Class 9 History and Environment

Some Aspects Of The French Revolution Introduction 8 Marks Questions & Answers

Question 1. Why did the Revolution break out in France? What was its significance?

Answer:

The Revolution break out in France Because 

(1) New ideas: The French Revolution of 1789 broke out in France because the country was prepared for such a situation. It should be noted that the characteristics of the old Regime were not peculiar to France. Monarchical absolutism, oppression of the peasantry and several other features existed in most of the countries of Western Europe. So there was nothing exceptional in the character or in the extent of the grievances of the French people.

Hence we must not imagine that the people of France suffered more grievously than those of many other lands. What was peculiar to France was the fact that the people there were more enlightened and intelligent and so were more conscious of their sufferings.

That was why the evils of the Old Regime came under greater scrutiny in France than elsewhere. Hence the motive force ‘of the Revolution was not the intensity of the sufferings of the French people, but a new unwillingness to submit to the anomalies of the Old Regime. The change in the angle of vision was largely due to the influence of the writings of the French philosophers.

The material revolution of 1789 was preceded by a revolution in the realm of ideas. Thus intellectual revolt was brought about by a group of French philosophers, of whom the most prominent were Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau. Their writings gave expression to the discontent and indignation which lay latent in the hearts of the French people.

The manifold ills and anomalies from which the-station suffered, coupled with the mistakes of the Government, brought about the catastrophe. Nevertheless, these writers were a powerful factor in the Revolution. Into a soil prepared by social grievances and political abuses, the French philosophers flung broadcast the seed of philosophical speculation.

Their new ideas and theories upset men’s convictions and changed their outlook. Their writings exposed the evils of the Old Regime, focussed public attention upon them, compelled discussion and aroused the passion of the people instilling into them new ideas and doctrines. Thus the French philosophers habituated the people to the destructive criticism of the existing institutions and thereby prepared their minds for a revolutionary “change.

Question 2. What was the condition of France on the eve of the French Revolution of 1789?
Answer:

The condition of France on the eve of the French Revolution of 1789

(1) Evils of Absolutism: The Government of France was a highly centralised monarchy in France since the days of the reign of Louis 14. The representative institutions that France had at one time possessed had either been destroyed or brought under the King’s control. The States General (the feudal Parlement of France) had ceased to exist Hence the King ruled like an absolute monarch. His function was to command the people to obey.

All the functions of the Government being absorbed by the king required a ruler of exceptional ability to carry on the duties of the royal office. Louis 14, whatever might have been his defects, was never wanting in assiduity and anxious care for his country. But his successor, Louis 15 was weak and frivolous, enjoying the sweets of the royal office, while shirking the responsibilities attached to it The consequences of centralised Government under an incapable ruler soon manifested themselves.

The task of governing fell to a greedy horde of courtiers who sacrificed every interest of the state to advance their selfish ends. To the evils of corrupt administration were added the evils of oppression. Anybody might be imprisoned by the mere issue of warrants called letters de cachet, one of the most odious features of the Old Regime. A Government at once corrupt and arbitrary could not but produce widespread discontent and the people remained in sullen silence.

(2) Inequality: The French society was graded from top to bottom and each grade differed from others in legal rights and the enjoyment of powers and privileges. Broadly speaking, it may be said that France was divided into two classes, privileged and unprivileged. The privileged class included the nobility and the higher clergy.

They enjoyed a total or partial exemption from taxation and also had a monopoly of honours and emoluments. The unprivileged class included the bourgeoisie or the middle-class citizens, the labourers and the peasants. They formed what was called the Third Estates. They practically bore the whole burden of taxation and were at the same time excluded from all places of authority.

(3) The Nobility: The feudal nobles had mostly degenerated into a body of greedy courtiers. In feudal times the nobility enjoyed exemption from taxation as well as other feudal privileges in return for services they rendered to the Provincial Government. But as the monarchy became centralised the local services were performed by the Central Government, the nobles being deprived of all local power.

But they continued to enjoy the privileges of feudalism though they were not called upon to perform the duties attached to the system. The absence of duties made the continuance of rights anomalous and irritating. It was this that roused the indignation of the peasants when they were subjected to the feudal exactions of nobles.

(4) The clergy: The clergy along with the nobility formed the whole privileged class. In the Church as elsewhere, we find the same inequality and favouritism. The higher clergy monopolised all the lucrative Church offices but were quite indifferent to their spiritual duties.

They were recruited from the younger sons of the nobility and they conducted themselves as typical men of the world, being devoted to self-advancement and given to the pleasures, intrigues and dissipation of the court On the other hand, the lower clergy, who did the real work of spiritual consolation and instruction, were wretchedly recompensated. They had to work in poverty without any hope of promotion. Hence they formed a discontented class ready to join hands with the common people against the abuse of favouritism and absolutism.

(5) The Third Estate: Below the two privileged orders, there was the vast majority of the population called the Third Estate. It was not a homogeneous body. It comprised the bourgeoisie or the upper middle class, the artisans and the peasants.

(1) The bourgeoisie or the upper middle class formed the well-to-do, intelligent and energetic section of the community. They were practical businessmen who had gotten with wealth a secured monopoly of municipal appointments. Conscious that they were as good as the nobles, they keenly resented the existing system under which they were made to feel in numerous ways their social inferiority. Although their interests differed from those of the other members of the Third Estate, they were a discontented class and wanted political and social reforms.

(2) The artisans and labourers, although belonging to the Third Estate, were much worse off than the bourgeoisie. They were completely at the mercy of the rich middle class which controlled commerce and industry through guilds and similar close corporations.

(3) The condition of the peasantry, which formed by far the largest section of the population, was deplorable in the extreme. The peasant had to pay rent to his feudal lord, tithes to the Church and taxes to the king. The whole burden of taxation fell with a crushing weight upon him, especially because the privileged orders were more or less exempt from taxation.

(6) Inequality of taxation: The system of taxation had almost every conceivable defect. It was unjust, odious and honey-combed with favouritism. The privileged classes being more or less exempt from taxation, the burden fell more heavily on the common people. Thus the rich who could support the state paid the least, while the poor who were already over-burdened were crushed with the weight of taxation. The oppressive nature of taxation was further heightened by the method of its collection.

The state often sold the right of collection to private individuals who paid a lump sum to the Government and then collected the taxes themselves, seeking, of course, to exact as much as possible from the people. It is not unnatural that inequality of taxation and its oppressiveness should prove one of the most decisive causes of the Revolution.

Wbbse French Revolution Class 9 Short Question Answers

Question 3. What were the causes of the French Revolution?
Answer:

The causes of the French Revolution

(1) Introduction:  Next to the Reformation, the French Revolution was undoubtedly the greatest event in the history of Europe. It is of such far-reaching importance that the West is still under the influence of the forces, the Revolution let loose — Nationality and Democracy. The death of the Old Regime in France which was honey-combed with abuses of every sort was gone due to a combination of circumstances.

(2) Political Causes :

(1) Arbitrary rule: 1) Absolute divine-right monarchy was the rule all over the continent. The kings of France ruled arbitrarily. They imprisoned people without trial by a mere order, a letter de cachet There was no intellectual or civil liberty in France.

(2) The Palace of Versailles: The kings of France lived isolated twelve miles away from the capital amid the splendours of the palace of Versailles. The magnificent court of the French King was a riot of extravagance and the envy of Europe. It proved to be the veritable nation’s grave.

(3) The rule of weak kings: The kings that claimed absolute rights in France preceding the Revolution were not ‘grand monarchs’ like Louis XIV but weaklings like Louis XV and Louis XVI. They became puppets in the hands of the nobles and favourites. Louis XV was under the evil influence of Madam de Pompadour.

(4) Defective organisation of the State: The Government of France was highly corrupt, complicated and inefficient It was full of disunity, diversity and variety. France was split into forty provinces-‘forty Governments’. Weight and measures had different names in different parts of the country. Something like 285 codes of law prevailed.

(5) Over-centralisation: France was an over-centralised State but lacked unity. Local self-government did not exist in France. The Government was determined and t directed by Versailles which was the source of endless delays. The Central Government was represented by the Intendants on whom depended, in large measure, the happiness or misery of the people.

(6) Army: The French army was greatly reduced in numbers and was influenced by revolutionary ideas.

(7) Foreign policy: France, since the time of Richelieu, followed an ambitious foreign policy. It aimed at the glory of the Bourbons regardless of the French people. The various and costly wars of Louis 14 left France practically a desert.

(3) Social causes: The structure of French society was essentially feudal. It was divided into three classes, rigidly cut off from one another—the Nobles, the Bourgeoisie and the Peasantry. Graded from top to bottom, each social section sharply differed from another in the enjoyment of power and privileges. French society was cut into two distinct classes. One the privileged and the other unprivileged.

While the first included the nobility and the higher clergy, the second comprised the middle-class citizens or bourgeoisie, the labourers and the peasants. The third estate was the convenient name given to the second class. There was a strange relationship between the two classes. While the privileged class was affluent, it paid little to the State treasury, whereas the poor second class was heavily overburdened with taxes.

(1) The Nobility: The Nobles and the upper clergy were the most privileged class. They led lives of luxury in the court of the King and everybody was jealous of them. The nobles enjoyed the privilege of exemption. At the same time, they could levy certain taxes on their Estates. Another feudal privilege was the corvee or feudal labour on roads.

The lord could summon any of his peasants to work at road¬making, without wages. One more privilege was the exclusive right of hunting. The peasant had no right to disturb the game although it was destroying their crops. Thus, aristocratic privilege in France ruined agriculture and trade.

(2) The bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie was the middle class, and was, like the nobles, small in numbers. But they were educated thinkers and comprised lawyers, physicians, teachers, merchants, bankers, etc. They were rich and intelligent and favoured a political reorganisation and social revolution. It was from this class that the revolutionary leaders sprang – Rousseau, Danton and Robespierre.

(3) The peasantry and the artisans: The peasants and the artisans were the lowest and the largest class. They constituted 4/5 of the entire population. The burden of society fell with a crushing weight upon them. They paid 55% of their earnings to their State. In addition, they had paid tithes to the Clergy, numerous feudal dues and salt and excise duties. In all, they paid 4/5 of their income by way of taxes and were left with only 1/5 to support their families. No wonder, they were the most discontented.

(4) Religious Causes: The Church in France, like the other institutions of the country, was corrupt Privilege and favouritism were found in the Church and elsewhere. The higher clergy resided in court and lived a gay and worldly life. The lower clergy were poorly paid. Hence, they sympathised with plans for reforms and powerfully aided the popular cause in the Revolution.

(5) Taxation: Those who could pay the taxes — the nobility and the royal prince—were exempt from taxation. So the burden fell upon the peasantry and the middle class. The system of taxation varied from region to region and from year to year.

Question 4. How far was the intellectual movement responsible for the Revolution of France? Or, Can you trace the influence of French philosophers on the course and events between 1789-1795? Or, Critically examine the influence of French philosophy on the causes of the French Revolution.
Answer:

(1) Ideas of the philosophers: The material revolution of France of 1789 was preceded by a revolution in the realm of ideas. Within the French society of discontents were the writers stimulating them, pointing their discontents, dissolving the traditions which alone held them together, voicing their grievances, giving them a lead of faith, for in a land of no Parliament the men of letters had come to be the politicians.

In innumerable ways, they demonstrated the rottenness of French institutions — by satire and wit, criticism and comparison, analogy and innuendo, scientific exposition, sociological theory, and downright abuse. The literature made excellent gunpowder for destroying the State, and never before was a revolution so armed with words and phrases.

Writers of all kinds prepared for the French Revolution. Early in the century, there was Montesquieu. He was not a revolutionary and he was both a Catholic and a monarchist. He criticised the abuses of the church and the despotism of the State. He criticised by satire.

He believed in the British system of Government, and he believed in the principle of liberty and equality which were the safeguards of freedom. In his famous book. ‘The Spirit of Laws’, he analysed the principle of Government and traced the evolution of laws and the Constitution with special reference to the theory of separation of powers.

A contrast to Montesquieu in method and temperament was his more famous junior contemporary Voltaire. He was the most honoured man in Europe in the middle of the 18th century. He was an indefatigable writer-poet, historian, philosopher, dramatist, correspondent and pre-eminently satirist.

He was inspired by a wide philanthropy, a caustic wit and a bitter hostility to the church. But he was not a Democrat. To attack the altar was ultimately to undermine the throne which rested on it, but Voltaire never consciously aimed at the monarchy and he was fully aware of the dangers of popular Government

The authority which Voltaire respected was destroyed by Jean Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau began where Voltaire left off; the latter harnessed the horses of reason, and the former unchained the tigress of emotion. The political influence of Rousseau’s works especially on Social contracts was incalculable not only in France but in all of Europe.

His fundamental theory was that of the inherent virtue of the “natural man” whom civilisation and institutions had corrupted and deprived of his natural rights to liberty and happiness. “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.” According to Rousseau, laws should be the “general expression” of the deep, instinctive conscience of society.

Kings were the creations of an original contract framed by the people for the promotion of their welfare and a sovereign’s title was dependent upon his guardianship of the rights of his subjects. The people had lost their rights, the contract had been violated, and the crown had forfeited the allegiance of the nation. This revolutionary, though unhistorical, idea was destined to destroy the monarchy of France.

Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau were the giants of the age. But there were other thinkers also whose contributions could not be neglected. Denis Diderot was a brilliant and versatile scholar. He organised a team of researchers and with their collaboration published the Encyclopaedia in seventeen volumes. In this book, Diderot collected together all human knowledge including the latest findings. It became a very popular work. In 1765, when it first appeared, four thousand copies were subscribed.

The philosophers directed their search enquiry also in the field of economics. A school of economists called physiocrats preached their theories. They were led by Quesnay. They criticised mercantilism and State regulation of trade and industry which prevailed in France.

They believed that nature was the single source of all wealth. They strongly urged free trade and free circulation of goods without Government interference. They denounced State paternalism of industry and advocated laissez-faire. Thus the French philosophers created a mental revolution by exposing the hollowness of the ancient regime.

Wbbse French Revolution Class 9 Short Question Answers

(2) Nature of the influence of the philosophers: Historians differ about the extent of the influence of the philosophers on the causation of the French Revolution. According to some of them, is a mistake to ascribe the French Revolution to the influence of the writings of these philosophers.

The manifold ills and anomalies from which the nation suffered, coupled with the mistakes of the Government brought about the catastrophe. Nevertheless, these writings were a powerful factor in the Revolution. Into a soil prepared by social grievances ended by political abuses, the French philosophers flung broadcast the seed of philosophical speculation.

Their new ideas and theories upset convictions and changed their outlook. Their writings exposed the evils of the Old Regime focusing public attention upon them, compelled discussion and aroused the passion of the people by instilling into them new ideas and doctrines.

Thus the French philosophers habituated the people to the destructive criticism of the existing institutions and thereby prepared their minds for a revolutionary change. In short, the idea of the philosophers filtered down among the Frenchmen and destroyed their faith in the old order in France.

Question 5. Describe the work of the National Assembly during the French Revolution.
Answer:

The work of the National Assembly during the French Revolution

(1) Introduction: Louis 16, unable to face the financial crisis in France, was at last forced to summon the States General in May 1789, which had not met for 175 years. A new chapter was opened up in the history of France. The King recalled Necker to head the ministry. The leaders of the Third Estate at that time were Mirabeau, Abbe Seiyes and Lafayette.

(2) The National Assembly: Friction arose between the Third Estate and the King on the question of voting. The nobility and the clergy wanted separate chambers in the assembly while the Third Estate insisted on only one. In June, it took the momentous and revolutionary step of declaring itself the National Assembly.

(3) Tennis Court Oath: At this, the king blocked the entrance of the Assembly Hall with soldiers. Thereupon the members of the Third Estate met at the adjoining Tennis Court and took the famous Tennis Court Oath, never to separate until the Constitution of the kingdom was established.

(4) The Royal Session: In the Royal Session of June 23, 1789, the king ordered the members of the Third Estate ‘to vote by order’. At their refusal, he sent a message demanding their withdrawal. The occasion brought forth.

(5) The National Constituent Assembly: The King yielded to the demands of the Third Estate and he ordered the Nobility and the Clergy to sit with the Third Estate in a single assembly. The National Assembly was now complete. It immediately appointed a committee to frame a Constitution and adopted the title of Constituent Assembly.

(6) The Storming of the Bastille: The King, inspired by the Court, made a second attempt to suppress the Assembly. A considerable number of mercenary soldiers began to appear near Versailles and Paris. On July 11, Necker was suddenly dismissed. The Paris mob became violent and on July 14, the Bastille, the notorious State person was stormed. It was the triumph of liberty. The 14th of July was declared a national holiday and the Bourbon flag was displaced by the new tricolour flag.

(7) Reforms of the National Assembly :

(1) The August Days: The National Assembly in the “August Days” began tearing down the old regime and building up a new order in society, Church and State.

(2) Abolition of Feudalism: On August 4, 1789, a frenzy of generosity seized the Assembly and thirty decrees were passed which brought about an extraordinary social revolution in France. The Feudal dues and tithes were abolished. The guilds with their narrow restrictions were swept away, public offices were thrown open to all. Provinces as well as individuals were awarded equality. Distinctions of the class were abolished and the principle of equality was made the basis of the State.

(3) Declaration of the Rights of Man: The Declaration of the Rights of Man by the Constituent Assembly of France has been regarded as the gospel of modern times. This declaration reflected the influence of the philosophy of Rousseau and borrowed ideas and phrases from the English Bill of Rights and the American Declaration of Independence. It proclaimed the freedom of religion, expression, press, and property, and security and equality before the law. It announced that men are born free and equal in rights.

(4) The Civil Constitution of the Clergy: The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was promulgated by an Act of Assembly. By this new law, the bishops and priests were reduced in number. They were to be chosen by the Electors elected by the people, paid by the State and only nominally subjected to the Pope. All clergymen must take an oath to support this civil Constitution of the clergy. Naturally, such a Constitution was not acceptable to sincere Catholics.

(5) Financial Reforms: The primary function for which the National Assembly was summoned in 1789, was to solve the financial problem. It tried to solve this in two ways — firstly, by issuing paper currency, and secondly, by confiscating church lands. The paper money proved a total failure by 1791. The Assembly did nothing to improve the finances. It left national finance in a worse condition.

(6) Reorganisation of Administration: The old 32 provinces were abolished and France was divided into 83 departments of nearly uniform size, for administration and local Government. The departments were subdivided into Arrondissements, cantons and communes. Local officials were to be elected by the people. A new system of courts with elected judges was established. A highly centralised State became one highly decentralised. The local divisions made by the National Assembly exist in France even to this day.

(8) The Constitution of 1791: A new Constitution was promulgated in 1791 which incorporated Montesquieu’s theory of Separation of Powers. It introduced a Constitutional monarchy in France. The English system of Parliamentary Government was deliberately avoided. The executive or the ministers were separated from the legislature. The King was deprived of the law-making function, but he was given a suspensive veto. The Assembly was to consist only of one House. Its 745 members were to be elected for years indirectly by active citizens or taxpayers. This excluded the poor.

Wbbse French Revolution Class 9 Short Question Answers

Question 6. How far is it true to say that the old regime in France could not fit with the spirit of the time of 1789?
Answer:

With the meeting of the Estates General at Versailles in May 1789, the Ancient Regime came to an end together with a good many institutions and ideas to which Europe had grown accustomed during the previous three hundred years. But it is a paradox that no important people or forces in France of 1789 wanted revolution. Revolutions may begin as wars often begin a lot because people positively want them. They happen because people want other things that, in a certain set of circumstances, implicate them in war or revolution.

There had been growing in Europe, throughout most of the eighteenth century, what has been called the “revolutionary spirit.” This spirit, a spirit of rationalist criticism and resistance to the established powers of the Roman Catholic Church, the absolutist monarchy, and the privileged nobility was fostered particularly by the work of a remarkable series of French thinkers and literary men, the philosophers. The writings of men like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot and Rousseau were widely read throughout Europe, and they became European figures of eminence and influence.

But the connection between their ideas and the outbreak of the revolution in 1789 is somewhat remote and indirect They did not preach revolution and were usually ready to lend support to any absolute monarch who was prepared to patronize them and adopt their teachings.

But no doubt they had fostered a critical and irreverent attitude towards all existing institutions. They made men more ready, when the need arose, to question the whole foundation of the old order. What mattered in 1789 and what made men revolutionary almost despite themselves, was the whole revolutionary situation and in producing that situation the works of the philosophers played no very important role.

Louis XVI won fresh popularity when he made known his intention of summoning the Estates General. His action aroused hopes of liberal and constitutional reforms and just as nobody of importance wanted revolution, so nobody of importance wanted a republic before 1792. Yet the king’s well-received action of summoning the Estates General precipitated revolution.

“The nobles fight, the clergy pray, the people pay” -this feudal idea was openly challenged by the Third Estate, the people, the non-noble and non-clerical class. Feudalism had come to mean social inequality and social privilege, beginning with class feelings and ending in the class war. The summoning of the Estates General suddenly allowed the leaders of the Third Estate to make their social and economic weight politically effective. It was a chance they seized with both hands.

By not only arousing hopes of liberal reform but also drawing together many of the people most eager for an overhand of the social and political system, Louis crystallized the revolutionary situation. It was only after he had forfeited his original public support by his lack of policy, his wavering and disappointing conduct and in the end the open betrayal of his own promises, that republicanism grew. But the King and his ministers were also in dilemma. They could not satisfy the demands of the middle class without destroying the ancient rights of the nobles and the clergy.

