CBSE Set Qa1 History Sample Test Papers For Class 12th for students online
History
Class - XII (CBSE)
You are on Set 1 Answers 1 to 4
Q1. Explain any
one significant feature of the Regulating Act of 1773.
Ans. The Regulating Act introduced by the British Government in 1773 was the
first act, which broke the monopoly of East India Company’s administrative
control over India. This Act made changes in the constitution of the Court of
Directors of the Company and subjected their actions to the supervision of the
British Government.
Q2. Explain
the nature of Tipu sultan’s relations with Britain. What, in your view, were
the main reasons of his defeat?
Ans. The most important power that emerged in South India in 18th century
was Mysore under Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Sultan Tipu
,(1782-1799A.D.) was a staunch enemy of British like his father. .He was a lover
of freedom. Having rejected subsidiary alliance with the Britishers, in
preference to lead a life of subordination, sacrificed his life while fighting
the fourth Anglo-Mysore war in 1799 in Serigapatam.
As a statesman, Sultan, more than any other 18th century Indian
ruler, recognized to the full extent the threat that the English posed to South
India as well as to other Indian powers. With an objective of seeking help, Tipu
sent his ambassadors to France, Turkey, Iran and Arab states. He organized his
army on European style. He also made an effort to build a modern navy.
Though, Tipu sultan was recklessly brave and, as a commander, brilliant. He was,
however, hasty in action and unstable in nature. He also lacked political
foresight, which became the main cause of his defeat. According to Col.Wilkes,
"In the estimation of character, Haider Ali rarely made error while Tipu
was rarely right."Instead of seeking help from the neighboring Indian
states of Marathas and Nizams, he made efforts to seek help from distant
countries of France, Turkey, and Iran. . As a general also his war strategies
were weak. In preference to cavalry, he paid much attention towards infantry and
fortification. Hence, the pace of his army was slow and his war strategy instead
of becoming aggressive became defensive.
OR
Q Why did
the Portuguese fail to expand in India? Explain.
Ans. In 1498, Vasco Da Gama of Portugal discovered a new sea route from
Europe to India, which was to witness a new era in European trade relations with
India. Under the viceroyalty of Alfonso d’ Albuquerque, who captured Goa in
1510A.D. , The Portuguese were the first to establish their domination over the
entire Asian coast.
Inspite of their barbaric behavior, which included piracy, raids and mindless
conversions of Indians to christianity, the Portuguese survived in India for a
century because they enjoyed control over the high seas but in the latter half
of the 16th century, Portuguese lost their trading monopoly to the
English, Dutch and the French .The new European powers, with well equipped army
and strong government support were easily able to evacuate small trading posts
established by the Portuguese.
The incompetent successors of Albuquerque failed to preserve Portuguese empire
in India.The raids and piracies conducted by them made them unpopular with
Indian rulers who preferred the sophisticated and diplomatic behavior of the
British and the French.
The discovery of Brazil diverted many Portuguese to this new trading venture
with very few traders maintaining trade relations with India.
Q3. What were
the changes in the social and cultural policy of the British Government in India
after 1813? What were the reasons for these changes? What were the differences
between Radical Englishmen and British Government on the issue?
Ans. Till 1813 the British Government in India followed the policy of non-
–interference in Indian religious, social and cultural practices. Post 1813
period witnessed the introduction of new reforms and acts, which were largely,
introduced keeping British interests in mind. The new changes included abolition
of custom of Sati, banning child sacrifice, permitting widow remarriage,
abolition of girl infanticide and abolition of slavery.
The intellectual interests were the mains driving force behind these reforms.
The French and the Russian revolution, which gave birth to a "new
thought" movement, followed the industrial revolution in Europe. The three
outstanding features of this new thought were: -
1.Rationalism or faith in reason
or science
2.Humanism or love for mankind
3. Confidence in the capacity of a man to progress.
This new outlook gave birth to Socialism and Liberalism. 19th century
saw the rising conflict between the conservatives and the Radicals. The
conservatives,headed by the British Government officials like Warren Hastings
and Edmond Burke favored social stability above all and were against any radical
reforms. The Radicals, on the other hand, wanted to make India a part of the
modern progressive world and applied advanced humanistic and rational approach
to Indian society and thought. The doctrine of Humanism led them to desire the
improvement of Indian people.
