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All questions of Peasants and Farmers (Old NCERT Syllabus) for Class 9 Exam

What is shillings ?           
  • a)
    Currency          
  • b)
    Edible items           
  • c)
    Electronic thing                
  • d)
    Cereals
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Saumya Singh answered
The shilling is a unit of currency formerly used in Austria, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, United States and other British Commonwealth countries. Currently the shilling is used as a currency in four east African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia.

Can you explain the answer of this question below:
Before late 18th century English countryside was ?
  • A:open fields
  • B:enclosed
  • C:partitioned
  • D:common land

The answer is A.

Krishna Iyer answered
Open fields in the country side proved favorable for the merchants to look for and provide money to the peasants and artisans to produce for the international market. With the shrinking of the open fields and Commons, peasants were left with small plots of land not sufficient to meet their family needs so they took to alternate source of income.

In the late 18th century, which of the following goods was bought by the English East India Company from China ?
  • a)
    tea and silk
  • b)
    sugar
  • c)
    cotton
  • d)
    jute
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Hiral Singh answered
The British used the profits from the sale of opium to purchase such Chinese luxury goods as porcelain, silk, and tea, which were in great demand in the West.

Strip cultivation was practiced by ?
  • a)
    peasants in England
  • b)
    tribals
  • c)
    nomadic pastoralists
  • d)
    shifting cultivators
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Kumar answered
Strip cropping  is a method of farming which involves cultivating a field partitioned into long, narrow strips which are alternated in a crop rotation system. It is used when a slope is too steep or when there is no alternative method of preventing soil erosion.

When was opium introduced in China ?           
  • a)
    16th century     
  • b)
    17th century           
  • c)
    18th century     
  • d)
    19th century
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Kapoor answered
Opium was first introduced to China by Turkish and Arab traders in the late 6th or early 7th century CE. Taken orally to relieve tension and pain, the drug was used in limited quantities until the 17th century. At that point, the practice of smoking tobacco spread from North America to China, and opium smoking soon became popular throughout the country. 

In the mid-18th century trade in opium with China was ?
  • a)
    legal
  • b)
    illegal
  • c)
    permit based
  • d)
    sanctioned by the English Parliament
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhishek Das answered
**Answer:**

The correct answer is option 'B': illegal.

**Background:**
During the mid-18th century, there was a significant trade relationship between China and Western countries. One of the key commodities in this trade was opium, which was primarily imported by the British East India Company from India and sold to the Chinese market. The Chinese government initially permitted the trade, but as the negative consequences of opium addiction became apparent, they began to restrict and eventually prohibit the trade.

**Explanation:**

* **Opium trade with China:**
- The British East India Company played a significant role in the opium trade with China during the mid-18th century. They imported opium from British-controlled India and sold it in China.
- Opium was in high demand in China, where it was used for medicinal purposes. However, its recreational use became widespread, leading to addiction and social problems.
- The trade was profitable for the British, but it had severe repercussions on Chinese society, as the addiction problem grew rapidly.

* **Chinese opposition to the trade:**
- The Chinese government recognized the detrimental effects of opium addiction and attempted to restrict its use and trade.
- In 1729, the Qing Dynasty issued a ban on opium smoking, but it was largely ineffective.
- In 1799, the Emperor issued a decree prohibiting the import and consumption of opium, but this too had limited success.

* **Opium Wars and the illegality of trade:**
- The Chinese government's efforts to curtail the opium trade led to tensions with the British, who were profiting from it.
- These tensions eventually culminated in the Opium Wars, with the first war occurring from 1839 to 1842.
- The Opium Wars resulted in China's defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which legalized the opium trade and ceded Hong Kong to the British.
- However, it is important to note that before the Treaty of Nanking, the opium trade was considered illegal in China.

* **Conclusion:**
- In the mid-18th century, the trade in opium with China was considered illegal.
- Although the British East India Company continued to engage in the trade, the Chinese government attempted to restrict and eventually prohibit it due to the negative consequences of opium addiction.
- The legalization of the opium trade came about as a result of the Opium Wars and subsequent treaties.

Which of the following was not a feature of Common Land ? 
  • a)
    All villagers had access to the commons
  • b)
    Commons helped sustain the meagre income of the poor
  • c)
    Here the poor fished in ponds, collected fuel, food and fodder
  • d)
    Villagers cultivated land and shared the produce
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Das answered
Common land is land owned collectively by a number of persons, or by one person, but over which other people have certain traditional rights, such as to allow their livestock to graze upon it, to collect wood, or to cut turf for fuel. It’s main features are that all villagers had access to it, it helped sustain the meagre income of the poor and the poor fished in ponds, collected fuel, food and fodder.

From 1910 to 1919, the land area under wheat cultivation in the USA had increased by about
  • a)
    50%
  • b)
    65%
  • c)
    75%
  • d)
    80%
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahana Singh answered
Explanation:

Factors contributing to the increase in wheat cultivation:
- During the 1910s, there was a significant increase in wheat cultivation in the USA.
- This increase can be attributed to various factors such as technological advancements in farming practices, improved seed varieties, and increased demand for wheat products.
- The expansion of the railroad system also played a crucial role in facilitating the transportation of wheat to different markets.

Percentage increase in land area under wheat cultivation:
- The land area under wheat cultivation in the USA increased by about 65% from 1910 to 1919.
- This indicates a substantial growth in the cultivation of wheat during this period, showcasing the importance of wheat as a staple crop in the country.

