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ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The American Civil War

November 10, 2023May 11, 2022 by Raju

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The American Civil War

ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions

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ICSE Solutions Class 8 History & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

I.Fill in the blanks:

The Civil War in the USA lasted for four years.
President Lincoln was assassinated in the year 1865.
The Northern states were mainly industrialised but in the South agriculture was the most important occupation.
The Southern farmers grew cotton and tobacco.
The Southern farmers needed slaves to work in their fields.
The anti-slavery people were called Abolitionists.
An Underground railroad was created to help the slaves to escape to Canada.
The election of Abraham Lincoln as President of America made the Southern states to separate from the Union.
In January 1863 President Lincoln abolished slavery.
The (Confederacy General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union; General U.S. Grant.

II.Match the contents of Column A and Column B:
Column A Column B

Answer:

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

Slavery was introduced in the United States in 1619.
False.
When the Civil War broke out, the whole country practised slavery.
False.
The Northern states considered slavery a blot on the fair name of the country.
True.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel, highlighted the ugly side of slavery.
True.
The Underground Railroad was a railway that carried slaves to Canada.
True.
The question of States’ Rights was also a cause of the Civil War.
True.
The Southern states established a new nation — the Confederate States of America.
True.
Abraham Lincoln is remembered for abolishing slavery and saving the Union.
True.

IV.Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
Why was slavery important for the Southern States?
Answer:
The Southern states had large cotton and tobacco plantations. Slaves were a vital part of their economy. These plantations totally depended on slave labour. Without slave labour agriculture would suffer in the South.

Question 2.
Name the states which established the Confederation.
Answer:
Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas seceded from the union and established a new nation i.e., the Confederate States of America. They chose their own President Jefferson Davis in February 1861.

Question 3.
Describe Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War.
Answer:
As soon as Abraham Lincoln was elected President of USA in 1860, Southern states like Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana & Texas separated from the union. They established the Confederate States of America. When the Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, President Lincoln declared blockade of Southern Ports and the Civil War began in 1861. The President made a proclamation for Emancipation of slaves. The War dragged on for four years and in the end the south surrendered. In January 1863, Lincoln abolished Slavery. Lincoln not only fought slavery but also fought for the preservation of the union. The seceding states were treated as rebels. This won the sympathy of foreign powers specially Great Britain. He fought a war to save the union and banish slavery.

Question 4.
Why did the North oppose slavery?
Answer:
The Northern states shunned slavery and considered it a blot on the name of their country. For one thing, unlike the Southerners they did not depend on slave labour for their economy. The Northern states were comparatively prosperous than the Southern states due to rapid industrial progress and trade. The Southern states were generally backward.

Question 5.
Describe the three main causes of the Civil War.
Answer:
Slavery was the main issue. The Northerners more prosperous and industrialised had abolished slavery. For southern states mostly agriculturists, slavery was a vital part of their economy. Anti slavery movements in the North made relations worse between North and South.The Southern states wanted no interference by the Federal Government in their state affairs. Lincoln’s election as President in November 1860 and Southern states seceding from the Union led to Civil War in 1861.

Question 6.
What were the main results of the Civil War?
Answer:
Nearly all the fighting had taken place on the Southern soil, so they suffered heavy damages. There was a period of reconstruction and it took a few decades for the Southern states to recover from the wounds of the Civil War. Slavery was abolished from the United States. The problem of secession also ended and the Federal Government became the Supreme Authority in the United States. The Civil War speeded up the economic revolution of the country on an unprecedented scale.

V.Picture Study:

Question 1.
Identify and name the personality.
Answer:
President Abraham Lincoln.

Question 2.
Why is he considered one of the greatest presidents of USA?
Answer:
He was a great statesman. He was a great orator. His Gettysburg speech is one of the most quoted speeches in the world. His proclamation of Emancipation prevented foreign nations from helping the southern states. He ended slavery in USA and saved the union from breaking up. He served the nation with dedication and devotion.

Question 3.
Write a short note about his childhood.
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln was bom in 1809 in a log cabin in Kentucky. He lived a life of hardship doing manual work. He served in Illinois Legislature from 1834 for eight years. He retired from politics for some time and worked as a sucessfiil lawyer in Illinois. He re-entered politics in 1858 and contested foi the senate. He lost to Stephen A Douglas.

Question 4.
Do you agree with the definition of democracy as given by him?
Answer:
Slavery was abolished from the United States. The problem of secession also ended and the Federal Government became the Supreme Authority in the United States. The Civil War speeded up the economic revolution of the country on an unprecedented scale.

Additional Questions

EXERCISE
A.Fill in the blanks:

In the first half of the 19th century the only available source of labour in the United States of America was slaves.
The issue of slavery posed a serious threat to the integrity of the American nation.
The famous book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Abraham Lincoln, who became the president of the United States of America in 1860 was determined to save the slaves at all costs.
The American Civil War was fought on the issue of secession

B.Match the Following

Answer:

C.Choose the correct answer:

The anti-slavery movement began in the northern/southern/ eastern states of the United States of America.
Ans. The anti-slavery movement began in the northern states of the United States of America.
The book Uncle Tom’s Cabin exposed the horrors of slavery/ war/famine.
Ans. The book Uncle Tom’s Cabin exposed the horrors of slavery.
Jefferson Davis/Abraham Lincoln/Stonewall Jackson was appointed the president of the Confederate States of America.
Ans. Jefferson Davis was appointed the president of the Confederate States of America.
Abraham Lincoln/efferson Davis/Ulysses Grant abolished slavery in America.
Ans. Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in America.
The northern/southern/eastern states decided to break away from the Union and form a Confederacy of their own.
Ans. The southern states decided to break away from the Union and form a Confederacy of their own.

D.State whether the following are true or false:

The southern states of America began an anti-slavery movement.
False.
Correct : The north states of America began an antislavery movement.
Abraham Lincoln became the 14th president of the United States in 1860.
False.
Correct : Abraham Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States in 1860.
The Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery.
False.
Correct : It was fought becuase the southern states had left the Union, i.e., on the issue of secession.
The American Civil War (1861-65) was one of the most bitter wars in the history of mankind
True.
After the American Civil War Lincoln made plans to repair the damages of the war and heal the wounds of the South.
True

E.Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What were the two major developments that took place in the United States of America in the first half of the 19th century?
Answer:
The two major developments that took place during this period were:

The great westward expansion and
Industrial growth and development.

Question 2.
Why was raw cotton from the southern states in the USA sent to Lancashire in England?
Answer:
Cotton was shipped to the cotton mills in Lancashire in England, where the Industrial Revolution had created a huge demand for raw material.

Question 3.
Why were slaves considered a ‘necessity’ in the southern states of the USA?
Answer:
The southern states claimed that they needed slaves for their cotton and sugar plantations. Thus, slaves who provided cheap labour were considered a ‘necessity’ in the predominantly agricultural southern states.

Question 4.
Why is Abraham Lincoln described as the ‘Great Emancipator’?
Answer:
Lincoln was determined to save the Union at all costs-at the cost of war, if necessary. Civil war broke out in 1861. In 1863, Lincoln abolished slavery in the South. He remains enshrined in the hearts of free people as the ‘Great Emancipator’.

Question 5.
Why did Lincoln declare war on the Confederacy? .
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln was determined to save the Union at all costs so he declared war on the southern confederacy.

Question 6.
Why was the Confederacy defeated?
Answer:
North with its superior resources wore down the Confederacy. Lee surrendered to the Union general, Ulysses Grant, in April 1865. The Civil War came to an end.

Question 7.
What fact was permanently established as a result of the Civil War?
Answer:
It had established the fact that the American federation was an indestructible Union of States and no state had the right to secede.

Question 8.
Why had the Civil War impoverished the southerners?
Answer:
The war had been fought mainly in the South, and had resulted in the impoverishment of the southerners.

F.Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
One of the great changes that took place in the United States of America in the first half of the 19th century was industrial growth and development. In this context, discuss:
(a) The serious problems arising from the cotton-growing industry in the southern states
(b) The anti-slavery movement leading to the growing tensions between the slave states and the abolition states
(c) The impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous book on the north-south conflict.
Answer:
(a) The cotton-growing industry gave rise to serious problems in the United States. As the plantations increased, so did the demand for labour. The only available source of labour in those days was the slaves brought in from Africa and living in America. The issue of slavery would eventually turn into an explosive problem that would threaten the very existence of the American Union.

(b) An anti-slavery movement began in the northern states of America.The industrialized northern states did not need slave labour in their industries and, on the whole did not approve of slavery. The southern states on the other hand claimed that they needed slaves for their cotton and sugar plantations.Thus, slaves who provided cheap labour were considered a ‘necessity’ in the predominantly agricultural southern states.The southerners were often needlessly cruel and harsh in their treatment of slaves. This outraged many northerners and the tension between the slave states of the South and the abolition states of the North began to grow.

