LAST MINUTE BY AARISH SIR
Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Q1. What were the ideas propagated by the French Revolution?
Answer:
The French Revolution (1789) gave birth to the spirit of nationalism in Europe. It put forward new ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity. The monarchy was abolished and a republic was established. A constitution was introduced which guaranteed fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, equality before law and the right to property. The French revolutionaries promoted the idea that a nation should be formed by the will of its people and not by dynastic rule. Symbols such as the tricolour flag and the national anthem spread patriotic feelings. These revolutionary ideas spread across Europe and inspired other nations to struggle for freedom.
Q2. Describe the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the unification of Italy.
Answer:
Giuseppe Mazzini was one of the greatest revolutionaries of Italy. He believed that Italy should be a united and independent republic. He founded Young Italy (1831) and later Young Europe to spread nationalist ideas. Mazzini encouraged the youth to fight against foreign domination. Although his revolts failed, his writings and speeches inspired future leaders such as Cavour, Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel II to work for Italian unification. Thus, Mazzini was the ideological leader of Italian nationalism.
Q3. How did Otto von Bismarck unify Germany?
Answer:
Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, played the most important role in the unification of Germany. He followed the policy of "Blood and Iron" which meant war and diplomacy.
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1864: Prussia with Austria defeated Denmark.
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1866: Prussia defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian war and gained control of northern states.
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1870-71: Prussia defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War.
After these victories, in January 1871, King William I of Prussia was crowned the Emperor of Germany at Versailles. Thus, Bismarck achieved German unification through wars and strong leadership.
Q4. Explain the role of culture in the growth of nationalism in Europe.
Answer:
Culture strengthened nationalism in Europe by giving a common identity to people. Romantic poets, artists and musicians glorified the past and created pride in national traditions. For example, Johann Gottfried Herder claimed that German culture was to be found in common people’s songs and folklore. Painters created allegories such as Germania in Germany and Marianne in France to personify nations. Language also played a role – for example, Polish language became a symbol of resistance against Russian domination. Thus, culture united people emotionally and inspired them to fight for nation-states.
Chapter 2: Nationalism in India
Q1. What were the effects of the First World War on India?
Answer:
The First World War (1914–1918) created a new political and economic situation in India. Prices of essential goods doubled leading to hardship for common people. There was shortage of food and famine in many parts. To finance the war, the British imposed heavy war taxes and forced recruitment of soldiers. This caused widespread anger. The war also created an atmosphere of nationalism as Indians expected self-rule in return for their support. Thus, the First World War prepared the ground for the freedom struggle.
Q2. Explain the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It was linked with both the Khilafat Movement and the demand for Swaraj. Gandhi urged people to boycott British goods, foreign cloth, schools, law courts and titles. Indians were asked to use khadi, establish national schools and promote Hindu–Muslim unity. The movement spread across the country involving students, peasants and workers. However, after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922) in which 22 policemen were killed, Gandhi called off the movement. Though unsuccessful, it was the first nationwide mass struggle against colonial rule.
Q3. What was the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930 with Gandhi’s famous Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi. Gandhi broke the salt law by making salt from seawater. The movement encouraged Indians to break colonial laws, boycott foreign goods, refuse to pay taxes and resign from government jobs. It saw participation from peasants, tribals, business classes and women. The British responded with brutal repression but finally signed the Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931). Although the movement slowed later, it gave a new push to the struggle for independence.
Q4. How did different social groups participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
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Peasants: Refused to pay revenue, demanded reduction of land revenue.
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Business classes: Supported boycott of foreign goods and demanded protection for Indian industries.
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Women: Took part in large numbers by picketing foreign goods and making salt.
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Dalits: Initially limited participation due to demand for separate electorates.
Thus, the movement united different groups of society though not all had the same goals.
Q5. Explain how the sense of collective belonging developed during the Indian freedom struggle.
Answer:
Nationalism in India was strengthened by the idea of collective belonging. Leaders used cultural symbols such as the image of Bharat Mata, tricolour flag, and national songs to unite people. Folklore and folk tales were revived to create pride in India’s past. The reinterpretation of history by leaders showed India’s glorious heritage. All these created the feeling that Indians shared a common identity as one nation.
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