Conclusion:
- The 65% increase in the land area under wheat cultivation from 1910 to 1919 highlights the significance of wheat farming in the USA during that decade.
- This growth was supported by various factors that contributed to the expansion of wheat cultivation and the subsequent increase in production.

The first Opium War took place between?
  • a)
    China and France (1837-1842)
  • b)
    Britain and China (1837-1842)
  • c)
    China and European powers (1837-1842)
  • d)
    Britain and China (1817-1837)
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aruna Singh answered
The first Opium War took place between Britain and China from 1839 to 1842. The conflict arose due to tensions over the trade of opium, a narcotic drug produced in India and sold to China by British merchants. The Chinese government had attempted to ban the trade of opium, but British merchants continued to smuggle the drug into China, leading to a series of confrontations between the two sides. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, which granted Britain significant concessions, including the cession of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of several Chinese ports to foreign trade. The war was followed by the second Opium War in 1856-1860, which also involved British and French forces and resulted in further concessions from the Chinese government.

What did the settlers of the Great Plains realise after the 1930s ?
  • a)
    Using older methods of cultivation were better than modern machines
  • b)
    Competition with other countries was not healthy
  • c)
    They had to respect the ecological conditions of each region
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhargavi Singh answered
The overproductions of wheat lead to the Great Agrarian Depression of the 1930s.
4. Over-ploughing of Prairies also lead to Dust Bowl Tragedy. Because of this, the land of plenty became a Dust Bowl. 
5. After 1930s, the government and the settlers realized that they had to respect the ecological condition of each region.

Why in the 1930's America's dream of land of plenty turned into a nightmare ? 
  • a)
    Because unsold stocks piled up
  • b)
    Wheat prices fell rapidly after World War I
  • c)
    Collapse of exports
  • d)
    Terrifying dust storms
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

In 1930s terrifying dust storms began to blow over the southern place the cause of these dust storms was mainly due to wipe out of land escape which was ploughed over and the grass that held the soil where stripped off.

Factor in increased food grain production in post-1780 Britain was ?
  • a)
    radical innovations in technology
  • b)
    population expansion
  • c)
    urbanization
  • d)
    simple innovations and new lands under cultivation
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Focus Academy answered
Factors contributing to increased food grain production in post-1780 Britain can be attributed to a combination of radical innovations in technology, population expansion, urbanization, and simple innovations coupled with new lands under cultivation.
- Radical Innovations in Technology:
- The Agricultural Revolution brought about significant advancements in farming techniques, such as the use of seed drills, crop rotation, and selective breeding of livestock.
- The development of new farming machinery, such as the threshing machine and the reaper, increased efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
- Population Expansion:
- The population of Britain experienced a significant increase during the post-1780 period.
- A growing population created a higher demand for food, which necessitated an increase in food grain production.
- Urbanization:
- The process of urbanization led to the growth of cities and towns, which resulted in a higher demand for food from urban areas.
- This demand stimulated agricultural production, as farmers had to increase their yields to meet the needs of the growing urban population.
- Simple Innovations and New Lands under Cultivation:
- Farmers implemented simple innovations, such as improving drainage systems and using fertilizers, to enhance crop yields.
- The enclosure movement, which involved consolidating and enclosing small plots of land, allowed for more efficient land use and increased agricultural productivity.
- Additionally, new lands were brought under cultivation, either through the reclamation of marshes and wastelands or through agricultural expansion in colonies and newly acquired territories.
Overall, the combination of technological advancements, population growth, urbanization, and simple innovations, along with the utilization of new lands, contributed to the significant increase in food grain production in post-1780 Britain.

Name the US President who said “Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war.”
  • a)
    President Roosevelt
  • b)
    President Clinton
  • c)
    President Bush
  • d)
    President Wilson
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhargavi Singh answered
US President Wilson said "Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war". 
United Kingdom, France and Russia  were Members of Allied powers and America was on the side of the Allies. During the First World War the world market boomed. Russian supplies of wheat were cut off and the USA had to feed Europe. US President Wilson called upon farmers to respond to the need of the time and support the allies to wage the wars by fulfilling their domestic demand for wheat.

Who was Captain Swing ?
  • a)
    A farmer
  • b)
    A labourer
  • c)
    A mythical name
  • d)
    A landlord
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Desai answered
Captain Swing was not a real person, but rather a fictional character or pseudonym used during the Swing Riots in England in the 1830s. The Swing Riots were a series of protests and acts of violence carried out by rural workers, particularly agricultural laborers, against the introduction of new threshing machines and the poor economic conditions they faced.

Captain Swing as a Symbol of Protest:

1. Symbolic figure: Captain Swing was not an actual individual, but a name used by protesters to sign threatening letters sent to landowners, farmers, and magistrates. These letters demanded higher wages, lower rents, and the destruction of new machinery.

2. Disguised identity: The use of a pseudonym allowed the protesters to remain anonymous and avoid immediate retaliation from authorities. The name "Captain Swing" was chosen to evoke a sense of rebellion and resistance.

3. Organized resistance: By adopting a common identity, the rural workers were able to coordinate their actions and present a united front against the oppressive conditions they faced. The letters signed by Captain Swing were often accompanied by acts of arson, machine-breaking, and other forms of sabotage.