(c) Harriet Beecher Stowe published her famous book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which highlighted and exposed the horrors of slavery and the miseries of the slaves. This book had a profound influence on the northern states and their antislavery campaign began to gather momentum. The southern states threatened to secede or break away from the Union and form a confederacy of their own.

Question 2.
Abraham Lincoln became the president of the United States during a very critical phase of American history. In this context discuss:

(a) Lincoln’s views on slavery
(b) The Gettysburg address in 1863
(c) The secession of the southern states and its consequences
Answer:
(a) Lincoln’s views on slavery were well known. He thoroughly despised slavery, which he believed was a vicious and brutal system. He was uncompromisingly opposed to slavery. Human bondage was a negation and gross violation of democracy.

(b) In the famous Gettysburg address in 1863, Lincoln justified the abolition of slavery on grounds of the cherished principles of liberty and equality of the founding father of the United States of America. ‘Four score and seven years ago,’ he declared, ‘our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

(c) The southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis was appointed the President of the Confederacy.Lincoln was determined to save the Union at all costs-at the cost of war, if necessary. Civil war broke out in 1861. The southerners fought with determination and courage. They had brilliant generals like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, under whose leadership they initially won a number of victories.Gradually, however, the North with its superior resources wore down the Confederacy. Lee surrendered to the Union general, Ulysses Grant, in April 1865. The Civil War came to an end. It had established the fact that the American federation was an indestructible Union of States and no state had the right to secede.The war had been fought mainly in the South, and had resulted in the impoverishment of the southerners.

Question 3.
With reference to the American Civil War answer the following questions:
(a) Explain briefly the nature and fundamental cause of the Civil War.
(b) Give a brief account of the course of the Civil War
(c) State the positive and negative results of the war.
Answer:
(a) The American Civil War (1861-65) was one of the most bitter civil wars in history; nearly 7 lakhs people lost their lives. The Civil War, however, was not fought over the issue of slavery. It was fought because the southern states had left the Union, i.e., on the issue of secession. According to Lincoln, no state had the right to secede from the Union. Therefore, the Confederacy had to be defeated and the Union restored.

(b) Initially the Southern States became successful in the battle field under the president ship of Jefferson Davis, but afterwards Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, for all slaves, so the South was deprived of the help of the slave population. Soon the Northern forces captured New Orleans followed by Vicksburg. So the Confederate States were cut into two parts and the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, proved a great blow to the Southern States and in 1865, General Lee was forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House. The Civil War came to an end in 1865 with the victory of the Northerns due to more wealth and resources along with the powerful Federal Navy.

(c) Civil War of America caused a great loss of Men and Money, so remarkable changes occurred in the history of America. Now the phase of rapid economic growth started both in the North and South. Both industries and scientific farming were started for solid material development. Development of roads and railways, settlement of Tariff policy, foundation of banking system, abolition of slavery and the national unity, etc. are the who some results and America became an active participant in international affairs. Democracy and Federalism became the main features of the destiny of America.

G Picture study:

This is a portrait of the 16th president of the United States of America.
ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - The American Civil War 7
Question 1.
Name the president.
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States of America.

Question 2.
Discuss his views on the institution of slavery.
Answer:
Linclon thoroughly despised slavery which he believed was a vicious and brutal system.He was uncompromisingly opposed to slavery.

Question 3.
How did he define democracy?
Answer:
Lincoln defined democracy as “Government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Question 4.
Why did he declare war on the southern states?
Answer:
He declared War on the southern states because these states had left the union i.e., On the issue of secession. According to Lincoln, no state had the right to secede from the Union. Therefore, the confederacy had to be defeated and the union restored.

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The Union Legislature

May 11, 2022 by Raju

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The Union Legislature

ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions

ICSE Solutions Class 8 History & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

I. Fill in the blanks:

The elections to the Lok Sabha are held by secret ballot.
A person should have acquired the age of 25 years of age to become a Member of Lok Sabha.
The maximum strength of the members of Lok Sabha is 545 members.
The Rajya Sabha is the upper House of Parliament.
The President can nominate 12 members members in the Rajya Sabha.

II. Match the contents of Column A with those of Column B.

Answer:

III. Tick mark (✓) the correct statements and cross mark (X) the wrong ones.

The Rajya Sabha is presided over the Vice President of India.
✓
A money bill has to be moved first in the Lok Sabha.
✓
The Parliament meets at least twice a year.
✓
The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
✓

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
Name the two Houses of the Union Parliament|
Answer:
The two houses of Parliament are

Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha.

Question 2.
How are the members to the Lok Sabha elected?
Answer:
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly through a secret ballot by adult citizens for five years.

Question 3.
What is a bicameral legislature?
Answer:
Bicameral Legislature means a parliament has two houses-the Upper House and the Lower House. Our parliament consists of two Houses, therefore ours is a bicameral Legislature.

Question 4.
Mention the essential qualifications for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
Answer:
Qualifications for Membership to the Lok Sabha:

He must be a citizen of India.
He should not be less than 25 years of age.
He should be mentally sound.
He should not be an insolvent, i.e., he should not be in debt and should have the ability to meet his financial commitments.
He should not hold an office of profit under the government.
He should not be a proclaimed offender.
He should have his name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.

Question 5.
What is the composition of the Rajya Sabha ?
Answer:
Rajya Sabha is the Upper House. It is also called council of states. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members. Of these 238 are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President of India from among men of repute in various spheres of life e.g. science, technology literature and social work.However, at present, the Rajya Sabha consists of 245 members, out of which 233 are elected and 12 members are nominated by the President.

Question 6.
What are the functions of the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
The Functions of the Lok Sabha

Legislative Functions: They pass bills and make laws. Any bill regarding subjects in the Union or the Concurrent List of the Constitution may be moved in this House.
Financial Powers: The House of People controls the treasury. No budget or government expenditure can be made without the permission of the House. A money bill has to be moved only in the Lok Sabha.
Control over the Council of Ministers: The council of ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha. It may remain in power only so long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

Question 7.
Describe the law making functions of the Parliament.
Answer:
The Union Parliament is law-making organ of the Union Government. Besides, it has to perform many more functions.

It frames new laws and amends or cancels them, if necessary, on all the 97 subjects of the Union List and all the remainder subjects which have not found a place in any of the lists.
In certain cases, it can make laws on the subjects of the State List also.
The Parliament along with the State Legislature can pass laws regarding the 47 subjects on the Concurrent List.
The Union Parliament has the sole right to amend the Constitution, although in certain cases, these amendments need to be ratified by a majority of the states.

Question 8.
How does the Parliament exercise control over the Government?
Answer:
The most important function of the Parliament is to exercise control over the government.

The government is directly responsible to the Parliament for its acts of omission and commission. The government can be voted out of office by passing a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister or the Ministry or any of its members.
The Members of Parliament can also move adjournment motions. An adjournment motion is tabled when there is an urgent matter that needs the immediate attention of the government. If admitted, a time a set aside from normal business of the house for discussing the matters of urgent public importance.
The members can ask any question relating to the administration of the state and the ministers are obliged to answer them. In this way, they can keep a check on the functioning of the various departments under different ministers.
The Parliament can also hold the strings of the government tight by voting a cut in the annual budget.

V. Write short notes on the following:

Question 1.
Adjournment motion
Answer:
Daily business of the House is programmed well in advance and is considered accordingly. But if a question of immense public importance crops up, the members can demand adjournment of the discussion on slated business and discuss that matter immediately.

Question 2.
Universal Adult Franchise
Answer:
Adult Franchise means that the right to vote should be given to all adult without discrimination on the basis of caste, class, colour, religion or sex. It is based on equality which is the basic principle of democracy.

Question 3.
Secret Ballot
Answer:
Secret Ballot is a voting method in which a voter’s choice in an election or referendum is anonymous forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation, blackmailing and potential vote buying. Printed ballot papers are provided with names of the candidates. Provisions are made at the polling place for the voter to record their preferences in secret and the ballots are designed to eliminate bias and to prevent any one from influencing a voter.

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:

The functions of the government are divided into three branches, namely, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
Subjects for legislation are divide into three lists-the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.
The Union Parliament has two Houses-the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. It cannot be dissolved.
The Parliament is answerable to the legislature.

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha/the Council of Ministers/the Rajya Sabha.
Ans. The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Union List/State List/Concurrent List
Ans. Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Concurrent List.
The Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Sabha is also known as the Council of States
Ans. The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States.
The President can nominates 2/10/12 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
Ans. The President can nominates 2 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
At present the Lok Sabha consists of 454/645/525
Ans. At present the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

The State List includes subjects of national importance.
False.
A member of the Lok Sabha should be at least 30 years of age.
True.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved by the President.
True.
The money bill has to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
False.
The Vice-President is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

1. Who is the nominal executive head of the government of India?
Ans. The President of India, is only a nominal executive head of the government of India

2. How do we know that the Parliament has supreme authority in the government?
Ans. The Lok Sabha exercise control over the Council of Ministers which is responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its policies, decisions and actions. This makes the Parliament the supreme authority in the government because it has the final authority to accept or reject the decisions of the executive.

