Class 10 History Chapter 2 Question Answers - India and the Contemporary World - II

Q1: Who was Frederic Sorrieu?
Ans: Frederic Sorrieu was a French artist known for creating a series of four prints that depicted his vision of a world composed of democratic and social republics.

• He illustrated a diverse group of people from Europe and America.
• His works symbolised the ideals of liberty and democracy.
• Sorrieu's prints reflected the hopes for unity and social justice.

Q2: To which country did the artist Frederic Sorrieu belong?
Ans: Artist Frederic Sorrieu belonged to France.

Q3: Why did French artist, Frederic Sorrieu prepare a series of print based on democratic and socialist republics in 1848? [CBSE Sample Paper-2017]
Ans: Frédéric Sorrieu, a French artist, created a series of prints in 1848 to express his vision of a world made up of democratic and socialist republics. His aim was to:

• Illustrate a Utopian society where people from different nations are united.
• Show individuals of all ages and social classes paying tribute to the Statue of Liberty.
• Represent nations through their unique flags and traditional costumes.

In this vision, Sorrieu depicted a hopeful future where nations could coexist peacefully, celebrating their identities.

Q4: What does ‘Absolutist’ mean?
Ans: The term Absolutist refers to:

• A government or system with no limits on its power.
• Historically, it describes a type of monarchicalrule that was:
  • Centralised in authority.
  • Militarised in nature.
  • Repressive towards its citizens.

Q5: What was the concept of a ‘modern state’?
Ans: Modern State The concept of a modern state involves:

• A centralised power that holds authority.
• Exercising sovereign control over a specific territory.
• Establishing a clear legal framework for governance.

This idea has evolved over time, reflecting the need for organised political structures.

Q6: What does ‘Nation-state’ mean?
Ans: A nation-state is a political entity where the majority of its citizens share a common identity and a sense of history or descent. Key points include:

• The identity is not solely based on rulers but includes the general population.
• This sense of commonality is developed over time through shared experiences and struggles.
• It represents a shift from multi-national empires to a unified state where citizens feel connected.

Q7: What do the ideas of ‘la Patrie’ and ‘le Citoyen’ emphasize?
Ans: The concepts of la Patrie (the fatherland) and le Citoyen (the citizen) highlight:

• A vision of a united community.
• The importance of equal rights for all citizens.
• Governance under a constitution.

These ideas were central to fostering a sense of national identity during the French Revolution.

Q8: Which new name was given to ‘The Estates General’?
Ans: National Assembly The Estates General was renamed the National Assembly during the French Revolution.

Q9: When did industrialisation begin in England and other parts of Europe?
Ans: Industrialisation began in England during the second half of the 18th century. In contrast:

• In France, it started in the 19th century.
• Parts of the German states also experienced industrialisation later in the 19th century.

This period marked the rise of new social groups:

• A growing working class.
• Emergence of a middle class comprising industrialists and professionals.

In Central and Eastern Europe, these changes were slower, with significant growth occurring only by the late 19th century.

Q10: Which new social groups emerged after industrial revolution?
Ans: After the Industrial Revolution, two main social groups emerged:

• Working class population: This group consisted of factory workers and labourers.
• Middle classes: Comprising industrialists, businessmen, and professionals, this group grew in influence and wealth.

In Central and Eastern Europe, these groups were smaller until the late nineteenth century.

Q11: What is the origin of the word ‘Liberalism’? What did it mean?
Ans: The term Liberalism comes from the Latin root liber, which means free. Originally, it represented:

• Freedom for the individual
• Equality before the law
• Government by consent

Historically, it advocated for:

• The end of autocracy and clerical privileges
• A constitution and representative government
• Protection of private property

However, it did not guarantee universal suffrage, as voting rights were often limited to property-owning men.

Q12: What was the meaning of the word ‘Liberalism’ for the new middle classes?
Ans: For the new middle classes, liberalism represented:

• Individual freedom and equality before the law.
• A political system based on government by consent.
• A rejection of autocracy and clerical privileges.
• The establishment of a constitution and representative government.

However, equality before the law did not guarantee universal suffrage, as voting rights were often limited to property-owning men.

Q13: What was the strong demand of the emerging middle classes in Europe during nineteenth century? [CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans: The strong demand of the emerging middle class in Europe during the nineteenth century included:

• Freedom of markets to encourage trade.
• Abolition of state-imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and capital.

These demands were crucial for the growth of a more unified economic landscape.

Q14: How did liberalism stand in the economic sphere?
Ans: In the economic sphere, liberalism advocated for:

• The freedom of markets.
• Abolition of state-imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and capital.

This was a key demand of the emerging middle classes during the nineteenth century.

Q15: What was Zollverein?
Ans: In 1834, a customs union known as Zollverein was established by Prussia and included most of the German states. Key features of the Zollverein include:

• Abolishment of tariff barriers between member states.
• Reduction of currencies from over thirty to just two.
• Promotion of economic growth and national unity.

This union facilitated the free movement of goods, people, and capital, significantly enhancing trade and economic cooperation among the German states.

Q16: Why was Zollverein formed?
Ans: The Zollverein was established to promote economic cooperation among German states. Its main goals included:

• Eliminating tariff barriers to facilitate trade.
• Reducing the number of currencies from over thirty to just two.
• Encouraging the development of a unified economic territory.
• Stimulating national sentiment through economic integration.

Overall, the Zollverein played a crucial role in paving the way for the unification of Germany.

Q17: Which countries met at Treaty of Vienna?
Ans: In 1815, representatives of the European powers—Britain, Russia, Prussia and Austria—who had collectively defeated Napoleon, met at Vienna to draw up a settlement for Europe.

Q18: Who hosted the Treaty of Vienna?
Ans: Austrian chancellor, Duke Metternich hosted this congress at Vienna in 1815.

Q19: What was the objective of Treaty of Vienna?
OR
What was the main aim of Treaty of Vienna 1815? [CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans: The objective of the Treaty of Vienna in 1815 was to:

• Reverse the changes caused by the Napoleonic Wars.
• Restore the Bourbon dynasty, which had been removed during the French Revolution.
• Establish a balance of power in Europe to prevent future conflicts.
• Set up new states around France to limit its expansion.

Overall, the treaty aimed to create a new conservative order in Europe.

Q20: What was the main aim of revolutionaries of Europe during the years following 1815? [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Ans: The main aim of the revolutionaries in Europe after 1815 was to:

• Oppose monarchical forms of government.
• Fight for liberty and freedom.
• Establish nation-states as part of their struggle.