OR
Q. what was meant by the ‘Downward Filtration Theory’?
Explain how it was reflected in Wood’s Dispatch.Mention any two main outcome
of Wood’s Dispatch.
Ans. For the first sixty years of its dominion in India, the British took
little interest in education of its subjects but, gradually, with the expansion
of British empire in India, a need was felt for creation of clerical and lower
administrative posts which could be occupied by the Indians to fulfill British
interests. The mode of education thus adopted was called as "The Downwrd
Filtration Theory" according to which, the British proposed to grant
western education to a handful of Indians , who , on their part, were expected
to impart it to others- a process through which ideas could be filtered
downwards.
This Theory was reflected in Wood’s Dispatch (1854) undertaken by Charles
Wood. The dispatch proposed expansion of education by establishment of
government schools and colleges on western pattern. , With English as the medium
of studies.
Though Wood’s Dispatch was a highmark in education of Indians, it left much to
be desired. The stress on higher education by the British left elementary
education unattended. Thus higher education became a monopoly of the rich who
could afford it. Emphasis on English as the medium of instruction stopped many
conservatives to join schools.
Q.4. Mention the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857.
Ans. The episode of the greased cartridges was the immediate cause of the
revolt. The new Enfield rifle which was introduced in the Indian army used
greased cartridges .The grease was in some cases composed of beef and pig fat
which enraged the religious sentiments of both Hindu and the Muslim sepoys who
organized a mutiny against the British. This occasion provided the general
populace of India to revolt.
Q.5.
Explain the contribution of the Theosophist Movement to the strengthening of
Indian Nationalism.
Ans. Madam Blavatsky and
Colonel Olcott founded the theosophical society in Unites States in 1875. They
later came to India and founded the headquarters of the society in Madras in
1886.The Indian side of the movement was led by Mrs. Annie Beasent who advocated
the revival of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism.
The Theosophist or the "Home Rule Movement" helped in the growth of
Indian Nationalism, as it was to remove the distinction of caste, color and
religion and to promote universal brotherhood. It laid stress upon the study of
Ancient texts of Hindus and acquainted them with the glorious era of Indian
past, which revoked self-confidence among Indians.The Home rule, or the slogan
of "Swaraj" was later raised by BAL Gangadhar Tilak to strengthen
Indian National Movement.
OR
Q.Explain
the contribution of Arya Samaj to the social reform movement of India.
Ans. Swami Dayanad Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in
1875 in Bombay. It later spread in form of a reform movement with various
branches all over India.The Arya Samajis undertook several socio-religious
reforms to uplift Indian society.
The members of the Samaj opposed
caste system, untouchability and distinction between high and low. They stressed
on purity of one’s character and were opposed to addictions such as smoking
and alcohol.Both vedic and western sciences were encouraged and for this purpose
various schools and colleges were opened throughout India .
Various reforms were introduced for upliftment of women.The Arya samajis opposed
the custom of sati, child remarriage, polygamy,girl infanticide and the purdah
system. Elementary education for women was encouraged and widow houses were
opened throughout India.
Q 6.
Critically examine the impact of British rule on Indian agriculture.
Ans. The British rule in India in 19th century witnessed a rapid
transformation of India’s economy into a colonial economy whose nature and
structure were determined by the needs of the imperial government.The
deindustrialization of Indian industries increased the dependence of our
population on agriculture with no alternative source of income in sight.The
excessive land revenue demands, growth of landlordism , introduction of new land
holding policies ie, ryotwary and permanent settlements and growing
impoverishment of Indian peasentry without any government backing resulted in
stagnation of Indian Agriculture with extremely low yields per year. The overall
agricultural production fell by 14% between 1901-1931.
The growth of "absentee landlordism" who replaced the old zamindars
hindered the agricultural growth as this new parasitical class was more
interested in rents than in improvement of agriculture. The British government
paid little heed to the agricultural sector and it remained technologically
stagnant with no modern equipment or fertilizers. Traditional methods of
irrigation further resurrected the growth.
OR
Q.Discuss the development of plantation industries in India in
late 19th century. Who were the main beneficiaries of these
industries?
Ans. The 19th century India
witnessed the growth of plantation industries such as indigo, tea and coffee.
The Europeans almost exclusively owned these industries and thus they were
hardly of any use to the Indian farmers. They only added to their further
suppression and degeneration.
Indigo, which was grown in Bihar and Bengal gained notoriety for oppression of
Indian peasantry who were compelled to grow Indigo on no profit basis. The tea
industry, being foreign owned , was helped by the government with grants but the
profits went to the government.
The staff employed in these industries largely consisted of foreign nationals
and most of the product was to cater to the needs of European markets. The
foreign exchange so earned was used by the Britishers.The only advantage that
the Indians got out of these industries was creation of unskilled jobs. Most of
the Indians were extremely low paid, working in harsh conditions. The treatment
meted out to them was that of a slave.
Q.7.
Discuss the developments, which led to the murder of the British Resident in
Afghanistan in 1879. Critically evaluate the significance of the event for the
British policy towards Afghanistan.
Ans. The British pursued two policies in its
relation with Afghanistan. The active interference policy in the independence
loving Afghanistan was used till 1879. But the murder of Major Cavagnari and his
military escort on 3rd September 1879 by Afghanis made the British
reverse their interference policy to that of non –interference in
Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
Britishers wanted to externally control Afghanistan by internally weakening it
as it was placed in a crucial geographical situation from British point of view.
It could act as a buffer state to protect India from the Russians as well as
serve commercial interests of Britishers For this reason, Britishers followed
active interference policy by which they replaced Dost Mohammed, an independent
ruled, with Shah Shuja , a puppet ruler of British in 1841 which was followed by
afghani revolt. Again, In1878, Britishers launched an attack on Afghanistan.
Though they won in this second battle, their success was short-lived. To protect
their independence, the Afghans killed the British resident in 1879, which made
the Britishers to reverse their policy of interference to that of non-
interference. Peace finally came in 1921, when, by a treaty, Afghanistan finally
restored its independence from Britain.
Q.8.
Explain the Early Nationalist’s response to Constitutional Reforms initiated
by the Government.
Ans. The Moderates led the Indian National Movement,
in its initial stages. They were impressed by the western thought and had faith
in the British sense of justice. They wanted to bring reforms in political and
administrative spheres gradually through constitutional methods. They demanded
expansion and reform of legislative assemblies. So the government was forced to
pass the Indian council Act of 1892, according to which, the number of members
of legislative assemblies were increased. A few of these members were to be
elected by the Indians.
But this act did not satisfy the Indians because, in the legislative assemblies,
the majority of government officials were British and no substantial power was
passed in the hands of the Indians who now demanded control of Indians over the
public purse and larger share for Indians in the administrative council.
Q.9
What did the nationalist mean by ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’?
Ans. Swadeshi and boycott were introduced by
Nationalists to induce positive action when they realized that the public
meetings and demonstrations were not having any effect on the Britishers. The
answer was seen in the form of swadeshi and boycott.
Swadeshi was the use of Indian goods and boycott the British goods. Public burning of foreign goods were organized, shops selling the foreign goods were picketed. Swadeshi and Boycott paid emphases on self-reliance to boost Indian self-confidence and honor.
Q.10 Read
the following statement and answer the questions, which follow:
"The British rule in India has
brought about moral, material cultural and spiritual ruination of this great
country. I regard this rule as a curse. I am out to destroy this system of
government".
-
In which context and by whom was the statement quoted above made? (2marks)
-
This statement marked the beginning of a new movement in the struggle for freedom. What is this movement known as and how did it begin. (2marks)
-
Critically examine the place of this movement in the struggle for freedom. (4marks)
Ans. (a) This statement
was made in the context of Civil Disobedience Movement and was made by Mahatma
Gandhi.
(b) The Civil Disobedience Movement marked the beginning of the new movement in
the struggle for freedom as it declares the Purna Swaraj as its aim. The
movement began with Gandhiji breaking the salt law at Dandi, a small village on
the seacoast of Gujarat in 1930.
(c)The Civil Disobedience Movement was a high mark in India’s national
struggle against the British rule. It united the Indians against the atrocities
of the Britishers. It was a symbol of disobedience to the government orders. It
also aroused political awakening among the Indians and made them bold enough to
face any challenge. The Movement was followed with strikes ,processions and
demonstrations. Boycott of foreign goods was launched and the whole nation
joined in non-payment of government taxes.
The movement engulfed the Indian subcontinent. Khan Abbul Gafar Khan , popularly
known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’ started Khudai Khitmadgar Movement.The movement
also reached the eastern part of India where the people of Manipur and Nagaland.
More than 90,000 patriots who participated in the civil disobedience movement
from various parts of India were put in jails. Some of them faced life
imprisonment and inhuman treatment but these government atrocities, instead of
weakening the movement, strengthened it further.
OR
Q.Discuss
the major development that led to the launching of the ‘Quit India
Movement’. Explain the significant features of the Movement and the British
attitude towards it.
Ans The Quit India Movement was the last Gandhian
movement of its kind, which saw Mahatma Gandhi moving away from his policy of
non-violence for Indian freedom. Socialist and revolutionary forces were
agitated with Gandhi and the masses were disillusioned with the failure of civil
disobedience movement and nonviolent Satyagraha. . The Second World War
witnessed the growth of communalism in India, which was mainly instigated by the
British policy of ‘Divide and rule’. In March 1940A.D.the Pakistan
resolution was passed at the Lahore session of the Muslim League which demanded
a separate Muslim state comprising Muslim majority states and provinces in
India. When Gandhi saw through the British mischief ‘divide and rule’ to
instigate communalism and divide the Indians, he atonce launched the second
civil disobedience movement in November 1940 AD The government retaliated by
arresting all important leaders of freedom struggle including Pundit Jawahar lal
Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.
The world events, on the other hand, were fast changing. Japan had become a major imperialist nation in the Second World War. In 1941 A.D Japan became the biggest threat to British colonies. It had occupied Singapore and was moving towards Indian frontiers. The British government under pressure released all the congress leaders from jail to secure their co –operation in war efforts .It also send Sir Stafford Cripps in 1942 to talk with the congress and the Muslims
Q11. Explain
the growth of socialist forces in the congress in 1920’s. Describe the role of
Jawaharlal Nehru in this regard. (8marks)
Ans. The year 1927 witnessed the emergence of the new trend of socialism in
India. Marxist and socialist ideas filtered in India. The Russian Revolution had
aroused interest among many young Indian nationalists. Many of them were
dissatisfied with the Gandhian political ideas and program. They had little
faith in non-violence and the objective, which it could achieve. These men now
turned to socialist ideology for guidance. Politically, this force and energy
found reflection in the rise of the New Left wing in the congress under the
leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas chandra Bose . MN Roy became the first
Indian to be elected to the leadership of the Communist International .The left
wing did not confine itself to the struggle against imperialism. It
simultaneously raised the question of internal class oppression by the
capitalist and the landlords Indian youth became active under the influence of
socialism. All over the country youth leagues were being formed and student
conferences held. The first All Bengal Conference of Students was held in August
1928 and was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru.The Indian youth gradually began
to turn to socialism and to advocate radical solutions for social, political and
economic ills of the country. The growth of socialist ideas had a great impact
on the freedom struggle. Now side by side fighting for the freedom, emphasis
also began to be laid on the economic upliftment of the masses, especially on
the emancipation of the toiling peasants and workers. In the Karachi session of
the congress, which was held in 1931 there were clear indications of socialism
taking its roots in the manifesto. The election manifesto of 1936 promised
security of tenure to tenants, wages to workers and also the right to form labor
unions. In his presidential address to Lukhnow congress in 1936 Nehru opposed
fascism and Nazism and described them as the two faces of decaying
capitalism.The radical ideas of Jawahar lal Nehru had a good impact on Gandhiji.
Thus socialism had a great impact on the congress and the freedom struggle.
Economic emancipation along with political freedom became the chief aim of the
freedom movement.
OR
Explain the attitude of Congress towards the anti-imperialist
movement outside India. (8 marks) Ans. The Congress attitude towards the
anti-imperialist movement can be seen in its various programmes. Its members
actively supported anti-imperialist struggle started by nations like Turkey,
Africa, and Ethopia, Czechoslovakia. Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru was elected in the
executive council of the League Against Imperialism .The Indian National
congress fully supported the Muslim league when the Britishers partitioned
Turkey. The congress and the Muslim league jointly organized the Khilafat and
the Non co-operation Movement against the Britishers in 1922 . In 1927, the
Madras session of the National Congress warned the Britishers that the people of
India would not support Britain in any war undertaken to further its
imperialistic aims. During Second World War, the congress took a firm stand
against Imperialism in any part of the world and also supported the national
struggle of Africa for its freedom. It also condemned Fascism, which had arisen
at that time in Germany and Italy as the most extreme form of imperialism and
racism. It gave full support to the people of Ethopia, Spain, Czechoslovakia and
China in their fight against Imperialism. In 1937, when Japan attacked China,
the national congress gave a call to boycott the use of Japanese goods in
support of China.
Q.12. On the
given outline map of India, mark and show any five states which were annexed by
the British Empire during the Governor -generalship of Lord Dalhousie (6 marks)
Ans.12
OR
On the given outline map of India , mark and show any five
major princely states on the eve of India's Independence. (6 marks)
Ans.
Q.13. Explain
any one major difference between Modern history and Contemporary history.
(2marks)
Ans.The period of world history beginning from 15th century A.D till 17th
century A.D.is generally regarded as Modern period. The term ‘contemporary’
history denotes the `the account of events taking place during the times of
author’s writing'. A few historians regard the period from 1945 AD onwards as
the beginning of Contemporary history.
Q.14 Mention any two
developments, which signify the emergence of Japan as an imperialistic power
during the Pre First World War period. Mention any two countries with which
Japan came into conflict during this period. (5 marks)
Ans. The 19th Century witnessed the growth of Japan as an imperialistic
power. Japan made much progress on all sides, especially in its industrial,
military as well its imperialistic expansion. The Japanese progress in the 19th
century can be attributed to the Meiji era (1867-1902). In 1868 the rule of the
military generals or the shoguns ended and emperor Mitshito was restored his
powers. This event is known as the Meiji restoration. Militarism, however,
continued unabated. In fact, it became the main feature of the Meiji era.
Universal military service was introduced to attract the warrior class of Japan
into the army service. French and German instructors were inducted in the army
to learn the modern methods. Special efforts were made to recognize military in
Japan from 1867 to 1885 A.D. As a result, Japan became a power to reckon with.
It became a warrior nation, with an eagerness to rule the world.
Japan needed raw materials for her industries so she invaded China. In 1894 AD China was defeated and was forced to give Liotung peninsula and Luchin islands to Japan. Japan also defeated Russia in 1904 AD to achieve its imperialistic aims. Korea was also recognized as a Japanese protectorate. The people of Japan now fully realized that the feeling of Nationalism and their military strength could enable them to compete with any power of the world. Thus by the end of World War I, Japan emerged as a great imperialistic nation, next to Britain and France.
Q.15. Explain the main
features of Wilson’s 14 points. Critically examine the impact on the world
after the end of the war. (5 marks)
Ans. The American president Woodrow Wilson, after the First World War,
placed 14 points before the Allied nations, which were meant to restore peace
and eliminate war. In these 14 points, the president proposed to:
Give up secret diplomacies and to have open alliances and treaties; reduction of armaments by all nations; Freedom in the use of seas by all nations both in war and in peace; remove barriers on international trade; establishment of League Of Nations for the guarantee of political independence and territorial integrity different states; re-arrangement of territories given up by Russia on the basis of self determination; freedom of Serbia and Romania and establishment of free state of Poland. The World War had great political, social, and economic impact on all nations of the world. The defeated countries like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria suffered great territorial losses and had to pay a huge war indemnity. Their military strength was reduced considerably. Many new states like Poland, Yugoslavia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania came into existence. The Asian and the African colonies of the defeated nations were taken away from them only to be redistributed among the victors.
OR
Describe the main features of the peace treaty signed by the
victorious powers with Germany. (5 marks)
Ans. The First World War came to an end in November 1918 AD. Soon after,
a peace conference was held in Paris to decide the terms of the treaty after the
war. The peace treaty which Germany was forced to sign with the victorious
powers is commonly known as the Treaty of Versailles. It was signed at the
Palace of Versailles on June 28, 1919 AD. The treaty of Versailles made Germany
guilty of the war. She was compelled to cede her territory of Poland, Denmark,
and Belgium etc. to the victorious powers. A new state of Poland was carved out
of German territory. Denzing was made a free city. Germany was further debarred
from joining with Austria. The victorious French took the German territory of
Alsace and Loraine. It also got the right to exploit the rich coal mines of Saar
which were under German influence. Most German colonies in Africa, such as,
Togoland, Congo, the Cameroons were redistributed among the British and the
French. The military strength of Germany was reduced. Lastly, Germany was made
to accept the war guilt and had to pay heavy the sum of 6,600million dollars as
war indemnity to the allies.
Q.16 What is meant by the
Great Depression? (2marks)
Ans.The economic depression faced by the European countries after the
First World War is popularly known as the Great Depression.The demand for goods
fell sharply. The depression rendered the industrial workers jobless. The crisis
persisted from 1929 till 1933. To escape from the consequences of the economic
crisis, President Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, which planned to remove
unemployment and encourage export-import.
Q.17. Mention the
consequences of the First World War on the Ottoman Empire. (2marks)
Ans. The Treaty of Serves was signed with the Ottoman Empire in August
1920. The treaty led to the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire. Syria and
Lebanon were taken by the French while England accquired Palestine and Iraq.
Saudi Arabia was also made an independent state.The treaty of Serves could not
be put into practice as a republic was established in the Ottoman empire under
the leadership of Kamaal Pasha.
Q.18. Explain the term Phoney War in context of the Second
World War. Describe the developments, which brought the phase of Phoney War to
an end. (8 marks)
Ans. Though the Second World War broke out in September 1939 AD. But till
April 1940 A.D. it was so slow and on such a small scale that it was called
Phoney War. It was during this period that Germany, under its Imperialist and
Fascist drive, invaded Poland, Denmark and Norway without any resistance from
the Allied powers namely the British, French or United States .The League of
Nations which was formed to protect the world from further threat and
destruction of the war was unable to restrict Germany’s actions. The Treaty of
Versailles that was forced upon Germany after the First World War was an unjust
treaty favoring the Allies. Germany had to pay a huge price for being the
looser. It was hit hard by the War indemnity. Many of her resource rich
territories were snatched away from her. The Great Depression further added to
German woes with the added burden of recession, taxes, and mass unemployment.
It was under these circumstances that Hitler came to power. He refused to abide with the harsh terms of Treaty of Versailles. He increased his military power and followed the policy of armament. His rule was a rule of dictatorship of the Nazi party with Hitler as its head. He began to expand the German Empire aggressively by conquering new territories as well as the ones Germany had lost in the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler first attacked Poland on September 1 1939; the Pols were defeated within 15 days. On the other hand, Russia attacked the eastern part of Poland. All this while, The British and the French were unable to stop German designs. Poland was now partitioned into two halves. Russia further conquered Finland, as it had no faith in the Germans. By 1940, the German offensive in the West became vigorous. Hitler conquered Norway, Denmark, Holland and Belgium. The allies and the League of Nations were unable to stop them. Holland surrendered on May10, 1940, followed by Belgium, who surrendered on may 24, 1940. The English army stationed there was able to escape with great difficulty through the port of Dunkirk . With this the ‘Phoney War’ came to an end as now the English were directly threatened.
OR
Q 18 Why did Germany invade
Soviet Union? Explain its impact on the course of the Second World War.
Ans. After the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles, the people
of Germany lost faith in the ruling Republican government as it failed to
maintain prestige and honor of Germany. This led to the growth of dictatorship
under the rule of Hitler and his Nazi party. He promised to restore the prestige
of Germany.To fulfill its imperialistic designs, Germany, under the leadership
of Hitler, attacked Soviet Union. Hitler had signed a non- -aggression pact with
Russia in Aug 1939 A.D but he had no faith in Russia and still considered her
Germany's biggest enemy. Also, Hitler wanted to capture the fertile Ukraine
region and her mines and oilfields. Apart from imperial designs, Hitler wanted
to exterminate the Jews and the slavs, which constituted most of the Russian
population and make Eastern Europe a land of pure Aryan race. Hitler soon
violated the non aggression pact of 1939 and attacked Russia.The Russians were
not prepared and wanted to gain time under the cover of Soviet -German pact but
it was totally taken aback by the attack. The German army captured Ukraine and
moved towards Moscow.Soon it launched attacks on Leningrad and Moscow. A fierce
battle was fought in Leningrad. The German army was unprepared for the heavy
snow and frost of November month in Russia. The army suffered heavy losses and
had to retreat. Hitler’s Russian campaign failed miserably. Soon after the
allies joined in their attack on Germans. Hitler committed suicide. The fall of
Italy and Japan followed. Finally, in 1945, the First World War came to an end.