3. Which branch of government interprets and defines laws?
Ans. Judiciary defines and interprets the laws of the land and tries to prevent any person from violating the laws of the Constitution.

4.What is the minimum age qualification of an Indian voter?
Ans. All Indian citizens, 18 yeas of age or above, have the right to vote.

5.Who conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha?
Ans. The Speaker conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha

6. How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Ans. These members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
Twelve members are nominated by the President from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of art literature, science or social service.

7. What is meant by the term ‘budget’?
Ans. The budget is an estimate of the annual income and expenditure of the government of India.

8. What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against the Council of Ministers ?
Ans. Vote of no-confidence is a move in the Lok Sabha to express a lack of confidence in the Council of Minister. If such a motion is passed, then the Council of Ministers has to resign.

9.Explain the meaning of the term ‘quorum’.
Ans. Quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present to conduct a meeting.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
In the context of the Parliamentary form of government, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the main features of the parliamentary form of government?
Answer:
Features of the parliamentary form of government:

Under this system there is very close relationship between the executive and legislature.
All the members of the executive are the elected members of the majority party in the legislature.
After the general elections the elected representatives of the
people of India form the Lok Sabha.
Subsequently, the council of Ministers is formed out of the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

(b) Name the three branches of government and state their respective functions.
Answer:
According to the Constitution, the powers and functions of the government are divided into three branches-the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
The powers and functions are distributed among these branches in a manner that makes them equally balanced.
India is a parliamentary democracy. The Parliament, which is composed of the elected representatives of the Indian people, is vested with supreme power. The Parliament is the highest law making body and it makes laws for the entire country. Thus the Indian people enjoy supreme power through their representatives in the Parliament.

In a parliamentary form of government, there is a very close relationship between the legislature and the executive.
After the general elections, the elected representatives of the people form the Lok Sabha. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the single largest party or group of parites within the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. Generally, the Prime Minister chooses his/her Council of Ministers from among the elected members of the Lok Sabha. He/she may also choose a Rajya Sabha members as a minister.

The Lok Sabha exercise control over the Council of Ministers which is responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its policies, decisions and actions. This makes the Parliament the supreme authority in the government because it has the final authority to accept or reject the decisions of the executive

(c) Why are powers distributed between the central and the state governments?
Ans. As India is a vast country, it is not possible for one central government to take care of the specific needs of people living in different parts of the country. Therefore, the country has been divided into different units, which are called states. Each state has a state government and the processes of the government are shared by the central government and the state governments.
The parliamentary form of government is also present in the states. The pattern is the same-the state executive is formed out of the state legislature, whose members are directly elected by the people

Question 2.
Give an account of the Lok Sabha with reference to:
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:
(a) Composition:

The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha can be 552 members.
A maximum of 530 members can be elected directly by the people of India from different territorial constituencies.
A maximum of 20 members can be elected from the union territories.
The President can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community.
At present, the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members

(b) Basic qualifications of its members:

Should be a citizen of India.
Should be at least twenty-five years of age.
Should not be holding an office of profit under the government.

(c) Its term:

The Lok Sabha is elected for a 5-year term. However, the President may dissolve it before the expiry of its term if the party in power loses the support of the majority. Its life can be extended for 1 year at a time in case of a national emergency.

Question 3.
Give an account of the Rajya Sabha with reference to :
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:
(a) Its composition:

The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members.
238 members represent the states and the union territories. Seats are allotted to each state according to its population. These members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
Twelve members are nominated by the President from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of art, literature, science or social service.

(b) Basic qualification of the Members of the Rajya Sabha :

Should be citizens of India
Should be at least 30 years of age
Should be registered voters

(c) Its term:
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House. It cannot be dissolved by the President. Each member is elected for a period of 6 years. One third of its members retire every 2 years. Members can be re-elected.

Question 4.
With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following:
(a) Law-making functions
(b) Control over the executive
(c) Judicial functions
Answer:
(a) Law making functions of the Parliament:

The Parliament can frame new laws or modify existing ones on any subject in the Union or Concurrent List.
In some cases the Parliament can also pass laws on subjects under the State List.
Only the Parliament can initiate a Bill to amend the Constitution.

(b) Control over the Council of Ministers:

The Parliament keeps a watch over the government. The Council of Ministers is directly responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for its policies and actions.
The Council of Ministers has to resign immediately if a vote of no-confidence is passed against it by the Lok Sabha.
The Members of Parliament can discuss government policies and question the ministers. Hence, they can exercise a check on the working of the government.
The Parliament can move an adjournment motion to discuss and focus on any matter of public importance which requires immediate and urgent attention from the government, for instance, natural disasters such as earthquakes and unforeseen situations such as police firing or terrorist attacks, etc.

(c) Judicial Functions of the Parliament:

The Parliament can impeach or remove the President, the Vice-President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts if any of them violate the Constitution or misuse their authority.

G Picture study:

This is the picture of an important government building in India.
ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - The Union Legislature 6

Question 1.
Identify the building.
Answer:
House of the People (Parliament House).

Question 2.
Which branch of the government functions in this building?
Answer:
Lok Sabha.

Question 3.
Who are the members of this branch of the government?
Answer:
Elected representatives of the people of India are the members of this branch. The lower house of the Parliament is the Lok Sabha. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha can be 552 members.

A maximum of 530 members can be elected directly by the people of India from different territorial constituencies.
Not more than 20 members can be elected from the union territories.
The President can nominate two members from the Anglo- Indian Community.
At present, Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.

Question 4.
What are the basic qualifications of the members?
Answer:
A member of the Lok Sabha:

Should be a citizen of India
Should be at least 25 years of age.
Should be a registered voter

Question 5.
What is their primary function? Mention any two other important functions.
Answer:
The Primary Functions of Parliament house are:

The Parliament can frame new laws or modify existing ones on any subjects in the Union or Concurrent List.
No money can be raised or spent without the approval of the Lok Sabha.
In some cases, the parliament can also pass laws on subjects under the State List.
Only the Parliament can initiate a Bill to amend the Constituion.

The other two important functions are:
(a) Judicial Function
(b) Elective Function

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – Struggle for Freedom (II)

March 28, 2022December 5, 2019 by Raju

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – Struggle for Freedom (II)

ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions

ICSE Solutions Class 8 History & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

I. Fill in the blanks:

The Swaraj Party was led by CR. Das and Motilal Nehru.
All India Trade Union Congress was founded by N.M. Joshi in 1920.
The Quit India Movement took place in the year 1942.
Congress Socialist Party was formed in 1934.
The chairman of the Simon Commission was Sir John Simon.
The Congress session of March 1940 was presided over by Maulana Abul Kalam Azab.
Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939.
“Diii Chalo” and “Jal Hind” were two slogans given to us by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Lord Mountbatten came to India in 1947 as Viceroy.

II. Match the contents of Column A and Column B:

Answer:

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

The Charkha was a symbol of progress.
True.
The Congress participated in the first Round Table Conference.
False.
The Congress swept the polls in 8 provinces in the 1937 elections.
True.
Sir Stafford Cripps was an American officer sent to India.
False.
Netaji started the Quit India movement
False.
It was because of British presence in India that the country was made a target for Japanese attack.
True.
Netaji was the commander of the Indian National Army.
True.
In 1956, the British government announced its decision to quit India.
False.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
Discuss the main aspects of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
The growing antagonism of the Indians towards the British led to Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement. Gandhiji looked upon the Khilafat agitation as an opportunity of uniting Hindus and Muslims as would not arise in a hundred years. The Noncooperation Movement was named so because it decided not to cooperate with the Government by renunication of titles, boycott of legislature, resigning from government jobs, lawyers leaving courts, students leaving British schools and colleges, boycott of British Goods and other activities. People refused to pay taxes, no longer recognising government as legitimate.

Question 2.
How and when did the Civil Disobedience Movement start? How did the government suppress it?
Answer:
Civil Disobedience Movement was started on 12 March, 1930 when Gandhiji marched from his Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to Dandi (375 km from Ahmedabad). He carried on this march with 78 followers to break the Salt Law. He defied this law by picking up a handful of Salt formed by the evaporation of Sea water.

This gave a start to the Civil Disobedience movement all over the country. Women also participated in this movement. It spread as far as N.W. Frontier province where it was led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan who is popularly known as the Frontier Gandhi. The Government tried to suppress it with a stem hand. The British declared the congress illegal. There was uprising all over the country followed by refusal to pay Chaukidari Tax and defiance of forest law. Lakhs of Indians offered Satyagraha. Foreign goods were boycotted and peasants refused to pay

Question 3.
Why did the Congress pass the Quit India Resolution? How did the government react to it?
Answer:
The All India Congress Committe met at Bombay on August 8, 1942 and passed the Quit India Resolution. After the Cripps Mission failed, this great Mass struggle for Independence was launched by the Congress. It was the greatest mass challenge to the British authority. It shook the foundations of the British Rule.