4. Fear and intimidation: The letters sent by Captain Swing were often written in a threatening tone, warning of dire consequences if the demands were not met. This created a sense of fear and uncertainty among landowners and authorities, as they were unsure of the true extent of the protest movement and the potential for further violence.

Impact and Legacy:

1. Government response: The Swing Riots and the actions of Captain Swing led to a significant government crackdown on the protesters. Special commissions were set up to investigate the riots, and hundreds of people were arrested and sentenced to transportation or imprisonment.

2. Reform movements: The protests and violence associated with Captain Swing played a role in raising awareness of the harsh conditions faced by agricultural laborers. This, in turn, contributed to the growth of reform movements advocating for workers' rights and improved living conditions.

3. Historical significance: Captain Swing and the Swing Riots are seen as an important moment in the history of labor relations in England. They highlighted the social and economic inequalities of the time and paved the way for future labor movements and the eventual establishment of trade unions.

In summary, Captain Swing was a fictional character or pseudonym used by rural workers during the Swing Riots in England. The use of this name allowed the protesters to coordinate their actions, create fear and intimidation, and present a united front against the oppressive conditions they faced. The legacy of Captain Swing and the Swing Riots includes government crackdowns, the growth of reform movements, and their historical significance in the struggle for workers' rights.

The methods used to oust the Indian Americans were :
  • a)
    numerous wars in which Indians were massacred and many villages burnt
  • b)
    after defeat, the Indian Americans were forced to sign treaties to give up their lands and move westwards
  • c)
    both (a) and (b)
  • d)
    peaceful negotiations
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Maitri Ahuja answered
Methods used to oust the Indian Americans were both numerous wars in which Indians were massacred and many villages were burnt, as well as the forceful removal of Indian tribes through treaties that required them to give up their lands and move westward.

1. Wars and Massacres:
- The European colonization of North America led to numerous conflicts between the settlers and the Native American tribes. These conflicts often resulted in wars, with the Indians being outnumbered and outgunned.
- Many Indian tribes were massacred by the European settlers and their allied Native American tribes. These massacres were often brutal and resulted in the loss of many innocent lives.
- The settlers also burned down Indian villages and destroyed their crops, leaving them without a source of sustenance and forcing them to either surrender or relocate.

2. Treaties and Forced Removal:
- After being defeated in wars, Indian tribes were forced to sign treaties that required them to give up their lands to the settlers. These treaties were often unfair and imposed upon the tribes without their full understanding or consent.
- The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson, paved the way for the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. This act authorized the relocation of tribes to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma.
- The most infamous forced removal was the Trail of Tears, where the Cherokee Nation was forcibly removed from their lands in Georgia and forced to march to Indian Territory. Thousands of Cherokees died during the journey due to harsh conditions.

3. Peaceful Negotiations:
- While there were instances of peaceful negotiations between Native American tribes and the settlers, these were often overshadowed by the use of force and the injustice inflicted upon the tribes.
- Some tribes, such as the Iroquois Confederacy, initially sought alliances with the European settlers to maintain their sovereignty and protect their interests. However, over time, their lands and rights were eroded.

Overall, the methods used to oust the Indian Americans included both violent and coercive measures, such as wars, massacres, and forced removal through treaties. These actions resulted in the displacement, suffering, and loss of ancestral lands for many Native American tribes.

In 1831 mechanical reaper was invented by:
  • a)
    Cyrus McCormic
  • b)
    Dietrich Brandis
  • c)
    Alexander Hogue
  • d)
    Captain Swing
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Gowri Basu answered
The mechanical reaper was invented by Cyrus McCormick in 1831. This machine was used by farmers to harvest crops mechanically.

What was a factor in British confiscation of opium produced in Central India and Rajasthan ? 
  • a)
    In order to retain British government's monopoly rights to trade in opium
  • b)
    Opium produced was of inferior quality
  • c)
    Many cultivators sold off their crop to local traders
  • d)
    Peasants refused to sell after taking advances.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Coachify answered
Factors in British confiscation of opium produced in Central India and Rajasthan:
1. Retention of British government's monopoly rights: The British government had established a monopoly on the trade of opium, and confiscating opium produced in Central India and Rajasthan allowed them to maintain control over the lucrative trade.
2. Inferior quality of opium: It is not mentioned in the question that the opium produced was of inferior quality. Therefore, this factor is not applicable.
3. Selling to local traders: Many cultivators in Central India and Rajasthan were selling their opium crop to local traders instead of the British East India Company. This threatened the British government's monopoly, leading to the confiscation of opium.
4. Peasants refusing to sell after taking advances: Peasants, who were often in need of immediate cash, would take advances from the British East India Company in exchange for their opium crop. However, some peasants would later refuse to sell their opium, causing financial losses for the company. Confiscating the opium was a way for the British government to prevent such situations.
In conclusion, the main factor in the British confiscation of opium produced in Central India and Rajasthan was to retain the British government's monopoly rights to the opium trade.

Which is the most appropriate reason that exhorted rioters to destroy the threshing machines in England during the 1830s ?
  • a)
    It deprived workmen of their livelihood
  • b)
    They were indulging in loot
  • c)
    The countryside was partitioned into enclosed lands
  • d)
    Landlords wanted to earn more profits and pay less to the workers
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ipsita Dey answered
The poor were opposed to the threshing machines because for them they were a sign of bad times.The machines reduced the dependence of landowners on labourers and led to their displacement.Many a pogr lost their jobs during the threshing season and had to tramp long distances to seek alternate employment in other villages or cities.Machines gave landowners bargaining powers and reduced the status of the poor to wage earners.The jobs of the poor became insecure, income unstable and livelihood precarious.

