Important Questions: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Welcome to this carefully curated document designed to prepare you for your board exams. The questions included here are highly significant, frequently asked in previous exams, and crafted to boost your confidence and performance.

1. Unification of Italy

• Key Figures: Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Count Cavour, Victor Emmanuel II
• Key Events: Formation of Young Italy (1831), alliance with France, defeat of Austrian and Spanish rulers (1859–1860), proclamation of unified Italy in 1861

Q1: Analyse the process of Italian unification.
Ans:

View Answer  Italy was unified after numerous struggles and movements as described below:
(1) Italy had a long history of political fragmentation among various dynastic states. Sardinia-Piedmont was the only one of seven states ruled by an Italian princely house.
(2) Other regions were ruled by non-Italian rulers. The Italian language had multiple regional and local variations.
(3) In 1830, Giuseppe Mazzini established a secret society called Young Italy and tried to bring about a revolutionary uprising but failed. Thereafter, war was the only resort left.
(4) Chief Minister Cavour led the movement of unification and diplomatically joined Sardinia-Piedmont, in an alliance with France after defeating the Austrian forces in 1859.
(5) Armed volunteers led by Giuseppe Garibaldi also supported the troops and they marched into South Italy and the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. They were supported by peasants in driving out Spanish rulers.
(6) After continuous struggles, Victor Emmanuel II was finally declared the king of unified Italy in 1861.

Q2: From which of the following countries did Giuseppe Garibaldi belong to?
Options: (a) Austria (b) Italy (c) Greece (d) Spain
Ans:

View Answer  (b) Italy
Giuseppe Garibaldi was a key figure in the unification of Italy. He was an Italian general, politician, and revolutionary who played a major role in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification.

Q3: Who among the following put together a coherent programme for the Italian Republic during the 1830s?
Options: (a) Victor Emmanuel I (b) Victor Emmanuel II (c) Giuseppe Mazzini (d) Count Cavour
Ans:

View Answer  (c)
Giuseppe Mazzini aimed to create a clear plan for a unified Italian Republic during the 1830s. He established a secret society called Young Italy to promote his vision.
Mazzini believed that Italy should not remain a collection of small states.
He envisioned a single, unified republic as essential for Italian freedom.
His ideas inspired similar secret societies across Europe.
Despite his efforts, revolutionary movements in 1831 and 1848 failed.
As a result, the task of unifying Italy fell to King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia-Piedmont.

Q4: Identify the characteristics of Cavour among the following and choose the correct option:
Options: I. He was an Italian statesman. II. He spoke French much better than Italian. III. He was a tactful diplomat. IV. He belonged to a Royal family.
Ans:

View Answer  (b) Only I, II, and III are correct.
Cavour did not belong to a Royal family. He belonged to a family that had served the House of Savoy as soldiers and officials.

Q5: Who among the following leaders formed a secret society called 'Young Italy’?
Options: (a) Victor Emmanuel II (b) Giuseppe Mazzini (c) Count Cavour (d) Giuseppe Garibaldi
Ans:

View Answer  (b)
Giuseppe Mazzini formed a secret society called Young Italy in 1831. This society aimed to promote the idea of a united and independent Italian republic. Mazzini believed that:
Italy should be unified and free from foreign control.
National unity was essential for Italian liberty.
God intended nations to be the natural units of mankind.

Q6: Who was proclaimed as King of United Italy in 1861?
Ans:

View Answer  Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of united Italy in 1861.
Many Italians were unaware of the concept of a united Italy.
High illiteracy rates contributed to a lack of understanding of liberal-nationalist ideas.
Some peasants believed that "Italia" referred to Victor Emmanuel's wife.

2. Unification of Germany

• Key Figures: Otto von Bismarck, Kaiser William I
• Key Events: Prussian leadership, Zollverein, three wars (against Austria, Denmark, France), proclamation of German Empire in 1871

Q1: Analyse the process of German unification.
Ans:

View Answer  The process of nation state building in Germany took place in the following manner:
(1) Nationalist feelings were widespread among middle class Germans who tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation state governed by an elected parliament.
(2) This liberal movement faced repression from the monarchy and military, supported by the large landowners known as Junkers.
(3) Prussia took on the leadership of the movement for national unification. Its Chief Minister, Otto von Bismarck was the architect of this process, which was carried out with the help of the Prussian Army and bureaucracy.
(4) Over seven years, three wars against Austria, Denmark, and France resulted in Prussian victories, culminating in the unification of Germany.
(5) On 18 January 1871, the Prussian King, William I, was declared the German Emperor in a ceremony at Versailles.