Gandhiji declared, “I therefore want freedom immediately, this very night before dawn if it can be had.” He also gave a mantra ‘Do or Die”. He said ‘We shall either free India or die in the attempt.’

The movement was the greatest mass challenge to the British authority. It shook the foundations of the British rule in India and showed the British that the masses had immense capacity to suffer and die for the cause of freedom. The government soon arrested all leaders and declared Congress illegal. The government resorted to stem measures to suppress the movement.

Question 4.
Discuss the main features of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
The Act provided for the establishment of an All India Federation. There was to be a bicameral federal Legislature.

Only 14 per cent of the total population in British India was given the right to vote.
The federal legislature was denied any real power. Defence and Foreign Affairs remained outside its control while the viceroy retained special control over the other subjects.
A new system of government was to be organised in provinces on the basis of provincial autonomy. Ministers responsible to the provincial assemblies were to control all departments of administration.
But the Governors were given the powers to veto any legislation and also to legislate on their own. Governors also retained full control over the civil service and the police.
The Viceroy and the Governors were to be appointed by the British Government and were to be responsible to it.

Question 5.
Why did India accept the partition proposal even though it did not accept the two-nation theory?
Answer:
Lord Mountbatten came to India in March 1947 as the new viceroy. He presented a plan for the division of India into two independent states India and Pakistan. In 1946 there had been communal riots in Bihar, Bengal and many other places. When partition was announced, more riots took place especially in Punjab. Thousands of people were killed and many more were rendered homeless.
The Congress agreed to the plan of partition not because of any faith in the two nation theory but because it felt that there was no other way to achieve freedom and prevent and destruction.

Question 6.
Discuss the contribution of INA in the freedom struggle.
Answer:
The Indian National Army was formed with a aim to get freedom from British rule. It comprised Indian prisoners of war. Subhash Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA. He gave slogan’ Dilli Chalo’ and ‘Jai Hind’. In 1943 Netaji proclaimed the formation of Azad Hind Fauj in Singapore. He proceeded to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which the Japanese had taken ‘ from the British and hoisted India’s flag there. He then conquered Imphal and Kohima.But the victory was short lived. Britain reestablished control over Burma. The INA was defeated. Japan surrendered after the atom bomb attacks.

Question 7.
Discuss the main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
Answer:
Main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947:

Two independent dominions, namely India and Pakistan, shall be set up on August 15, 1947 Pakistan was to be comprised of Sind, Baluchistan N.W.F.P, the West Punjab and East Bengal. Rest of the territories were to be included in India.
The British Government was to have no control over the affairs of the dominions after August 15, 1947 and world transfer all powers to the Assemblies of India and Pakistan.
The office of the Viceroy was to end forth with and replaced by a separate Governor- General for each dominion.
The Constituent Assemblies of both the Dominions would frame their respective Constitutions and would decide whether to stay with the British commonwealth or not.
The Constituent Assembly of each Dominion shall exercise the power of the Central Legislatures.
The Legislature of each of the new Dominions shall have full powers to make laws for that Dominion.
The right of the king to veto laws was given up. This right was given to the Governor-General.
Till the new Constitution was framed, each of the dominion and all Provinces were to be governed in accordance with the Act of 1935.
The states would have the choice to join with either of the dominions or to retain their independence.
The Governor-General was given the powers to modify or adopt the Government of India Act, 1935 by March 31, 1948.
The office of the Secretary of State for India was to be abolished.
Agreements with the tribes of the NWFP were to be negotiated by the Dominion concerned.

V. Picture study : Look at the picture given below.

Which conference is in progress.
Ans. Second Round Table Conference.
When and where was this conference held?
Ans. It was held in London in 1931.
Who were the main participants in this conference?
Ans. It was attended by Agha Khan, B.R. Ambedkar, Madan Mohan Malviya and Gandhiji among others.
What was the result of this conference?
Ans. There was no conclusion again at the conference and it ended in a failure

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:

Gandhi spent about 22 years in South Africa as a practicing lawyer.
Under Gandhiji leadership, the Indian national movement was transformed into a mass movement.
To protest against the arrest of their leaders, a public meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in the year 1919.
After the British brutalities in Amritsar, Gandhiji declared that it would be a sin to co-operate with the satanic government.
At the Lahore session of the Congress in 1929, Poorna Swaraj. was declared as its goal.

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Gandhiji studied law in England/South Africa/France.
Ans. Gandhiji studied law in England.
2. Gandhiji organized a workers strike against the exploitative Indian mill owners in Ahmedabad/Kheda/Champaran.
Ans. Gandhiji organized a workers strike against the exploitative Indian mill owners in Ahmedabad.
3. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920/1930/1940.
Ans. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920.
4. A resolution declaring ‘Poorns Swaraj was declared as its goal at the Lahore/Surat/Bombay session of the Congress.
Ans. A resolution declaring ‘Poorns Swaraj was declared as its goal at the Lahore session of the Congress.
5. The Non-Copperation Movement/Civil Disobedience Movement/ Quit India Movement was started with the Salt Satyagraha in 1930.
Ans. The Civil Disobedience Movement was started with the Salt Satyagraha in 1930.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Gandhiji did not have faith in the capacity of the common masses.
False. Gandhiji have immense faith in the capacity of the common masses. .
In 1919, General Dyer had issued an order banning all public meetings.
True.
The Non-Cooperation Movement had ended in failure after the Chauri Chaura incident.
True.
Independence Day was celebrated on 26 January in 1930.
True.
Sarojini Naidu was one of the leaders of the Civil disobedience Movement
True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What technique of resistance did Gandhji evolve in South Africa? What was its basic principle ?
Answer:
Gandhiji became the leader of a struggle against racial injustice in South Africa. During the struggle, he evolved a technique known as satyagraha which was later applied to the Indian National Movement.

Question 2.
Why did Gandhiji lead campaigns in
(a) Champaran (b) Kheda ?
Answer:
(a)
Champaran — Gandhiji championed the cause of the tenant farmers of Champaran district against the oppression of the British indigo planters. The movement was a success and the peasants received compensation.
(b)
Kheda — Gandhiji advised and convinced the cultivators of Kheda district to stop paying land revenue to the government because the crops had failed. The peasant’s demand for remission of land tax was accepted by the government.

Question 3.
Which incident marked the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement and when?
Answer:
The Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 marked an end of the NonCooperation Movement.

Question 4.
Under whose leadership was the Lahore session of the Congress held in 1929? What resolution was passed in this session?
Answer:
In December 1929, the Indian National Congress met in Lahore under the youthful and dynamic leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Congress passed a resolution declaring ‘Pooma Swaraj’ or ‘Complete Independence’ as its goal. 26 January 1930 was fixed as ‘Independence Day’.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
With reference to Gandhiji, discuss his views on the following:
(a) Truth and non-violence
(b) Hindu-Muslim unity
(c) Social justice
Answer:
(a) Satyagraha is a combination of two Sanskrit words-satya (truth) and agraha (eagerness). Satyagraha is based on the twin principles of truth and non-violence. A satyagrahi was one who firmly believed in truth and nonviolence and who would resist evil at all costs. A satyagrahi was peaceful, fearless and strong. He/She would have evil but not the ‘evil doer’. In the fight for justice and truth, the satyagrahi would willingly accept suffering and be ready to make sacrifices.

The suffering and patience of the satyagrahi was expected to bring about a change of heart in the enemy. The idea behind satyagraha was not to destroy the enemy but the transform and enlighten him.

Gandhiji insisted on non-violent methods of struggle. He believed that non-violence was the weapon of the strong and could be effectively used to resist armed attacks by the enemy. A satyagrahi was expected to follow peaceful methods even under extreme provocation.

(b) Gandhiji was a devout Hindy and a passionate believer in the equality of all religions. He was convinced that the path to India’s salvation lay in Hindu-Muslim unity. Gandhiji lived and died for the cause of Hindu-Muslim unity.

(c) Gandhiji was a great believer in social justice. He championed the cause of the poor and the downtrodden, the emancipation of women and improvement of the conditions of the lower caste ‘untouchables’ whom he called ‘Harijans’, e., children of God. He worked tirelessly to remove prejudices and change the mindest of the people. He believed that political freedom was meaningless without social reforms.

Question 2.
In the context of the Jalliamvala Bagh tragedy, answer the following:
(a) Why was a public meeting held in Jallianwala Bagh on 13 April 1919?
(b) Why did the troops open fire on the gathering? What happened as a result of the shooting?
(c) How’ did the entire nation and Gandhiji react to the events in Amritsar?
Answer:
(a) The British government adopted the policy of repression to crush the anti-British movement against the repressive Rowlatt Act passed by the government in 1919. In some places, particularly in Punjab, the hartals led to violence. Two popular nationalist leaders were arrested in Amritsar. To protest against the arrest of their leaders, a public meeting was held on 13 April 1919 in an enclosed space known as Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer surrounded the Bagh with his troops, blocked the only exit and ordered the troops to open fire on the peaceful gathering in the Bagh.