The continuous movement of the pastoral communities helps in
  • a)
    recovery of the pastures
  • b)
    prevention of their overuse
  • c)
    reduction in the demand of houses
  • d)
    both A and B
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Hiral Singh answered
 (i) The movement of the nomads allows the pasture to regrow and recover. 
(ii) It helps to protect the ecology of the environment. 
(iii) It prevents the overuse of pastures. 
(iv) The cattle by the dung help in providing manure.  

Opium production in India was linked with British trade in ?
  • a)
    France
  • b)
    Africa
  • c)
    Middle east
  • d)
    China
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Coachify answered
Opium production in India was linked with British trade in China
- Opium production in India was closely linked with British trade in China during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The British East India Company, which had established a monopoly on trade with India, began cultivating opium in India as a means to fulfill the high demand for the drug in China.
- Opium was grown in large quantities in the fertile regions of Bengal and Bihar in India.
- The British East India Company then smuggled the opium into China, where it was sold for a high profit.
- The profits from the opium trade played a significant role in financing the British Empire's expansion and industrial development.
- The opium trade also had devastating effects on Chinese society, leading to widespread addiction and social problems.
- The Chinese government attempted to ban the import of opium, leading to the Opium Wars between China and Britain in the mid-19th century.
- The British victory in these wars further solidified their control over the opium trade and China's economy.
- Ultimately, the opium trade played a significant role in shaping the relationship between Britain and China during this period.

Unlike 16th century enclosures those in the 18th century were undertaken to ?
  • a)
    increase grain production
  • b)
    created by individuals
  • c)
    lacked state support
  • d)
    result of pressure from landowners
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Sharma answered
1.The 16th century enclosures promoted sheep farming whereas the 18th century enclosures was done for grain production.
2.The 16th century enclosures was done on a small basis but the 18th century enclosures was done on a huge basis to bring a change in time.

When did the westward movement of White Americans take place ?
  • a)
    During the 1610s
  • b)
    the 1650s
  • c)
    After American War of Independence
  • d)
    the 1800s
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amrita Bose answered
The British Proclamation of 1763 ordered a halt to the westward movement at the Appalachians, but the decree was widely disregarded. Settlers scurried into Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. After the American Revolution, a flood of people crossed the mountains into the fertile lands between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River. By 1810 Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky had been transformed from wilderness into a region of farms and towns.

Who gave the slogan “Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war” ?           
  • a)
    Georg Bush      
  • b)
    Wilson           
  • c)
    Jefferson          
  • d)
    Lin-Ze-Xu
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahana Bajaj answered
The United States President Woodrow Wilson said "plant more wheat, wheat will win the war."
As we see during the second World war Russia supplies of wheat were cut off and wheat price touched the sky. As the US had to feed Europe especially her allies, Wilson encouraged the farmers to grow more wheat and thus said "plant more wheat, wheat will war" which motivated the farmers to growmore and more wheat. Wheat was very profitable during the First world War and it boomed the US export market.
  

In the 19th century, the two major commercial crops India came to produce for the world market were
  • a)
    indigo
  • b)
    opium
  • c)
    maize
  • d)
    both (a) and (b)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepika Gupta answered
In the early 19th century, indigo and opium were two of the major commercial crops.
By the end of the century, peasants were producing sugarcane, cotton, jute, wheat and several other crops for export.
These crops were produced to feed the population of urban Europe and to supply to the mills of Lancashire and Manchester in England.

What were the reasons of the dust storms ?
  • a)
    Early 1930s were years of persistent drought
  • b)
    The wind blew with ferocious speed
  • c)
    The entire landscape had been ploughed over, stripped of all the grass that held it together
  • d)
    All the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Keerthana Shah answered
The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American and Canadian prairies during the 1930s; severe drought and a failure to apply dryland farming methods to prevent the aeolian processes (wind erosion) caused the phenomenon.

Before the late 18th and early 19th century common ground was in the English countryside
  • a)
    Open and not partitioned into enclosed lands privately owned by landlords
  • b)
    At the beginning of the year each villager was allocated a number of strips to cultivate; beyond these strips lay the common land
  • c)
    Here the villagers pastured their cows, grazed sheep, collected firewood and fruit for food. They fished in ponds, hunted rabbits in common forests
  • d)
    All the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhargavi Singh answered
 Before the 18th century in large parts of England, the countryside was open. Peasants cultivated on strips of land around the village they lived in.
At the beginning of each year, strips of varying quality were allocated to each villager.
Beyond these strips of cultivation, lay the common land. All villagers had an access to the commons.
For the poor, the common land was essential for survival. It supplemented meagre income, sustained their cattle, and helped them tide over bad times, when crops failed.

White American settlements were confined to a small narrow strip of coastal land in the east till the
  • a)
    1750s
  • b)
    1780s
  • c)
    1800s
  • d)
    1850s
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepika Gupta answered
The 1780s, white American settlements were confined to a small narrow strip along the eastern coast. Most of the USA was inhabited by the Native Americans. Most of them were nomadic, while some of them were settled. Hunting, gathering and fishing was the source of livelihood for most of them. Some of them cultivated corn, beans, tobacco and pumpkin.

