FREE Gaokao History: Modern Chinese History Questions and Answers

Question 1

The Treaty of Nanking (1842), which concluded the First Opium War, is considered a major turning point in Chinese history because it:

Accepted Answer

Marked the beginning of the erosion of China's sovereignty.

Answer

Led to the immediate legalization of the opium trade.

Answer

Caused the Taiping Rebellion to break out.

Answer

Established formal diplomatic relations between China and Britain on an equal footing.

Question 2

The core ideology of the Self-Strengthening Movement (洋务运动) in the late 19th century can be best summarized by which phrase?

Accepted Answer

“Chinese learning as the essence, Western learning for practical use” (中学为体，西学为用)

Answer

“Democracy and Science” (民主与科学)

Answer

“Support the Qing, Exterminate the Foreigners” (扶清灭洋)

Answer

“Drive out the Manchus, Revive China” (驱除鞑虏，恢复中华)

Question 3

What was the most profound and lasting historical achievement of the 1911 Revolution (Xinhai Revolution)?

Accepted Answer

It ended over two millennia of imperial monarchy in China.

Answer

It established a stable and powerful central government.

Answer

It completely eliminated foreign influence in China.

Answer

It successfully implemented widespread land reform.

Question 4

The May Fourth Movement of 1919 was a direct response to:

Accepted Answer

The outcome of the Paris Peace Conference regarding the Shandong issue.

Answer

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931.

Answer

The founding of the Communist Party of China.

Answer

The outbreak of the Northern Expedition.

Question 5

The Zunyi Conference, held in January 1935 during the Long March, is considered a critical turning point for the Chinese Communist Party primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Established Mao Zedong's de facto leadership over the party and army.

Answer

Decided to end the Long March and settle in Yan'an.

Answer

Formally established the First United Front with the Kuomintang.

Answer

Marked the beginning of the Long March.

Question 6

The Xi'an Incident of December 1936 was a pivotal event that directly led to:

Accepted Answer

The formation of the Second United Front to resist Japan.

Answer

The outbreak of the Chinese Civil War.

Answer

The beginning of the Northern Expedition.

Answer

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria.