961 (E) are all incorrect years.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 1991 (D) marks the USSR's dissolution, while 1953 (A), 1969 (B), and 1957 (C) are incorrect.

Benito Mussolini's Fascist Blackshirts marched on Rome in October 1922, leading to King Victor Emmanuel III appointing Mussolini as Prime Minister. 1920 (B) is too early, 1933 (C) is Hitler's rise, while 1923 (D) and 1927 (E) are incorrect.

The Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm) began in August 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, with combat operations starting in January 1991. 1990 (D) marks the invasion, while 1953 (A), 1969 (B), 1957 (C), and 1995 (E) are incorrect.

The Soviet Union (USSR) was officially dissolved on December 26, 1991, marking the end of the Cold War era. This occurred when Mikhail Gorbachev resigned and the Soviet Republics declared independence.

Hitler wrote Mein Kampf in 1923 while imprisoned in Landsberg Castle after the failed Beer Hall Putsch. The book outlines his political ideology and plans for Germany.