Which practice disappeared by 1800, drastically changing the lives of the labourers ?
  • a)
    Till 1800, the labourers lived with landowners, ate with their masters and helped them throughout the year doing various jobs
  • b)
    Now they were paid wages and employed only during harvest times
  • c)
    To increase their profits the landlords cut the amount they had to spend on their workers
  • d)
    All the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avinash Patel answered
Explanation:
The correct answer is option D: All the above.
The disappearance of the practice of living with landowners and working for them throughout the year drastically changed the lives of the labourers. The following factors contributed to this change:
1. Living and working conditions: Before 1800, labourers lived with landowners, ate with their masters, and helped them throughout the year. They were provided with basic necessities like food and shelter. However, with the disappearance of this practice, labourers had to find their own accommodation and manage their own meals.
2. Wage employment: Instead of living with landowners, labourers started to work for wages. This meant that they were no longer dependent on landowners for their livelihood. They could now seek employment based on their skills and availability of work.
3. Seasonal employment: Labourers were now employed only during harvest times or when there was a need for their specific skills. This meant that their employment became more temporary and uncertain.
4. Reduction in worker benefits: To increase their profits, landlords started cutting the amount they had to spend on their workers. This led to a decrease in wages and a reduction in worker benefits such as food, shelter, and other provisions.
Overall, the disappearance of the practice of living with landowners and the shift towards wage employment and seasonal work had a significant impact on the lives of the labourers, making them more independent but also exposing them to greater uncertainty and reduced benefits.

Why were the Confucian rulers of China, the Manchus, suspicious of all foreign merchants ?
  • a)
    The British were buying tea at very low rates
  • b)
    They feared that the British would interfere in local politics and disrupt their authority
  • c)
    China was self-sufficient and did not want to trade with any country
  • d)
    All the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Saumya Singh answered
The Confucian rulers of China, the Manchus, were suspicious of all foreign merchants because they were apprehensive of foreign merchants meddling into local politics. Hence they were not willing to allow the entry of foreign goods. This meant an outflow of treasure from England because tea could be bought only by making payment in silver coins or bullion. The English traders wanted a community which could be easily sold in China so that the import of tea could be financed in a profitable way.

Who of the following said these words "Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war" ? 
  • a)
    President Thomas Jefferson
  • b)
    President Rousavelt
  • c)
    President George Bush
  • d)
    President Wilson
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

C K Academy answered
Answer:
To identify who said the words "Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war", we need to analyze the given options and provide a detailed solution.
Possible Options:
A: President Thomas Jefferson
B: President Roosevelt
C: President George Bush
D: President Wilson
Analysis:
We will go through each option and determine if any of the presidents mentioned could have made this statement.
A: President Thomas Jefferson
- Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809.
- Although Jefferson was known for his agricultural policies, there is no record of him saying the specific words mentioned.
B: President Roosevelt
- There are two presidents named Roosevelt - Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th President from 1901 to 1909, and Franklin D. Roosevelt served as the 32nd President from 1933 to 1945.
- Neither of the Roosevelts is known for making this statement.
C: President George Bush
- There were two presidents named George Bush - George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush.
- George H. W. Bush served as the 41st President from 1989 to 1993, and George W. Bush served as the 43rd President from 2001 to 2009.
- Neither of the Bush presidents is associated with this statement.
D: President Wilson
- Woodrow Wilson served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921.
- Wilson is known for his agricultural policies during World War I and promoting food conservation, including encouraging the planting of wheat.
- The statement "Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war" aligns with Wilson's emphasis on increasing wheat production during the war.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the person who said the words "Plant more wheat, wheat will win the war" is President Wilson.

16th century enclosures were driven by ?
  • a)
    land grab
  • b)
    parliamentary legislation
  • c)
    desire to increase grain production
  • d)
    to improve breeding and expand wool production
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

16th century enclosures were driven by:
1. Desire to improve breeding and expand wool production:
- Enclosures were primarily driven by the need to improve agricultural practices and increase productivity.
- Landowners sought to enclose their land to implement new farming techniques and selectively breed livestock, especially sheep, to produce higher-quality wool.
- Enclosed lands allowed for better control over the breeding process and the ability to focus on specific breeds that yielded more profitable results.
2. Land grab:
- Enclosures also served as a means for wealthy landowners to consolidate their holdings and gain more control over agricultural resources.
- By enclosing common lands and converting them into private property, landowners could expand their estates and increase their wealth and power.
- Enclosures often resulted in the displacement of small farmers and rural communities, leading to social unrest and economic inequality.
3. Parliamentary legislation:
- While enclosures were primarily driven by individual landowners, some enclosures were facilitated by parliamentary legislation.
- Acts of Parliament, such as the Statute of Merton (1235) and the Statute of Westminster (1285), provided legal mechanisms for landowners to enclose their lands.
- However, it is important to note that parliamentary legislation was not the main driving force behind enclosures in the 16th century.
4. Desire to increase grain production:
- While wool production was a significant factor, the desire to increase grain production also played a role in enclosures.
- Enclosed lands allowed for more efficient cultivation of crops and the implementation of new agricultural techniques.
- Landowners could focus on growing cash crops, such as wheat and barley, to meet the growing demand for food and increase their profits.
Overall, the 16th century enclosures were primarily driven by the desire to improve breeding and expand wool production, as well as the pursuit of land consolidation and increased agricultural productivity. While parliamentary legislation and the desire to increase grain production also played a role, they were not the main driving forces behind enclosures during this period.