Q2: There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below:
Assertion (A): On Prussian initiative 'Zollverein' Custom Union was formed.
Reason (R): It was to create unified economic territory allowing the unhindered movement of goods, people and capital.
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Assertion (A): The Zollverein was indeed initiated by Prussia in the early 19th century, with the purpose of consolidating the fragmented German states economically.
Reason (R): The primary aim of the Zollverein was to eliminate internal tariffs and barriers among the German states, fostering an integrated economic zone where goods, people, and capital could move freely. This economic integration was seen as a step toward political unity in Germany.

Q3: On which of the following modern aspects did the new Germany place a strong emphasis?
Options: I. Currency II. Banking III. Legal system IV. Demography
Ans:

View Answer  (d) Only I, II, and III are correct.
The new German state placed a strong emphasis on modernizing the currency, banking, legal, and judicial systems.

Q4: Why was Otto Von Bismarck considered the chief architect of German unification?
Options: (a) He allied with Italy and France for the unification process. (b) He granted autonomy to Prussia with the Conservatives. (c) He carried the nation-building process with the army and the bureaucracy. (d) He carried liberal and Romantic scholars for cultural movement.
Ans:

View Answer  (c)
Otto von Bismarck is regarded as the chief architect of German unification due to his pivotal role in the process. Key points include:
He led the movement for national unification after the failed liberal initiatives of 1848.
Bismarck utilised the Prussian army and bureaucracy to achieve his goals.
He orchestrated three significant wars against Austria, Denmark, and France, which ended in Prussian victories.
These victories were crucial in consolidating the German states into a unified nation.
In January 1871, Bismarck’s efforts culminated in the proclamation of the German Empire at Versailles.

Q5: Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:
Options: (a) Otto von Bismarck – Germany (b) Napoleon – Spain (c) Giuseppe Garibaldi – France (d) Bourbon Kings – Italy
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
(a) Otto von Bismarck – Germany: Correct. Otto von Bismarck was the Prussian statesman who played a leading role in the unification of Germany in 1871, making him closely associated with German history.
(b) Napoleon – Spain: Incorrect. Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France, not Spain. Although he invaded and occupied parts of Spain, he is historically associated with France.
(c) Giuseppe Garibaldi – France: Incorrect. Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian nationalist and revolutionary leader who played a key role in the unification of Italy, not France.
(d) Bourbon Kings – Italy: Incorrect. The Bourbon dynasty primarily ruled France and Spain. Although a branch of the Bourbon family did rule the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in southern Italy, they are not associated with Italy as a whole.

Q6: Describe the role of Otto von Bismarck in the making of Germany.
Ans:

View Answer  After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, many Germans desired an independent Germany. The King of Prussia, Kaiser William I, appointed Chief Minister Bismarck to unify Germany under Prussian rule.
Bismarck was a determined leader who recognised the urgent need for unification. He began by modernising the army, even defying parliament to collect taxes. This approach became known as the “Blood and Iron” policy, earning him the title of the “Iron Chancellor”.
He significantly improved the army and encouraged the German populations of Schleswig and Holstein to revolt against Denmark. In 1864, Bismarck allied with Austria to defeat Denmark. Later, he also defeated Austria, leading to the formation of the North German Confederation.
Through skilled diplomacy, Bismarck managed to keep Italy, Russia, and Napoleon III of France from engaging in war.
The unification of Germany was completed under Kaiser William I in 1871. Germany then emerged as a leading power in Europe, expanding its colonial empire to enhance its economic interests and global influence.

Q7: Explain the nation-building process of Germany.
Ans:

View Answer  German Unification:
(a) After 1848, nationalism in Europe moved away from its association with democracy and revolution.
(b) Nationalist sentiments were often mobilized by conservatives for promoting state power and achieving political domination over Europe.
(c) Nationalist feelings were widespread among middle-class Germans in the 19th Century.
(d) In 1848 they tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation-state governed by an elected parliament.
(e) This liberal initiative to nation-building was repressed by the combined forces of the monarchy and the military, supported by the large landowners (called Junkers) of Prussia.
(f) Prussia took on the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, who became the architect of this process.
(g) Three wars over seven years - with Austria, Denmark, and France - ended in Prussian victory and completed the process of unification.
(h) On 18 January 1871, the Prussian king, William I, was declared the German Emperor in a ceremony at Versailles.

3. French Revolution (1789)

• Key Outcomes: Transfer of power to the National Assembly, collective identity, tricolour flag, uniform laws, French as the common language
• Significance: First expression of nationalism, influence on Europe

Q1: Describe the major outcomes of the French Revolution of 1789.
Ans:

View Answer  The major outcomes of the French Revolution of 1789 are as follows:
It resulted in the transfer of power from King Louis XVI to the National Assembly.
A collective identity of the people developed.
The Estate General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
Jacobin clubs were set up for the propagation of liberal thoughts.
A new French Flag, the tricolour, was chosen to replace the former royal standard.
Regional dialects were discouraged and French became the common language of the nation.

