MCQs on “A World Economy Takes Shape”

1. What were the three types of movement within international economic exchanges in the 19th century?  

   a) Trade, technology, and education  

   b) Trade, labor, and capital  

   c) Capital, communication, and agriculture  

   d) Agriculture, industry, and services  

   Answer: b) Trade, labor, and capital  

2. Why did Britain abolish the Corn Laws in the 19th century?  

   a) To encourage domestic food production  

   b) Due to pressure from industrialists and urban dwellers over high food prices  

   c) To support farmers and agricultural workers  

   d) To increase export tariffs on grains  

   Answer: b) Due to pressure from industrialists and urban dwellers over high food prices  

3. What was the impact of the abolition of the Corn Laws in Britain?  

   a) Increase in food grain prices  

   b) Growth in domestic agriculture  

   c) Cheap food imports and decline in British agriculture  

   d) Rise in employment opportunities in rural areas  

   Answer: c) Cheap food imports and decline in British agriculture  

4. What facilitated the transportation of agricultural products to meet British demand in the 19th century?  

   a) Use of traditional trade routes  

   b) Invention of airplanes  

   c) Construction of railways and expansion of ports  

   d) Development of underground tunnels  

   Answer: c) Construction of railways and expansion of ports  

5. Which of the following statements is TRUE about migration patterns during the 19th century?  

   a) Migration was limited to Asian countries  

   b) People migrated only within their own countries  

   c) Nearly 50 million people emigrated from Europe to America and Australia  

   d) Migration decreased due to industrialization  

   Answer: c) Nearly 50 million people emigrated from Europe to America and Australia  

6. What role did capital play in the shaping of the world economy in the 19th century?  

   a) It was confined to local investments only  

   b) It supported only agricultural activities  

   c) It flowed from financial centers like London to fund global infrastructure projects  

   d) It remained stagnant due to lack of industrial growth  

   Answer: c) It flowed from financial centers like London to fund global infrastructure projects  

7. Which of the following was NOT a result of Britain’s food import policies after the abolition of the Corn Laws?  

   a) Decline in domestic agricultural employment  

   b) Increase in urban population due to migration  

   c) Rise in food grain prices  

   d) Expansion of food production in countries like America and Australia  

   Answer: c) Rise in food grain prices  

8. What is meant by the term ‘Corn Laws’?  

   a) Laws related to corn cultivation techniques  

   b) British laws that restricted the import of corn to protect domestic producers  

   c) Laws for mandatory corn consumption  

   d) Laws to encourage corn exports from Britain  

   Answer: b) British laws that restricted the import of corn to protect domestic producers  

9. What was a major factor that led to the increase in food imports to Britain in the mid-19th century?  

   a) Decline in industrial growth  

   b) Increased agricultural productivity in Britain  

   c) Population growth and urban expansion  

   d) Self-sufficiency in food production  

   Answer: c) Population growth and urban expansion  

10. Which financial center played a key role in funding global economic activities in the 19th century?  

    a) Paris  

    b) New York  

    c) Tokyo  

    d) London  

    Answer: d) London