Two major commercial crops of early 19th century India ?
  • a)
    indigo and opium
  • b)
    tea and coffee
  • c)
    rubber and cotton
  • d)
    sugarcane and jute
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

C K Academy answered
Two major commercial crops of early 19th century India:


There were two major commercial crops that played a significant role in the economy of early 19th century India. These crops were indigo and opium.
1. Indigo:
- Indigo was a highly valuable cash crop during the early 19th century in India.
- It was primarily cultivated in the eastern regions of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Indigo was used for dyeing textiles, and its demand was high in the European market.
- The British East India Company encouraged the cultivation of indigo as it brought significant profits.
- Indigo plantations were notorious for their harsh and exploitative labor practices, leading to widespread protests and uprisings.
2. Opium:
- Opium cultivation and trade were also crucial to the economy of early 19th century India.
- Opium was primarily grown in the fertile Gangetic plains of Bengal and Bihar.
- The British East India Company had a monopoly on opium production and trade.
- The opium produced in India was mainly exported to China, where it was in high demand.
- The opium trade became a source of immense wealth for the British and played a significant role in shaping the history of India and China.
Overall, indigo and opium were two major commercial crops that dominated the economy of early 19th century India. The cultivation and trade of these crops had far-reaching consequences for both the local population and the colonial powers.

When did the White Americans move into the Mississippi Valley?
  • a)
    1800-1820
  • b)
    1820-1850
  • c)
    1850-1860
  • d)
    1860-1870
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sarita Reddy answered
The white settlers came in successive waves. By the first decade of the eighteenth century, they settled on the Appalachian plateau. Between 1820 and 1850, they moved into the Mississippi valley. They cleared the land for cultivation, put fences around large areas and began sowing corn and wheat.

To which of the following is Agrarian expansion in the USA closely connected ?
  • a)
    American War of Independence (1775-1783)
  • b)
    Slave trade
  • c)
    Westward movement
  • d)
    Fertility of the soil
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Tanvi Chauhan answered
Westward movement in the USA is closely connected to agrarian expansion. This movement was a major factor in the growth and development of the United States, as settlers moved westward in search of new land and opportunities.

Reasons for Westward Movement
Several factors contributed to the westward movement, including:

- Economic opportunities: Many people moved west in search of better economic opportunities, such as fertile land for farming, gold and silver mines, and new markets for goods and services.

- Manifest Destiny: This idea, popular in the 19th century, held that it was the destiny of the United States to expand westward and spread its influence and values across the continent.

- Government policies: The US government encouraged westward migration through policies such as the Homestead Act, which offered free land to settlers who agreed to work and improve it.

Impact on Agrarian Expansion
The westward movement had a profound impact on agrarian expansion in the USA. As settlers moved westward, they brought with them new farming techniques and technologies, such as the plow and the reaper, which allowed them to cultivate larger areas of land more efficiently.

The fertile soil of the Midwest and Great Plains also provided ideal conditions for farming, and many settlers established successful farms and ranches in these regions. This led to a significant increase in agricultural production, which in turn fueled economic growth and development.

The westward movement also had other impacts on agrarian expansion, including:

- Encroachment on Native American land: The westward movement often involved the forced displacement of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, which allowed settlers to expand their farms and ranches.

- Expansion of slavery: The westward movement contributed to the expansion of slavery in the United States, as slave owners brought their slaves with them to work on their farms and plantations.

In conclusion, the westward movement in the USA is closely connected to agrarian expansion, as it allowed settlers to establish new farms and ranches in fertile regions and contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural sector. However, this expansion also had negative impacts, including the displacement of Native American tribes and the expansion of slavery.

Which of the following was not a factor in America being a land of promise ?  
  • a)
    Wildness could be turned into cultivated fields
  • b)
    Forest timber exploited for export
  • c)
    Animals hunted for skin and mountains mined for gold and minerals
  • d)
    American-Indians could be used as labour
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhishek Das answered
The correct answer is option D: American-Indians could be used as labor.

Explanation:

The phrase "land of promise" is often used to describe the United States and its reputation as a place of opportunity and advancement. Throughout American history, several factors have contributed to this perception. However, one factor that did not contribute to America being a land of promise was the use of American-Indians as labor.

a) Wildness could be turned into cultivated fields:
One of the factors that contributed to America being a land of promise was the abundant land and the opportunity for settlers to transform the wilderness into cultivated fields. This attracted many immigrants who sought to establish farms and build a better life for themselves and their families.

b) Forest timber exploited for export:
Another factor was the vast forests that provided a valuable resource for the growing nation. Timber was exploited for export, contributing to economic growth and providing employment opportunities.

c) Animals hunted for skin and mountains mined for gold and minerals:
The abundance of wildlife and natural resources also played a role in America's reputation as a land of promise. Animals were hunted for their skins, which contributed to the fur trade industry. Additionally, mountains were mined for gold and minerals, which attracted prospectors and miners seeking wealth and opportunity.

d) American-Indians could be used as labor:
The use of American-Indians as labor was not a factor that contributed to America being a land of promise. In fact, the treatment of American-Indians throughout history has been marred by displacement, violence, and discrimination. Native Americans were often forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and subjected to unfair treaties and policies that aimed to assimilate or exploit them.

