Unit Test (Solutions): The Making of a Global World | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour

M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers  9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which major event led to the rapid expansion of trade and commerce between Europe and Asia during the 15th century?  (1 Mark)  
(a) Industrial Revolution
(b) French Revolution
(c) Renaissance
(d) Discovery of sea routes to India
Ans: (d)
The discovery of sea routes to India by Portuguese explorers Vasco da Gama in 1498 led to the rapid expansion of trade and commerce between Europe and Asia.

Q2: The economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit is known as:  (1 Mark)  
(a) Socialism
(b) Capitalism
(c) Communism
(d) Feudalism
Ans: (b)
Capitalism is an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned, and individuals or corporations operate for profit.

Q3: The enclosure movement in England during the 18th century resulted in:  (1 Mark)  
(a) Expansion of public lands
(b) Redistribution of land to peasants
(c) Consolidation of small landholdings
(d) Abolition of private property
Ans: (c)
The enclosure movement in England involved consolidating small landholdings into larger, enclosed plots of land, often leading to the displacement of rural peasants and changes in agricultural practices.

Q4: Which city is known as the 'Manchester of India' for its cotton textile industry?  (1 Mark) 
(a) Kolkata
(b) Chennai
(c) Mumbai
(d) Ahmedabad
Ans: (d)
Ahmedabad is known as the 'Manchester of India' due to its significant cotton textile industry.

Q5: Give one reason why the cultivation of indigo declined in India during the 19th century.  (1 Mark) 
Ans: The cultivation of indigo declined in India during the 19th century due to the exploitation and oppressive practices of European indigo planters, which led to widespread protests and revolts by Indian farmers against the indigo cultivation system.

Q6: How did the global transfer of disease pathogens during the Columbian Exchange impact the native populations of the Americas?  (2 Marks) 
Ans: The global transfer of disease pathogens during the Columbian Exchange had a devastating impact on the native populations of the Americas. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which were previously unknown in the Americas, spread rapidly among the indigenous people, leading to widespread epidemics and a significant decline in their population. The lack of immunity to these diseases resulted in high mortality rates, weakened societies, and the collapse of indigenous civilizations.

Q7: Explain the concept of 'mercantilism' in the context of European trade during the 16th to 18th centuries.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Mercantilism was an economic philosophy followed by European powers during the 16th to 18th centuries. It emphasized accumulating wealth through a favorable balance of trade, where a country aimed to export more than it imported. This involved imposing tariffs on imports, promoting domestic industries, and acquiring colonies to secure sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods. The goal of mercantilism was to strengthen the nation's economy, increase its gold reserves, and enhance its geopolitical power.

Q8: Define the term 'Industrial Revolution'.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: The Industrial Revolution refers to the significant and rapid transformation of the economy, society, and production methods that occurred during the late 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Britain. It marked the shift from agrarian and handcraft-based economies to industrialized and mechanized production methods. The introduction of steam engines, mechanization, factories, and mass production led to a tremendous increase in productivity, economic growth, and urbanization, shaping the modern world.

Q9: Describe the 'Triangular Trade' during the colonial period.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: The Triangular Trade was a complex trading network that operated during the colonial period, primarily between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It involved three main stages:

• Outward Passage: European ships carried manufactured goods (such as textiles, firearms, and alcohol) to Africa in exchange for enslaved Africans.
• Middle Passage: Enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas under inhumane conditions, facing brutal treatment and high mortality rates.
• Inward Passage: The third leg of the triangle involved transporting products from the Americas, such as raw materials (sugar, tobacco, cotton) and precious metals, back to Europe.

The Triangular Trade had profound economic, social, and cultural consequences, including the exploitation of African labor, the growth of European industries, and the exchange of goods and ideas between continents.

Q10: How did the availability of cheap and skilled labor contribute to the growth of the cotton textile industry in England?  (3 Marks) 
Ans: The availability of cheap and skilled labor played a crucial role in the growth of the cotton textile industry in England. The Enclosure Movement and agricultural changes in England led to the displacement of rural peasants from their lands. Many of these displaced peasants migrated to cities in search of work, creating a large and readily available labor force. This urban workforce, combined with advancements in technology and machinery, allowed the cotton textile industry to flourish. The influx of labor ensured a steady workforce, while skilled workers contributed to innovations in textile manufacturing processes, leading to increased production and profits.

Q11: Explain the impact of the First World War on the Indian economy.  (3 Marks)
Ans: The impact of the First World War on the Indian economy was significant:

• Increase in Industrial Production: During the war, Indian industries witnessed a boost in production as the demand for goods, particularly war-related materials, increased. Many factories were set up or expanded to meet the war requirements, leading to industrial growth.
• Rise in Prices and Inflation: The war led to inflationary pressures in India as the demand for goods outstripped supply. Prices of essential commodities rose, leading to economic hardships for ordinary people.
• Recruitment and Depletion of Resources: India actively participated in the war effort, and large numbers of Indian men were recruited into the British Indian Army. This led to a depletion of resources, both human and economic, which had long-term consequences for the country.

Q12: Explain the concept of 'colonialism' and discuss its impact on the colonized societies.  (5 Marks) 
Ans: Colonialism refers to the practice of acquiring, maintaining, and exploiting colonies in distant territories by a more powerful country. It involves political, economic, and cultural domination over the colonized societies. The impact of colonialism on colonized societies was profound:

• Economic Exploitation: Colonial powers extracted raw materials and resources from colonies to fuel their industries. This led to the underdevelopment of colonies and wealth accumulation in the colonizing countries.
• Cultural Disruption: Colonialism often imposed European cultural norms, languages, and values on native populations, leading to the erosion of indigenous cultures and identities.
• Social Inequality: Colonizers imposed social hierarchies, discriminating against indigenous populations and promoting racial segregation.
• Loss of Sovereignty: Colonized societies lost their political autonomy as colonial powers established direct control over governance and decision-making.
• Resistance and Nationalism: Colonialism sparked resistance movements and nationalist sentiments as colonized people fought for independence and self-determination.
• Legacy of Injustice: The impacts of colonialism, including economic disparities and social divisions, continue to influence many post-colonial societies today.

Q13: Discuss the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the environment.  (5 Marks) 
Ans: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, brought about significant changes in society and the environment:
Impact on Society:

• Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution led to mass migration from rural areas to urban centers, causing rapid urbanization. This resulted in overcrowded cities, poor living conditions, and the emergence of slums.
• Working Conditions: Factory work was often characterized by long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions, leading to labor exploitation and discontent.
• Social Class Divide: Industrialization widened the gap between the rich factory owners and the impoverished working class, leading to social tensions and class struggles.
• Education and Technology: The need for skilled workers led to improvements in education and technology, empowering individuals and transforming education systems.

Impact on the Environment:

• Pollution: The increased use of coal and the expansion of factories contributed to air and water pollution, causing health problems and environmental degradation.
• Deforestation: The demand for raw materials and space for factories led to extensive deforestation, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Resource Depletion: The Industrial Revolution led to the rapid depletion of natural resources, such as coal and iron, as they were consumed for industrial production.
• Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels during the Industrial Revolution is considered a significant factor in the rise of greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change.

Overall, while the Industrial Revolution brought about technological advancements and economic growth, it also had significant negative social and environmental consequences that continue to shape the world today.