They could not do this without changing and challenging the feudal structure of French society. The Divine Right of the king was questioned, his autonomy in jurisdiction was denied and his financial powers were also a subject of criticism. So only a monarch prepared to be a revolutionary could have escaped from the dilemma. That is also a paradox. And it has been aptly remarked, “France presented indeed the combination of grievance and independence of obscurantism and enlightenment of irritation and incentive, which makes the best material for revolution.”

Question 7. Examine the work of the Constituent Assembly in the French Revolution up to 1791.
Answer:

The work of the Constituent Assembly in the French Revolution up to 1791

The Assembly was unaware of the need for rules, it tolerated disorder in its meetings, it laid itself open to pressure from the galleries, and it forbade the King to choose his ministers from among its members — an insane decision which deprived France of a Mirabeau Cabinet. In short, the Assembly wanted parliamentarians without any of the conditions which make parliament possible.

In religious toleration the Constituents went beyond the Declaration on Dec. 27, 1789, protestants were given civic rights which were granted one month later to the Jews in southern France. Freedom of belief, however, did not triumph completely, and public worship remained a Catholic monopoly.

The Declaration recognised all citizens the right to take part in person or through their representatives in the making of laws. But the Constituent Assembly established a wholly representative system, national sovereignty was only exercised when elections were held, and thereafter the people’s delegates wielded unlimited power.

However, the Assembly could not establish a limited monarchy in France. The King was responsible to no one and was inviolable. No measures were taken to govern the case of high treason on his part The King was granted diplomatic initiative and the right to appoint military leaders, ambassadors and six ministers according to his own choice.

In defiance of the separation of powers, he was even given a suspensive veto to be valid for two legislatures over decisions of the Assembly, yet he was denied the exercise of powers and the Legislative Assembly was made master of the State, and the Legislative Assembly was the French bourgeoisie. Thus Constitutional monarchy was a bourgeoisie republic with no real government.

The Constituent Assembly, in effect, completely decentralised the administration of France. Provinces and local communities long ruled by intendants unanimously demanded the end of royal authority. Decree of Dec. 14, 1789, accordingly granted wide powers to municipalities. They were to levy and collect taxes, maintain public order and have the right to requisition troops and proclaim martial law.

Venality in office was forbidden and litigants would not have tolerated royal appointment of justices from the old regions to the new Courts. Judges were, therefore, elected like administrators. Central authority over administrative bodies was almost eliminated. The most the king could do was to suspend them, and the Assembly could reinstate them. By separating civil and criminal justice from administrative functions, an important improvement was made in that sphere.

Yet another great problem was before the Assembly to deal with, it was the reform of the clergy. On July 12, the Civil Constitution of the clergy was passed. The ecclesiastic organisation was adapted to the administrative framework. Each department had a bishop, and each commune had one or more local priests.

They would be elected like other civil servants. The Pope would no longer be able to draw on France for money, his supremacy was recognised but not his jurisdiction. But this arrangement did not satisfy the Pope and a permanent conflict continued with the Pope till the rise of Napoleon the Great

Question 8. Explain the specific features of the Constitutions of France of 1789, 1793 and 1795.
Answer:

The specific features of the Constitutions of France of 1789, 1793 and 1795

(1) Introduction: The deputies of the Legislative Assembly, just after their election, began to consider the new Constitution. They determined on the motion of Lafayette to publish a Statement of general principles, after the example of the American colonists. On August 12, therefore, was issued a Declaration of the Rights of Man, inspired by Geneva and Philadelphia, which proclaimed that all men being born equal should have equal rights.

But the cause of democracy was to suffer dearly for the comprehensiveness of its claims and for the reason it was a mistaken measure of policy. There was administered inevitable contradiction between the Declaration and the New Constitution which led to conflict for five years.

(2) Constitution of 1789: The political framework of the new Constitution was completed by the end of 1789. The legislative power was to be vested in a single chamber, chosen for two years, not by universal suffrage, but by a tax-paying electorate of a little over four million. Thus was the curtain immediately dropped upon the equal rights of man. Only men who paid at least fifty lives in taxes were landed proprietors. The same civil rights were extended to protestants, Jews and along with the abolition of titles, all careers were open to talent

The hereditary monarchy was retained, and the King, who was to adopt the title of King of the French, was to be the head of the army and the administration. He could nominate the highest officials and choose and dismiss ministers. He could coin money, direct the military forces, and if authorised by the Assembly, he could declare war. He was given only a suspensive veto, that is, he could delay the passing of a measure by holding it up until it had been passed by three successive assemblies.

Despite these limitations, the king retained as head of the executive a certain measure of power. In practice it was difficult for him to exercise it He had no taxing power; he could hardly initiate legislation, for none of his ministers could be members of the Assembly—a check upon the executive inspired by Montesquieu’s theory and America’s example.

The National Convention met on September 21, 1792, on the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. It was summoned to draft a new Constitution, necessitated by the suspension of Louis XVI. Its first duty was to abolish the monarchy and declare France a Republic. It passed a decree of perpetual banishment against the emigres and adopted a revolutionary calendar from the birth of the republic.

In the meantime, Louis was found guilty by a narrow majority on the 18th of January 1793 and executed on the 21st Robespierre, now rapidly advancing to the leadership of the Jacobins, justified the judicial murder of the king. A Revolutionary Tribunal was set up in March 1793 and the Committee of Public Safety in April, and France was in the grip of the Terror for twelve months from September 1793 to September 1794. After the fall of Robespierre, the Jacobin club in Paris was closed in November. The terror was ended.

In 1795, the Republic attempted to establish a settled government in France by promulgating the Constitution of the year. The Executive was vested in a Directory, of five members, and profiting by previous blunders, a two-chamber legislature was set up. But the Directorial Constitution had a weakness of its own. With the help of a young Corsican, the Republic successfully suppressed the insurrection of the 13th Vendemiaire (5th October 1795). But in 1799, the Directory itself succumbed to a coup de tat effected by the gunner who had saved it in 1795.

Question 9. Give an account of the Convention. Or, Describe the Reign of Terror during the Revolution.
Answer:

Convention

(1) Introduction: The National Convention was the third Revolutionary Assembly. It was assembled on September 20, 1792. It was in existence for three years. It became the task of the Convention to abolish royalty, establish a republic, consolidate the Revolution in France and wage a successful foreign war. These tasks were accomplished by terror, bloodshed and dictatorship.

(2) Girondins and the Jacobins: The majority of the members of the Convention belonged to the Girondins and the Jacobins. The Girondins and the Jacobins were entirely distinct revolutionary groups. The former was moderate and the latter extreme radicals. It is around the rivalry between the two that the period of the National Convention centres. The Girondins hated the leaders of the Jacobins— Robespierre, Marat and Danton.

(3) Work of the Convention :

(1) Abolition of Kingship: The first act of the Convention was the abolition of monarchy as an institution. It constructed a republican form of Government based on the principle of democracy.
(2) Execution of Louis 16: Louis XVI was brought to trial before the Convention on a charge of treason, found guilty and condemned to death. He was beheaded on January 21, 1793.
(3) The New Republican Army: Under the leadership of Carnot, the Convention inaugurated militarism which was quite novel in the world’s annals. In 1793, by conscription, an army of 7,70,000 was raised. A new group of dashing republican generals like Moreau, Pichegru and Jourdan rose to distinction. On the other hand, the first coalition of the European powers was formed this time and it began to attack the frontiers of France.
(4) Collapse of the Coalition: The country was cleared of foreign enemies and Carnot, the organiser of defence, led the country to victory. The first Coalition against France was dissolved. Spain and Russia made peace with France. Only Britain, Austria and Sardinia remained in arms against France.
(5) Effects: The military success of the Republic was achieved at too great a cost. The National Army became the chief concern and the pride of the revolution arose. It led to a serious peasant revolt in La Vendee to restore the monarchy and the Catholic Church. The revolt was crushed.

(4) Creation of a strong Central government: The Convention established a strong Central Government and powered a policy of terrorism. For this purpose, it created three organs :
(1) The Committee of Public Safety: It consisted of 12 members elected for one month. It discharged an enormous mass of business of every kind hour after hour.
(2) The Committee of General Security: Its business was the police duty of maintaining law and order throughout the country. A multitude of suspected persons was thrown into prison.
(3) The Revolutionary Tribunal: This was an extraordinary criminal court for trying traitors and conspirators rapidly by applying the Law of Suspects. No appeal could be taken from its decisions. Its sentences were always death sentences.

(5) The Reign of Terror-Danton: The creation of the instruments of despotism commenced in France, which is known as the Reign of Terror. Danton was the chief architect of the Reign of Terror in the first stage of the reign. It lasted from the summer of 1793 to that of 1794. The Terror began in Paris and spread to the Provinces. About 5000 in Paris and about 15000 in the Provinces were guillotined. Among those guillotined was Marie Antoinette, the hated ‘Austrian woman’ and wife of Louis 16. The chief spokesman of these atrocities was Danton, the Dictator, and the leader of the Cordelier Club.

All counsels of clemency were counted as treason. The Girondins became the victim of their moderation. Incited by Marat, a Parisian mob expelled the Girondins from the Convention. Many of them were afterwards guillotined. Among them was Madam Roland, the romantic woman leader of the Girondins. The worse ferocities were reserved for La Vendee. The Duke of Orleans who, as Philip Equality voted for the death of his cousin, Louis XVI, was executed.

Many distinguished men like Bailly and Barnaves were killed and Condercit, fleeing from the Terror, committed suicide. The Herbeitits, a group of extremists and socialists who favoured the destruction of all churches and the establishment of atheism, were executed jointly by Danton and Robespierre. Yet all this did not constitute the ‘great Terror’ that came later.

(6) The Great Terror: Robespierre: Danton who began the Reign of Terror himself paid the penalty. He grew sick of bloodshed and advocated moderation. Robespierre, his secret enemy, condemned Danton on a charge of treason and he was guillotined. Robespierre, the leader of the Jacobin Club, became supreme in the Convention and the Committee of the Public Safety with his advent, began what is called the Great Terror.

Day after day, the butchery went on. It brought about the fall of Robespierre, and he like Danton, went to the guillotine. With the death of Robespierre, the terror was gradually abandoned. The ‘Thermidorian Reaction’ set in and a milder regime began.

Question 10. How do you explain the emergence of the Directory?
Answer:

(1) Introduction: After the end of the reign of Terror, the Convention sat until 1795. It reorganised its committees and readmitted surviving Girondins to positions of power. The Convention gave up attempts to enforce the laws of the Maximum and some of the emigres began to find their way back into France.

Abandoning the draft Constitutions of both of Girondins and the Jacobins, the Convention now drew up a third, which betrayed not only fear of the executive but also fear of the mob. It began with a declaration of duties as well as of rights. The Constitution came into operation in October 1795 and lasted until November 1799.

(2) The Directory: The Directory of the five, which held executive power under this new Constitution, was ill-fated from birth. The men who successively became Directors were, except for the patriotic organising genius of Carnot, disreputable and self-seeking politicians of little ability.

The corrupt leaders of a period when the moral standards of social and political life were exceptionally low-ebb, they presided over the final liquidation of the Revolution, opposed equality to royalist reaction and furthered mob violence, their aim was a Constitutional parliamentary system on a narrow base, moderate in action and so devised as to prevent dictatorship. They succeeded in preventing a repetition of Robespierre’s revolutionary dictatorship. Explanation of how this came about lies in their success in crushing rebellion at home and their failure to produce victory abroad.

At home, the Directory faced its first political crisis with the elections of 1797, which it was expected would result in an anti-Jacobin majority. Only 13 out of 216 retiring members of the Council were returned, a clear enough protest against the failure of the Government to restore French credit and currency and to alleviate the widespread social distress. In September 1797, the Directory forestalled the arrival of the new hostile and royalist majority.

With the help of Napoleon Bonaparte, it expelled the newly elected members from the assembly. By this coup, the directors forfeited their last shreds of legality and henceforth relied more openly on armed force. Bonaparte’s seizure of power was brought one step nearer. The political system was as bankrupt as the treasury. Of the five Directors, Barras and Sieyes were resolved to resort to the ultimate sanction, an open alliance with Napoleon Bonaparte, the most popular personality in France with a victorious army at his command.

In foreign affairs, the army assumed an ever greater role. By the beginning of 1796, France’s only active enemies on land were Austria and Sardinia and at sea Great Britain. The Convention made peace with Holland, Spain and Prussia. By incorporating the former Austrian Netherlands into France in October, it was committed to continuing the war against Austria, which would not accept this loss, while the British refusal to make peace, even after the break up of the first coalition, kept the war at sea.

Peace had also been made with Portugal and the German States, Saxony and the two Houses, with the Italian States of Naples, Parma and the Papacy. By the beginning of 1796, the Directory was able to concentrate all its efforts against Austria. On October 17, 1797, Austria signed the peace of Campo Formio and it was a settlement as characteristic of sly Napoleonic diplomacy as the campaign had been of Napoleonic generalship.

Then Napoleon departed on an expedition to Egypt designed to cut off the British from India. By May 1799, he was severely defeated by Nelson, the British admiral. The campaign produced a second coalition against France. Despite his losses and reverses, he was the only man in France who enjoyed general confidence and in the new conditions of emergency, it was to him that men burned.

(3) Unpopularity of the Directory: The tragedy of the Egyptian campaign cast no shadow on the fortunes of Bonaparte. A new Coalition had been formed against France in his absence, and the French were driven out of Italy and France itself was threatened with invasion. The Directory was discredited because of its corruption, incompetence and blunders.

When Bonaparte landed at Frejus, a thrill of delight and relief passed through France. Every peasant enquired about the news of General Bonaparte, but no one enquired after the Directory.

(4) Coup d’etat of Bonaparte : On November 9-10, 1799, Napoleon, assisted by Abbe Sieyes, successfully overthrew the Directory, an incident known as the Coup d’etat of Brumaire. A provisional consulate was appointed and a new Constitution was drawn up for France with Napoleon as First Consul and Ducos and Abbe Sieyes being the other Consuls.

Chapter 6 The Second World War And Its Aftermath MCQs

Question 1. The main cause of World War II was the
(1) Balkan War
(2) Russo-German War
(3) World War I
(4) Anglo-French War

Answer: (3) World War I

Question 2. Chamberlain took an assurance from Hitler that Germany would be satisfied by
(1) Occupation of Rhineland
(2) Occupation of Poland
(3) Cession to her of Sudetenland
(4) Cession to her of Baltic states

Answer: (2) Occupation of Poland

Question 3. A secret additional pact to divide Poland was made between
(1) Russia and Germany
(2) Germany and Italy
(3) Italy and France
(4) England and France

Answer: (1) Russia and Germany

Question 4. To plan global military strategy, top Allied leaders held a series of conferences such as the one at
(1) Versailles
(2) Paris
(3) Tehran
(4) Berlin

Answer: (3) Tehran

Question 5. After the end of the Second World War, the two major world powers were
(1) Britain and France
(2) U.S.A and Britain
(3) Russia and France
(4) U.S.A and Russia

Answer: (4) U.S.A and Russia

Question 6. At the Munich Conference in 1938, a region of this nation was given to Adolf Hitler by the British and the French
(1) Czechoslovakia
(2) Poland
(3) Holland
(4) Austria

Answer: (1) Czechoslovakia

Question 7. Which Allied army fought its way to Berlin and reached the city first?
(1) England
(2) France
(3) Soviet Russia
(4) U.S.A

Answer: (3) Soviet Russia

Question 8. What was the last major attempt at a peaceful resolution with Germany before the outbreak of World War IT?
(1) Potsdam Conference
(2) The Washington Conference
(3) The Munich Conference
(4) Yalta Conference

Answer: (3) The Munich Conference

Question 9. The main Axis Powers of World War II consisted of
(1) Germany, Finland, Japan
(2) Germany, Italy, Japan
(3) Germany, Russia, Italy
(4) Germany, Italy, Belgium

Answer: (4) Germany, Italy, Japan

Question 10. The term ‘D-Day’ refers to
(1) Allied invasion of the coast of Normandy
(2) Allied invasion of Italy
(3) Allied invasion of Germany
(4) Allied invasion of Poland

Answer: (1) Allied invasion of the coast of Normandy

Question 11. When did Hitler become the Chancellor of Germany?
(1) 1793
(2) 1795
(3) 1796
(4) 1801

Answer: (2) 1795

Question 12. World War II broke out on
(1) 1 September 1938
(2) 3 September 1939
(3) 9 August 1937
(4) 5 December 1933

Answer: (2) 3 September 1939

Question 13. What agreement did Hitler defy when the invasion of the USSR began?
(1) Hitler-Stalin agreement
(2) Molotov-Ribbentrop
(3) Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
(4) Treaty of Versailles

Answer: (2) Molotov-Ribbentrop

Question 14. What day was the invasion of Normandy or D-Day?
(1) 6 June 1943
(2) 6 June 1944
(3) 12 May 1940
(4) 3 September 1946

Answer: (2) 6 June 1944

Question 15. What caused the United States to enter the war on the side of the Allies?
(1) Germany’s invasion of France
(2) Germany’s invasion of Poland
(3) Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour
(4) Russia‘s entry into the War

Answer: (3) Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour

Question 16. The real cause of the American entry into the Second World War was
(1) Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbour.
(2) Hitler’s invasion of Russia,
(3) Hitler’s invasion of Poland.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbour.

Question 17. In the Munich Agreement, it was agreed that
(1) The German army should occupy Sudetenland.
(2) The German army should occupy the whole of Czechoslovakia.
(3) Germany should occupy Poland.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) The German army should occupy Sudetenland.

Question 18. The first instance of the Anglo-French appeasement of Hitler was the Anschluss which means
(1) The union of Austria with Poland.
(2) The union of Austria with Germany.
(3) The union of Italy with Austria.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) The union of Austria with Germany.

Question 19. The immediate cause of the Second World War was
(1) Hitler’s goodbye to the League of Nations.
(2) the imposition of the Treaty of Versailles.
(3) Hitler’s assault upon Poland.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Hitler’s assault upon Poland.

Question 20. The Second World War came to an end with the
(1) Surrender of Italy.
(2) Surrender of Japan.
(3) Surrender of Germany.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Surrender of Japan.

Question 21. Which event is generally considered to be the first belligerent act of World War II?
(1) Germany’s attack on Russia.
(2) Germany’s attack on Britain.
(3) Germany’s attack on Poland.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Germany’s attack on Poland.

Question 22. Which two countries were the first to declare war on Germany?
(1) Italy and Greece.
(2) Britain and France.
(3) Norway and Denmark.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Britain and France.

Question 23. What were the first two Western European countries that Germany invaded?
(1) France and Belgium.
(2) Norway and Denmark.
(3) Switzerland and Denmark.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Norway and Denmark.

Question 24. What happened at Dunkirk in May 1940?
(1) British forces retreated across the English Channel.
(2) American forces invaded France. 4
(3) The French army lost a major battle.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) British forces retreated across the English Channel.

Question 25. What was Hitler’s primary justification for the invasion of Russia?
(1) Hitler believed that a war on two fronts would be to his advantage.
(2) Stalin was preparing to attack Germany.
(3) Germany needed more space for its population.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Germany needed more space for its population.

Question 26. Which country was the site of most of the Nazi extermination camps?
(1) Hungary.
(2) Poland.
(3) Czechoslovakia.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Poland.

Question 27. The Battle of Stalingrad was
(1) One of the deadliest battles in history.
(2) Primarily a tank battle.
(3) An easy victory for Germany.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) One of the deadliest battles in history.

Question 28. Who met at Casablanca?
(1) Truman, Roosevelt and Stalin.
(2) Roosevelt and Churchill.
(3) Stalin, Hitler and Churchill.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Roosevelt and Churchill.

Question 29. At which conference did the Allies set the terms for the Japanese surrender?
(1) The Yalta Conference.
(2) The Tehran Conference.
(3) The Potsdam Conference.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) The Potsdam Conference.

Question 30. On June 21, 1940, the French Government was compelled to sign a treaty of surrender
(1) In a railway coach at Champagne.
(2) On a warship in the Atlantic Ocean.
(3) In the Dumbarton Oaks Conference.
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) in a railway coach at Champagne.