Q.19 Discuss the developments
that led to the emergence of two independent states in Germany after the Second
World War and how was Germany reunited. (5 marks)
Ans.Germany was divided into separate parts in 1949. East Germany came under
Russian dominance, which was called as German democratic republic with its
capital at Berlin. West Germany came under the dominance of England, France and
U.S.A. . It came to be known as the Federal Republic of Germany with its capital
at Bonn.Both these newly created states followed its own pattern of social,
economic and political life. This system continued for almost four decades. But
such a division of German nation was a great source of tension for its nationals
as well as the powers, which controlled these nationals. Infect, this division
became a major factor for the cold war In 1961, the German democratic republic
erected a wall between east and West Berlin to stop free movement of its
residents. But in 1989, under the leadership of President Mikhail Gorbachev, the
Berlin wall was opened. The decline of communism in Russia affected the German
democratic republic too.In the 1990 elections the communist rule of German
Democratic Party came to an end. Finally, in 1990 both the independent states of
western and eastern Germany were united as one.
OR
What is meant by the cold war? Do you think that the cold war
has ended today? (5 marks)
Ans. A cold war is not a war in traditional sense of the term. It is a
situation where no actual war takes place yet; a war like tension is maintained.
Such a situation arose soon after the Second World War when the capitalist
countries under the American influence and the communist countries under the
Russian influence looked at each other’s action with suspicion. Though these
countries did not fight in the battlefield, yet they carried propaganda against
each other and followed such economic policies that were meant to harm others.
The monopoly of the communist countries headed by Russia ended in 1991. This has
led to relaxation of tension between the two groups. Also, the evil effects of
the alarming growth of nuclear bombs as a safety measure has been stopped by
anti war movements which took place after the Second World War. The doctrine of
Nuclear Deterrence has also paved the way for peace in the world. Thus one could
say that the threat of the cold war looming large in the world after the Second
World War seems to have ended or atleast reduced considerably.
Q.20. Mention any two
distinctive features of the Darwin’s theory of the “survival of the
fittest”. (2 marks)
Ans. Charles Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest”
propagated that, because of the biological differences, no two individuals can
be similar to each other, and in the struggle for existence, only the fittest
will survive.
OR
Explain the meaning of “Fascism” (2marks)
Ans. Fascism stands for despotic rule where, all the powers of the state
are vested in a single leader who is a despot. Mussolini established fascist
rule in Italy after the First World War. (1922A.D) Hitler established a similar
regime in Germany.
Q 21. Why is the Russian
Revolution of 1917 known as theBolshevik Revolution? (2 marks)
Ans. Bolsheviks led the Russian revolution, a majority group of workers
in Russia who, under the leadership of Lenin, believed in the revolutionary
methods for bringing about changes in the Russian society and economy.
Ultimately, it was the Bolsheviks who were able to bring about a successful
revolution in Russia in 1917. Thus the 1917 revolution is also known as the
Bolshevik revolution.
Q.22. Explain any one feature of “Abstract Art” (2marks)
Ans. In Abstract Art, the artist uses straight lines and curves. Abstract art
has no definite form or shape. It stresses that artistic values are inherent in
all colors, shapes and sizes.and not necessarily in any definite form.
OR
Explain any one contribution
of Ho Chi Minh. (2 marks)
Ans. Ho Chi Minh is regarded as the father of the republic of Vietnam.
The Vietnam’s people’s army was organized under the leadership of Ho Chi
Min. It was called as the ‘Vet Min’. It vigorously resisted the Japanese
occupation of Vietnam. In 1945, the democratic republic of Vietnam was
proclaimed and Ho Chin Min became its President.
Q.23. On the given map of
Europe mark and show any five countries which were made members of the Warsaw
pact. (5 marks)
OR
On the given outline map of
Europe , mark and show any five countries which Germany had invaded during the
Second World War. (5 marks)
Ans. The following five countries were invaded by the Germany during the
second world war.
(1) Belgium (2) Poland (3) Norway (4) Luxemberg (5) Denmark
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