Q2: Which of the following revolutions is called the first expression of 'Nationalism'?
Options: (a) French Revolution (b) Russian Revolution (c) Glorious Revolution (d) The Revolution of the Liberals
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
The French Revolution of 1789 is regarded as the first clear expression of nationalism. It marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy to the people, establishing the idea that:
The nation is formed by its citizens.
People should unite for equality and self-governance.
The revolution inspired similar movements across Europe.

Q3: Analyse the measures and practices introduced by the French Revolution to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.
Ans:

View Answer  The French revolutionaries implemented several measures to foster a sense of collective identity among the French people:
The concepts of la Patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) were introduced, promoting unity and equal rights.
A new national flag, the tricolour, replaced the royal standard.
The Estates-General was renamed the National Assembly, representing the active citizens.
New hymns were composed, oaths were taken, and martyrs were commemorated in the name of the nation.
A centralised administrative system was established, creating uniform laws for all citizens.
Internal customs duties were abolished, facilitating trade.
A uniform system of weights and measures was adopted.
The French language, as spoken in Paris, became the common language, discouraging regional dialects.
The revolutionaries aimed to liberate other European peoples from despotism, promoting the idea of nationhood.

4. Liberalism and Nationalism

• Concepts: Freedom for individuals, equality before the law, government by consent, end of autocracy, market freedom
• Significance: Role of the middle class in revolutions (1830, 1848), connection to national unity

Q1: “Ideas of national unity in the early nineteenth-century Europe were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism.” Examine the statement.
Ans:

View Answer  The ideas of national unity were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism in Europe during the nineteenth century. This can be asserted by the following statements:
(1) The term liberalism is derived from the Latin word ‘liber’ which means free. Revolutionaries stood for the freedom of individuals and equality of all before the law.
(2) Liberals began a revolution in 1848. They began many national movements pioneered by the educated middle class to fight for the cause of liberty, freedom and unification for their nation.
(3) Politically, the idea of liberalism advocated for a constitutional and represented government through Parliament. Hence, the ideologies of liberalism and nationalism were closely allied.

Q2: In which one of the following countries did the first liberalist-nationalist upheaval take place in July 1830?
Options: (a) France (b) Germany (c) England (d) Italy
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
In July 1830, the first liberalist-nationalist upheaval occurred in France.
The Bourbon kings, restored to power after 1815, were overthrown.
Liberal revolutionaries established a constitutional monarchy.
Louis Philippe became the head of this new government.
This revolution inspired further uprisings, including one in Brussels, leading to Belgium’s independence.

Q3: Read the facts regarding the Revolution of the Liberals in Europe during 1848 and choose the correct option:
Options: I. Abdication of the monarch II. Universal male suffrage had been proclaimed III. Political Rights for women were given IV. Freedom of the press has been asked for
Ans:

View Answer  (d) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
Regarding the 1848 Revolution of the Liberals in Europe, the correct facts include:
I. Abdication of the monarch
II. Universal male suffrage had been proclaimed
IV. Freedom of the press has been asked for
Political rights for women (III) were not typically granted during this period.

Q4: What do you understand by Liberalism? Describe their ideas in the political, social, and economic spheres. Ideas of national unity in early-nineteenth-century Europe were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism. What did it mean for the middle class in France? Explain.
Ans:

View Answer  (1) The term ‘liberalism’ is derived from the Latin word liber, meaning free. Thus, for the new middle classes, liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law.
(2)
(a) Political ideas:
(i) It emphasized the concept of government by consent.
(ii) Since the French Revolution, liberalism stood for the end of autocracy and clerical privileges, a constitution and representative government through Parliament.
(iii) It did not necessarily stand for universal suffrage. Thus in the 19th and 20th centuries, movements were demanding equal political rights.
(b) Social ideas: The liberals supported the abolition of discrimination based on birth.
(c) Economic ideas: It supported the freedom of markets and the abolition of state-imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and capital. During the 19th Century, this was a strong demand for the emerging middle classes.