Question 31. The Treaty of Versailles was imposed on
(1) Italy
(2) France
(3) Germany
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Germany

Question 32. Japan attacked Manchuria in
(1) 1930
(2) 1931
(3) 1932
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) 1931

Question 33. In 1935 Mussolini attacked
(1) Abyssinia
(2) Danzig
(3) Rhineland
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Abyssinia

Question 34. Haile Selassie was the emperor of
(1) Ethiopia
(2) Poland
(3) Syria
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Ethiopia

Question 35. After the Second World War was converted into a communist dictatorship.
(1) England
(2) Poland
(3) Czechoslovakia
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Czechoslovakia

Question 36. General Eisenhower was appointed the Supreme Commander of the Allied invasion in
(1) Asia
(2) Europe
(3) Africa
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Europe

Question 37. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed in
(1) 1938
(2) 1939
(3) 1990
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) 1939

Question 38. The dictator of Italy who installed a fascist regime was
(1) Adolf Hitler
(2) Benito’ Mussolini
(3) Joseph
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Benito Mussolini

Question 39. The title Adolf Hitler took in 1934 that meant leader, was
(1) Fuhrer
(2) Dictator
(3) Minister
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Fuhrer

Question 40. Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.
(1) 1 September
(2) 4 September
(3) 15 October
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) 1 September

Question 41. Pearl Harbour was attacked by Japan in
(1) 1941
(2) 1942
(3) 1943
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) 1941

Question 42. In 1941 Pearl Harbour was attacked by
(1) Belgium
(2) U.S.A
(3) Japan
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Japan es

Question 43. suffered a setback at Stalingrad.
(1) Belgium
(2) Austria
(3) Germany
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Germany

Question 44. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
(1) U.S.A
(2) Britain
(3) Austria
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) U.S.A

Question 45. U.S.A. entered into the Second World War in
(1) 1939
(2) 1941
(3) 1943
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) 1941

Question 46. Admiral Hideki Tojo was the Prime Minister of
(1) Britain.
(2) U.S.A
(3) Japan
(1) None of the above

Answer: (3) Japan

Question 47. The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the rural base at ’ Pearl Harbour.
(1) British
(2) German
(3) U.S.A
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) U.S.A

Question 48. Perhaps the largest leap in technology during World War II was the_____ bomb.
(1) Buncing
(2) Atom
(3) Cluster
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Atom

Question 49. Japan was worried about the navy in Hawaii.
(1) French
(2) U.S.
(3) British
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) U.S.

Question 50. On the ‘D-Day’ Anglo American force landed at the coast.
(1) Lyons
(2) Normandy
(3) Marseilles
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Normandy

Question 51. Francisco Franco was the Fascist dictator of
(1) Italy
(2) Germany
(3) Spain
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Spain

Question 52. The provinces of Alsace and Lorraine were taken away from
(1) France
(2) England
(3) Germany
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Germany

Question 53. had built a strong underground line of fortresses and gave it the name Maginot Line.
(1) Britain
(2) Japan
(3) France
(4) None of the above

Answer: (4) None of the above

Question 54. Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagaeskt in
(1) 1939
(2) 1941
(3) 1945
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) 1945

Chapter 4 Europe In The 19th Century: Conflict 0f Nationalist And Monarchial Ideas MCQs

Question 1. Before the —- Revolution goods were produced by hand.
(1) Russian
(2) Industrial
(3) French
(4) American

Answer: (2) Industrial

Question 2. The Bank of France established by —— helped the process of industrialisation in France.
(1) Louis Napoleon
(2) Napoleon Bonaparte
(3) Karl Marx
(4) Charles X

Answer: (2) Napoleon Bonaparte

Question 3. The Continental System was devised by —- to deprive England of her Continental markets.
(1) Lenin
(2) Napoleon
(3) Mussolini
(4) Cavour

Answer: (2) Napoleon

Question 4. —– was known as the ‘workshop of the world 
(1) France
(2) USA
(3) England
(4) Germany

Answer: (2) England

Question 5. ——was the chief centre of the cotton industry.
(1) Lancashire
(2) Norfolk
(3) Birmingham
(4) Boston

Answer: (1) Lancashire

Question 6. The real beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Germany was only after her unification in
(1) 1868
(2) 1869
(3) 1870
(4) 1874

Answer: (3) 1870

Question 7. Kaiser William II was the emperor of 
(1) England
(2) Austria
(3) Italy
(4) Germany

Answer: (4) Germany

Question 8. After the opening of the Suez Canal in the  distance between China and Europe reduced considerably.
(1) 1865
(2) 1868
(3) 1869
(4) 1870

Answer: (3) 1869

Question 9. —– invented the telephone system.
(1) Samuel Morse
(2) Graham Bell
(3) Cyrus W. Field
(4) Marconi

Answer: (2) Graham Bell

Question 10. —– devised the system of using steam power to work machines.
(1) James Watt
(2) Samuel Crompton
(3) Richard Arkwright
(4) Jumes Hargreaves

Answer: (1) James Watt

Question 11. The founder of International Working Men’s Association was 
(1) Stalin
(2) Lenin
(3) Karl Marx
(4) Louis Blanc

Answer: (3) Karl Marx

Question 12. The famous Communist Manifesto was first published in 
(1) 1830
(2) 1848
(3) 1849
(4) 1850

Answer: (2) 1848

Question 13. The —– is regarded as the ‘Bible of Socialism’.
(1) Das Capital
(2) Communist Manifesto
(3) Mein Kamph
(4) Utopia

Answer: (1) Das Capital

Question 14. The dismemberment of —- by the foreign powers is commonly known as ‘the cutting of the Chinese melon’.
(1) Japan
(2) Africa
(3) China
(4) Indo-China

Answer: (3) China

Question 15. —– was an important cause of the First World War.
(1) Communism
(2) Communalism
(3) Imperialism
(4) Colonialism

Answer: (3) Imperialism

Question 16. The First World War ended in
(1) 1918
(2) 1919
(3) 1920
(4) 1921

Answer: (1) 1918

Question 17. The ‘Grand Consolidated National Union’ was formed under the leadership of
(1) Robert Owen
(2) Wilfred Owen
(3) Karl Marx
(4) Frederich Engels

Answer: (1) Robert Owen

Question 18. The Treaty of Nanking was signed between Britain and 
(1) Japan
(2) Russia
(3) China
(4) France

Answer:(3) China

Question 19. The Treaty of Tienstion was signed in
(1) 1860
(2) 1861
(3) 1862
(4) 1863

Answer: (2)1861

Question 20. Ethiopia was formally annexed to Italy in 
(1) 1900
(2) 1919
(3) 1936
(4) 1946

Answer: (3)1936

Question 1. The Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey was 
(1) Mir Jafar
(2) Mir Kasim
(3) Siraj-ud-daula
(4) Alivardi Khan

Answer: (3) Siraj-ud-daula

Question 22. The Entente Cordiale was signed in 
(1) 1904
(2) 1906
(3) 1908
(4) 1910

Answer: (1) 1904

Question 23. The first Balkan War came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of
(1) London
(2) Peking
(3) Shimonoseki
(4) Nanking

Answer: (1) London

Question 24. —- is called the ‘Dark Continent’.
(1) America
(2) Africa
(3) Austrialia
(4) Asia

Answer: (2) Africa

Question 25. The English General in the Battle of Plassey was 
(1) Arthur Wellesley
(2) Vansittart
(3) Robert Clive
(4) Lord Cornwallis

Answer: (3) Robert Clive

Question 26. The direct cause of the First World War was
(1) Serajevo murder
(2) Morocco crisis
(3) Agadir crisis
(4) Balkan crisis

Answer: (1) Serajevo murder

Question 27. The —- established their colony in Angola.
(1) Portuguese
(2) British
(3) French
(4) Dutch

Answer: (1) Portuguese

Question 28. —- wanted to abolish private ownership of property.
(1) Harry Truman
(2) Louis XVIII
(3) Proudhon
(4) George Marshall

Answer: (3) Proudhon

Question 29. Russia imposed the Treaty of San Stephano on
(1) France
(2) Turkey
(3) China
(4) Japan

Answer: (2) Turkey

Question 30. The year of the ‘Peterloo Massacre’ was 
(1) 1800
(2) 1812
(3) 1819
(4) 1820

Answer: (3) 1819

Question 31. The members of the Triple Alliance were
(1) England, France, Britain
(2) England, France, Russia
(3) Germany, Austria, Italy
(4) Germany, Austria, France

Answer: (3) Germany, Austria, Italy

Question 32. The members of the Triple Entente were 
(1) England, France, Germany
(2) England, France, Spain
(3) England, France, Russia
(4) England, France, Italy

Answer: (3) England, France, Russia

Question 33. Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the heir to the
(1) Serbian throne
(2) Austrian throne
(3) Spanish throne
(4) German throne

Answer: (2) Austrian throne

Question 34. Narvilo Princep was a member of the 
(1) Triple Alliance
(2) ‘Black Hand’ terrorist organisation
(3) International Working Men’s Association
(4) Communist Party

Answer: (2) ‘Black Hand’ terrorist organisation

Question 35. Invention first appeared in the
(1) cotton industry
(2) jute industry
(3) tea industry
(4) silk industry

Answer: (1) cotton industry

Question 36. James Davy invented the
(1) Spinning Jenny
(2) Safety Lamp
(3) Water Frame
(4) Flying Shuttle

Answer: (2) Safety Lamp

Question 37. Socialism is a political, economic and philosophical doctrine opposed to
(1) Capitalism
(2) Communism
(3) Nationalism
(4) Communalism

Answer: (1) Capitalism

Question 38. David Livingstone, the famous European explorer’ had been to
(1) Africa
(2) Asia
(3) America
(4) Antarctica

Answer: (1) Africa

Question 39. Ethiopia is a country in
(1) Asia
(2) America
(3) Europe
(4) Africa

Answer: (4) Africa

Question 40. Industrial Revolution led to the growth of 
(1) Communalism
(2) Communism
(3) Imperialism
(4) Terrorism

Answer: (3) Imperialism

Question 41. Serfdom was abolished in Russia in 
(1) 1815
(2) 1823
(3) 1851
(4) 1861

Answer: (4) 1861

Question 42. Flying Shuttle was discovered by 
(1) John Kay
(2) Crompton
(3) James Watt
(4) Hargreaves

Answer: (1) John Kay

Question 43. In which country did the ‘Luddite Riot’ break out?
(1) Russia
(2) England
(3) Greece
(4) France

Answer: (2) England

Question 44. ‘March of the planeteers started from 
(1) Manchester
(2) Paris
(3) Peking
(4) Berlin

Answer: (1) Manchester

Question 45. The Fourth Anglo-Mysore war was fought in 
(1) 1899
(2) 1799
(3) 1699
(4) 1599

Answer: (1) 1899

Question 46. Which country started the digging of the Suez Canal through Egypt?
(1) Turkey
(2) England
(3) Russia
(4) France

Answer: (4) France

Question 47. The Open Door Policy was issued by
(1) Sir John Hay
(2) Clement Attlee
(3) Kingsford
(4) Mac Arthur

Answer: (1) Sir John Hay

Question 48. Who was the author of ‘Imperialism, the highest stage of Capitalism’?
(1) Louis Blanc
(2) V. I. Lenin
(3) Karl Marx
(4) Engels

Answer: (2) V. I. Lenin

Question 49. The monopoly of East India Company’s ade with India was abolished by the Charter Act of
(1) 1853
(2) 1833
(3) 1813
(4) 1823

Answer: (3) 1813

Question 50. The “Three Emperors’ League” was a compromise made in
(1) 1873
(2) 1815
(3) 1833
(4) 1820
Answer: (1) 1873

Question 51. The word ‘Socialism’ was first introduced by
(1) Charles Fourier
(2) Saint Simon
(3) Robert Owen
(4) Arnold Toynbee

Answer: (3) Robert Owen

Question 52. The First Opium War was fought between England and
(1) China
(2) France
(3) Russia
(4) Italy

Answer: (1) China

Question 53. The book ‘New View of Society’ was written by
(1) Hobson
(2) Charles Fourier
(3) Robert
(4) Louis Blanc

Answer: (3) Robert

Question 54. The book ‘Das Capital’ was published in 
(1) 1857
(2) 1867
(3) 1877
(4) 1897

Answer: (2) 1867

Question 55. In which year was the ‘Open Door Policy’ issued?
(1) 1869
(2) 1867
(3) 1899
(4) 1889

Answer: (3) 1899

Question 56. Bismarck was the Chancellor of 
(1) France
(2) Germany
(3) Britain
(4) Italy

Answer: (4) Italy

Question 57. The book ‘Organisation of Labour’ was composed by 
(1) Arnold Toynbee
(2) Louis Blanc
(3) Hobson
(4) Karl Marx

Answer: (2) Louis Blanc

Question 58. The country which established dominance over the Shangtung region was
(1) Germany
(2) Russia
(3) France
(3) England

Answer: (1) Germany

Question 59. The condition which is essential for industrialisation is 
(1) sufficient capital.
(2) sufficient rainfall.
(3) strict government policy.
(4) common lands.

Answer: (1) sufficient capital.

Question 60. The countries which rushed to establish colonies in Africa were 
(1) Russia, Netherlands, Hungary.
(2) Great Britain, Germany, France.
(3) Japan, Burma, Ceylon.
(4) Burma, Switzerland, Netherlands.

Answer: (2) Great Britain, Germany, France.

Question 61. The Industrial Revolution started late in France due to 
(1) July Revolution of 1830.
(2) February Revolution of 1848.
(3) Aristocratic Revolt in France.
(4) French Revolution of 1789.

Answer: (1) July Revolution of 1830.

Question 62. One of the first men to improve the condition of the workers in industries was
(1) Robert Owen.
(2) Karl Marx.
(3) Friedrich Engels.
(4) Charles Fourier.

Answer: (1) Robert Owen.

Question 63. The Industrial Revolution signalled
(1) The end of the ancient period.
(2) The end of the medieval period.
(3) The end of the an age as also the birth of a new age.
(4) The end of the an age as also the birth of modern age.

Answer: (4) The end of the an age as also the birth of modern age.

Question 64. The course of European history in eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was altered by
(1) The Industrial Revolution and the agricultural revolution.
(2) The Industrial Revolution and the Russian revolution.
(3) The Industrial Revolution and the French revolution.
(4) The French revolution and the Russian revolution.

Answer: (3) The Industrial Revolution and the French revolution.

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism MCQs

Question 1. Napoleon’s greatest enemy was
(1) Austria
(2) England
(3) Prussia
(4) Russia

Answer:  (2) England

Question 2. The ‘Child of the French Revolution was
(1) Charles IV
(2) Napoleon
(3) Arthur Wellesley
(4) Louis XVI

Answer:  (2) Napoleon

Question 3. Napoleon invaded Milan in
(1) 1795
(2) 1796
(3) 1797
(4) 1798

Answer:  (2) 1796

Question 4. The currency system in France was reformed by
(1) Louis XVI
(2) Louis XVIII
(3) Napoleon
(4) Calonne

Answer:  (3) Napoleon

Question 5. Conferring of the Legion of Honour on men of eminence was an important reform introduced by
(1) Montesquieu
(2) Voltaire
(3) Napoleon
(4) Charles II

Answer:  (3) Napoleon.

Question 6. The number of departments into which Napoleon divided France was
(1) 80
(2) 82
(3) 83
(4) 93

Answer:  (3) 83

Question 7. Napoleon, by the Concordat of 1801, solved the question of conflict between
(1) The First Estate and the Third Estate
(2) The French Government and the army
(3) The French Government and the clergy
(4) The French Government and the Pope

Answer:  (4) The French Government and the Pope

Question 8. The greatest achievement of Napoleon’s financial system was the foundation of the
(1) Heavy Industries
(2) Rationing system
(3) Bank of France
(4) Employment exchange

Answer:  (3) Bank of France

Question 9. After the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was sent to
(1) Elba
(2) Sparta
(3) St Helena
(4) Corsica

Answer:  (3) St Helena

Question 10. In the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was defeated by
(1) Nelson
(2) Talleyrand
(3) Alexander II
(4) Duke of Wellington

Answer:  (4) Duke of Wellington

Question 11. In 1804 the legal veil of republicanism was dropped and
(1) Dictatorship was established in France.
(2) Monarchy was established in France.
(3) Democracy was established in France.
(4) Kingship was established in France.

Answer:  (1) Dictatorship was established in France.

Question 12. The Code Napoleon incorporated the noble principles of the French Revolution such as 
(1) Banning of trade unions.
(2) Equality before the law.
(3) Abolition of private property.
(4) Censorship of the press.

Answer:  (2) Equality before the law.

Question 13. The Continental System imposed by Napoleon intended to 
(1) Bring Russia under control.
(2) Bring Austria under control.
(3) Bring England under control.
(4) Bring Spain under control.

Answer:  (3)Bring England under control.

Question 14. Napoleon’s Moscow expedition failed because of 
(1) Natural features and climatic conditions.
(2) Shortage of arms and weapons.
(3) Revolt by Napoleon’s soldiers.
(4) Lack of adequate preparation for war.

Answer:  (1) Natural features and climatic conditions.

Question 15. One of the causes of the downfall of the Napoleonic empire was 
(1) Military weakness
(2) Financial weakness
(3) Built on military force and not on the consent of the people
(4) Vast extent

Answer:  (3) Built on military force and not on the consent of the people

Question 16. Napoleon was influenced by contemporary philosophers like 
(1) Karl Marx
(2) Rousseau
(3) Engels
(4) Thomas Paine

Answer:  (2) Rousseau

Question 17. Napoleon denied, one of the major ideals of the French Revolution
(1) Fundamental rights
(2) Liberty
(3) Equality
(4) Fraternity

Answer:  (2) Liberty

Question 18. Declared a counter blockade against the Berlin Decree known as Orders-in-Council
(1) Italy
(2) Germany
(3) Russia
(4) England

Answer:  (4) England

Question 19. The ‘Spanish Ulcer’ ruined
(1) Arthur Wellesley
(2) Nelson
(3) Duke of Wellington
(4) Napoleon

Answer:  (4) Napoleon

Question 20. The Moscow Expedition of the soldiers failed.
(1) British
(2) Germans
(3) Italian
(4) French

Answer:  (4) French

Question 21. Introduced the doctrine of career open to talent.
(1) Louis XVI
(2) Louis XVIII
(3) Napoleon
(4) Pope

Answer:  (3) Napoleon

 

Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century: Conflict Of Nationalist Andmonarchial Ideas MCQs

Question 1. After the fall of Napoleon, European statesmen assembled at a conference at the Austrian capital.
(1) Berlin
(2) Vienna
(3) Naples
(4) None of the above

Answer: (4) Vienna

Question 2. At the Congress of Vienna, Prussia was represented by.
(1) Castlereagh
(2) Frederick William
(3) Hardenburg
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Hardenburg

Question 3. In accordance with the principle of legitimacy, the —- dynasty was reestablished in France.
(1) Hohenzollern
(2) Bourbon
(3) Stuart
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Bourbon

Question 4. The Second French Empire was founded by.
(1) Louis Napoleon
(2) Napoleon Bonaparte
(3) Louis XVI
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (1) Louis Napoleon

Question 5. The Second French empire was founded in.
(1) 1851
(2) 1852
(3) 1853
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (2) 1852

Question 6. The leader of the July Revolution was.
(1) Guizot
(2) Polignac
(3) Thiers
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Thiers

Question 7. The first stage in the unification of Germany was the creation of.
(1) Zollverein
(2) Philiki
(3) Hetaira
(4) Carbonari

Answer: (1) Zollverein

Question 8. In —- the German nationalists convened a Parliament called Frankfurt Parliament.
(1) 1848
(2) 1849
(3) 1850
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) 1848

Question 9. Congress of Vienna was held in
(1) 1814
(2) 1815
(3) 1816
(4) 1817

Answer: (2) 1815

Question 10. —- was appointed by Charles X as his minister
(1) Theirs
(2) Polignac
(3) Guizot
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (3) Guizot

Question 11. The Emancipation Statute was passed by ——- of Russia.
(1) Alexander
(2) Alexander II
(3) Nicholas I
(3) None of the above

Answer: (1) Alexander II

Question 12. England and France participated directly in the Crimean War in support of
(1) Egypt
(2) Greece
(3) Turkey
(3) None of the above

Answer: (3) Turkey

Question 13. The Crimean War came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of
(1) Adrianople
(2) Versailles
(3) Paris
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Paris

Question 14. The Balkan means the hilly area between the Aegean Sea and the
(1) Danube
(2) Adriatic
(3) Mediterranean Sea
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Danube

Question 15. —– included vast areas of Africa and Europe and was known as the Ottoman Empire.
(1) Greece
(2) Turkey
(3) Austria
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Turkey

Question 16. In 1821, the people of Greece revolted against
(1) Russia
(2) Turkey
(3) France
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Turkey

Question 17. The Treaty of Adrianople was signed in
(1) 1829
(2) 1830
(3) 1840
(4) None of the above

Answer: (4) 1829

Question 18. According to the Principle of Legitimacy, the dominance of —- over Germany was revived.
(1) France
(2) Austria
(3) Italy
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Austria

Question 19. In accordance with the Principle of Legitimacy, the House of Orange was restored in.
(1) France
(2) Sardinia
(3) Germany
(4) Holland

Answer: (4) Holland

Question 20. The Greek people, under the —- rule, began their national liberation movement.
(1) French
(2) British
(3) Spanish
(4) Turkish

Answer: (4) Turkish

Question 21. —- gave a call to the people of France to resist the illegal activities of the French Government.
(1) Guizot
(2) Polignac
(3) Theirs
(4) Louis Blanc

Answer: (3) Theirs

Question 22. In the Vienna note, Russian guardianship over the Greek Orthodox Church in — was admitted.
(1) France
(2) Britain
(3) Turkey
(4) Sardinia

Answer: (3) Turkey

Question 23. Louis Philippe came to the throne of France in —-
(1) 1830
(2) 1836
(3) 1840
(4) 1848

Answer: (1) 1830

Question 24. The year —- is known as the ‘Year of Revolution’.
(1) 1830
(2) 1848
(3) 1856
(4) 1864

Answer: (2) 1848

Question 25. Before the unification of Italy, Naples & Sicily in South Italy were ruled by the dynasty.
(1) Savoy
(2) Hapsburg
(3) Orleans
(4) Bourbon

Answer: (4) Bourbon

Question 26. In 1848, Metternich’s residence was attacked and he took shelter in 
(1) France
(2) Italy
(3) England
(4) Russia