Instead of being seen as a source of labor, Native Americans were often viewed as obstacles to progress and expansion. Their displacement and mistreatment do not align with the idea of a land of promise that offers equal opportunities for all.

In conclusion, while factors such as transforming wilderness into cultivated fields, exploiting forest timber, hunting animals for skins, and mining mountains for gold and minerals contributed to America being seen as a land of promise, the use of American-Indians as labor was not a factor that supported this perception.

Which of the following was not a feature of strip cultivation ? 
  • a)
    Cultivable land around villages was divided into strips.
  • b)
    Beginning of each year villagers were allocated a number of strips to cultivate.
  • c)
    Strips were a mix of good and bad land.
  • d)
    Common land was divided into strips.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:
The correct answer is D: Common land was divided into strips. This was not a feature of strip cultivation. Here is a detailed explanation of the other options:
A: Cultivable land around villages was divided into strips.
- This is a feature of strip cultivation. The cultivable land around villages was divided into long, narrow strips.
B: Beginning of each year villagers were allocated a number of strips to cultivate.
- This is a feature of strip cultivation. At the beginning of each year, villagers were allocated a specific number of strips to cultivate.
C: Strips were a mix of good and bad land.
- This is a feature of strip cultivation. The strips were a mix of good and bad land, and each villager would receive a mix of both types of land.
D: Common land was divided into strips.
- This is not a feature of strip cultivation. Strip cultivation refers to the division of cultivable land around villages into strips, not common land.
In summary, the feature that was not a part of strip cultivation was D: Common land was divided into strips.

Who invented the first mechanical reaper ?           
  • a)
    Thomas Jefferson             
  • b)
    Wilson           
  • c)
    Cyrus Mccormick             
  • d)
    Lin-ze-xu
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepika Gupta answered
The mechanical reaper was invented by Cyrus McCormick in 1831. This machine was used by farmers to harvest crops mechanically. For hundreds of years, farmers and field workers had to harvest crops by hand using a sickle or other methods, which was an arduous task at best.

Cultivation of which crops improved fertility of soil ?
  • a)
    wheat and maize
  • b)
    fodder crops
  • c)
    turnip and potatoes
  • d)
    turnip and clover
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranav Shah answered


Turnip and Clover for Soil Fertility Improvement

Turnip and clover are known as green manure crops that can help improve soil fertility through various mechanisms.

Nitrogen Fixation
- Clover is a leguminous plant that forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots. This process helps convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, thus enriching the soil with nitrogen.

Organic Matter Addition
- Both turnip and clover are known for their ability to add organic matter to the soil when they decompose. This organic matter helps improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability.

Root System Enhancement
- Turnip and clover have deep root systems that can break up compacted soil, improve aeration, and enhance nutrient uptake by plants.

Soil Erosion Prevention
- The dense root systems of turnip and clover help hold the soil together, reducing erosion caused by wind and water.

Crop Rotation Benefits
- Incorporating turnip and clover into crop rotation systems can help break pest and disease cycles, improve soil health, and increase crop yields in subsequent seasons.

By cultivating turnip and clover as part of a sustainable agricultural system, farmers can enhance soil fertility, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and promote long-term soil health.

For poorer farmers machines brought misery because of ?
  • a)
    displacement
  • b)
    banks refused loans
  • c)
    banks gave loans
  • d)
    indebtedness
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Kapoor answered
The big farmers of USA bought the new reaper machine. Then the work could be done quickly with minimum number of labourers. Mechanisation reduced the need for labour and created unemployment. Some small-scale farmers even bought these machines, with the loans banks offered them, but found it extremely difficult to pay back, when the demand decreased after the First World War.These farmers left their farms and ventured out in search of employment. But jobs were also difficult to find out due to mechanisation.Thus, it can be concluded that machines brought misery for the poor farmers.

Which European country introduced opium into China ?           
  • a)
    England            
  • b)
    France           
  • c)
    Germany          
  • d)
    Portugal
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Radha Iyer answered
The European country that introduced opium into China is Portugal.


  • Introduction: Opium was introduced into China by a European country during the 19th century. This act had significant consequences for China, leading to widespread addiction and social, economic, and political problems.

  • Opium Trade: The opium trade involved the importation of opium from foreign countries, mainly India, to China. The British East India Company was heavily involved in this trade.

  • Portugal's Role: Portugal played a significant role in introducing opium into China. Portuguese traders were among the first Europeans to establish trade relations with China in the 16th century.

  • Macau: Macau, a region in China, was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1999. During this time, Macau became a major center for the opium trade.

  • Opium Wars: The introduction of opium into China eventually led to the Opium Wars. These wars were fought between China and the British Empire, with the involvement of other European powers. The wars resulted in the forced opening of Chinese ports to foreign trade and the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain.


Therefore, the correct answer is D: Portugal.