(b) The people were unarmed and peaceful. Unfortunately, they were not aware of the fact that the military commander of Amritsar, General Dyer, had issued an order banning all public meetings. General Dyer surrounded the Bagh with his troops, blocked the only exit and ordered the troops to open fire on the peaceful gathering in the Bagh. The shooting continued till there was no ammunition left. Nearly 400 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured.

(c) Martial law was proclaimed in Punjab. During this period, people were humiliated and tortured. The brutality of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the humiliation and inhuman treatment of the Indians that followed shocked the entire nation. Gandhiji was horrified. He lost all faith in the goodness of the British government and declared that it would be a ‘sin’ to cooperate with the ‘Satanic’ government.

Question 3.
In the context of the Non-Cooperation Movement, answer the following questions:
(a) Discuss the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
(b) Why did Gandhiji abruptly suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement?
(c) State the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
(a) Programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

Boycott of foreign goods.
Boycott of government schools, colleges, law courts, legislatures and all British institutions.
Boycott of elections and government functions.
Renunciation of titles and honours awarded by the British.

(b) Early in 1922, a procession of peasants were fired upon by the police at Chauri-Chaura a village in U.P. The people reacted violently and burnt down the Chauri-Chaura police station. Twenty-two policemen were killed. Gandhiji immediately called off the movement.

(c) The Non-cooperation Movement was a significant phase of the Indian struggle for freedom from British Rule. This movement which lasted from 1920 to 1922 was led by Mohandas Gandhi and supported by the Indian National Congress. It aimed to resist British occupation of India through non-violent means. Protestors would refuse to buy British goods, adopt the use of local handicrafts and try to uphold the values of Indian honour and integrity. The Gandhian ideals of ahimsa or non-violence, and his ability to rally hundreds of thousands of common citizens toward the cause of Indian Independence, were first seen on a large scale in this movement.

Question 4.
In the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement, answer the following:
(a) Give an account of the Salt Satyagraha.
(b) How did the government react to the movement?
(c) What impact did the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) have on the nation?
Answer:
(a) The Salt Satyagraha began with the historic Dandi March.Gandhiji set out from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 followers, on a 385-km journey to the coastal village of Dandi. Thousands of people joined him on the way. On his arrival in Dandi, he picked up a handful of salt from the beach. This act symbolized defiance of the salt law. It was a signal for every Indian to violate the salt law. Throughout India, people began to manufacture salt and sell it openly,

(b) The goverment suppressed the movement with force and brutality, Gandhiji, Nehru and all other important leaders were arrested. Hundreds of people were injured or killed in lathi charges and police firing. Over 90,000 people were imprisoned.

(c) Civil Disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. Civil Disobedience is usually but not always, defined as being non-violent resistance. Civil Disobedience is one of the many ways people have rebelled against what they deem to be unfair laws. It has been used in many well-documented nonviolent resistance movement in India.

G Picture study:

1.Identify the person.
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi

2.What method did he use in the Indian struggle for freedom?
Ans. Gandhiji used ‘Satyagraha in the Indian struggle for freedom Satyagraha is based on the twin principal of truth and non violence.

3.What are the principles on which his method is based?
Ans. Gandhiji Method of Struggle ‘Satyagraha’ is a combination of two Sanskrit words: satya (truth) and agraha (eagerness). It is based on the twin principles of truth and non-violence. The suffering and patience of the satyagrahi was expected to bring about a change of heart in the enemy. The idea behind satyagraha was not to destroy the enemy but to transform and enlighten him.

4.Why is he called the leader of the masses?
Ans. Gandhiji had immense faith in the capacity of the common people to struggle against oppression. Under his leadership, the Indian national movement was transformed into a mass movement.

5.Mention the features of his non-violent struggle against the British.
Ans.

Peaceful demonstration
Defiance of unjust British laws
Boycott of British goods, institutions and services.
The use of the charkha and khadi to promote self-reliance and the swadeshi spirit.
Non-payment of the oppressive taxes. The idea was to bring the government to a standstill.

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – Traders to Rulers (I)

March 28, 2022December 5, 2019 by Raju

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – Traders to Rulers (I)

ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions

ICSE Solutions Class 8 History & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

Time To Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:

Elizabeth 1 was the Queen of England.
The French company set up its headquarters at Pondicherry.
A group of English merchants formed the English East India Company.
The first Englishman to meet Emperor Jahangir was Sir Thomas Roe.
In 1668 the English East India Company acquired Bombay due to a marriage.|
The wars between the English and the French companies in India are known as Carnatic Wars.

II. Match the Contents of Column A Column B

Answer:
Column A Column B

III. State the following Statements are True or False:

Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the centre of the English East India Company’s power in India for many years.
True.
A Charter is a formal deed by the ruler of a country guaranteeing certain rights to the subjects or a company.
True.
The English prestige rose after the First Carnatic War.
Ans.Mir Qasim from the very beginning had very cordial relations with the English.
False.
Mir Jafar hatched a conspiracy with the English against Siraj-ud-daulah.
True.
Clive rose to fame after his success in the Second Carnatic War.
True.
The Battle of Buxar led to the foundation of British empire in India.
True.

IV. Answer the following questions:
Question 1.
What were ‘factories’ and who were called factors?
Answer:
Factories meant trading centres. The staff or officials of the company were called factors.

Question 2.
When and how was the English East India Company formed?
Answer:
It was formed by a group of English merchants. The company received a charter from queen Elizabeth I of England on December 31, 1600. Sir Thomas Roe got a farman from Jahangir in 1615 to establish a factory at Surat. The English traders from the very beginning tried to combine trade with diplomacy. The English set up factories at Surat, Agra Ahmedabad, Broach, Hooghly, Mqsulipatnam and Madras.

Question 3.
What were the main reasons for Anglo-French rivalry in India?
Answer:
The French cherished the ambition of French Empire in India. But this ambition was challenged by the English. This led to Anglo-French rivalry and the three Carnatic Wars.The French were defeated and the English became Supreme in the South. From this base the English conquered the rest of India.

Question 4.
What were the causes of Conflict between Siraj-ud-daulah and the English?
Answer:
The English built factories at Kassimbazar, Patna and in Bengal. In 1756 Siraj-ud-daulah came to power. The company had started to fortify their settlements in Bengal. Siraj did not like it. Siraj attacked and occupied the Fort William in Calcutta in 1756. The British defended under Clive and Nawab was forced to come to terms. Nawab had to vacate Calcutta and also pay indemnity to the British. Clive hatched a Conspiracy against the Nawab. The forces of the Nawab and the British East India Company fought on the field of Plassey in 1757. The Nawab was defeated, captured and killed.

Question 5.
Why did Mir Jafar enter into a conflict with English East India Company?
Answer:
After the Battle of Plassey the English East India Company became the real power. The company made demands which Mir Jaffar was unable to meet. Gradually, the Nawab’s treasury became empty. The company also started interfering in the day to day administration. Mir Jaffar was not happy with the company. The company deposed Mir Jaffar and made Mir Qasim, his son-in-law, the new Nawab of Bengal.

Question 6.
How did Mir Qasim become the Nawab of Bengal?
Answer:
The company deposed Mir Jaffar and made his son-in-law, Mir Qasim, the new Nawab of Bengal. From the beginning the relations between the two were not cordial. Qasim objected to the misuese of trade regulations.

Question 7.
Describe the circumstances that led to the Battle of Buxar.
Answer:
Mir Qasim objected to the misuse cf trade regulations. The abuse of duty free inland trade adversely affected the revenue which was the only income of the Nawab. Mir Qasim took other measures for consolidation of his administration,

(a) training his army on European lines

(b) transfer of treasury from Murshidabad to Munghyr. The British did not like these administrative steps. Under these circumstances, Nawab Mir Qasim challenged the company and a war broke out between them. The Nawab was defeated and fled to Awadh. He formed an alliance with Shuja-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Awadh and Shah Alam, the Mughal Emperor. The three forces met the British at Buxar on October 22, 1764. This battle is known as Battle of Buxar. The British emerged victorious. They made Mir Jaffar the Nawab of Bengal, the second time. The defeat in the battle of Buxar finally sealed the fate of Indian rulers and made the English the supreme power in India.

Question 8.
What were the results and significance of the Battle of Buxar?
Answer:
The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. According to its term the Nawab surrendered the districts of Allahabad and Kara to the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. The Nawab agreed to pay 50 lakh rupees to the company. The Mughal Emperor granted the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the British. In return the company agreed to pay T 26 lakhs annually to him. The company for the first time got involved in the direct administration of Bengal.

V. Picture Study –
This is a picture of a fort built by the British.
ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - Traders to Rulers (I) 4
Question 1.
Identify the building.
Answer:
The picture is of Fort William, Calcutta.

