Class 10 History Chapter 2 Case Based Questions - India and the Contemporary World - II

Q1: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In 1848, Frédéric Sorrieu, a French artist, prepared a series of four prints visualising his dream of a world made up of ‘democratic and social republics’. The first print shows the peoples of Europe and America marching in a long train, offering homage to the statue of Liberty. In Sorrieu’s utopian vision, the peoples of the world are grouped as distinct nations.

i. Why does the artist depict a utopian vision in his print?  (1 mark)
ii. Explain how this print represents the people’s desire for democracy.   (2 marks)
iii. Identify the nations leading the procession in the image and explain their significance.  (2 marks)

Ans: i. The artist portrays a utopian vision to represent a world characterised by democracy and social republics. In this vision, nations are united in peace and equality under the symbol of Liberty, while rejecting the outdated symbols of absolutist monarchies.
ii. The print depicts people from various nations, both men and women, from different social classes, marching towards the Statue of Liberty. This imagery symbolises their shared desire for freedom and democratic ideals, uniting individuals under a common cause for liberty and equality.
iii. The United States and Switzerland are leading the procession. The United States is significant as a nation founded on democratic principles, while Switzerland holds importance for its position as a neutral, democratic republic in Europe during that time.

Q2: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In a lecture delivered at the University of Sorbonne in 1882, French philosopher Ernst Renan outlined his understanding of a nation. He rejected the idea that nations were formed solely by language, race, religion, or territory, and instead argued that nations were forged through shared history, struggles, and sacrifices.

i. Summarise Renan’s understanding of the formation of a nation. (2 marks)
ii. Why does Renan believe that nations are important? (1 marks)
iii. How does Renan’s idea contrast with the idea of a nation based on race or territory? (2 marks)

Ans:

i. Renan believes that a nation is formed through shared history, struggles, sacrifices, and a collective will, rather than by race, language, or territory. It is the common glories of the past and the desire to continue performing great deeds together that truly unite a nation.
ii. Renan believes that nations are important because they serve as a guarantee of liberty. He argues that the existence of nations helps to preserve freedom and prevents the domination of a single global authority.
iii. Unlike the concept of a nation based on race or territory, Renan emphasises that nations are not defined by unchangeable characteristics like ethnicity or geographical limits. Instead, he argues that nations are formed through shared history, collective memory, and the mutual desire to remain united.

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Q3: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In the wake of the French Revolution, the revolutionaries introduced various measures and practices to create a sense of collective identity. The ideas of "la patrie" (the fatherland) and "le citoyen" (the citizen) were introduced, a new flag was chosen, and regional dialects were discouraged in favor of French.

i. How did the French Revolution create a sense of collective identity among the people? (2 marks)
ii. What role did the new flag and national language play in this process? (1 mark )
iii. How did the French Revolution influence other parts of Europe? (2 marks)

Ans: i. The French Revolution fostered a sense of collective identity among the people by highlighting the ideals of 'la patrie' (the fatherland) and 'le citoyen' (the citizen). This emphasis promoted unity and a shared purpose among citizens, ensuring they had equal rights under a new constitution.
ii. The new tricolour flag symbolised national unity and republican ideals. Its adoption played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging among citizens. Meanwhile, the use of French as the national language helped to unite people by overcoming regional dialects, facilitating a common mode of communication.
iii. The French Revolution inspired nationalist movements across Europe. As revolutionary ideas spread, they encouraged other countries to pursue political freedom, establish constitutions, and seek liberation from monarchies and absolutist rulers.

Q4: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Napoleon's reforms in France were spread to territories under French control. He introduced the Napoleonic Code, which abolished privileges based on birth, established equality before the law, and secured property rights.

i. What were the major reforms introduced by Napoleon? (1 mark )
ii. How did these reforms impact the territories under French control? (2 marks)
iii. Why did the local populations initially welcome Napoleon's reforms, and why did this change? (2 marks)

Ans: i. Napoleon introduced the Napoleonic Code, abolished privileges based on birth, established equality before the law, secured property rights, and simplified administrative divisions.
ii. Napoleon's reforms modernised the territories under French control by removing feudal structures, standardising laws, and ensuring greater legal equality. However, these changes faced resistance due to conscription, increased taxation, and centralised control.
iii. The local populations initially welcomed Napoleon's reforms because they introduced legal equality and economic freedom. However, this enthusiasm diminished due to several factors:

• Harsh military conscription that forced men into the army.
• Increased taxes that burdened the populace.
• The growing understanding that political freedom was not being granted alongside administrative reforms.

Q5: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

The revolutions of 1848 in Europe were led by middle-class liberals and nationalists. They demanded constitutionalism and national unification, but the revolutions were suppressed, and conservative monarchies regained power.

i. What were the demands of the liberal-nationalists during the 1848 revolutions?(1 mark )
ii. Why did the revolutions of 1848 fail? (2 marks)
iii. How did the 1848 revolutions contribute to the eventual unification of Germany and Italy? (2 marks)

Ans: i. They demanded constitutionalism, national unification, and the establishment of nation-states through representative governments and liberal reforms.
ii. The revolutions of 1848 failed for several reasons:

• The conservative monarchies regained power through military force.
• The middle-class leadership of the revolts alienated workers and peasants.
• This division led to a lack of unified support for the revolutionary cause.

iii. Although the 1848 revolutions were suppressed, they ignited a strong nationalist sentiment that laid the groundwork for later unification efforts in both Germany and Italy. These events encouraged the middle classes to demand the establishment of nation-states.