Answer: (3) England

Question 27. The Treaty of Prague was signed in —
(1) 1865
(2) 1866
(3) 1867
(4) 1868

Answer: (2) 1866

Question 28. —- was the editor of the periodical ‘Risorgimento’.
(1) Cavour
(2) Garibaldi
(3) Mazzini
(4) Viota Emmanuel

Answer: (1) Cavour

Question 29. Louis Philippe, the ruler of France, abdicated to
(1) Prussia
(2) France
(3) England
(4) Russia

Answer: (3) England

Question 30. In 1860 some states of Central Italy like Perma, Modena, and Tuscany expressed their desire to join
(1) France
(2) Piedmonardinia
(3) Westphalia
(4) Montenegro

Answer: (2) Piedmonardinia

Question 31. —- after the Vienna Congress was reduced to a mere geographical expression.
(1) Italy
(2) France
(3) Germany
(4) England

Answer: (1) Italy

Question 32. A united and independent Italy was born in
(1) 1860
(2) 1865
(3) 1870
(4) 1872

Answer: (3) 1870

Question 33. Under the rule of ——— the Germans became acquainted with democratic and nationalist ideas
(1) Metternich
(2) Cavour
(3) Napoleon
(4) Bismarck

Answer: (3) Napoleon

Question 34. During the French Revolution France. was divided into —— states.
(1) 300
(2) 400
(3) 500
(4) 600

Answer: (1) 300

Question 35. The Confederation of the Rhine was inaugurated by
(1) Louis Philippe
(2) Cavour
(3) Napoleon
(4) Mazzini

Answer: (3) Napoleon

Question 36. The Treaty of Paris brought an end to the — War.
(1) Crimean
(2) First World
(3) Austro – Prussian
(4) Russo – Turkish

Answer: (1) Crimean

Question 37. The Congress of Vienna was held in the year
(1) 1814
(2) 1815
(3) 1816
(4) 1817

Answer: (2) 1815

Question 38. The most important person in the Vienna settlement was
(1) Lafayette
(2) Louis Philippe
(3) Metternich
(4) St. Simon

Answer: (3) Metternich

Question 39. The July Revolution broke out in
(1) 1820
(2) 1830
(3) 1840
(4) 1850

Answer: (3) 1840

Question 40. Garibaldi’s men were called
(1) Red Shirts
(2) Black Shirts
(3) Brown Shirts
(4) Blue Shits

Answer: (1) Red Shirts

Question 41. The foundation of the Second French Republic was laid in
(1) 1830
(2) 1848
(3) 1858
(4) none of the above

Answer: (2) 1848

Question 42. The February Revolution broke out in France against the autocracy of
(1) Napoleon III
(2) Metternich
(3) Louis Philippe
(4) Napoleon

Answer: (3) Louis Philippe

Question 43. Napoleon III was the ruler of
(1) Piedmont-Sardinia
(2) France
(3) Germany
(4) Austria

Answer: (2) France

Question 44. Phalke Hetaira was a secret society of
(1) Germany
(2) Turkey
(3) Italy
(4) Greece

Answer: (4) Greece

45. Carbonari was a secret society of
(1) Italy
(2) Russia
(3) France
(4) Austria

Answer: (1) Italy

Question 46. The Battle of Sadowa was fought in 
(1) 1856
(2) 1876
(3) 1866
(4) 1896

Answer: (3) 1866

Question 47. The Battle of Sedan was fought in
(1) 1856
(2) 1866
(3) 1870
(4) 1872

Answer: (3) 1870

Question 48. The Battle of Sadowa was fought between
(1) Austria and Prussia
(2) Austria and Russia
(3) Austria and Germany
(4) Austria and Italy

Answer: (1) Austria and Prussia

Question 49. The Battle of Sedan was fought between
(1) Austria and Prussia
(2) Russia and Prussia
(3) England and Prussia
(4) France and Prussia

Answer: (4) France and Prussia

Question 50. Nicholas, I was the ruler of
(1) Austria
(2) Russia
(3) Italy
(4) Prussia

Answer: (2) Russia

Question 51. Moldavia and Wallachia were invaded by 
(1) Britain
(2) Italy
(3) Russia
(4) Germany

Answer: (3) Russia

Question 52. How many wars did Bismarck fight to unify Germany?
(1) Three
(2) Four
(3) Five
(4) Six

Answer: (1) Three

Question 53. The King of France during the July Revolution was
(1) Napoleon
(2) Charles X
(3) Louis XVI
(4) Louis Philippe

Answer: (1) Napoleon

Question 54. The King of France during the February Revolution was
(1) Charles X
(2) Napoleon Bonaparte
(3) Louis Napoleon
(4) Louis Philippe

Answer: (2) Napoleon Bonaparte

Question 55. Garibaldi, a great patriot of Italy, occupied
(1) Sicily and Naples
(2) Venetia
(3) Rome
(4) Austria

Answer: (1) Sicily and Naples

Question 56. The sick man of Europe was
(1) France
(2) Greece
(3) Italy
(4) Turkey

Answer: (4) Turkey

Question 57. In the famous Vienna Note, Russia was asked to withdraw her claims in
(1) Egypt
(2) Turkey
(3) Italy
(4) France

Answer: (2) Turkey

Question 58. Before unification, Central Italy was ruled by
(1) Austria
(2) King of Naples
(3) Pope
(4) France

Answer: (3) Pope

Question 59. Bismarck successfully waged war against Denmark in 
(1) 1862
(2) 1861
(3) 1864
(4) 1868

Answer: (3) 1864

Question 60. The main function of the Frankfurt Parliament was to frame a constitution for 
(1) Italy
(2) Germany
(3) France
(4) Russia

Answer: (2) Germany

Question 61. According to the decisions of the Frankfurt Parliament, the crown of a united Germany was offered to
(1) Alexander I
(2) Francis II
(3) Frederick William
(4) Louis Philippe

Answer: (3) Frederick William

Question 62. The decision of the leaders of the Vienna Congress was to divide Poland into
(1) One division
(2) Three divisions
(3) Two divisions
(4) Four divisions

Answer: (2) Three divisions

Question 63. In 1860, the Red Shirts under the leadership of Garibaldi went to
(1) Sicily
(2) Lombardy
(3) Tuscany
(4) Modena

Answer: (1) Sicily

Question 64. Polignac was appointed minister by
(1) Charles X
(2) Louis Philippe
(3) Napoleon
(4) Francis II

Answer: (1) Charles X

Question 65. The book ‘Organisation of labor’ was written by 
(1) Louis Blanc
(2) Guizot
(3) St. Simon
(4) Thiers

Answer: (1) Louis Blanc

Question 66. The Crimean War was fought by
(1) England and France against Russia.
(2) England and France against Austria.
(3) England and France against Italy.
(4) England and France against Germany.

Answer: (1) England and France against Russia.

Question 67. The principle which was devised in the  Congress of Vienna was 
(1) The principle of the social contract.
(2) The principle of separation of powers.
(3) The principle of legitimacy.
(4) The Monroe Doctrine.

Answer: (3) The principle of legitimacy.

Question 68. In Italy, a secret society ‘The Carbonari’ was established which wanted to
(1) Spread nationalist movement elsewhere in Europe.
(2) Unite Italy into a single state.
(3) Express discontent against the existing system.
(4) Create terror among the Austrians.

Answer: (2) Unite Italy into a single state.

Question 69. The Battle of Sadowa brought forth an important change which was
(1) The political center of central Europe shifted from Vienna to Berlin.
(2) The relationship between Prussia and France became bitter.
(3) Prussia and Spain came under the rule of the same dynasty.
(4) Victory in the battle greatly enhanced Prussia’s international prestige.

Answer: (1) The political center of central Europe shifted from Vienna to Berlin.

Question 70. The chief and decisive event of the Crimean War was the 
(1) Russian invasion of Moldavia.
(2) Death of Czar Nicholas I.
(3) The famous Vienna Note where Russian guardianship over the Greek Orthodox church in Turkey was admitted.
(4) Seige of Sebastopol.

Answer: (4) Seige of Sebastopol.

Question 71. After the fall of Napoleon and in accordance with the decision of the Vienna Congress
(1) Dictatorship was reinstated in France.
(2) Monarchy was restored in France.
(3) Democracy was restored in France.
(4) Republicanism was reinstated in France.

Answer: (2) Monarchy was restored in France.

Question 72. Before unification, Piedmont and the island of Sardinia were ruled by
(1) An Italian king in the north.
(2) A French king.
(3) Pope who was the head of the church
(4) Argentinian dictator Juan de Rosas.

Answer: (1) An Italian king in the north.

Question 73. After the Vienna settlement, Germany emerged as 
(1) The supreme power in Central Europe.
(2) A loose confederation of 39 states.
(3) The staunchest enemy of France.
(4) A stronger power than before.

Answer: (2) A loose confederation of 39 states.

Question 74. After the July Revolution in France in 1830
(1) Dictatorship was established in France.
(2) Democracy was established in France.
(3) Constitutional monarchy was established in France.
(4) Kingship was established in France.

Answer: (3) Constitutional monarchy was established in France.

Question 75. The leaders who took the most important part in defeating Napoleon met in Vienna to
(1) Reconstruct the political map of Europe.
(2) To establish a democratic Government in France.
(3) To liberate Italy from the hands of Austria.
(4) To establish a popular Government in Germany.

Answer: (1) Reconstruct the political map of Europe.

 

Chapter 1 Some Aspects of the French Revolution MCQs

Question 1. The burden of the financial activities of the state during the ‘ancient regime’ was borne by
(1) The king alone
(2) Nobles only
(3) Third estate alone
(4) Church alone

Answer: (3) Third estate alone

Question 2. France was defeated in the War of
(1) American Independence
(2) Austrian succession
(3) World War I
(4) World War II

Answer: (2) Austrian succession

Question 3. In 1774, Louis XVI of the Bourbon family ascended the throne of
(1) Germany
(2) Italy
(3) France
(4) Britain

Answer: (3) France

Question 4. The session of the States-General was summoned in 1789 in
(1) Berlin
(2) New York
(3) London
(4) Versailles

Answer: (4) Versailles

Question 5. Which one of the following refers to the political body representing the three estates of pre-revolutionary France?
(1) Reichstag
(2) Provincial Assembly
(3) States-General
(4) National Assembly

Answer: (3) States-General

Question 6. The Constitution of 1791 vested the power of making laws in the
(1) Lok Sabha
(2) Provincial Assembly
(3) General Assembly
(4) National Assembly

Answer: (4) National Assembly

Question 7. The Constitution of 1789 began with a Declaration of the Rights of 
(1) Women and Citizen
(2) Sans culottes
(3) Aristocrats
(4) Man and Citizen

Answer: (1) Man and Citizen

Question 8. The New Assembly elected in 1792 by general franchise came to be known as the 
(1) Constituent Assembly
(2) Legislative Assembly
(3) Local Council
(5) National Convention

Answer: (4) National Convention

Question 9. One very important reform introduced by the Jacobin regime was the abolition of
(1) Monarchy
(2) Slavery in French colonies
(3) Dictatorship
(4) Feudalism

Answer: (2) Slavery in French colonies

Question 10. Marie Antoinette, the queen of Louis XVI, was guillotined in 
(1) 1793
(2) 1795
(3) 1796
(4) 1801

Answer: (1) 1793

Question 11. Louis XVI was sentenced to death by a court on the charge of
(1) Murder
(2) Treason
(3) Plundering
(4) Wasting money

Answer: (2) Treason

Question 12. European coalition was formed against France by 
(1) Holland, Prussia, Austria, Britain
(2) Holland, Prussia, Russia, Britain
(3) Holland, Prussia, Austria, America
(4) Holland, Prussia, Austria, Italy

Answer: (1) Holland, Prussia, Austria, Britain

Question 13. The ideas of democratic rights and liberty were the most important legacy of the 
(1) Glorious Revolution
(2) Russian Revolution
(3) French Revolution
(4) Industrial Revolution

Answer: (3) French Revolution

Question 14. One of the directors of the Directory was 
(1) Abbe Sieyes
(2) Necker
(3) Napoleon
(4) Marat

Answer: (1) Abbe Sieyes

Question 15. The First Consul bestowed with administrative powers was 
(1) Mirabeau
(2) Calonne
(3) Napoleon
(4) Quesnay

Answer: (3) Napoleon

Question 16. The French Revolution broke out in 1789 because of 
(1) The excesses of King Louis XVI.
(2) Social causes.
(3) Economic causes.
(4) A combination of social, Economic, Political And Intellectual Causes.

Answer: (4) A combination of social, economic, political and intellectual causes.

Question 17. The aristocrats of France revolted because
(1) The privilege of not paying any tax was taken away.
(2) They were not allowed to speak in the States-General.
(3) They were not appointed to high posts.
(4) They were influenced by French philosophers.

Answer: (1) the privilege of not paying any tax was taken away.

Question 18. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen stated that
(1) Passive citizens have the right to vote.
(2) Liberty is an inalienable birthright of a citizen.
(3) Active citizens alone could elect representatives.
(4) The King’s landed properties were to be taken away.

Answer: (2) Liberty is an inalienable birthright of a citizen.

Question 19. By the Civil Constitution of the Clergy
(1) The French Christian Church was brought under secular control.
(2) The French Christian Church came to be controlled by the king only.
(3) The French Christian Church came to be controlled by the people of France.
(4) The French Christian Church came to be controlled by priests only.

Answer: (1) The French Christian Church was brought under secular control.

Question 20. France lost her status as an international power in the 18th century because of
(1) The immense loss of men and money.
(2) Defeats in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War.
(3) An empty treasury.
(4) The introduction of the Reign of Terror.

Answer: (2) Defeats in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War.

Question 21. The three leaders of the Reign of Terror who together came to be called the Revolutionary Triumvirate were 
(1) Robespierre, Georges Couthon and Jean Paul Marat
(2) Robespierre, Georges Couthon and Saint- Just
(3) Robespierre, Abbe Sieyes and Saint Just
(4) Robespierre, Saint Just and Denis Diderot

Answer: (2) Robespierre, Georges Couthon and Saint-Just

Question 22. The ‘ancient regime’ was based on a social structure.
(1) Ancient
(2) Medieval
(3) Modern
(4) None of the above.

Answer:(2) Medieval

Question 23. The French monarchs were believers in 
(1) Divine Right of kingship
(2) Democracy
(3) Dictatorship
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Divine Right of kingship

Question 24. Those who were supporters of the king were known as 
(1) Girondins
(2) Royalists
(3) Monarchists
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Royalists

Question 25. The French Revolution in its first phase was started by the 
(1) Third Estate
(2) Aristocracy
(3) Bourgeoisie
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Aristocracy

Question 26. The States General in France met on 5 May 1789 after a long lapse of – years.
(1) 174
(2) 179
(3) 196
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (1) 174

Question 27. Remarked, “Man is born free but everywhere he is bound by chains.”
(1) Voltaire
(2) Rousseau
(3) Montesquieu
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (2) Rousseau

Question 28. The tithe was a tax on
(1) Religion
(2) Property
(3) Salt
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (1) Religion

Question 29. The Tennis Court Oath was taken in
(1) 1788
(2) 1789
(3) 1790
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) 1789

Question 30. One of the leaders associated with the task of drafting the Constitution of 1791 was 
(1) Louis XVI
(2) Talleyrand
(3) Montesquieu
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Talleyrand

Question 31. Hibbert was an important leader of the
(1) Jacobins
(2) Girondins
(3) Centre Party
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Jacobins

Question 32. Tipu Sultan was the founder member of the Jacobin club that showed allegiance to the 
(1) French
(2) English
(3) Portuguese
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (1) French

Question 33. The was enforced to check the soaring prices of goods.
(1) Law of Suspects
(2) Law of Tribunal
(3) Law of Maximum
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Law of Maximum

Question 34. The September Massacre continued from 2 September to 6 September
(1) 1792
(2) 1793
(3) 1794
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) 1792

Question 35. With the execution of, the Reign of Terror came to an end.
(1) Louis XVI
(2) Robespierre
(3) Napoleon
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (2) Robespierre

Question 36. The incident of the execution of his associates which brought an end to the Reign of Terror came to be known as the Thermidorian Reaction.
(1) Louis XVI
(2) Marie Antoinette
(3) Robespierre
(4) None of the above

Answer: (3) Robespierre

Question 37. France was under Directory rule from
(1) 1795 – 1799
(2) 1798 – 1799
(3) 1799 – 1804
(4) None of the above

Answer:  (1) 1795 – 1799

Question 38. The Directory had
(1) 3
(2) 4
(3) 5
(d) None of these

Answer: (3)  5

Question 39. Among the Directors of France, was the most famous.
(1) Carnot
(2) Pache
(3) Dumoureiz
(4) None of the above.

Answer: (1) Carnot

Question 40. The French Government was divided into departments to streamline the administration.
(1) 80
(2) 82
(3) 83
(4)None of the above

Answer: (3) 83

Question 41) By military coup seized the administrative power of France in
(1)Louis XIV
(2)Robespierre
(3)Napoleon
(4)None of the above

Answer:(3) Napoleon

 

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation MCQs

Question 1. The League of Nations was formed after
(1) First World War
(2) Second World War
(3) First Balkan War
(4) Second Balkan War

Answer: (1) First World War

Question 2. President Wilson belonged to
(1) France
(2) U.S.A
(3) Germany
(4) Italy

Answer: (2) U.S.A

Question 3. Which of the following personalities was active in the establishment of the League of Nations?
(1) Woodrow Wilson
(2) Lloyd George
(3) Clemenceau
(4) Orlando

Answer: (1) Woodrow Wilson

Question 4. The country which did not join the League of Nations was
(1) Germany
(2) Britain
(3) America
(4) Spain

Answer: (3) America

Question 5. The session of the League of Nations was held in a year.
(1) Once
(2) Twice
(3) Thrice
(4) Weekly

Answer: (1) Once

Question 6. The executive body of the League of Nations was called
(1) Security Council
(2) Secretariat
(3) Executive Board
(4) Board of Directors

Answer: (1) Security Council

Question 7. The U.N.O. was founded on
(1) 24 October 1945
(2) 29 October 1946
(3) 24 October 1947
(4) 25 October 1946

Answer: (1) 24 October 1945

Question 8. The number of judges in the International Court of Justice is
(1) 15
(2) 16
(3) 17
(4) 18

Answer: (1) 15

Question 9. The highest officer of the Secretariat of the League of Nations was called
(1) Secretary General
(2) General Secretary
(3) Chairman
(4) Collector

Answer: (1) Secretary General

Question 10. The temporary members of the Security Council are elected for
(1) 2 years
(2) 3 years
(3) 4 years
(4) 5 years

Answer: (1) 2 years.

Question 11. The full form of ILO is
(1) Internal Labour Organisation
(2) International Labour Organisation
(3) International Lawyers’ Organisation
(4) Internal Labour Office

Answer: (2) International Labour Organisation

Question 12. U.N.O was established after
(1) Russo-Japanese war
(2) First World War
(3) Second World War
(4) The Battle of Waterloo

Answer: (3) Second World War

Question 13. Atlantic Charter was declared by
(1) Roosevelt and Churchill
(2) Churchill and Stalin
(3) Jawaharlal Nehru and Stalin
(4) None of the above

Answer: (1) Roosevelt and Churchill

Question 14. The UN Charter was ratified in 1945 by
(1) 25 nations
(2) 51 nations
(3) 33 nations
(4) 37 nations

Answer: (2) 51 nations

Question 15. Where and when was the UN Charter finalised and became effective?
(1) San Francisco, 24 October, 1945
(2) Paris, 5 March 1944
(3) Yalta, 2 February 1945
(4) None of these

Answer: (1) San Francisco, 24 October 1945

Question 16. Trygve Lie, the first Secretary General of U.N.O, was from
(1) U.S.A
(2) Korea
(3) Norway
(4) France

Answer: (3) Norway

Question 17. The term of office of a judge of the International Court of Justice is
(1) 6 years
(2) 7 years
(3) 8 years
(4) 9 years

Answer: (4) 9 years

Question 18. The number of principal organs of the United Nations is
(1) 6
(2) 5
(3) 4
(4) 3

Answer: (1) 6

Question 19. The headquarters of the International Court of Justice are at
(1) Rome
(2) Vienna
(3) Hague
(4) None of these

Answer: (3) Hague

Question 20. The following is not associated with the UN
(1) ILO
(2) WHO
(3) ASEAN (Associations for South East Asian Nations)
(4) All of the above

Answer: (3) ASEAN (Associations for South East Asian Nations)

Question 21. Which of the following is not a chief organ of the U.N.O?
(1) International Labour Organisation
(2) Security Council
(3) International Court of Justice
(4) General Assembly

Answer: (1) International Labour Organisation

Question 22. The League of Nations was established to
(1) Solve the problems of the vanquished nations.
(2) Maintain peace and order in the world in future.
(3) Bring back peace temporarily.
(4) Solve the internal problems of the victorious powers.

Answer: (2) Maintain peace and order in the world in future.

Question 23. The number of permanent members of the League of Nations remained only four because
(1) The U.S.A. resigned its membership of the League.
(2) The U.S.A. did not accept the membership of the League.
(3) Germany was not accepted as a member of the League.
(4) Italy resigned its membership of the League.

Answer: (2) The U.S.A. did not accept the membership of the League.

