Class 8 History Chapter 8 Important Question Answers - The Making of National Movement : 1870s-1947

Q1. Define nationalism?
Ans. The feeling of oneness and unity among the people of a nation or patriotic feeling, principles and policy of national independence is termed as nationalism. 

Q2. What were the factors that led to the rise of national consciousness among the people of India?
Ans. The factors that led to the rise of national consciousness among the people of India were:  Political associations came into being in the 1870s and 1880s:- Most of these were led by English –educated professionals such as lawyers. The more important ones were the Poona Servajanik Sabha, the Indian Association, the Madras Mahajan Sabha, the Bombay Presidency Association and the Indian National Congress. 

The dissatisfaction with British rule intensified in the 1870s and 1880s. They posted various laws which upset the people of India.
1. The Arms Act was passed in 1878, disallowing Indian from possessing arms.
2. In the same year the Vernacular Press Act was also enacted in an effort to silence those who were critical of the government. The Act allowed government to confiscate the assets of newspapers published anything that was found “objectionable”.
3. In 1883, there was a furore over the attempt by the government to introduce the Ilbert Bill. The bill provided for the trial of British or European persons by Indians, and sought equality between British and Indian judges in the country. But when white opposition forced the government to withdraw the bill, Indians were enraged. 

The event highlighted the racial attitudes of the British in India. 

Q3. When was Indian National Congress formed?
Ans. The Indian National Congress was formed in December, 1885. 

Q4. Mention the early leaders of Indian National Congress?
Ans. The early leadership:- Dadabhai Naroji, Pherozshah Mehta, Badruddhin Tyabji, W.C. Banerji, Surendranath Banerji, Romesh Chandra Dutt, S. Subramania Iyer.

Q5. Which British officer helped in the formation of Indian National Congress?
Ans. A retired British official, A.O. Hume helped in the formation of Indian National Congress. 

A. O. HumeQ6. Why were the early years of the Indian National Congress referred to as the moderate phase? 
Ans. 

1. The Congress in the first twenty years was “moderate” in its objectives and methods. 
2. During this period it demanded a greater voice for Indians in the government and in administration. 
3. It wanted the Legislative Councils to be made more representative, given more power, and introduced in provinces where wone existed. 
4. It demanded that Indian be placed in high positions in the government. For this purpose it called for civil service examinations to be held in 
5. India as well, not just in London. 
6. The demand for Indianisation of the administration was part of a movement against racism, since most important jobs at the time were 
7. monopolished by white officials and the British generally assumed that Indian could not be given positions of responsibility. 
8. Other demands included the separation of the judiciary from the executive, the repeal of the Arms Act and the freedom of speech and expression

Q12. When was the Muslim league formed and what were its demands?
Ans. A groups of Muslim landlords and Nawabs formed the All India Muslim league at Dacca in 1906.
The league supported the partition of Bengal.
* It desired separate electorates for Muslims, a demand conceded by the government in 1906. Some seats in the councils were now reserved for Muslims who would be elected by Muslims voters. 

Q13. How did the Ist World War affect the economical condition of India?
Ans. 

1. The first World war altered the economic and political situation in India. 
2. It led to a huge rise in the defense expenditure of the Government of India. 
3. The government in turn increased taxes on individual incomes and business profits. 
4. Increased military expenditures and the demands for was supplies led to a sharp rise in prices which created great difficulties for the common people. 
5. On the other hand, business groups reaped fabulous profits from the war. 
6. The war created a demand for industrial goods (jute bags, cloth, rails) and caused a decline of imports from other countries into India. So, Indian industries expanded during the war, and Indian business groups began to demand greater opportunities for development. 

Q14. What was Rowlatt Act?
Ans. Rowlatt Act was introduced by the British in 1919.
According to this act, any Indian could be arrested without trial in the court of law. The act curbed fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression and strengthened police powers. 

Q15. Why did the nationalist leader oppose Rowlett Act?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi, Mohanmad Ali Jinnah and others felt that the government had no right to restrict people’s basic freedoms.They criticized the Act as “devilish” and tyrannical

Q32. Why is the Indian National Congress (1919 – 1947) referred to as Gandhian Era?
Ans. From 1919 onwards Gandhi played a Major role in Indian National Movement as launched 3 great mass movements such as Non – cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement. Ultimately it was Gandhi who led the people of India towards independence in the year 1947. 

Q33. Write a short note on Jallianwala Bagh?
Ans. The Jallianwala Bagh atrocities inflicted by General Dyer in Ameritsar on Baisakhi Day (13 April), were a part of Rowlett Act repression. On  learning about the massacre, Rabindranath Tagore expressed the pain and anger of the country be renouncing his knight hood. During the Rowlate  Satyagraha the participants tried to ensure that Hindus and Muslims were in the fight against the British rule.