Q6: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian revolutionary, founded the secret society "Young Italy" to spread the ideals of nationalism and unification of Italy. His belief was that a unified Italy was essential for the liberty of its people.

i. What were the main ideas of Giuseppe Mazzini regarding nationalism? (1 mark )
ii. How did Mazzini contribute to the unification of Italy? (2 marks)
iii. Explain the significance of secret societies in the revolutionary movements of 19th-century Europe. (2 marks)

Ans:

i. Giuseppe Mazzini believed in the necessity of a unified Italy to secure liberty. He advocated for the creation of democratic republics, firmly rejecting both monarchy and autocracy. 
ii. Mazzini played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. He founded the secret society 'Young Italy', which aimed to inspire revolutionary movements across the nation. Although his direct efforts were initially unsuccessful, his ideas laid the groundwork for future leaders. Notably, Mazzini's vision and ideology significantly influenced key figures such as Garibaldi and Cavour, who later contributed to the successful unification of Italy.
iii. Secret societies played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideas, organising revolutions, and training revolutionaries. This was particularly significant in countries where open political movements faced suppression.

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Q7: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In 1848, the German states held a National Assembly in Frankfurt, where representatives attempted to draft a constitution for a unified Germany. However, the assembly's efforts were met with opposition from the monarchy and the military, ultimately leading to its dissolution.

i. What were the aims of the Frankfurt National Assembly? (2 marks)
ii. Why did the Frankfurt Parliament fail to achieve its goals? (2 marks)
iii. How did the events of 1848 impact the unification of Germany? (1 mark)

Ans: i. The Frankfurt National Assembly aimed to create a unified Germany by drafting a constitution that would establish a democratic nation-state. This state was envisioned to operate under a monarchy that would be accountable to a parliament.
ii. The Frankfurt Parliament failed to achieve its goals due to several key factors:

• Opposition from the monarchy and military forces undermined its authority.
• There was a lack of support from the working class, which limited its effectiveness.

These issues ultimately led to the dissolution of the parliament. 
iii. The 1848 Frankfurt Assembly, although unsuccessful, significantly impacted the unification of Germany. It raised nationalist consciousness and inspired further movements aimed at achieving unity across the region. These efforts laid the groundwork for future unification.

Q8: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In 1861, after a series of wars and revolutions, Italy was unified under the leadership of King Victor Emmanuel II. Despite the unification, much of the population remained unaware of the concept of a unified Italy, as illiteracy was widespread.

i. What role did King Victor Emmanuel II play in the unification of Italy? (1 mark)
ii. Why did many Italians remain unaware of the unification of Italy? (2 marks)
iii. What challenges did Italy face after unification? (2 marks)

Ans: i. King Victor Emmanuel II, the ruler of Sardinia-Piedmont, played a crucial role by supporting nationalist efforts and allowing his prime minister, Cavour, to lead military and diplomatic campaigns to unify Italy.
ii. Many Italians remained unaware of the unification of Italy due to widespread illiteracy. The concept of a unified Italy was not well understood by the common people, particularly the peasants in the southern regions.
iii. After unification, Italy faced several challenges, including:

• Regional divisions, which created tensions between different areas.
• Economic disparity between the industrialised north and the agrarian south.
• A lack of a common language, hindering communication and unity.
• Political instability, resulting from various factions and differing interests.

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Q9: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

The romantic movement in art and literature played a key role in shaping national identities. Figures like the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder and the Grimm Brothers promoted the collection of folk songs and tales to highlight the unique cultural identity of the German people.

i. How did Romanticism contribute to the growth of nationalism in Europe? (2 marks)
ii. What was the role of the Grimm Brothers in promoting nationalism in Germany? (2 marks)
iii. How did folk culture serve as a symbol of national identity? (1 marks)

Ans: i. Romanticism contributed to the growth of nationalism in Europe by promoting nationalist sentiments. It glorified folk traditions, national history, and cultural heritage. This movement opposed rationalist ideas and placed a strong emphasis on emotions, intuition, and a shared past.
ii. The Grimm Brothers collected and published German folk tales, which played a significant role in preserving German cultural identity. They opposed French domination and aimed to unify Germany by strengthening national consciousness through literature.
iii. Folk culture, which encompasses songs, dances, and stories, serves as a vital representation of a nation's distinct traditions and historical identity. It has become an influential tool in resisting foreign rule and promoting a sense of unity among the people.

Q10: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

In the 19th century, the Balkan region became a hotspot of nationalist tensions. Ethnic groups in the Balkans, under Ottoman rule, sought independence and independence movements were fueled by the idea of reclaiming their lost heritage.

i. What factors contributed to the nationalist tensions in the Balkans? (2 marks)
ii. How did the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire affect the Balkan region? (1 marks)
iii. What role did nationalism play in the lead-up to the First World War? (2 marks)

Ans: i. The Balkans were characterized by ethnic diversity, with various groups striving for independence from the declining Ottoman Empire. Tensions were exacerbated by rivalries among nationalist movements and the intervention of European powers.
ii. As the Ottoman Empire weakened, various ethnic groups in the Balkans struggled for independence. This led to a series of conflicts and wars among the emerging nations.
iii. Nationalist tensions in the Balkans, combined with rivalries among major European powers, led to conflicts that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.