Question 24. The International Court of Justice is
(1) The judicial organ of the U.N.O.
(2) The chief executive body of the U.N.O.
(3) General body of the labour organisation.
(4) The executive body of the League of Nations.

Answer: (1) The judicial organ of the U.N.O.

Question 25. The League of Nations was a part of the
(1) Treaty of Berlin.
(2) Treaty of San Stephano.
(3) Treaty of London.
(4) Treaty of Versailles.

Answer: (4) Treaty of Versailles.

Question 26. The heart and brain of the U.N.O. is
(1) The UNESCO.
(2) Trusteeship Council.
(3) The Security Council.
(4) The General Assembly.

Answer: (3) The Security Council.

Question 27. The League of Nations was established by the
(1) US Senate approval.
(2) Provisions included in the Treaty of Versailles.
(3) Efforts of the German representative at the Paris Peace Conference.
(4) Communist Youth Movement.

Answer: (2) provisions included in the Treaty of Versailles.

Question 28. The heads of state who worked to establish the League of Nations were
(1) Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt.
(2) Clemenceau, Lloyd George and Wilson.
(3) Engels, Karl Marx and Stalin.
(4) Archduke Francis, Bismarck and Tsar Nicholas.

Answer: (2) Clemenceau, Lloyd George and Wilson.

Question 29. A major weakness of the League of Nations was that
(1) It was controlled by Third World countries.
(2) Neither Britain nor Germany were members.
(3) It was unable to apply military force.
(4) The League was dominated by the U.S.A. and the USSR.

Answer: (1) It was unable to apply military force.

Question 30. A major blow to the prestige of the League of Nations was
(1) Japan’s invasion of Manchuria.
(2) The murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand.
(3) German attack on France.
(4) German entry into a bilateral military alliance.

Answer: (1) Japan’s invasion of Manchuria.

Question 31. Which nation was a member of the League of Nations during its entire existence?
(1) Japan
(2) Germany
(3) France
(4) Russia

Answer: (3) France

Question 32. Which of the following is not associated with the organisation of the Leagu?
(1) A Secretariat.
(2) A World Bank.
(3) A court of international justice.
(4) An assembly.

Answer: (2) A World Bank.

Question 33. The main purpose of the League of Nations was to
(1) To ask for more reparation from Germany.
(2) To promote international cooperation.
(3) To provide security to the newly independent nations.
(4) Bring together the victorious nations.

Answer: (2) To promote international cooperation.

Question 34. Germany joined the League of Nations in
(1) In 1925.
(2) After the Second World War.
(3) Since its formation – Germany was an original member of the League.
(4) Germany never joined the League of Nations.

Answer: (1) In 1925.

Question 35. Of the following statements that best summarises the insertion of the. Treaty of Versailles is
(1) All nations that participated in World War I must be treated fairly by the treaty.
(2) The treaty must punish all the losers of war.
(3) The input of all nations participating in the First World War must be taken into account by the treaty.
(4) The treaty must be signed by all the victorious powers of World War I.

Answer: (2) The treaty must punish all the losers of war.

Question 36. Territorial expansion to provide living space for a ‘master race’ was used to justify actions taken by
(1) China before the Second World War.
(2) France immediately after the First World War.
(3) The Soviet Union in the late 1940s.
(4) Germany in the late 1930s.

Answer: (4) Germany in the late 1930s.

Question 37. Among President Wilson’s Fourteen Points was the proposal to
(1) Disarm all magic powers.
(2) Create an alliance with Germany.
(3) Form a League of Nations.
(4) Make Great Britain repay her war debts.

Answer: (3) Form a League of Nations.

Question 38. The main purpose of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points at the end of World War I was to
(1) Assist the leaders of Europe to gain additional territory at Germany’s expense.
(2) Gain reparations from Germany to help pay for the cost of war.
(3) Assure peace in future by not treating Germany as a vanquished nation.
(4) Divide Germany into several parts so that she would not be a threat in the future.

Answer: (3) Assure peace in future by not treating Germany as a vanquished nation.

Question 39. After the end of the First World War, a peace conference was convened in
(1) Germany
(2) Poland
(3) Russia
(4) Paris

Answer: (4) Paris

Question 40. The first session of the League of Nations was
(1) 1920
(2) 1921
(3) 1922
(4) 1923

Answer: (1) 1920

Question 41. Wilson made the Covenant of the League of Nations as an integral part of the Treaty of
(1) San Stephano
(2) Sevres
(3) Versailles
(4) Toplitz

Answer: (3) Versailles

Question 42. The Second World War began in
(1) 1937
(2) 1938
(3) 1939
(4) 1940

Answer: (3) 1939

Question 43. The Headquarters of the League of Nations was at
(1) Versailles
(2) Geneva
(3) Berlin
(3) Rome

Answer: (2) Geneva

Question 44. The U.N.O was founded in
(1) 1945
(2) 1946
(3) 1947
(4) 1938

Answer: (1) 1945

Question 45. The U.N.O was established in
(1) New York, U.S.A
(2) London, Britain
(3) Paris, France
(4) Rome, Italy

Answer: (1) New York, U.S.A

Question 46. The International Court of Justice was established in
(1) Hague
(2) London
(3) New York
(4) Rome

Answer: (1) Hague

Question 47. The Headquarter of UNICEF is in
(1) New York
(2) London
(3) Paris
(4) Berlin

Answer: (1) New York

Question 48. The General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General for years.
(1) 4
(2) 5
(3) 6
(4) 7

Answer: (2) 5

Question 49. The UN Secretary-General heads of the U.N.O.
(1) General Assembly
(2) Security Council
(3) Economic & Social Council
(4) Secretariat

Answer: (4) Secretariat

Question 50. The General Assembly of the United Nations meets in a regular session in a year.
(1) Once
(2) Twice
(3) Once in two years
(4) Occasionally

Answer: (1) Once

Question 51. is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
(1) U.S.A
(2) U.K
(3) France
(4) Spain

Answer: (4) Spain

Question 52. is not the main organ of the U.N.O.
(1) General Assembly
(2) Security Council
(3) Trusteeship Council
(4) UNESCO

Answer: (4) UNESCO

Question 53. The Secretariat of the League consisted of the Secretary-General who was appointed by the
(1) League Assembly
(2) League Council
(3) Permanent Court of International Justice
(4) International Labour Organisation

Answer: (2) League Council

Question 54. World Disarmament Conference was convened in
(1) 1929-30
(2) 1932-33
(3) 1933-34
(4) 1934-35

Answer: (2) 1932-33

Question 55. At the Yalta Conference Russia was represented by
(1) Lenin
(2) Trotsky
(3) Stalin
(4) Karl Marx

Answer: (3) Stalin

Question 56. The U.N. Charter was amended during the Korean War.
(1) 1949
(2) 1950
(3) 1951
(4) 1952

Answer: (2) 1950

Question 57. This is the heart and perhaps the brain of the U.N.O.
(1) Security Council
(2) General Assembly
(3) Economic and Social Council
(4) World Health Organisation

Answer: (1) Security Council

Question 58. An autonomous body under the League of Nations was the
(1) International Labour Organisation
(2) League Assembly
(3) League Council
(4) Secretariat

Answer: (1) International Labour Organisation

Chapter 5 Europe In The Twentieth Century MCQs

Question 1. The Paris Peace Conference took place in

(1) 1919
(2) 1920
(3) 1921
(4) 1922

Answer: (1) 1919

Question 2. ‘Fourteen Points’ were put before Germany by
(1) Lloyd Gorge
(2) Orlando
(3) Woodrow Wilson
(4) Clemenceau

Answer: (3) Woodrow Wilson

Question 3. Name the country which did not join the League of Nations.
(1) America
(2) Germany
(3) Spain
(4) England

Answer: (1) America

Question 4. The Bolshevik Revolution broke out in Russia in
(1) 1915
(2) 1916
(3) 1917
(4) 1918

Answer: (3) 1917

Question 5. Mussolini’s party came to be known as
(1) Fascist Party
(2) Socialist Party
(3) Nazi Party
(4) Communist Party

Answer: (1) Fascist Party

Question  6. The formation of Union of Soviet Socialist Republic was formally declared in
(1) 1920
(2) 1921
(3) 1922
(4) 1923
Answer: (3) 1922

Question 7. The Bolsheviks captured power in Russia by the
(1) November Revolution
(2) July Revolution
(3) February Revolution
(4) October Rovolution

Answer: (4) October Rovolution

Question 8. Lusitania was
(1) A country in Europe
(2) The name of a ship
(3) The name of a captain
(4) The name of an island.

Answer: (2) The name of a ship

Question 9. The American President during World War I was
(1) Woodrow Wilson
(2) Abraham Lincoln
(3) George Washington
(4) George Barlow

Answer: (1) Woodrow Wilson

Question 10. A special secret police was formed by the Bolsheviks called
(1) Duma
(2) Cheka
(3) Soviets
(4) Aurora

Answer: (2) Cheka

Question 11. President Wilson belonged to
(1) Britain
(2) China
(3) America
(4) Japan

Answer: (3) America

Question 12. The First World War broke out in
(1) 1912
(2) 1915
(3) 1913
(4) 1914

Answer: (4) 1914

Question 13. The First World War came to an end in
(1) 1919
(2) 1918
(3) 1913
(4) 1914

Answer: (2) 1918

Question 14. Who of the following was most active in the establishment of the League of Nations?
(1) Lloyd George
(2) Orlando
(3) Clemenceau
(4) Woodrow Wilson

Answer: (4) Woodrow Wilson

Question 15. The League of Nations was formed after
(1) First Balkan War
(2) World War I
(3) 2nd Balkan War
(4) World War II

Answer: (2) World War I

Question 16. What was the date and year of Bloody Sunday?
(1) 9 January 1905
(2) 12 January 1905
(3) 4 April 1906
(4) 9 August 1906

Answer: (1) 9 January 1905

Question 17. Rasputin was a
(1) Minister
(2) Czar of Russia
(3) Mystic Saint
(4) Close relative of Czar

Answer: (3) Mystic Saint

Question 18. Bolshevik Revolution was led by
(1) Stalin
(2) Lenin
(3) Trotsky
(4) None of them

Answer: (2) Lenin

Question 19. Nazism cropped up after the First World War in
(1) Italy
(2) Spain
(3) Russia
(4) Germany

Answer: (4) Germany

Question 20. Hitler became the Prime Minister of Germany in
(1) 1931
(2) 1932
(3) 1933
(4) 1934

Answer: (3) 1933

Question 21. Who was known as ‘Czar the Liberator’ ?
(1) Czar Alexander II
(2) Czar Nicholas II
(3) Czar Alexander III
(4) Czar Nicholas III

Answer: (2) Czar Alexander II

Question 22. Hitler concluded Non-Aggression Pact with
(1) England
(2) France
(3) Russia
(4) Italy

Answer: (3) Russia

Question 23. Achduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated in
(1) Bosnia
(2) Serajevo
(3) Herzegovnia
(4) Poland

Answer: (2) Serajevo

Question 24. The leadership in the march to St. Petersburg by the workers was given by
(1) Stalin
(2) Father Gapon
(3) Trotsky
(4) Lenin

Answer: (2) Father Gapon

Question 25. The Great Depression of 1929 first started in
(1) Germany
(2) America
(3) France
(4) Spain

Answer: (2) America

Question 26. The members of the Fascist party were known as
(1) Red Shirts
(2) Brown Shirts
(3) Black Shirts
(4) Blue Shirts

Answer: (3) Black Shirts

Question 27. Swastika was the symbol of the
(1) Nazi Party
(2) Fascist Party
(3) Communist Party
(4) Socialist Party

Answer: (1) Nazi Party

Question 28. The leader of the Spanish Civil War was
(1) Goebels
(2) Hitler
(3) General Franco
(4) Himmler

Answer: (3) General Franco

Question 29. The Central Powers of World War I were
(1) France, Britain and Russia
(2) Russia, Italy and Romania
(3) Germany, Austria and Turkey
(4) Italy, France and Britain

Answer: (3) Germany, Austria and Turkey

Question 30. Germany was declared a ‘republic’ by the provisional Government set up under
(1) The leadership of Hitler
(2) The Chancellorship of Ebert
(3) The viceroyalty of Mussolini
(4) The Chancellorship of Lenin

Answer: (2) The Chancellorship of Ebert

Question 31. The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought an end to
(1) The autocratic rule of the Czar
(2) The rule of the Fascists in Russia
(3) Monarchical rule in Russia
(4) Democracy in Russia

Answer: (1) The autocratic rule of the Czar.

Question 32. A parallel Government was set up in St. Petersburg by
(1) The Kerensky Government
(2) Social Democratic Party of Russia
(3) The Mensheviks
(4) The Bolsheviks

Answer: (4) The Bolsheviks.

Question 33. The Treaty of Brest Litovsk was signed between Germany and
(1) The federal Government of Russia
(2) The independent Government of Russia
(3) The communist Government of Russia
(4) The democratic Government of Russia

Answer: (3) The communist Government of Russia

Question 34. USSR joined the League of Nations in 1934 but was expelled
(1) For aggression in 1939 when it invaded Finland
(2) When it invaded Abyssinia
(3) Because it lacked the power to solve disputes
(4) It was the root of Great Depression

Answer: (1) For aggression in 1939 when it invaded Finland

Question 35. The immediate cause of the First World War was
(1) The formation of secret and diplomatic alliances among the European powers
(2) The rise of the feeling of ultra-nationalism
(3) The problem of Bosnia-Herzegovina
(4) Because the murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

Answer: (4) Because the murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

Question 36. The League of Nations was established
(1) To find a way to maintain peace
(2) To end the First World War
(3) To try and improve the condition of the labourers
(4) To settle the dispute that arose between Sweden and Finland

Answer: (1) To find a way to maintain peace.

Question 37. One characteristic feature of the New Economic Policy of Lenin was
(1) Encouragement to artisan industry
(2) Emphasis on large scale heavy industry
(3) Special detachment sent to collect foodgrains
(4) Industrial establishment factory committee formed

Answer: (1) Encouragement to artisan industry

Question 38. America joined the First World War because
(1) American ships were destroyed by Germany
(2) Germany conquered America
(3) Germany joined France against America
(4) England pressurised America to join

Answer: (1) American ships were destroyed by Germany.

Question 39. By the Treaty of Versailles Germany was demilitarised
(1) To establish balance of power
(2) To take control of German arms
(3) So that Germany could not disturb peace in future
(4) So that Germany would not declare war against the allied powers

Answer: (3) So that Germany could not disturb peace in future.

Question 40. Which policy shows that appeasement does not always prevent war ?
(1) United States policy towards Cuba in the early 1960s
(2) Iraqi policy towards Iran in the 1980s
(3) British policy towards Germany during 1930s
(4) French policy towards Indo-China in the 1950s

Answer: (3) British policy towards Germany during 1930s

Question 41. The harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I helped to lay the foundation for the
(1) Uprising during the French Revolution
(2) Bolshevik Revolution in Russia
(3) Rise of fascism in Germany
(4) Division of Korea along the 38th parallel

Answer: (3) Rise of fascism in Germany.

Question 42. One reason the Fascist Government of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini came to power in Italy and Germany was that these nations
(1) Supported the civil liberties of people
(2) Faced economic and political difficulties
(3) Were threatened by the United States of America
(4) Failed to join the League of Nations

Answer: (2) Faced economic and political difficulties

Question 43. A major cause of the Russian Revolution of 1917 was the
(1) Appeal of Marxism to the Russians
(2) Defeat of Germany in the Russian campaign
(3) Existence of sharp economic differences between social classes
(4) Marriage of Czar Nicholas II to a German princess

Answer: (3) Existence of sharp economic differences between social classes

Question 44. The Russian peasants supported the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution of 1917 because the Bolsheviks promised to
(1) Redistribute the land owned by the nobility
(2) Introduce modern technology to Russian farms
(3) Redistribute the land owned by the Government
(4) Establish collection farms

Answer: (1) Redistribute the land owned by the Government

Question 45. A significant cause of the Great Depression of 1929 was that
(1) Some banking policies were unsound and had led to the over-expansion of credit
(2) Consumer goods were relatively inexpensive
(3) A wave of strikes had paralyzed the industries
(4) A decrease in protective tariff opened America to competition from abroad

Answer: (1) some banking policies were unsound and had led to the over-expansion of credit.

Question 46. During the First World War, the Emperor of Germany was
(1) Charles X
(2) Kaiser William II
(3) Frederick William IIT
(4) Kaiser William IIT

Answer: (2) Kaiser William II

Question 47. After the First World War, the humiliating treaty which was imposed on Germany was the Treaty of
(1) Brest-Litovsk
(2) Versailles
(3) Lussane
(4) Sevres

Answer: (2) Versailles

Question 48. People of the Weimer Republic lost confidence in the democratic
(1) Alliance
(2) Parliamentary
(3) Values
(4) Attitude

Answer: (2) Parliamentary

Question 49. After the First World War; the new Republican Government of Germany was established in
(1) Berlin
(2) Weimer
(3) Brussels
(4) Sicily

Answer: (2) Weimer

Question 50. By the October Revolution of 1917 they captured power in Russia.
(1) Mesheviks
(2) Bolsheviks
(3) Communists
(4) None of the above

Answer: (2) Bolsheviks

Question 51. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed between Germany and
(1) Britain
(2) Italy
(3) Russia
(4) Spain

Answer: (3) Russia

Question 52. The Red Army was organized by
(1) Stalin
(2) Trotsky
(3) Lenin
(4) Engels

Answer: (2) Trotsky

Question 53. The New Economic Policy of Lenin was a compromise between Socialism and
(1) Capitalism
(2) Communism
(3) Nazism
(4) Fascism

Answer: (1) Capitalism

Question 54. The Great Depression was a period of
(1) Political crisis
(2) Economic crisis
(3) Religious crisis
(4) Global Crisis
Answer: (2) Economic crisis

Question 55. General Franco was the dictator of
(1) Netherlands
(2) Sardinia
(3) Sicily
(4) Spain

Answer: (4) Spain

Question 56. The SAAR Valley was put under an international commission for
(1) 13
(2) 14
(3) 15
(4) 16
Answer: (3) 15

Question 57. The Treaty of St. Germain was signed between the victorious allies and defeated Austria in
(1) 1916
(2) 1918
(3) 1919
(4) 1920

Answer: (3) 1919

Question 58. The Revolution of 1905 in Russia broke out during the reign of
(1) Czar Alexander II
(2) Nicholas I
(3) Peter the Great
(4) Catherine II

Answer: (1) Czar Alexander II

Question 59. The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed between Japan and
(1) China
(2) France
(3) Russia
(4) Italy

Answer: (3) Russia

Question 61. ‘Pravda’ was the mouthpiece of the party.
(1) Menshevik
(2) Bolshevik
(3) Communist
(4) Socialist

Answer: (2) Bolshevik

Question 62. formed the paramilitary force known as ‘Storm Trooper’.
(1) General Franco
(2) Mussolini
(3) Hitler
(4) Tojo

Answer: (3) Hitler

Question 63. The Treaty contained the seeds of the Second World War.
(1) Trianon
(2) Neuilly
(3) Versailles
(4) Portsmouth

Answer: (3) Versailles

Question 64. Morocco is in
(1) Africa
(2) America
(3) China
(4) Japan

Answer: (1) Africa

Question 65. The two factions of Social Democratic Party are the Bolsheviks and
(1) Communists
(2) Mensheviks
(3) Socialists
(4) Bonapartists

Answer: (2) Mensheviks

Question 66. Czar showed his liberalism by releasing the Dekabrists.
(1) Alexander I
(2) Alexander II
(3) Nicholas I
(4) Nicholas II

Answer: (2) Alexander II

Question 67. The Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis was signed in
(1) 1932
(2) 1933
(3) 1934
(4) 1935

Answer: (1) 1932

Question 68. Kaiser William II abdicated the throne in
(1) 1916
(2) 1917
(3) 1918
(4) 1919

Answer: (3) 1918

Question 69.  The Weimer Republic was established in
(1) 1915
(2) 1916
(3) 1918
(4) 1919

Answer: (4) 1919

Question 70. The U.S.A. entered the First World War in
(1) 1917
(2) 1918
(3) 1919
(4) 1920
Answer: (1) 1917

Question 71. Herbert Hoover was the President of
(1) Britain
(2) America
(3) France
(4) USSR

Answer: (2) America

Question 72. Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the heir to the throne of
(1) Spain
(2) Austria
(3) Bosnia
(4) Herzegovina

Answer: (2) Austria

Question 73. was called the ‘Father of the League of Nations’.
(1) Llyod George
(2) Woodrow Wilson
(3) Gorky
(4) Clemenceau

Answer: (2) Woodrow Wilson

Question 74. ‘War Communism’ was introduced by
(1) Trotsky
(2) Lenin
(3) Franco
(4) Hitler

Answer: (2) Lenin

Question 75. The American share market crashed.
(1) 1928
(2) 1929
(3) 1930
(4) 1932

Answer: (2) 1929

Question 76. is known as the Black Day in the history of the U.S.A.
(1) 24 October 1929
(2) 26 October 1929
(3) 22 October 1939
(4) 25 June 1930

Answer: (1) 24 October  1929

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism Introduction

Napoleon Bonaparte is known as one of the greatest generals in the world. He was born in 1769 in Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, ruled by the French. At the age of 15, he became an officer in the French army. In 1789, a great revolution broke out in France.