5. Romanticism and Culture

• Role: Shaping nationalism through art, poetry, music, and folklore
• Allegories: Marianne (France), Germania (Germany) as national symbols
• Frédéric Sorrieu’s Vision: Democratic and social republics, Statue of Liberty as a symbol

Q1: Explain Romanticism as a cultural movement in Europe.
Ans:

View Answer  Romanticism was a significant cultural movement in Europe that fostered a unique sense of nationalist sentiment. Key features include:
Focus on emotions and intuition over reason and scientific thought.
Emphasis on mystical feelings and the collective heritage of nations.
Influence of artists and poets who celebrated cultural roots and common pasts.
Romanticism played a crucial role in shaping the idea of the nation through art, poetry, and music.

Q2: Explain Frederic Sorrieu's dream in the context of democratic and social republics in France during 1848.
Ans:

View Answer  Frédéric Sorrieu was a French artist who, in 1848, created a series of four prints. These prints depicted his vision of a world composed of democratic and social republics.
The first print shows people from Europe and America, of all ages and backgrounds, marching towards the Statue of Liberty.
Liberty is represented as a female figure, holding the torch of Enlightenment and the Charter of the Rights of Man.
Above them, figures like Christ and angels symbolise fraternity among nations.
Sorrieu’s work reflects the hopes for unity and democracy during a time of significant political change.

Q3: Examine the significance of the Statue of Liberty in Frederic Sorrieu's paintings, ‘The Dream of Worldwide Democratic and Social Republics'.
Ans:

View Answer  The Statue of Liberty is depicted as a female figure holding the Torch of Enlightenment in one hand and the Charter of Rights in the other.
In the foreground, the shattered symbols of absolutist institutions represent the end of oppressive rule.
Sorrieu’s vision portrays:
People from various nations, identifiable by their flags and national costumes.
The United States and Switzerland leading the procession, symbolising established nation-states.
A call for unity among nations, with a hopeful outlook for democracy.

Q4: How had the female figures become an allegory of the nation during the nineteenth century in Europe? Analyze.
Ans:

View Answer  The female figures became a powerful allegory of the nation during the nineteenth century in Europe. This transformation can be understood through the following points:
Representation: Artists depicted nations as female figures, allowing a country to be visualised as a person.
Symbolism: The female figure did not represent any specific woman but embodied the abstract idea of the nation.
Concrete Form: This personification provided a tangible representation of the nation.
Historical Context: During the French Revolution, artists used female allegories to express concepts like Liberty, Justice, and the Republic.
For instance, in France, the female figure known as Marianne symbolised the nation, drawing characteristics from Liberty and the Republic, such as the red cap and tricolour. Statues of Marianne were placed in public spaces to remind citizens of their national identity.

Q5: “Culture had played an important role in the development of nationalism in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.” Support the statement with examples.
Ans:

View Answer  Culture played a vital role in the development of nationalism in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Expression of Nationalism: Art, poetry, stories, and music helped to express and shape nationalist feelings.
Shared Heritage: The focus was on creating a sense of a shared cultural past as the foundation of a nation.
Critique of Rationalism: Many artists and thinkers criticised the overemphasis on reason and science.
Folk Culture: German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder promoted the spirit of the nation through folk songs, poetry, and dance.

6. Napoleonic Era

• Napoleonic Code: Equality before the law, abolition of feudalism, simplified administration
• Defeat of Napoleon (1815): Role of Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, rise of conservative governments
• Treaty of Vienna (1815): Restoration of monarchies, buffer states, conservative order

Q1: Which type of governments were mainly driven in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815?
Options: (a) Conservative (b) Liberal (c) Federal (d) Feudal
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, European governments were primarily influenced by conservatism. Key characteristics included:
Emphasis on preserving traditional institutions such as the monarchy, the Church, and social hierarchies.
A recognition that modernisation could strengthen these institutions.
Formation of conservative regimes that were largely autocratic and intolerant of dissent.
Implementation of censorship laws to control public discourse.
The Congress of Vienna in 1815 aimed to restore the monarchies overthrown by Napoleon and establish a new conservative order in Europe.

Q2: Which one of the following groups of countries collectively defeated Napoleon in 1815?
Options: (a) Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria (b) Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Australia (c) Britain, Russia, Netherlands and Germany (d) Britain, Luxembourg, Germany and Italy
Ans:

View Answer  (a)
In 1815, European powers like Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria collectively defeated Napoleon.

Q3: How had the Napoleonic code been exported to the regions under French control? Explain with examples.
Ans:

View Answer  The Napoleonic Code was drafted by a commission of four eminent jurists and entered into force in 1804.
The Code was a major step in replacing the previous patchwork of feudal laws. It has a special place as it is one of the few documents that have influenced the whole world.
The Napoleonic Code was not the first legal code to be established in a European country with a civil legal system; it was preceded by many but it was, however, the first modern legal code to be adopted with a pan-European scope, and it strongly influenced the law of many of the countries formed during and after the Napoleonic Wars.
The Napoleonic Code influenced developing countries outside Europe, especially in the Middle East, attempting to modernize their countries through legal reforms.