Who amongst the following gained most from enclosures ?
  • a)
    Rich landowners
  • b)
    Traders
  • c)
    State
  • d)
    The poor
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer:
Introduction:
Enclosures refer to the process of enclosing and consolidating common lands into individual private properties. This practice was prevalent in Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Enclosures had various impacts on different sections of society. In this case, we need to determine who gained the most from enclosures among the given options.
Rich landowners:
- Gained the most from enclosures
- Acquired larger landholdings and consolidated their power and wealth
- Could use the enclosed land for commercial agriculture and increase productivity
- Benefited from the increase in land value and rents
Traders:
- Might have benefited indirectly from enclosures
- Increased production and efficiency in agriculture could lead to surplus food production, which could be traded
- Enclosures might have created opportunities for trade in agricultural products
State:
- Might have gained some benefits from enclosures
- Enclosures led to increased agricultural productivity and tax revenues for the state
- The state could also control and regulate the enclosed land more effectively
The poor:
- Did not gain much from enclosures
- Lost access to common lands, which were a source of subsistence for them
- Displaced from their homes and livelihoods
- Became dependent on wage labor, which often had poor working conditions and low wages
Conclusion:
Among the given options, the rich landowners gained the most from enclosures. They acquired larger landholdings, increased their wealth and power, and benefited from increased agricultural productivity and land value. Traders and the state might have gained some indirect benefits, while the poor suffered the most from enclosures, losing access to common lands and facing displacement and exploitation.

Indian farmer was goaded into cultivation of opium by ?
  • a)
    promise of high prices
  • b)
    system of advances
  • c)
    the village headman
  • d)
    revenue concessions
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Tanishq Verma answered
Explanation:


The cultivation of opium was encouraged by the British in India during the colonial period to meet the growing demand for opium in China. The opium was grown in India and then exported to China in exchange for tea and silk. The farmers were goaded into the cultivation of opium by the following factors:

System of Advances:


The British Government introduced a system of advances to the farmers to encourage them to grow opium. Under this system, the farmers were given advances to grow the crop, and they were required to repay the advances after the harvest. This system of advances made it easy for the farmers to cultivate opium, and they were attracted by the promise of easy money.

Promise of High Prices:


The British government promised the farmers high prices for their opium. This promise of high prices encouraged the farmers to cultivate opium as they could make more money from it than from other crops.

Revenue Concessions:


The British government offered revenue concessions to the farmers who grew opium. These concessions reduced the amount of tax the farmers had to pay on the opium they grew. This made it more profitable for the farmers to grow opium.

The Village Headman:


The village headman also played a role in goading the farmers into the cultivation of opium. The headman was responsible for collecting the opium from the farmers and delivering it to the British government. In return, the headman received a commission from the government, which encouraged him to encourage the farmers to grow more opium.

In conclusion, the system of advances was the primary factor that goaded the Indian farmers into the cultivation of opium. The promise of high prices, revenue concessions, and the role of the village headman were also contributing factors.

Which of these reasons led to a radical transformation of the landscape by the early 20th century ?
  • a)
    White Americans had moved westward
  • b)
    Local tribes were displaced
  • c)
    Entire landscape was carved into different agricultural belts in the USA
  • d)
    All the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Radha Iyer answered
Reasons for the radical transformation of the landscape by the early 20th century:


  • White Americans had moved westward: The westward expansion of white Americans led to significant changes in the landscape. They cleared forests, built settlements, and established agricultural practices, altering the natural environment.


  • Local tribes were displaced: The displacement of Native American tribes also contributed to the transformation of the landscape. As white settlers moved into Native American territories, they often forced tribes to relocate, leading to the loss of traditional lands and the disruption of ecosystems.


  • Entire landscape was carved into different agricultural belts in the USA: The development of agriculture in the United States resulted in the carving of the landscape into different agricultural belts. Land was cleared for farming, and various crops were grown in specific regions, leading to changes in land use and the overall appearance of the landscape.


Therefore, all of the above reasons - the westward movement of white Americans, the displacement of local tribes, and the carving of the landscape into agricultural belts - contributed to the radical transformation of the landscape by the early 20th century.

During which of the following period did dramatic expansion of wheat production take place in the USA ? 
  • a)
    1775-1830
  • b)
    1830-1850
  • c)
    1850-1910
  • d)
    1910-1920
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Period of Dramatic Expansion of Wheat Production in the USA
The dramatic expansion of wheat production in the USA took place during the period of 1910-1920. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Introduction
- The expansion of wheat production refers to a significant increase in the cultivation and harvest of wheat crops in the USA.
2. Options Analysis
- Option A: 1775-1830 - This period falls within the early stages of American history and does not align with the dramatic expansion of wheat production.
- Option B: 1830-1850 - This period is too short to account for a significant expansion in wheat production.
- Option C: 1850-1910 - Although this period covers a longer duration, it does not capture the specific timeframe of dramatic expansion.
- Option D: 1910-1920 - This period is the correct answer as it represents the timeframe when there was a substantial increase in wheat production.
3. Explanation
- The period of 1910-1920 witnessed a boom in wheat production in the USA due to various factors, including technological advancements and increased demand.
- The introduction of new machinery, such as steam-powered tractors and combine harvesters, revolutionized the efficiency of wheat farming.
- The demand for wheat increased during World War I as Europe relied heavily on American wheat for food supplies.
- The expansion of railway networks also facilitated the transportation of wheat from rural areas to urban markets.
- Overall, the years 1910-1920 marked a significant period of growth and expansion in wheat production in the USA.
4. Conclusion
- The correct answer is option D: 1910-1920, as this period corresponds to the dramatic expansion of wheat production in the USA.

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