The king and the queen were executed. Spain and England attacked France to put an end to the French Revolution. Napoleon defeated them. Later, when Austria attacked France, Napoleon defeated the Austrian army too. Not content with driving off his enemies, Napoleon started attacking his neighbors. The Tsar of Russia, Alexander I, agreed with Napoleon. Only Britain remained outside Napoleon’s influence.

Learn and Real all  WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Environment

Napoleon decided to attack Britain. Nelson, the British admiral, defeated Napoleon in the Battle of the Nile. Napoleon managed to return to Paris and took over the Government He was made the First Consul and in 1804, he became the Emperor of France.

His domestic achievements were long-lasting. He introduced a new legal code known as Code Napoleon. He centralized the administration, established a national educational network, reduced the power of the church, and abolished serfdom.

As an emperor, he reshaped Europe. By 1807, Napoleon’s armies had taken over nearly the whole of Europe. Garmany, Italy, Holland, Prussia, Switzerland, Spain, Naples, Denmark, and Portugal were part of his empire. Except for Britain and Russia, the whole of Europe came under his control.

Napoleon adopted the policy of economic blockade against the English which is known as the Continental System. He forbade all his allies from engaging in trade with England. As a result, many sea battles between the English and the French followed. England attacked France through Spain and Portugal. Next, Napoleon attacked Russia. He lost his grand army in Russia.

After this disaster, the rest of Europe joined hands with the English armies which then entered Paris and defeated Napoleon in 1814. He was sent as a prisoner to Elba. A new king, Louis XVIII, was crowned in France. A year later, Napoleon escaped a.nd came to power again, but only for 100 days. He tried to drive away the foreign allied troops but was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He was sent to St Helena. He died there six years later, at the age of 51.

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism Multiple Choice Type :

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 1. Napoleon’s greatest enemy was
(1) Austria
(2) England
(3) Prussia
(4) Russia

Answer:  (2) England

Question 2. The ‘Child of the French Revolution was
(1) Charles 4
(2) Napoleon
(3) Arthur Wellesley
(4) Louis 16

Answer:  (2) Napoleon

Question 3. Napoleon invaded Milan in
(1) 1795
(2) 1796
(3) 1797
(4) 1798

Answer:  (2) 1796

Question 4. The currency system in France was reformed by
(1) Louis 16
(2) Louis 18
(3) Napoleon
(4) Calonne

Answer:  (3) Napoleon

Question 5. Conferring of the Legion of Honour on men of eminence was an important reform introduced by
(1) Montesquieu
(2) Voltaire
(3) Napoleon
(4) Charles 2

Answer:  (3) Napoleon.

Question 6. The number of departments into which Napoleon divided France was
(1) 80
(2) 82
(3) 83
(4) 93

Answer:  (3) 83

Question 7. Napoleon, by the Concordat of 1801, solved the question of conflict between
(1) The First Estate and the Third Estate
(2) The French Government and the army
(3) The French Government and the clergy
(4) The French Government and the Pope

Answer:  (4) The French Government and the Pope

Question 8. The greatest achievement of Napoleon’s financial system was the foundation of the
(1) Heavy Industries
(2) Rationing system
(3) Bank of France
(4) Employment exchange

Answer:  (3) Bank of France

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 9. After the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was sent to
(1) Elba
(2) Sparta
(3) St Helena
(4) Corsica

Answer:  (3) St Helena

Question 10. In the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was defeated by
(1) Nelson
(2) Talleyrand
(3) Alexander 2
(4) Duke of Wellington

Answer:  (4) Duke of Wellington

Question 11. In 1804 the legal veil of republicanism was dropped and
(1) Dictatorship was established in France.
(2) Monarchy was established in France.
(3) Democracy was established in France.
(4) Kingship was established in France.

Answer:  (1) Dictatorship was established in France.

Question 12. The Code Napoleon incorporated the noble principles of the French Revolution such as 
(1) Banning of trade unions.
(2) Equality before the law.
(3) Abolition of private property.
(4) Censorship of the press.

Answer:  (2) Equality before the law.

Question 13. The Continental System imposed by Napoleon intended to 
(1) Bring Russia under control.
(2) Bring Austria under control.
(3) Bring England under control.
(4) Bring Spain under control.

Answer:  (3)Bring England under control.

Question 14. Napoleon’s Moscow expedition failed because of 
(1) Natural features and climatic conditions.
(2) Shortage of arms and weapons.
(3) Revolt by Napoleon’s soldiers.
(4) Lack of adequate preparation for war.

Answer:  (1) Natural features and climatic conditions.

Question 15. One of the causes of the downfall of the Napoleonic empire was 
(1) Military weakness
(2) Financial weakness
(3) Built on military force and not on the consent of the people
(4) Vast extent

Answer:  (3) Built on military force and not on the consent of the people

Question 16. Napoleon was influenced by contemporary philosophers like 
(1) Karl Marx
(2) Rousseau
(3) Engels
(4) Thomas Paine

Answer:  (2) Rousseau

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 17. Napoleon denied, one of the major ideals of the French Revolution
(1) Fundamental rights
(2) Liberty
(3) Equality
(4) Fraternity

Answer:  (2) Liberty

Question 18. Declared a counter blockade against the Berlin Decree known as Orders-in-Council
(1) Italy
(2) Germany
(3) Russia
(4) England

Answer:  (4) England

Question 19. The ‘Spanish Ulcer’ ruined
(1) Arthur Wellesley
(2) Nelson
(3) Duke of Wellington
(4) Napoleon

Answer:  (4) Napoleon

Question 20. The Moscow Expedition of the soldiers failed.
(1) British
(2) Germans
(3) Italian
(4) French

Answer:  (4) French

Question 21. Introduced the doctrine of career open to talent.
(1) Louis 16
(2) Louis 18
(3) Napoleon
(4) Pope

Answer:  (3) Napoleon

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism Very Short Answer Type :

Question l. Who was defeated in the battle of Fried land?
Answer: In the Friedland battle Napoleon defeated Russia in 1807.

Question 2. Who was defeated in the battle of Austerlitz?
Answer: In the Austerlitz battle, Napoleon defeated Austria in 1805.

Question 3. Which country was defeated by Napoleon in 1806 in the battle of Auserstadt?
Answer: In 1806, Napoleon defeated Prussia in the battle of Auserstadt

Question 4. In which year was the Bank of France founded?
Answer: In 1800 Napoleon founded the Bank of France.

Question 5. When was the second coalition of European powers formed against France?
Answer: In 1799 the second coalition of European powers against France was formed, consisting of England, Austria, and Russia.

Question 6. Who said, “I am the Revolution”?
Answer: Napoleon said, “I am the Revolution”.

Question 7. Why did the French people surrender to Napoleon?
Answer: The French people were tired of disorder and insecurity and Napoleon restored order and guaranteed the fruits of the Revolution.

Question 8. In which year did Napoleon become Emperor?
Answer: On December 2, 1804 Napoleon became emperor.

Question 9. Which country was defeated in the battle of Jena?
Answer: Prussia was defeated in the battle of Jena.

Question 10. When was the Third Coalition of European Powers formed against Napoleon?
Answer: In 1805 the Third Coalition of European Powers was formed against France consisting of England, Sweden, Austria, and Russia.

Question 11. When and between which powers was the battle of Austerlitz fought?
Answer: In 1805 the battle of Austerlitz was fought between Austria and France.

Question 12. Who did Napoleon call a ‘Nation of Shopkeepers’?
Answer: England was called a ‘Nation of Shopkeepers7 by Napoleon.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 13. When and between whom was the treaty of Amiens signed?
Answer: In 1802 the treaty of Amiens was signed between England and France.

Question 14. What is the Legion of Honour?
Answer: A special title of merit awarded by the Napoleonic Government was the Legion of Honour.

Question 15. Who said, “Impossible is a word which can only be found in the dictionary of the fools”?
Answer: The word “Impossible is a word which can only be found in the dictionary of the fools” was said by Napoleon.

Question 16. When was the Fourth Coalition against Napoleon formed?
Answer: The Fourth Coalition of the European powers against Napoleon was formed in 1813. England, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden joined the Coalition.

Question 17. When did the first restoration in France take place? Who was restored to the throne of France?
Answer: By the First Treaty of Paris of 1814, Louis XVIII, brother of Louis XVI, the late king of France, was restored to the throne of France.

Question 18. Where and when was Napoleon Bonaparte born?
Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio on the island of Corsica in 1769.

Question 19. What was the period of rule of the consulate in France?
Answer: The period of rule of the consulate in France was 1794-1799.

Question 20. Who is known as Justinian II and why?
Answer: The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Napoleon which incorporated the noble principles of the French Revolution. For his progressive code, he was known as Justinian II.

Question 21. In which year did Napoleon become the Emperor of France?
Answer: Napoleon became the Emperor of France in 1804.

Question22. When and against whom did the Battle of Trafalgar take place?
Answer: The Battle of Trafalgar took place in 1805 against Napoleon.

Question 23. When and between whom was the Battle of Ulm fought?
Answer: The Battle of Ulm was fought in 1805 between France and Austria.

Question 24. Which two countries of Europe did Napoleon reconstitute?
Answer: Napoleon reconstituted Italy and Germany.

Question 25. Who introduced the Continental System and when.
Answer: Napoleon introduced the Continental System in 1806.

Question 26. What was the Berlin Decree?
Answer: The Berlin Decree issued by Napoleon in 1806 declared a naval blockade against England, i.e., the countries allied to Napoleon would have to stop trade with England.

Question 27. What was the Milan Decree?
Answer: The Milan Decree issued by Napoleon in 1807 was that any ship of any country trying to reach England would be caught and confiscated.

Question 28. When and between whom was the Treaty of Tilsit concluded?
Answer: The Treaty of Tilsit was concluded in 1807 between Napoleon Bonaparte, the ruler of France, and Alexander I, the Czar of Russia.

Question 29. What was the year of the Peninsular War?
Answer: The year of the Peninsular War was 1808.

Question 30. When did Napoleon invade Russia?
Answer: Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812.

Question 31. Which country followed the “scorched earth policy” against France?
Answer: Russia followed the “scorched earth policy” against France.

Question 32. When and against whom did the Battle of Nations take place?
Answer: In 1813 the Battle of Nations took place against Napoleon Bonaparte.

Question 33. When did the Battle of Waterloo take place?
Answer: The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 34. Who was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo?
Answer: Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 35. Name the final battle that sealed Napoleon’s fate.
Answer: The final battle that sealed Napoleon’s fate was the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 36. Into how many parts were Code Napoleon divided?
Answer: Code Napoleon was divided into five parts—the Civil Code, the Criminal Code, the Penal Code, the Commercial Code, and other codes.

Question 37. What is known as the “Bible of the French”?
Answer: “Code Napoleon’ is known as the Bible of the French.

Question 38. Who established the Bank of France?
Answer: Napoleon established the Bank of France.

Question 39. What is Lycos?
Answer: Lycos is the residential semi-military school of France where boys of noble and aristocratic families used to study to become officers in the army.

Question 40. Who established the Louvre Museum?
Answer: Napoleon established the Louvre Museum.

Question 41. Name the islands where Napoleon was banished.
Answer: Napoleon was banished to the islands of Elba and St. Helena.

Question 42. Mention the period of the “Hundred Days” Rule”.
Answer: The period of the Hundred Days’ Rule was from 20th March to 29 June 1815.

Question 43. Write one chief feature of the Napoleonic empire.
Answer: Religious tolerance was one of the chief features of the Napoleonic Empire.

Question 44. Why did Napoleon introduce the Continental System?
Answer: Napoleon introduced the Continental System in order to defeat England in an indirect war.

Question 45. France lacked which thing to successfully enforce the Continental System.
Answer: France did not have the naval power required to successfully enforce the Continental System.

Question 46. Name a battle in which Napoleon was defeated.
Answer: Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Nations.

History Class 9 WBBSE

Question 47. Who ascended the throne of France after Napoleon’s departure to Elba?
Answer: Louis XVIII ascended the throne of France after Napoleon’s departure to Elba.

Question 48. For how many days did Napoleon rule after his return from Elba?
Answer: Napoleon ruled in France for only 200 days after his return from Elba.

Question 49. Mention the merit of Napoleon’s legal code.
Answer: Napoleon’s legal code is still the basis of French laws.

Question 50. What were the codes issued by Napoleon?
Answer: There were five codes in all:
the Civil Code, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure and Penal Law, the Penal Code and the Commercial Code.

Question 51. What did Napoleon do with the palace of Louvre?
Answer: Napoleon converted the palace of the Louvre into a museum.

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism 2 Marks Questions And Answers

Question 1. Where was Napoleon born? How did he come into the political picture of France?
Answer:

Napoleon was born in Ajaccio in Corsica in 1769. He saved the Convention in 1794 from the Parisian mob. Next, he was appointed to the command in Italy where he laid the foundation of his imperishable military career. Henceforth, the Revolution merged with the career of Napoleon.

Question 2. What do you know of the battle of Valmy?
Answer:

Battle of Valmy

In September 1792, the battle of Valmy was fought between the revolutionary army of France and Prussia. In this battle, Prussia was defeated.

Question 3. When and between which powers was the treaty of Campo-Formio signed? What was its importance?
Answer:

In 1797 the Treaty of Campo-Formio was signed between Austria and France. By the treaty of Campo-Formio Austria recognized France’s right of occupation in Italy.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 4. Why did Napoleon attack Egypt? What was its result?
Answer:

Napoleon attacked Egypt to humble England by conquering the East But Napoleon was completely defeated by Nelson, the British admiral in the battle of Abukiray, better known as the Battle of Nile, in 1798.

Question 5. When was the Consulate formed? Who was the First Consul?
Answer:

The Consulate was formed in 1799. Napoleon was appointed the First Consul.

Question 6. What do you know of the Civil Code of Napoleon?
Answer:

Civil Code of Napoleon

Napoleon’s greatest achievement in the work of internal reconstruction was the Civil Code known as the Code Napoleon. Napoleon’s famous Code gave to France a common system of law, at once a clear, orderly, and systematic judicial administration, and thereby made justice more rapid and reliable.

It established social equality in the eyes of law, secured religious toleration to all, and perpetuated much of the social gains that had been won by the Revolution.

Question 7. What is Concordat?
Answer:

Concordat

Napoleon agreed with the Pope in 1801, known as the Concordat By it Catholicism was recognized as the religion of the great majority of the French people. The Bishops were nominated by the State but invested by the Pope and they must take an open oath of infidelity to the Government and the Church was made dependent on the State.

Question 8. What are the characteristics of Napoleonic reforms?
Answer:

Characteristics of Napoleonic reforms

Napoleon gave equality to the people but no liberty.

Question 9. When was the battle of Trafalgar fought? What was its result?
Answer:

The battle of Trafalgar fought

In 1805 the battle of Trafalgar was fought Admiral Nelson of England defeated Napoleon with the combined fleets of England and Spain. But he himself was mortally wounded and died soon after the battle was over. The victory destroyed the French naval power and thus closed the possibility of the invasion of Britain.

Question 10. What is the Confederation of the Rhine?
Answer:

The Confederation of the Rhine

In the year 1805 in Germany Napoleon formed a new political union under French patronage which was known as the Confederation of the Rhine. The new organization was meant to counterpoise the powers of Austria and Prussia. Moreover, it dealt a death blow to the Holy Roman Empire.

Question 11. In which year and between which powers were the treaty of Tilsit signed?
Answer:

In 1807, between France and Russia, the treaty of Tilsit was signed. Czar Alexander I of Russia and the French Emperor Napoleon were the signatories of the treaty of Tilsit. By this treaty, Napoleon was to have Russia’s support in his economic war with England.

Question 12. What do you understand by Continental System?
Answer:

Continental System

In 1806 Napoleon issued from Berlin a series of decrees declaring a blockade of the British Isles and forbidding all commerce with them. All British goods were ordered to be seized. In 1807 Napoleon declared the Milan decrees by which he decreed that any ship of any country which should touch a British port was liable to be seized and treated as a prize. The Berlin and Milan decree formed what is called Napoleon’s Continental System.

Question 13. What was the result of Napoleon’s Continental System?
Answer:

Result of Napoleon’s Continental System

The Continental System was one of its greatest blunders of Napoleon. The attempt at industrial strangulation of England rebounded upon Napoleon himself and it was one of the potent causes of his downfall.

Question 14. What is the significance of the Spanish Ulcer or the Peninsular War?
Answer:

Significance of the Spanish Ulcer or the Peninsular War

Spanish Ulcer means Spanish opposition to Napoleon and his defeat in the Peninsular War. It encouraged other nations to rise against France.

Question 15. When did Napoleon take recourse to the Moscow expedition?
Answer:

In 1812 Napoleon led the Moscow expedition. The ill-fated expedition shattered the military power of Napoleon and encouraged the powers of Central Europe to shake off his dominions.

Question 16. When did the War of Liberation or the Battle of Leipzig take place? What was its result?
Answer:

In 1813 the War of Liberation or the Battle of Leipzig took place. With the defeat at Leipzig, Napoleon’s political structure of Germany collapsed and Napoleon’s final surrender became a matter of time. Almost all of Europe took arms against Napoleon in 1813, so the Battle of Leipzig is known as the Battle of Nations.

Question 17. When did Napoleon abdicate? Where was he sent after the abdication?
Answer:

In 1814 Napoleon abdicated the throne of France. By the treaty of Fontainebleau, Napoleon abandoned his European position and he had to retire to the island of Elba where he was allowed to exercise sovereignty.

Question 18. Who ruled for ‘Hundred Days’ and when?
Answer:

In February 1815, Napoleon suddenly escaped from Elba and landed near Cannes in France. He was enthusiastically received by the people and his old soldiers joined him. Louis XVIII fled across the border and Napoleon entered Paris amidst the widest acclamation.

He ruled France almost for hundred days before his final defeat in the Battle of Waterloo. The restoration of Napoleon is called “Hundred Days Rule”.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 19. Where and by whom Napoleon was finally defeated? Who defeated Napoleon in the battle?
Answer:

Napoleon was finally defeated in the battle of Waterloo in Belgium on June 18, 1815, by the combined armies of England, Portugal, Belgium, and Prussia under the British General Duke of Wellington and the German General Blucher.

Question 20. What were the results of the Battle of Waterloo?
Answer:

The results of the Battle of Waterloo

Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo and fled to Paris. He abdicated for the second time and tried to escape to America. But he surrendered to the captain of a British ship, was taken as prisoner, and carried by the English to St Helena where he died six years after (1821).

Question 21. What were the cardinal principles of the French Revolution of 1789? How did it influence Europe?
Answer:

Cardinal principles of the French Revolution of 1789

The cardinal principles of the French Revolution were – Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The French Revolution was not merely a local event It burst the boundaries of France, carrying with it new ideas of social and political organization and thus, in the long run, helped to refashion Europe on new principles. Everywhere people heard the siren song of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, and the example of France became the inspiration of Europe.

Question 22. Which incident is known in France as the 13th Vendemiaire? Or, What was the Incident of October 5, 1795?
Answer:

The incident of 5 October 1795 was an important stage in the rise of Napoleon to power who got the responsibility of commanding the French army in Italy. At that time the Reign of Terror was going on in France.

On 5 October 1795, the members of the National Convention were attacked by a rowdy mob. Napoleon with the help of his soldiers resisted the attack and thus saved the National Convention. This incident is known in history as the 13th Vendemiaire.

Question 23. What do you mean by the rule of the ‘Consulate’?
Answer:

Rule of the ‘Consulate’

In 1799 Napoleon took away the powers of the Directory, concentrated power in his own hands, and became the ruler of the country. At this time he introduced an administration popularly known as the ‘Consulate’. Under the Consulate France was ruled by a council that consisted of three members.

Question 24. What is known in history as the 18th Brumaire?
Answer:

History as the 18th Brumaire

When the popularity of the Directors of France was at its lowest ebb, Napoleon took advantage of the unpopularity of the Directory administration. He joined hands with a few Directors to overthrow it. Ultimately, by a military coup, Napoleon seized the administrative power of France on 9-10 November 1799. This incident is known in history as the 18th Brumaire.

Question 25. What were the provisions of the Treaty of Campo-Formio?
Answer:

The provisions of the treaty were:

(1) Austria gave up the Netherlands and Lombardy to France.
(2) The province of Rhine situated between Austria and Germany was also handed over to France.
(3) Italy accepted the supremacy of France over Lombardy.
(4) In return France gave Austria most of the old Venetian republic.

Question 26. What was the first military success of Napoleon?
Answer:

The first military success of Napoleon

Napoleon removed the English from the port of Toulon in 1793 as an employee of the French army and curbed the counter-revolutionaries there. This was the first military success of Napoleon.

Question 27. What was the Fontainebleau Decree?
Answer:

The Fontainebleau Decree

To make the Continental System successful, Napoleon issued the Fontainebleau Decree in 1810. It was declared that those found guilty of violating the commercial rules of France would be punished. By this decree, it was declared that the goods confiscated would be burnt publicly. A court of law was also established for those found guilty.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 28. What is the importance of Code Napoleon?
Answer:

The importance of Code Napoleon introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte is as follows :

(1) It protected the interests of the rising middle class.
(2) It guaranteed civil liberties.
(3)It preserved the social aims of the revolution.