Q4: Who hosted the ‘Vienna Congress’ in 1815? Analyze the main changes brought by the ‘Vienna Treaty.’
Ans:

View Answer  The main clauses of the Treaty of Vienna signed in 1815 were:
Vienna Congress: The Congress was hosted by the Austrian Chancellor “Duke Metternich”.
(a) The Bourbon dynasty which had been deposed during the French Revolution was restored to power.
(b) France lost the territories it had annexed under Napoleon.
(c) A series of states were set up on the boundaries of France to prevent French extension in the future.
(d) Kingdom of the Netherlands including Belgium was set up.
(e) Prussia was given important new territories on its western frontiers.

Q5: “Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles in order to make the whole system more rational and efficient.” Analyze the statement with arguments.
Ans:

View Answer  Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field, he had incorporated revolutionary principles to make the whole system more rational and efficient.
(a) All privileges based on birth were removed.
(b) He had established equality before the law.
(c) Right to property was given.
(d) Simplified administrative divisions were made.
(e) The feudal system was abolished and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial dues.
(f) Guild restrictions were removed.
(g) Transport and communication systems were improved.

7. Balkan Nationalism

• Context: Ottoman Empire’s control, romantic nationalism, rivalry among Balkan states
• Significance: Source of nationalist tension, leading to World War I

Q1: Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The most serious source of nationalist tension in Europe after 1871 was Balkan.
Reason (R): A large part of the Balkan was under the control of Ottoman Empire.
Ans:

View Answer  (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Assertion (A): The Balkans were a region of intense nationalist movements and conflicts, particularly between different ethnic groups and empires.
Reason (R): The Ottoman Empire controlled much of the Balkan region, which contributed to nationalist tensions as various groups sought independence or autonomy.

Q2: ‘The idealistic liberal-democratic sentiment of nationalism became a narrow creed with limited ends.’ Support the statement in the context of Balkan nationalism in the early 19th century.
Ans:

View Answer  The Balkans, which include modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro, experienced significant turmoil in the early 19th century due to various factors:
The disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of romantic nationalism created a volatile environment.
European nationalities began to break free from Ottoman control, seeking independence.
Balkan revolutionaries aimed to reclaim their long-lost independence.
Intense rivalry existed among Balkan states, each wanting to expand their territory at the expense of others.
Major European powers, including Russia, Germany, England, and Austro-Hungary, competed for influence in the region.
These tensions ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

8. Formation of the British Nation-State

• Process: Gradual process through English dominance, Act of Union (1707), parliamentary control
• Significance: Contrast with revolutionary processes elsewhere

Q1: Which of the following is not a part of the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain?
Options: (a) England (b) Poland (c) Scotland (d) Ireland
Ans:

View Answer  (b)
The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Poland is not part of the UK, as it is a separate country in Europe.

Q2: Describe any three conditions that led to the formation of the British Nation-State.
Ans:

View Answer  The conditions that led to the formation of the British Nation State were:
(a) The primary identities of the people who inhabited the British Isles were ethnic ones - such as English, Welsh, Scot, or Irish. All of these ethnic groups had their own cultural and political traditions. But as the English nation steadily grew in wealth, importance, and power, it was able to extend its influence over the other nations of the islands.
(b) The English Parliament, which had seized power from the monarchy in 1688 at the end of a protracted conflict, was the instrument through which a nation-state, with England at its centre, came to be forged.
(c) The Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland that resulted in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’ meant, in effect, that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland. The British parliament was henceforth dominated by its English members.

9. Influence of France on Europe

• Significance: France’s revolutions and political changes influenced other European nations

Q1: Who among the following remarked “When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches cold”?
Options: (a) Lord Byron (b) Metternich (c) Johann Herder (d) Napoleon
Ans:

View Answer  (b)
Metternich remarked, "When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold." This statement was made in the context of the July Revolution in France, which ignited uprisings across Europe.
The July Revolution led to a constitutional monarchy with Louis Philippe as its head.
This event sparked an uprising in Brussels, contributing to Belgium’s independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Metternich’s observation reflected the influence of France on the political landscape of Europe.

10. Industrialization

Q1: Industrialisation began in which one of the following European countries in the second half of the eighteenth century?
Options: (a) Germany (b) France (c) Italy (d) England
Ans:

View Answer  (d)
Industrialization began in England during the second half of the eighteenth century.
Other countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy, started industrialising later, mainly in the late nineteenth century.
This early industrialisation in England led to the rise of new social groups, including a working class and a middle class of industrialists and professionals.