Question 2.
When did the British purchase the three villages to develop into a city? Also name the villages and the city.
Answer:
In AD 1680 the British purchased three villages of Sutanati, Govindpur and Calicata. These villages were developed to form the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Question 3.
Write a short note on establishment of British factories in India.
Answer:
Sir Thomas Roe in 1615 got a farman from Jahangir which allowed the British to set up a factor} at Surat. The English set up factories at Surat, Agra, Ahmedabad Broach, Hooghly, Masulipatam and Madras. They opened their first factory in the South at Masulipatam in A.D. 1639. In AD 1640 they established a factory at Hooghly.

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:

Balaji Vishwanath laid the foundation of the Hereditary Dynastic rule of the Peshwas.
Lucknow was the cultural capital of Awadh.
Mysore, under the leadership of Hyder Ali became the most formidable adversary of the English East India Company in the south.
Guru Govind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh guru, organized a military brotherhood of Sikhs called Khalsa.
The Sikhs were organized into a loose confederacy of 12 misls or groups.

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

The Marathas/Sikhs/Rajputs had the power and potential to establish an all-India empire after the collapse of the Mughal empire.
Ans. The Marathas had the power and potential to establish an all- India empire after the collapse of the Mughal empire.
Shahu was ease-loving and a weak Maratha/Sikh/Rajput
Ans. Shahu was ease-loving and a weak Maratha ruler.
The Maratha empire reached the heights of its power am glory during the reign of Balaji Vishwanath/Baji Rao I/Balaj Baji Rao.
Ans. The Maratha empire reached the heights of its power and glor during the reign of Balaji Vishwanath.
Shuja-ud-Daulah was the nawab of Hyderabad/Awadh/Bengal.
Ans. Shuja-ud-Daulah was the nawab of Awadh.
The state of Hyderabad/Awadh/Mysore was founded by the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.
Ans. The state of Hyderabad was founded by the Mughal viceroy ol the Deccan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1.Bengal was one of the poorest provinces of the Mughal empire.
False.
Correct:- Bengal was the richest povinces of the Mughal empire.
The most capable among the successors of Murshid Quli Khan was Alivardi Khan.
True.
Lucknow was the cultural centre of Bengal. .
False.
Correct : Lucknow was the cultural centre of Awadh.
The most powerful kingdom in the south was Mysore.
True
Ranjit Singh became the master of Punjab by the end of the 18th century.
True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What followed the disintegration of the Mughal empire?
Answer:
The disintegration of the Mughal empire led to the rise of number of independent and semi-independent regional powers such as Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, Maratha, Mysore and Sikh kingdoms.

Question 2.
What is the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer:
The Maratha army was decisively defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The Maratha ambition of replacing the Mughal empire lay scattered on the ^ plains of Panipat. The Afghans, too, failed to capitalize on their victory. The conditions were ideal for the entry of another powerful contender for superemacy – the English East India Company.

Question 3.
What advantage did Murshid Quli Khan take of the decline in the power of the Mughal empire?
Answer:
The Governor of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan, took advantage of the situation to free himself from imperial control. Although he continued to pay annual tribute to the Mughal empire, he began to rule Bengal independently.

Question 4.
How did political and economic stability in Awadh impact cultural development in Lucknow?
Answer:
The Nawabs of Awadh were intelligent, efficient and order, introduced revenue reforms and strengthened their army. The prolonged period of peace and economic prosperity stimulated the growth of a refined and distinct Lucknavi culture. Lucknow, the capital city, blossomed into a centre for creative and performing arts, literature and architecture.

Question 5.
How did political instability in the Carnatic benefit the , European trading companies?
Answer:
Carnatic, however, freed himself from the Nizam’s control and established hereditary rule in his state. This led to wars of succession and political instability in the Carnatic, providing the European trading companies opportunities to interfere in its internal affairs and make territorial, commercial and financial gains.

Question 6.
Name any two principal Rajupt states that took advantage of the declining power of the Mughals and asserted their independence.
Answer:
The principal Rajput states like Jaipur (Amber), Jodhpur (Marwar) and Udaipur (Mewar) took advantage of the declining power of the Mughals and asserted their independence.

Question 7.
What made the Rajputs vulnerable to the selfish designs of the English East India Company?
Answer:
The court intrigues, conspiracies, treachery and corruption of the Mughal courts were replayed in the courts of the Rajput rulers. This sapped their energies and made them vulnerable to the selfish designs of the English East India Company.

Question 8.
Name the signatories of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
Ranjit Singh signed a treaty of ‘perpetual friendship’ with Lord Minto.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
The second phase of Maratha history was a period of the dominance of the peshwas. In this context answer the following questions:
(a)State the circumstances that led of the growth of peshwa dominance in the Maratha kingdom.(b)Discuss the achievements of

Baji Rao I and
Balaji Baji Rao.

(c) was the Maratha confederacy established?
Answer:
(a)
The Maratha kingdom was captured by Shahu the grandson of Shivaji with the help of Balaji Vishwanath. Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as Pesha for his services and loyalty. Shahu himself was a ease loving and weak ruler which resulted in reducing his position as only ceremonial head of the Maratha kingdom. While real power and authority was exercised by the Peshwa, which led to the growth of Peshwa dominance in the Maratha kingdom.
(b)

Baji Rao I was a military genius. Under his bold and dynamic leadership, the Maratha kingdom was transformed into the Maratha empire after a series of brilliant campaigns against the Mughals and other rivals.
Balaji Baji Rao followed the policy of expansion. During his reign the Maratha empire reached the heights of its power and glory. In the north, the Marathas became the power behind the Mughal throne.

(c)
major development at this time was the rise of the prominent Maratha families-the Sindhias, the Bhonsles, the Holkars and the Gaekwards. The peshwa divided the erstwhile Mughal provinces into ‘spheres of influence’ and placed them under the chiefs of these Maratha families. These chiefs enjoyed maximum autonomy within their respective regions. The peshwa was the official head of this loose union of Maratha chiefs which is referred to as the Maratha confederacy.

Question 2.
With reference to the rise and growth of Bengal as a regional power, discuss the following:
(a) achievements of Murshid Quli Khan
(b) The rule of Alivardi Khan
(c) The failures of the nawabs of Bengal
Answer:
(a)
Murshid Quli Khan was an excellent administrator and a man of exceptional abilities. He freed Bengal from external and internal dangers and established stability, peace and prosperity in the state.
(b)
Alivardi Khan recognized the importance of promoting trade and encouraged merchants-Indian as well as foreign-to carry on trde in Bengal. He, however, did not allow the French and British merchants to fortify their factories in Chandemagore (now Chandannagar) and Culcutta (now Kolkata), respectively.
(c)
The nawabs of Bengal, however, failed to understand the true nature and ulterior motives of the British trading company. They believed that a trading company could never challenge their authority. No efforts were made to reorganize and strengthen the army. Corruption was rampant and even high-ranking officials were susceptible to bribes. These weaknesses made Bengal a happy hunting ground for the aggressive and imperialistic ambitions of the British.

Question 3.
The collapse of the Vijayanagar kingdom was followed by the emergence of the powerful kingdom of Mysore. In this context discuss the following:
(a) The collapse of the Vijayanagar empire
(b)The achievements of Hyder Ali
(c)The contribution of Tipu Sultan
Answer:
(a)
The collapse of the powerful Vijayanagar empire in the 17th century gave rise to a number of independent kingdoms, constantly at war with one another. The most important of these was the kingdom of Mysore which had somehow managed to preserve its independence despite repeated attacks by neighboring kingdoms. In the middle of the 18th century, Mysore, under the leadership of Hyder Ali, emerged as one of the most powerful kingdoms in the south.
(b)
In 1761 Hyder Ali overthrew the government and established his authority over the Mysore state. Under his rule, Mysore became a prosperous and powerful state and a formidable adversary of the English East India Company in the south.
(c)
Tipu Sultan proved to be a worthy successor. He introduced many reforms to overhaul and reorganize the administrative machinery. He modernized the army and strengthened the economy by encouraging agriculture and modem trade and industry.

Question 4.
With reference to the rise of independent Rajput states and the establishment of the Sikh kingdom, answer the following questions:
(a) Why did the resurgent Rajputs fail to establish an empire in India?
(b) To what extent was Guru Gobind Singh responsible for the transformation of the peace-loving Sikhs into a martial race?
(c) Discuss the achievements of Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
(a)
The Rajputs fail to establish an empire in India because they were busy in looking for their individual goals and interests which were often divergent and conflicting. They made no efforts to establish a Rajput empire, instead they were busy in finishing their energies in petty quarrels. The Rajput courts like the Mughal one’s were busy in conspiracies and corruption, which led to their failure.
(b)
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru, organized a military brotherhood of Sikhs called the Khalsa. He instilled in the peace-loving Sikhs a martial spirit that would help them to carry on their struggle against the persecution of the Mughals.
(c)
Ranjit Singh, chief of one of the misls, was a bom leader. He brought all the Sikh chiefs to the west of the Satluj under his control and made himself master of Punjab by the end of the 18th century.