Question 29. What do you mean by the ‘Concordat’ of 1801?
Answer:
Napoleon entered into an agreement with the Pope in 1801 which is known as the ‘Concordat’ in the history of Europe. The terms of the agreement were :

(1) All the Bishops would be appointed by the Pope from a list proposed by the state, and all the officials would receive their salary and take an oath of loyalty to the Government;
(2) The Pope agreed to the decision taken during the revolutionary period that the property of the church which was confiscated during the course of the Revolution would not be given back.

Question 30. In which year and by whom was the Battle of Pyramid fought? Who was defeated?
Answer:

The Battle of Pyramid was fought between France and England in 1798. England was defeated in the Battle of Pyramid.

Question 31. In which year and by whom was the Battle of Nile fought? Who was defeated?
Answer:

The Battle of Nile was fought in 1798 between England and France. France was defeated in the Battle of the Nile.

Question 32. Give an account of Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt.
Answer:

Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt

In 1798 Napoleon launched a campaign against Egypt On his way to Egypt he conquered Malta and Alexandria and achieved victory in the Battle of Pyramid. The Egyptian army was defeated by him and he entered Cairo, the capital of Egypt

Question 33. Write a short note on the Battle of Leipzig  (or Battle of Nations), in 1813.
Answer:

Battle of Leipzig 

The European nations were annoyed by Napoleon’s expansionist policy and the dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England, and Austria formed a coalition against Napoleon.

A fierce battle which is known as the Battle of Leipzig between Napoleon and the allied countries was fought in 1813. In this battle also known as the ‘Battle of Nations’, Napoleon was defeated.

Question 34. Why is the Battle of Leipzig also known as the ‘Battle of Nations’?
Answer:

The Battle of Leipzig (1813) was fought between Napoleon and dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England, and Austria. This battle is also known as the Battle of Nations because in this battle soldiers of all nations except Turkey fought against Napoleon.

Question 35. Why did Napoleon annex Portugal?
Answer:

Napoleon introduced the Continental System. When Portugal, an ally of the British, rejected the Continental System, Napoleon sent the French army to Portugal through Spain without caring to take the consent of the Spanish King. Portugal was annexed in 1807.

Question 36. What was the ‘Peninsular War’ (1808)?
Answer:

‘Peninsular War’

Portugal suffered greatly because of the Continental System introduced by Napoleon and naturally began to flout it Napoleon, therefore, attacked Portugal and occupied it. The French army on their way back to France occupied Spain. At this time Portugal joined Spain and declared war against Napoleon which is known as the Peninsular War (1808).

Question 37. “The Spanish Ulcer ruined me”. Who said this and why?
Answer:

“The Spanish Ulcer ruined me”.

Napoleon came to know through his agencies that Spain was not following his Continental System. He, therefore, launched an attack on Spain in 1808 but his so far invincible army was defeated by Spain with the help of the English army in 1808. The Spanish attack proved disastrous and ultimately Napoleon himself accepted it to be an ‘ulcer’ for him

Question 38. Why was Napoleon banished to the island of Elba?
Answer:

The European nations were threatened by Napoleon’s expansionist policy and dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England, and Austria formed a coalition against Napoleon. A fierce battle was fought at Leipzig between Napoleon and the allied countries in 1813.

In this battle, Napoleon was defeated. Napoleon could not defend France from the violent invasion of the European powers. By the treaty of Fontainbleau, he resigned from the crown of France. He was banished to the island of Elba, a small island in Corsica.

Question 39. Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? Can he be called a Liberator?
Answer:

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself the emperor of France and reintroduced monarchy in France. He conquered his neighboring countries and created kingdoms where he placed his own family members. Initially, people believed that Napoleon was a liberator who would bring freedom to the people, but soon his army was viewed as an invading force. So he was finally defeated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 40. Why is Napoleon called a modernizer of Europe?
Answer:

Napoleon is called a modernizer of Europe because he introduced many laws such as the protection of private property and a uniform system of weights and measures as provided by the decimal system.

Question 41. When and where was Napoleon born?|
Answer:

Napoleon was born (1769) in a respectable family in Ajaccio, the capital city of the island of Corsica. A Corsican by birth, Napoleon was French only because the island of Corsica had been annexed to France the year just before he was born.

Question 42. Why was Napoleon appointed by the Directory in 1796?
Answer:

The Directory appointed Napoleon as the commander of the army in the Italian campaign (1796). The appointment of Napoleon as the commander, however, was not without reason. For, he had already given proof of his ability by the expulsion of the British army from Toulon (1793).

Question 43. Which decrees constituted the Continental System of Napoleon?
Answer:

In 1806 Napoleon blockaded England through the Berlin Decree. The main object was to prevent the countries allied to Napoleon from doing business with England. After a few days, by the Milan Decree, Napoleon proclaimed that any ship of any country trying to reach the English ports would be caught and confiscated. The Berlin Decree and the Milan Decree constituted the Continental System of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Question 44. State two measures of Napoleon which violated the ideals of the French Revolution.
Answer:

Some of the measures Napoleon had taken as the Emperor clearly violated the ideals of the French Revolution. For instance, he severely restricted the scope of the representative institutions. Individual liberties were crushed by restrictions imposed on the freedom of expression. Restrictions were imposed on the press. Publication of articles on controversial subjects was prohibited.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 45. Did Code Napoleon aim to protect the basic principles of the French Revolution?
Answer:

The Civil Code of Napoleon aimed to protect some of the basic principles of the French Revolution. It provided:

(1) legal and social equality, equal rights of property among the children of a father.
(2) It assured freedom of thought, religion and individual liberty, and freedom of work.
(3) It made laws secular in character.

Question 46. Why were the “Orders in Council” issued by England?
Answer:

In 1807 Napoleon issued the Milan Decree by which the whole of the British Isles and her colonies were put under blockades. Neutral countries were warned not to enter any British or her colonial or allied port. All goods seized from English or neutral vessels were to be treated as enemy goods and were to be burnt. England strongly reacted and in 1870 issued the Orders in Council.

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism 4 Marks Questions And Answers

Question 1. What was Code Napoleon?
Answer:

Code Napoleon

The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Napoleon—the French civil code established by him in the year 1804. France was plagued by numerous conflicting codes of law. These codes obstructed administrative efficiency as well as national unity.

Napoleon, therefore, instituted the codification of the laws of France and gave it a new name-Code Napoleon. It incorporated the great principles of the French Revolution of 1789—equality before the law, career open to talent, freedom of thought and religion, individual liberty, abolition of serfdom, protection of private property, and secularisation of the states.

Question 2. What is “Legion of Honour”?
Answer:

“Legion of Honour”

Napoleon introduced a special title of honor for eminent citizens called the Legion of Honour in 1802. Eminent writers, poets, scientists, and army generals were admitted to it on the basis of their merit. Those who could show their ability, courage, or any other work of outstanding ability were given the title of Legion of Honour. Its inductees received the Legion’s small white enameled cross which hung on a red silk ribbon as a public show of gratitude.

Question 3. What were the defects of Code Napoleon?
Answer:

The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Napoleon. The defects of Code Napoleon were :

(1) Women were declared to be inferior to men by law. Complete freedom was not granted to women.
(2) Workers were denied collective bargaining and trade unions were outlawed.
(3) The civil code was incomplete and full of inconsistencies.

Question 4. What were the terms of the Treaty of Tilsit?
Answer:

The terms of the Treaty of Tilsit (1807) signed between Czar Alexander of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte were as follows:

(1) Czar Alexander of Russia recognized the Napoleonic settlement in Germany, Italy, and Poland.
(2) Napoleon and Alexander were free to interfere according to their will in western and eastern Europe.
(3) A new state named Westphalia was created by taking the provinces of the Rhine from Prussia.
(4) Russia was to act as a mediator between England and France.

Question 5. What were the consequences of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia?
Answer:

The consequences of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia

Napoleon made the most daring adventure in his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812. His invasion of Russia not only failed but proved contrary to his expectations.

(1) His Russian campaign destroyed his military strength.
(2) The enemies of Napoleon, being inspired by his defeats, raised their heads against him. The countries of central Europe were inspired and tried to achieve their independence. They united themselves for a war of liberation.

Question 6. How did Napoleon reorganize Germany?
Answer:

Napoleon virtually became the master of Germany after the defeat of Austria and Prussia. His most significant work was the reorganization of Germany. He organized 150 small states of Germany into 39 states and established a Federal Diet for their administration in which the protestants were in the majority in comparison to Catholics.

His aim was to create 39 kingdoms as satellites of France. He formed :

(1) The Confederation of the Rhine with 28 kingdoms,
(2) The kingdom of Westphalia with the rest and
(3) The Grand Duchy of Warsaw. His brother Jerome was appointed as the king of the Rhine kingdom and the ruler of Saxony. Another client of Napoleon became the ruler of Warsaw. He introduced Code Napoleon and his land reforms in Germany. Though he undertook all these activities for his own advantage, indirectly it contributed a lot towards the unification of Germany.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 7. How did Napoleon reorganize Italy?
Answer:

In Italy, Napoleon carried the reorganization by the Treaties of Campo-Formio (1798) and Pressburg (1805).

(1) He assumed the title of the king of Italy and he appointed his stepson Prince Eugine as the Governor of North Italy.
(2) He appointed his brother Joseph as the king of Naples.
(3) He created uniformity in different laws, taxes, educational systems, coins and weights, and measures.

Question 8. “The French blockade was a paper blockade” -Explain.
Answer:

“The French blockade was a paper blockade”

Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, made several attempts to defeat England in direct wars, but he was unsuccessful due to a lack of naval force. So, Napoleon introduced the Continental System in order to defeat England in an indirect war. Through this system of economic warfare, he wanted to destroy the trade and commerce of England.

The Continental System introduced by Napoleon failed. British goods were smuggled to different parts of Europe and Napoleon could not check them due to his weak navy. It was impossible for Fir to need to control the vast sea without a powerful fleet. So it has been remarked that “the French blockade was a paper blockade.”

Question 9. What are the Decrees through which Napoleon declared the Continental System?
Answer:

(1) In 1806 the Berlin Decree was issued by Napoleon which declared a naval blockade against England, i.e., the countries allied to Napoleon would have to stop trade with England. ‘
(2) The Milan Decree issued by Napoleon in 1807 was that any ship of any country trying to reach England would be caught and confiscated.
(3) The Warsaw and Fontainebleau Decrees issued by Napoleon said that all goods seized from English or neutral vessels would be treated as enemy goods and were to be burnt

Question 10. What were the provisions of the Orders-in-Council?
 Answer:

The provisions of the Orders-in-Council

(1) The French and her allies and colonial ports were henceforth under British blockade.
(2) No country, not even neutral countries, could import goods from France or her colonies or any allied port. Violation of this order would be punished by seizure and confiscation.
(3) Any neutral country willing to send goods to France, must visit at first any British port and take a license for going to France or to any allied port of France by payment of heavy fees.

Question 11. Write a note on the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).
Answer:

Battle of Trafalgar

Napoleon chalked out a plan to attack England and mustered a large army. He gathered a large army at Boulogne. Villeneuve, the French naval commander, proceeded to Spain. The Spanish fleet tried to join Villeneuve, but could not unite with them due to the presence of the British fleet under the command of Admiral Nelson.

‘A fierce naval battle was fought by both commanders on the island of Trafalgar (1805). The French and Spanish fleets were completely destroyed. The supremacy of the English naval fleet was established. After this fateful battle, Napoleon realized that England could not be defeated in a direct war and abandoned the idea of defeating England on the sea.

Question 12. Why did Napoleon invade Russia?
Answer:

Napoleon and the Czar of Russia became allies after the Treaty of Tilsit (1807) but this relationship did not last long. Very soon differences arose between the two due to the following reasons :

(1) Napoleon was annoyed with the Czar because he felt that the Czar had not helped him in the battle of 1809 between Austria and France.
(2) Napoleon turned against the Czar as the latter was not following the Continental System rigidly.
(3) The Czar had a fear that Napoleon would help and instigate the Poles against him.
(4) The Czar doubted that Napoleon wanted to establish his sway over the whole of Europe including Russia. So he became suspicious of Napoleon.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 13. How did the Code Napoleon become a lasting gift to France?
Answer:

The Code Napoleon, despite its flaws, was a lasting gift to France because of the following :

(1) It helped to turn away from the past
(2) It cemented the idea of equality for all Frenchmen and freedom of civil society from religious control.
(3) By providing uniformity of laws it promoted unity fostered by the French Revolution.
(4) It gave a further impulse to the rise of the bourgeoisie.

Question 14. What were the causes of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia?
Answer:

Napoleon made the most daring adventure in his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812 with 600,000 French soldiers. The causes of his defeat were as follows:

(1) As a General and Commander Napoleon committed certain mistakes which resulted in his defeat
(2) Napoleon had not made proper arrangements to fight against Russia. Disaster hit the French army in the form of severe cold, lack of food, clothing and war materials
(3) The French army was shattered due to the guerrilla tactics of the Russian soldiers.
(4) The superior military tactics of the Russian commanders made Napoleon’s defeat inevitable.
(5) The Russians followed the ‘scorched earth policy’. Napoleon’s road to return was destroyed by the Russians. Bridges were demolished, food supplies were cut off and towns were destroyed by the ‘scorched earth policy’. His grand army was decimated due to starvation.

Question 15. Write a note on the Battle of Waterloo.
Answer:

Battle of Waterloo

In 1815 Napoleon came to France from Elba and his faithful soldiers and officers joined him. The allies forgot all their differences and prepared themselves to crush him. They accused Napoleon of disturbing the peace of Europe. Napoleon had a firm faith that he would defeat the joint army of the allies.

The allies also organized two armies under the Chief Commander Duke of Wellington and Marshall Blucher. Blucher was defeated at Ligny. The Duke of Wellington gathered a huge army on the plains of Waterloo. In June 1815 a fierce battle was fought for seven hours on the plains of Waterloo. Napoleon and his soldiers fought gallantly but were defeated in the Battle of Waterloo (1815). This battle sealed the fate of Napoleon forever.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 16. What was the “One Hundred Days’ Rule” of Napoleon?
Answer:

“One Hundred Days’ Rule” of Napoleon

Napoleon, the ruler of France, was defeated in the Battle of Leipzig (1813). After his defeat, he was exiled to the island of Elba. Meanwhile, when the allies were engaged in the process of distributing the territories of the vanquished among themselves in Vienna, Napoleon reached France evading the notice of England, and ran back to France. As soon as he reached France, faithful soldiers and officers joined him. Louis XVIII who had been appointed the King of France in the meantime fled the country.

Thus, without shedding a drop of blood Napoleon occupied the throne of France again and ruled for 100 days. The allies were alarmed at the news and prepared to crush him. The Duke of Wellington gathered his army in the plains of Waterloo in 1815. In the fierce Battle of Waterloo, the fate of Napoleon was sealed forever.

Question 17. Write a note on Napoleon’s campaign in Italy.
Answer:

Napoleon’s campaign in Italy

With a shabbily equipped army, Napoleon was called upon to meet the Austrians and the Sardinians whose troops numbered twice as large as his. By a quick march, he unexpectedly appeared before the gates of Turin and compelled the Sardinians to sue for peace by the cession of Silvoy and Nice. Next, he turned against the Austrians, crossed the bridge of Lodi in the teeth of a murderous fire, and entered Milan in triumph.

The Austrians were driven out of Lombardy. Napoleon next besieged Mantua where the Austrians had retired. The Austrians made repeated efforts to relieve Mantua but were terribly beaten at Bassano, Areola, and Riflloli. Mantua fell, and Venice was conquered. The Italian program of Napoleon included an attack upon the Papacy.

He invaded the Papal territory and forced upon the Pope the Treaty of Tolentino by which the latter agreed to maintain a neutral attitude, cede territories, and recognize the newly formed republics in Italy. The victorious conqueror then crossed the Alps and by a rapid march came within the striking distance of Vienna.

This sudden move frightened Emperor Francois II and so he concluded peace with Napoleon through the Treaty of Campo Formio (1797). By this treaty, Austria ceded Belgium to France and recognized the French possession of the Ionian islands and the extension of the French frontiers up to the Rhine.

She also recognized the two republics which Napoleon had created in Italy and made dependent on France. These were the Ligurian Republic created out of the old republic of Genoa, and the Cisalpine Republic created out of the Austrian province of Lombardy. In return for these concessions, France gave to Austria and Venice including Venetian territories in Istria and Dalmatia.

Question 18. What were the results of the Treaty of Campo Formio?
Answer:

The results of the Treaty of Campo Formio

The Treaty of Campo Formio initiated the process of changing the map of Europe which was to be carried on several times in the years to come. Bonaparte now secured to France the “scientific frontier” for which Louis XIV had striven in vain. France now acquired the Rhine frontier down to the Batavian Republic (Holland), which was virtually subject to her.

On the southeast, she had gained her natural frontiers (the Alps) by the acquisition of Savoy and Nice from Sardinia. These extensions of French territory were in accordance with the traditional principles of the French monarchy. To this system which was traditional, the Directory added a second, viz. the policy of surrounding France with a belt of dependent territories serving as so many buffer states of the Revolution.

The two republics created in Italy and the Batavian Republic are instances in point. They followed the train of French policy and represented a new element in Europe. The Treaty of Campo Formio was thus a great triumph for France. It secured France her natural frontiers and established her domination in Italy and Holland.

It gave her the Ionian islands which were so many stepping stones toward Egypt. Lastly, it shattered the remains of the once great first coalition and left France without any enemy on the Continent and left England without an ally in Europe. England alone had to struggle against the ever-increasing power of France.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 19. Was the peace of Amiens a triumph for Napoleon?
Answer:

Amiens was a great triumph for Napoleon. England agreed to recognize his annexations in Europe and to abandon them as an intervention in continental affairs. Thus he was given a free hand to impose his own policy on Europe. England had made war in 1793 to exclude France from Belgium, but she had to make peace in 1802 by accepting her own exclusion from Belgium.

But it should be noted that the Peace was too favorable for France to last long. England surrendered most of her overseas conquests although she had not suffered any serious reverse. France, on the other hand, retained all her conquests in Europe. This one-sided settlement could not be expected to prove long-lasting.

It was the weakness of the settlement of Amines that an undefeated party was pledged to a policy of non-intervention in Europe without either the compensation of colonial gains or an effective guarantee of non-aggressive policy in the future on the part of the other party. The Peace thus did not conform to the reality of the European situation.

Question 20. How did Napoleon become the emperor?
Answer:

Napoleon once said: “I found the crown of France lying on the ground and I picked it up with my sword”. Ever since his brilliant successes in the Italian campaigns, Napoleon had so fashioned his conduct as to make himself the most powerful man in the State.

The following are the steps by which he made himself Emperor of the French.

(1) The directory Govt was overthrown by Napoleon and His appointment as the First Consul placed the supreme executive power in his hands.
(2) The reforms he introduced further strengthened his position by enabling him to conciliate all hostile elements. A considerable portion of the people became reconciled to his paramount position.|
(3) The Legion of Honour he instituted formed the basis of a new aristocracy dependent upon him. This was a distinct advance in the direction of imperialism. (4) In 1802, he had himself elected consul for life. This step made him the absolute ruler of France and brought him within view of the throne.

Question 21. Why did the Treaty of Amiens rupture?
Answer:

The Peace of Amiens proved to be a hollow truce of short duration. Napoleon wanted a short space of time to consolidate his position at home by introducing some healing measures. His real object was to husband all his resources and then to make a bold bid for world domination. England, on the other hand, expected that peace with France would be followed by a revival of trade and industries. But she was greatly disappointed when she found Napoleon establishing high protective tariffs which excluded, or at least reduced English competition.

Thus tension of feeling continued which was intensified by Napoleon’s aggressive attitude. He annexed Piedmont, intervened in the affairs of Switzerland by sending troops and became its “mediator,” and virtually incorporated Holland in France. England complained that Napoleon’s aggression in times of peace was hardly less numerous than in times of war. This rapid extension of French influence was greatly alarming to Great Britain.

Question 22. What were the effects of Napoleon’s rule on Germany?
Answer:

The effects of Napoleon’s rule on Germany

It should be noted that the reconstruction of Germany by Napoleon began soon after the Treaty of Luneville (1891). In that treaty, it was agreed that the secular rulers of Germany who had been dispossessed of their territory by the French occupation of the left bank of the Rhine should receive compensation on the right bank of the river. In 1803 Napoleon used his influence at the Imperial Diet to procure the suppression of all the ecclesiastical states of Germany, and their territories were distributed among the lay states to whom compensation had been promised.

Subsequently, forty-four out of fifty-one free cities were also wiped out of existence. One hundred and twelve small states were thus absolutely annihilated, being absorbed into their greater neighbors. The same policy of mediatization was also followed after the Peace of Pressburg. As the result, the complicated political map of Germany was greatly simplified.

The old Germany was gone forever. By erasing a mazy network of internal frontiers Napoleon unconsciously took an important step in the Direction of German unity. Certainly, no other means than force such as Napoleon had at his disposal, could have reduced the multitude of small states to a reasonable number in so short a time.

Along with French influence there came into Germany many beneficial changes. In the territories annexed to France were introduced better government and higher ideals of social life based on Napoleon’s Civil Code. In the rest of the country, the inspiration of the French example had a very stimulating effect. Hence in the long run Germany gained much by the rule of Napoleon.

WBBSE Class Ix History Question Answer

Question 23. Why was Napoleon overthrown? Or, the reason behind the downfall of Napoleon.
Answer:

The real cause of Napoleon’s overthrow was his insatiable ambition. It blinded him to the sense of what is practicable or not, and so led him to stretch his power to the breaking point His attempt to establish a universal empire with himself at its head was fraught with inseparable difficulties which the rashness of his genius ignored or minimized. The empire he had hastily built up rested upon no sure foundation. Built up by war and conquest, it was environed by the hatred of the conquered.