G. Picture study:

This is picture of the founder of the kingdom that extended from the Khyber Pass in the north to Sindh in the south.
ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - Traders to Rulers (I) 7
Question 1.
Identify the person in the picture.
Answer:
Ranjit Singh.

Question 2.
Name the kingdom founded by him.
Answer:
Punjab.

Question 3.
What did he do to expand his kingdom?
Answer:
He brought all the Sikh chiefs, west of the Sutlej, under his control and made himself master of Punjab by the end of 18th century.

Question 4.
Name the treaty signed between him and the English East India Company.
Answer:
Treaty of Amritsar.

Question 5.
What effect did this treaty have on his policy of expansion?
Answer:
Due to his expansionist policy, he became master of a powerful kingdom which extended from the Khyber Pass in the North to Sind in the South.

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The Growth of Nationalism

March 28, 2022December 5, 2019 by Raju

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics – The Growth of Nationalism

ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions

ICSE Solutions Class 8 History & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

TIME TO LEARN

I. Fill in the blanks:

The Congress of Vienna was hosted by The Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich.
The American Revolution began in 1776.
The first clear expression of nationalism came up with the French Revolution.
The French Revolution began in 1789.
England had Thirteen colonies in North America.
American thinker Thomas Jefferson, asked the people to rebel against the tyrannical rule of England.
A new country called The United States of America was bom after the American Revolution.

II.Match the contents of Column A and Column B:

Column A Column B

ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - The Growth of Nationalism 2
Answer:
Column A Column B

III. State whether the following statements are true or false:

The 13 colonies of North America were dissatisfied with the rule of the master country, England.
True.
The French society was divided into three classes, each enjoying similar rights and privileges.
False.
The French Revolution began with the storming of Bastille in 1789.
True.
A new constitution was framed by the French Assembly in 1785.
False.
The French Revolution led to rise of nationalism in Europe.
True.
India was greatly inspired by both the American and French Revolutions.
True.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
What do you know about the Congress of Vienna?
Answer:
With the final defeat of Napoleon in the battle of Waterloo (1815) the European rulers met at Vienna to draw up a settlement for Europe. The Congress was hosted by the Austrian Chancellor, Duke Mettemich. The Congress of Vienna (1815) drew up the Treaty of Vienna in 1815 with the aim of undoing the changes ushered during the Napoleonic wars. All the kings that were ousted by Napoleon were given back their kingdoms. Austria, Russia, Prussia received many territories, so did Great Britain, Sweden and Holland. The Congress of Vienna redrew the map of Europe

Question 2.
What is nationalism? Discuss.
Answer:
Nationalism can be described as a strong feeling of love and loyalty which people have towards their own country. Nationalism arises when people share feelings and experiences. It may include common language, culture, religion, social order, historical tradition and physical descent. Patriotism is also a part of Nationalism.

Question 3.
What were the causes for the American War of Independence?
Answer:
The causes for the American War of Independence were:

The Americans were not allowed to start any industry.They were not allowed to trade with any country except England. They did not have the same rights as the English enjoyed in England. The Americans did not have any representation in the British Parliament. They had to pay more taxes than the English paid in England.
The English settlers in America were inspired by the European philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu who believed in freedom, equality and rights of people.
In 1765, the English Parliament passed the Stamp Act which imposed stamp taxes on all business transactions. This Act aroused violent resentement among colonists.
American thinkers like Jefferson asked people to rebel against the tyrannical rule of England.
The most prominent protest against the British is known as ‘Boston Tea Party’. A group of people raided British ships in Boston Harbour and threw 340 crates of tea into the sea to protest against the new taxes. The 13 colonies in America revolted against the British. This is known as American War of Independence.

Question 4.
Explain the significance of the American Revolution.
Answer:
The American Revolution is an important landmark in the History
of the World. It inspired the people of other colonies, including India, to overthrow their colonial masters and showed the path of democracy.

Question 5.
Why did the French Revolution take place?
Answer:
The French Society at that time was divided into three distinct classes or estates.The First Estate was made of the Clergy. The Second Estate was made up of the Nobility. The nobles were absolute landlords.The Third Estate consisted of the common people. They were the middle class members (merchants, lawyers, teachers, doctors, etc.) and the peasants and artisans. The first two Estates enjoyed all the luxury and privileges, owned all the land between them and paid no taxes. The Third Estate was heavily taxed and lived a life of hardship and misery. King Louis XVI was indifferent to the plight of the common people and lived a life of luxury himself.The common people of France were inspired by the revolutionary writings of famous french philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire. They attacked the church and the nobility in their writings. Rousseau wrote that subjects have the right to overthrow a king who does not rule according to the general will. The Philosophers propagated the ideas of liberty, fraternity and equality. The French people were also inspired by the American War of Independence. It made them ready to fight for their rights and justice.

Question 6.
Discuss the significance of the French Revolution.
Answer:
The French Revolution was an event of great importance in the history of the world. It introduced democratic ideas and ended the supreme rule of the kings.The nobles and the church lost their property and their lands were distributed to the peasants. Slaves in French colonies were set free. The watchwords of the French Revolution such as liberty, equality and fraternity led to the rise of a new democratic social order in Europe.The most patent effect of the French Revolution was that it roused national feelings. The common people were prepared to die for the sake of protecting the rights and privileges they had got due to the French Revolution. It also inspired other European people to overthrow their oppressive governments.

Question 7.
Write a short note on Napoleon.
Answer:
In 1799 Napoleon overthrew the Directorate and framed a Consulate in France, which consisted of three Consuls (17991801). He himself was the First Consul and later he became Consul for life in 1802.
Napoleon defeated Austrians in Italy, defeated Britain in 1802. He established numerous small republics in Italy, Germany and Belgium. After these victories he became the Emperor of France and the Pope attended his Coronation Ceremony in 1804. He was at the height of his political and military glory between 1808-1810. He was finally defeated in 1815 in the Battle of Waterloo. He was exiled to St. Helena Island where he died in 1821.

V.Write short notes on:

Question 1.
The role of philosophers and thinkers of the 18th century.
Answer:
The common people of France were greatly inspired by the revolutionary writings of the famous French Philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire. They attacked the church and the nobility in their writings. Rousseau wrote that subjects have the right to overthrow a king who does not rule according to the general will. They propagated the ideas of liberty, fraternity and equality.

Question 2.
Storming of the Bastille
Answer:
On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris stormed the prison of Bastille. They freed all the prisoners.
Monarchy was overthrown. King Louis XVI and his queen Marie Antoinette were first imprisoned and later guillotined (Put to death) in 1793. There was chaos for some time and a reign of terror began which lasted from 1793-1794.Thousand of nobles, clergy and even innocent men were executed.In 1795 the National Assembly of France adopted a Declaration of the Rights of Man which declared that men are bom free and equal. A new Constitution was framed.

Question 3.
Boston Tea Party
Answer:
Anti British protests could be seen all over. The most prominent protest was the incident known as the ‘Boston Tea Party’. In 1773, a group of people raided British ships in the Boston harbour and threw 340 crates of tea into the sea. This was to protest against the new taxes which the British Government had imposed upon the colonies, especially the tax imposed on tea.

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks:

The American War of Independence was the first Organized political revolution in the history of the world.
The discovery of the American continent was followed by the establishment of Permanent European settlements in the 16th century.
The colonists argued that the British Parliament had no right to tax the colonists because they had no representatives in the parliament
George Washington was chosen as the commander of the American troops in the war against the British.
In 1776, the representatives of the colonists met at Philadelphia and adopted a Declaration of Independence.
In about 200 years, the United States of America transformed itself into the most powerful country of the world.
The Constitution of the United States has served as a model and an inspiration to several countries.
French society was divided into three main classes, namely the first, the second and the Third Estate
The revolutionary writings of political philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu greatly influenced the middle-class intellectuals in France.
The French administration was Corrupt and inefficient

B.Match the following:

Answer:
A B

C.Choose the correct answer:

By the mid-18th century 11/13/19 British colonies had been established on the east coast of North America.
Ans. By the mid-18th century 13 British colonies had been established on the east coast of North America.
4 July/14 July/17 June is celebrated as American Independence Day.
Ans. 4 July is celebrated as American Independence Day.
The Second Estate consisted of the clergy/peasants/nobles.
Ans. The Second Estate consisted of the nobles.
Marie Antoinette was the queen of England/France/Austria.
Ans. Marie Antoinette was the queen of England.
14 July/4 July/20 June is celebrated as a national holiday in France.
Ans. 14 July is celebrated as a national holiday in France.

D.State whether the following are true or false:

By the middle of the 18th century eleven British colonies had been established along the east coast of North America.
False.
Correct : By the middle of the 18th century 13 British colonies had been established along the east coast of North America.
The American colonists were rigid and conservative.
False.
Correct: The American colonists were simple and liberal.
The American revolutionaries were greatly impressed by the ideas of European philosophers.
True.
George Washington was the first elected President of the United States of America.
True.
The French Revolution laid the foundation of a democratic government.
True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
Which particular incident sparked off the American War of independence? What is the importance of this event?
Answer:
The American War of Independence, was sparked off by an incident known as the Boston Tea Party.
In 1773, a group of colonists, disguised as Red Indians, raided British ships in Boston harbour and threw 340 crates of tea into the sea. This incident was a protest against the new taxes including a tax on tea, imposed on the colonies .The importance of this act was that it was an act of open defiance of the colonists against British authority.

Question 2.
Name any two European philosophers whose ideas inspired and influenced the American revolutionaries.
Answer:
The American revolutionaries were greatly influenced by the ideas of European philosophers Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau who inspired them to fight for liberty.

Question 3.
What is the significance of the 4th of July in American history?
Answer:
The 4th July is celebrated as the American Independence Day.

Question 4.
Mention two characteristic features of the French monarchy.
Answer:
The French king was an autocrat. He enjoyed absolute powers and his will was law. There was no check on his powers by any parliament. He ruled by Divine Right and was answerable to God and not to the people.

Question 5.
In what way did the American Revolution influence the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The Constitution of the United States of America has served as a model and an inspiration to several countries including India. The framers of the Indian Constitution adopted various features like the federal form of government, the incorporation of Fundamental Rights like the American Bill of Rights and the system of checks and balances.

Question 6.
Why is the French Revolution of 1789 considered a turning point in human history?
Answer:
The French Revolution of 1789 was a milestone and a major turning point in human history. It revolutionized the social, economic and political fabric, not only of France but of all Europe and subsequently of almost the entire world.

Question 7.
Mention the role of the political philosophers in the overthrow of the French monarchy.
Answer:
The revolutionary writings and ideals of great political philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu created an intellectual ferment in France. The middle class was greatly inspired by the revolutionary ideas. Through their writings, the philosophers exposed the evils of French society and government and inspired the people to revolt and fight for their rights.

Question 8.
What effect did the American Revolution have on the French people?
Answer:
The French generals and soldiers, who had fought in the American Revolution, returned to France with revolutionary ideas and inspired the people to fight against their unjust, despotic government. The American Revolution enthused the French people and encouraged them to rebel.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
The American War of Independence was the first organized political revolution in the history of the world. In this context answer the following questions:
(a) How was an American colony governed? Why were the colonists resentful?
(b) How did the American colonists differ from the British?
(c) Why did the American colonists refuse to pay taxes imposed by the British Parliament in London? Give an account of the Boston Tea Party incident.
Answer:
(a) Each American colony had its own Assembly elected by the people of the colony but the governor of the colony was appointed by the British government. The Governor was not responsible to the Assembly. He governed the colony in the interest of England, the mother country, and not the colonists. This cuased great resentment among the American settlers who worked very hard but could not enjoy the fruits of their labour.

(b) Socially and culturally, the American colonists were different from the British. The colonist were simple and liberal, unlike the British puritans who were rigid and conservative. The American colonists had a distinct identity i.e an American identity that aspired for freedom to grow and develop as a separate independent nation.

(c) The American colonists refused to pay taxes as they argued that the British Parliament had no right to tax the colonists since they had no representatives in the Parliament.In 1773, a group of colonists, disguised as Red Indians, raided British ships in Boston harbour and threw 340 crates of tea into the sea. This incident was a protest against the new taxes including a tax on tea, imposed on the colonies.The importance of this act was that it was an act of open defiance of the colonists against British authority.

Question 2.
The British monarch, King George III, refused to withdraw the unjust and oppressive Acts imposed on the colonists and declared war on them. In this context discuss:
(a) The revolutionary principles and ideas in the Declaration of Independence of 1776
(b) The terms and long-term impact of the Treaty of Paris
(C) The important features of the newly established United States of America
Answer:
(a) The Declaration of Independence, 1776 clearly stated that the American colonists had the right to free themselves from the oppressive and explorative British government and form their own government. This declaration proclaimed that all men are bom equal and are endowed with certain rights such as the right to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

(b) According to the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783 between the British government and the colonists, British government recognized the independence of the thirteen colonies which came to be known as the United States of America.

(c) Features of the newly established United States of America are as:

A written constitution was framed and a federal, democratic, republican government was set up.
The new government guaranteed to all its citizens the rights to freedom of speech, press, religion and justice under the law.
The country would be ruled by an elected President who would govern according to the laws written down in the Constitution.

Question 3.
The French Revolution of 1789 was a milestone and a major turning point in human history. In this context discuss the.
following causes
(a) An unjust, unequal social order of the Ancien Regime
(b) The growing power of the middle class
(c) An inefficient, corrupt administration
Answer:
(a) An unequal, unjust social order: French society was essentially feudal in nature.
It was divided into three main classes, called Estates:

The First Estate consisted of the clergy (church officials).
The Second Estate consisted of the nobles and their families.
The Third Estate was composed of 95 per cent of the population. It included the peasants, artisans, workers and the middle class (consisting of merchants, manufacturers and professionals such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.)

The First and Second Estates enjoyed numerous privileges. They owned practically all the land in France but did not have to pay any taxes. They were very wealthy and led comfortable and luxurious lives.The Third Estate, on the other hand, shouldered the entire burden of taxation but was not entitled to any of the privileges enjoyed by the clergy and the nobles. Taxes were imposed on everything, including basic necessities like salt. Life was very hard, especially for the poor peasants who had to pay additional taxes to their feudal lords.

(b) Middle class had acquired great wealth and become economically powerful in the 18th century. However, they were denied of social equality and political rights. This caused great resentment among them. They used their economic power to overthrow the Ancien Regime.

(c) The administration was corrupt and inefficient. The officials were selfish and unconcerned about the welfare of the people.King Louis XVI was pleasure-loving and extravagant. He was completely ignorant of and indifferent to the sufferings of the common people and was greatly influenced by his beautiful and ambitious wife, Marie Antoinette. Together they squandered money on festivities and pleasures and emptied the royal treasury.

Question 4.
With reference to the French Revolution, discuss the following
(a) The Tennis Court Oath
(b) The storming of the Bastille
(c) The adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and its fundamental principles
Answer:
(a)
On 20, June 1789, the members of the Third Estate met at a tennis court and took an oath not to separate until a new constitution was drawn up for France. This is known as the Tennis Court Oath.
(b)
The storming of the Bastille symbolized the victory of the people of France and the fall of monarchy. It marked the beginning of the revolution. 14 July is celebrated as a national holiday in France.
(c)
The newly formed National Assembly, consisting of the representatives of the Third Estate, took over the control of the affairs of France. It adopted the famous Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen-a landmark in the history of human progress. By 1791, a new Constitution was drawn up for France.

Question 5.
With reference to the consequences of the French
Revolution, answer the following:
(a) Mention any four revolutionary changes that took place in France after the Revolution of 1789.
(b) What effect did the French Revolution have on the rest of Europe?
(c) What impact did the French revolutionary principles have on political developments in India in the middle of the 19th century? –
Answer:
(a)
Revolutionary changes that took place in France after the Revolution of 1789 are:

This Revolution marked the end of absolute monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of a republic.
The revolution laid the foundation of a democratic government.
Feudalism and serfdom were abolished and the power of the Church was brought under the control of the government.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity become the guiding principle of the French republic.

(b)
The revolutionary ideas of the French Revolution spread to all European countries. The slogans of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity become the guiding principles all over the world. Oppressed people in Europe rose in revolt against their tyrannical, hereditary rulers and established new social and political system. It inspired the spirit of nationalism among people.
(c)
The Revolutionary principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity had an impact on India as well. Indian nationalists imbibed these principles and developed a democratic and nationalist outlook. A National movement for freedom was launched, culminating in India’s independence from British rule in 1947.

G Picture Study.

This picture depicts a very important event in world history where in a great mob is shown attacking a state prison.
ICSE Solutions for Class 8 History and Civics - The Growth of Nationalism 6

Question 1.
Name the event.
Answer:
On 14 July 1789, a great mob attacked Bastille the state prison for political prisoners and a much hated symbol of the Ancien Regime. The prisoners were released and they joined the revolutionaries.

Question 2.
In which country did it take place and when?
Answer:
The country was France and it take place on 14 July 1789.

Question 3.
What is the significance of this event?
Answer:
The Prisoners were released and joined the revolutionaries. It also symbolized the Victory of people of France and the fall of monarchy.

Question 4.
Give a brief account of the developments that followed this event.
Answer:
This incident marked the beginning of the revolutions. The newly formed National Assembly consisting of the representatives of the Third Estate, took over the Control of the affairs of France. It adopted the famous Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens- a landmark in the history of human progress. By 1791, a new constitution was drawn up for France.