Based on the force, it could be maintained only by force. As his Government was based on despotism, it evoked no loyalty but only obedience through fear. And lastly, erected by the genius of a single man, it depended solely upon his life, and fortunes and fortune are notoriously fickle. Hence with his fall, the imposing fabric of his empire fell to the ground. Besides his inordinate ambition, there were other forces at work that combined to bring about his overthrow. These were mainly the outcome of his mistakes, the results of which he could not foresee.

These were:

(1) His most serious blunder was the Continental System. The blockade of the continental ports caused a dislocation of trade and thereby enormously raised the prices of the articles of common necessity. Dire distress followed which made Napoleon’s rule highly unpopular. To enforce this system he had to adopt a policy of wanton aggression, which raised around him a host of enemies. His attack on Portugal, his treacherous seizure of the Spanish crown, and his quarrel with the Pope and the Czar of Russia, all were the outcome of his anxiety to rigidly enforce this system.

(2) His second great mistake was his attempt to place his own brother on the Spanish throne. This roused the national spirit of the Spaniards and evoked a corresponding sense of national patriotism in other nations. The national resistance that he met with in Spain, Prussia, and Russia considerably undermined his power. Napoleon had to learn that the roused spirit of nationalism could not be conquered. It was this rising tide of national enthusiasm which formed one of the most potent causes of his downfall.

Another serious lapse of judgment on Napoleon’s part was his harsh treatment of the Pope. He demanded that the Papal ports should be dosed against British ships but the Pope replied that he would remain neutral. Thereupon Napoleon imprisoned the Pope and annexed his territories. This gratuitous affront to the Pope shocked the Catholic sentiment of Europe and did much to shake the fabric of Napoleon’s power.

Lastly, it should be noted that the imperial system of Napoleon was largely based upon his alliance with Russia. His rupture of this alliance was perhaps the most important cause of his downfall. At the bottom, his power rested with the army, but his Grand Army was shattered to pieces as a result of his ill-fated Moscow expedition. By the army, he rose and with its collapse, he fell.

The Russian disaster encouraged the powers to combine against him, and this combination cion eventually proved fatal to him. The verdict of Waterloo registered his fate. Napoleon summed up the causes of his downfall in three words —Spain, Pope, and Russia. To these must be added the persistent hostility of England and her naval supremacy.

Question 24. How did Napoleon rise to power?
Answer:

Napoleon Bonaparte was born at Ajaccio in Corsica on 15 August 1769 shortly after the island was purchased by France from Genoa. In his youth, his great ambition was to free Corsica from French control. He was educated at the military schools of Brienne and Paris. At sixteen he became a sub-lieutenant of artillery. By 1793 he was a Colonel. In the struggle between the Girondists and the Jacobins, Napoleon sided with the latter.

In 1793 he distinguished himself by driving the English from Toulon. It was his first victory, the presage of his future greatness. He was given the rank of Brigadier-General. He further made his mark in 1795 by defending the Convention against the royalist insurrection.

Napoleon impressed the Directory with his military skill and in 1796 he was appointed commander-in-chief of Italy where he laid the foundation of his imperishable military fame. His Italian campaign lasted a year from April 1796 to April 1797. He was a military genius. His policy was to see that his enemies did not mute and then beat each other in turn.

With amazing speed and brilliant tactics, Napoleon led his forces across the Alps, humbled the Sardinians, and occupied every fort in Northern Italy. Sardinia was compelled to cede Nice and Savoy to France. When Bonaparte’s army approached Vienna, Austria sued for peace. By the Treaty of Campo Formio (October 1797) Austria gave up Belgium to France and abandoned to her the left bank of the Rhine. In return, Venice was handed over to Austria.

On his return to France, Napoleon was received with wild enthusiasm. But the time was not ripe for him to impose his authority upon the French people. Napoleon, therefore, persuaded the Directory that it was in the best interest of France that England should be ruined.

She was the soul and purse of the continental opposition. He took his army to Egypt and thence across the desert of Sinai towards the East. But he never reached India. He actually lost most of his fleet, failed to conquer Syria, and barely got back to France (October 1799) through Nelson’s fleet after abandoning his army. He arrived in Paris at the most opportune moment

WBBSE Class Ix History Question Answer

Question 25. What were the financial and religious reforms of Napoleon?
Answer:

1)Financial Reforms: Napoleon put the financial administration in proper order. He reduced public expenditure in a rigid economy. He increased the national income by centralizing the system of collecting taxes. The Bank of France was founded in 1800 and in 1803 it was given the monopoly of issuing bank notes. Thus France enjoyed a degree of stability she had never known before.

Napoleon imitated the good features of the age of Louis 14. He inaugurated a series of public works. Napoleon continued the protectionist tariff policies of the Directory which were directed primarily at Britain. Everything possible was done to promote the industry. There was a growth of 25 percent in the French industry. It may be said that the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution in France was laid during the Napoleonic period. Napoleon’s engineers built or repaired about 50,000 miles of roads. Every remote village benefited.

2)Religion: Napoleon regarded religion as a useful political instrument, a social cement, and a safety value. He wanted to come to an understanding with the Church, for he believed that religion was essential to strengthen his political career. He made a treaty of Concordat with Pope Pius VII in July 1801 whereby he set aside the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. He guaranteed freedom of worship and recognized Catholicism as the religion of the majority of the French people.

By the Concordat the higher clergy, though appointed by the state, must receive the confirmation of the Pope; the lower clergy were to be appointed by the bishops. In return, the State undertook to pay the salaries of all.

In April 1802 Bonaparte embodied the Concordat in a general Law of Public Worship which subjected the clergy to minute state regulation. Napoleon’s ecclesiastical settlement was a compromise. It left both extremes dissatisfied as it did not restore to the Church its property which had been confiscated during the Revolution. Nevertheless, the settlement continued in force till 1905.

Question 26. Write a note on the legal and educational reforms of Napoleon.
Answer:

1)Legal Reform: One of the greatest evils of the ancient regime was the lack of a uniform code of law. With the help of a commission of jurists, Napoleon in 1804 evolved a Code consisting of 2,287 articles. The Code emphasized the principles of Roman law, which made it more acceptable to other European countries in later times. There were five codes in all—the Civil Code, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure and Penal Law, the Penal Code, and the Commercial Code.

Of the five codes, the civil code was the most important. These codes granted religious toleration, civil equality, equality of inheritance, enjoined civil marriage, and permitted divorce. On the other hand, it upheld strongly the bond of family life, paternal authority, the sanctity of private property, and the subjection of women. Napoleon was rightly regarded as a Second Justinian. In Holland, Germany, and Italy, wherever the French armies marched, the Code exercised enduring influence. The Codes presented to Europe the main rules which should govern a civilized society.

2)Legion of Honour: Napoleon created a new aristocracy of merit by introducing the Legion of Honour in 1802. This he distributed primarily to soldiers but also to civilians of high merit.

3)Education: Napoleon ensured free social and educational opportunities and made possible a ‘career open to talents’. In his attitude towards culture, Napoleon could hardly be called liberal. The purpose of the schools, according to him, was to rear up faithful citizens, taught by men with fixed principles. He established four types of schools: primary, secondary, semi-military boarding schools, and schools for technical training. At the head of all was the Imperial University created in 1808.

He reorganized the Institute de France which had been established in 1795 for higher study and research. He prohibited the study of moral and political sciences. Napoleon preserved and expanded the Bibliotheque Nationale (National Library) and provided the Archives TMationales a new home in 1804. The whole structure formed a rigid hierarchy with an imposing bureaucratic apparatus centered in Paris and charged with regulating the educational life of France down to the smallest detail. He was equally opposed to the freedom of the press.

WBBSE Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 27. Comment on the Spanish expedition of Napoleon.
Answer:

The Spanish War: To enforce the Continental System on Portugal, an ally of England, Napoleon concluded a secret treaty with Spain for the partition of Portugal. The royal family of Portugal fled to Brazil in South America. Then Napoleon forced the Bourbon King of Spain to resign all claims to the Spanish Throne. In May 1808 Napoleon placed his elder brother Joseph on the throne.

Thus Spain owned France. He could not realize how difficult it was to subdue proud Spanish people amidst its mountains and arid plains. Spanish peasantry made common cause with nobles and priests. Guerilla force drove Joseph from Madrid and defeated two French divisions in the field at Baylen in July 1808. Thus began the Peninsular War which lasted until 1813 and baffled him at every stage and ultimately brought disaster to him. It cost him half a million men and perhaps his throne.

|Backed by British naval power and British forces under Sir Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington), the Spaniards cleared the Peninsula in 1813. Napoleon remarked later, “It was the Spanish ulcer that ruined me.” The significance of the Spanish War lay in the fact that it was the beginning of a nationalist movement of resistance in other parts of Europe.

Napoleon underestimated the strength of the Spanish national resistance. Religion and national pride were the chief passions of the Spanish people which guided them to an obstinate resistance to the French. The French Emperor had to learn that a whole people is more powerful than disciplined troops’. Moreover, instead of harnessing all his resources into the enterprise, Napoleon hurried away in 1809 before he had completed the conquest of Spain.

He did not support Massena in 1810; he withdrew South in 1812; in 1813 he made futile efforts to hold Spain with armies which, if transferred to Central Europe, might have saved the Empire. Moreover, the physical features affording great facilities for guerilla warfare harassed the French armies and ultimately enfeebled them. In addition, the help of the British was of utmost importance to the Spaniards.

Question 28. Write a short note on the Treaty of Amiens.
Answer:

Treaty of Amiens

After the Peace of Luneville, the only member of the coalition that held out against France was England. But these two powers were hardly within striking distance of each- other. England had no allies on the continent, and France had no fleets on the sea. Unable to strike England on the sea, Napoleon turned to diplomacy and made use of the grievances of neutral powers against England.

The British ships used to search even neutral ships for French goods. Napoleon instigated the Czar to revive against England the Armed Neutrality, consisting of Russia, Prussia, Sweden, and Denmark. The object of this league was to prevent England from searching neutral ships for French goods.

As soon as this league was formed the English fleet under Nelson bombarded Copenhagen, and captured the Danish fleet to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon. This victory, as well as the assassination of the Czar Paul of Russia, broke up the Armed Neutrality.

Napoleon’s plan was foiled and England was saved from a formidable coalition. The English were also successful in Egypt. Abercromby’s victory at Abukir, followed by the surrender of the French garrison at Cairo, compelled the French to evacuate Egypt All these French reverses inclined Napoleon to conclude peace with England, and England too, tired of war, was ready to lend a willing ear.

By the Peace of Amiens which followed, England restored all conquests from France and her allies except Ceylon and Trinidad and promised to evacuate Malta. France agreed to evacuate Naples and the Papal States and to restore Egypt to the Sultan of Turkey. This peace was favorable to France and England tacitly recognized the predominance of France on the Continent as it was established by the Treaty of Luneville (1802).

Question 29. What was the significance of the Consulate?
Answer:

Significance of the Consulate: The work of the Consulate was an honest and successful attempt to secure to the French people the fruits of the Revolution by reducing the ideas of 1789 to a system of law. The Civil Code abolished all traces of aristocratic privileges and established equality in the eyes of the law.

By the Concordat the Pope recognized the new land system of France which rested on the revolutionary Church property. Thus the peasant was secured in the possession of what he had gotten by the Revolution. The Concordat further healed the ecclesiastical discord which was a source of the weakness of the Revolution.

In a word, feudalism, privilege, and all the social anomalies for the abolition of which the French people had made violent efforts in the past were all removed and the Consulate confirmed the revolutionary changes which had been effected in the social and economic life of France. But in politics, the Consulate showed a reaction towards the centralized despotism of the Bourbons.

WBBSE Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 30. Write an essay on Napoleon’s reconstruction of Germany.
Answer:

Napoleon’s reconstruction of Germany

The most striking changes he affected were in Germany. Napoleon’s Garman policy may be summed up in this picturesque expression, ‘to abuse the mountains and exalt the valleys’. In other words, his policy was to increase the lesser states of Germany to neutralize the power of the two great states, Austria and Prussia. So he lavished favor on these lesser states and made them strong enough to be useful as allies.

As these states were bound to France by selfish interests, they formed so many buffer states between France on the one hand and Austria and Prussia on the other. Thus, by the Peace of Pressburg, he raised Bavaria and Wurtemburg, hitherto duchies to the rank of kingdoms, and considerably enlarged their territories at the expense of Austria.

The elector of Baden also received a share of the outlying Austrian provinces in western Germany and assumed the title of Grand Duke. The Austrian power was thus reduced within the narrowest limits. Equally severe was his treatment of Prussia. During the campaign of Austerlitz Prussia had threatened intervention.

Napoleon and had thereby incurred his displeasure. So, by the treaty of Scbonbrunn Napoleon forced Prussia to surrender Rheniah territories which were converted into the Grand Duchy of Berg and placed under the charge of Munt. In exchange, Prussia received the most unwelcome gift of Hanover, which carried with it the certainty of war with England, and had to agree to close all her coastline to English commerce.

Having thoroughly humbled Austria Napoleon set himself on the task of reconstructing the German political system. In Germany, he formed a new political union under French patronage, called the Confederation of the Rhine. It was composed of Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Baden, and thirteen other minor states of southwestern Germany. These states renounced their allegiance to the Holy Roman Empire, agreed to recognize Napoleon as their Protector, and pledged themselves to support him in all his wars with an army of 63,000 men.

All the smaller princes and Imperial Knights within the limits of the Confederation were mediatized, that is, deprived of their governing rights, and their territories annexed to the large provinces in which they were situated. This new organization was meant as a counterpoise to the power of Prussia and Austria. It was also directed against Russia whom Napoleon sought to exclude from Western Europe by the erection in Germany of a political system subservient to French policy.

Russia remained his only enemy on the Continent after the break¬up of the Third Coalition at Austerlitz.
The secession of these states affected a revolution in the old German political system. The Confederation of the Rhine destroyed the Holy. Roman Empire, shadowy and unreal as it was, had been in existence for 110 thousand years. Emperor Francois formally resigned his imperial dignity and adopted the title of Franois I. Emperor of Austria. Thus perished the Holy Roman Empire.

Question 31. What were the causes of French failure in Spain?
Answer:

Causes of French failure: There were many reasons for the military failure of Napoleon in Spain. First, he had as many calls upon his attention that he could not personally control all the operations in Spain and so could not secure that unity of action which was essential to success. He left the task mostly to his generals whose jealousies prevented concerted action at many critical junctures. Secondly, he underestimated the strength of the Spanish national resistance and so did not throw all his resources into the enterprise.

The result was that throughout the conduct of the war, he committed grave mistakes. Thus in 1809, he hurried away to France before the Spanish rebellion was completely suppressed. In 1811 he did not adequately support Massena before Torres Vedras and in 1813 he made futile efforts to hold Spain with armies that, if transferred to Central Europe, might have saved the Empire. These mistakes of policy coupled with the absence of unity of action led to serious reverses. Thirdly, the physical features of Spain fought the French army.

The country is mountainous and poor so it was difficult for the French to secure food and transport for a large army for any length of time. Spain Is the typical example of a country”Where “large armies starve and small armies get beaten”.

The physical features were also well suited for guerilla warfare for which the Spaniards showed great aptitude. Lastly, Napoleon’s treachery provoked a national spirit and he had to learn that “a whole people is more powerful than disciplined troops”. This spirit was well sustained by Wellington whose endurance, political tact, and generalship were factors omitted from Napoleon’s calculations.

WBBSE Class Ix History Question Answer

Question 32. What was the significance of the Peninsular War?
Answer:

Significance of Peninsular War: Napoleon’s attempt to conquer Spain was more than a failure. It brought about his downfall. He expected a short contest but found himself involved in a long exhausting war. Everywhere the people spontaneously rose in arms.

To cope with the headed resistance he had to keep enormous war armies in Spain. This weakened his operations elsewhere and drained his resources which should have been carefully husbanded for more important purposes. Secondly, Napoleon’s intervention in Spain produced an outburst of national feeling throughout the country such as he had never met before.

He was confronted with the determined opposition of the whole people, and he had to learn that the Spanish nation was not the same thing as the Spanish Government which he had so easily overthrown.

Other nations took the cue from the Spaniards and organized popular and national resistance before which Napoleon had to give way. In other words, with the Spanish rising, the national reaction began, and its effect was seen in the immense impulse when to the national movement in Germany.

The Peninsular War thus proved to be a “veritable ulcer” that ate away the strength of Napoleon at a time when the European situation demanded all his strength. Lastly, the Spanish insurrection was rendered vastly more injurious to Napoleon because it gave the small land army of England exactly the theatre in which it could most effectively deploy its resources. Besides, bringing their weight to bear upon the struggle the English soldiers did much to stiffen the resistance of the Spaniards.

Question 33. Write an essay on Napoleon’s expedition to £gypt.
Answer:

Napoleon’s Expedition to Egypt : On his return to France after the Italian campaigns, Napoleon was received with transports of enthusiasm. His brilliant victories had lifted his head and shoulders above all rivals and henceforward he was at the forefront of public affairs in France.

Austria was humbled, and only one power remained at war with France, namely, England. The Directory appointed Napoleon to the command of the army meant for the invasion of England. But a direct invasion of England seemed impossible without a powerful fleet, so Napoleon advised the Directory to fit out an expedition for the conquest of Egypt, the key to the East.

This would be an indirect blow to England undermining her supremacy in the East and destroying her commerce. The Directors agreed to his proposal with a sense of relief as they were afraid of the military predominance of the great general and wanted him to be away from France.

Napoleon left Toulon and set sail for Egypt in May 1198. It should be noted that the Egyptian expedition of Napoleon was the outcome of his comprehensive Eastern design which aimed at destroying British power in India, as well as taking Europe in the rear by way of Constantinople.

The first indication of his Eastern design was to be found in his occupation of the Adriatic port of Ancona during his campaigns in Italy. The acquisition of the Ionian islands by the Peace of Campo Formio and the correspondence that he carried on with the Albanian subjects of Turkey were the deliberate steps already taken by him to promote his designs on Turkey.

He planned the Egyptian expedition as the culmination of his Levantine (eastern)projects. The conquest of Egypt would give him an- invaluable base for operations both against Turkey whos dismemberment he sought and against India from which he sought to expel the English. Eluding the vigilance of the British fleet Napoleon managed to reach Egypt, conquering Malta on the way. He won the famous Battle of the Pyramid which made him master of the basin of the Nile.

But the English admiral Nelson followed him closely and the battle of Abukir Bay, generally known as the Battle of the Nile, destroyed the French fleet. This victory was entirely out of Bonaparte and his army from communication with the French and he was as good as imprisoned in Egypt. He then invaded Syria but failed in his attempt to take Acre. He then returned to France leaving his army to its fate.

Question 34. Write a short note on the Consulate.
Answer:

Consulate

The overthrow of the Directory by Napoleon necessitated the revision of the constitution. Its forms and details as drawn up by Sieyes and amended by Napoleon gave to France a Consular Constitution.

The following were its main features :

(1) The executive power was vested in three Consuls who were to be elected by the Senate for ten years. One of them was to be the First Consul who was to have the power of making war and peace, appointing ministers, ambassadors, and all other officers, both civil and military. The other two consuls had only a consultative voice,

(2) The Legislative functions were distributed amongst three separate bodies, namely, the Council of State. Tribunate and the Legislative Body. The first drafted all laws and bills, the second discussed them without voting and the third voted upon them without discussing them.

There was also to be a fourth body higher than the others. It was a Senate of sixty members whose function was to reject or to ratify the measures referred to it by the Legislative Body. It was also an electing body; it chose the consuls, the members of the Tribunate, and the Legislative Body. But the members of the Council of State were to be nominated the First Consul. The constitution as drawn up by the Consulate was a mere sham. Appearances of popular Government were kept up to deceive the people.

All power was practically concentrated in the hands of the First Consul. The legislative functions were so divided as to leave no influence either on the Tribunate or the Legislative Body. The Senate and the Council of State, being nominated by the First Consul, were tools in his hands. France was a republic in name the Government became a veiled monarchy. Under this new Constitution, known as the Constitution of the year VIII, Napoleon was chosen as the First Consul and he took a long step towards making himself Emperor.

Question 35. What were the aims and objectives of the reforms of Napoleon?
Answer:

Aims and Objectives of the Reforms of Napoleon: Between 1799 and 1803 Napoleon as the First Consul was free to devote his energies to the internal reconstruction of France. As an administrator and a reformer, Napoleon was to some extent influenced by the philosophers of that time. From the history of England, Greece, etc. Napoleon learned lessons about the need for the establishment of a welfare state and reforms for the welfare of the people.

In his reforms, Napoleon was guided by four specific aims and objectives :

(1) To establish equality and fraternity in the socio-economic life of France that had been disturbed by the Revolution;
(2) To strengthen the central Government and to concentrate all powers at the center to root out internal disorder and establish national unity
(3) To reduce the rights and powers of the self-governing institutions; and
(4) To leave behind a fame that would be very well remembered by the posterity

Question 36. Write a short note on the conflict between the Napoleonic Empire and the new ideas of nationalism.
Answer:

The conflict between the Napoleonic Empire and the New Ideas of Nationalism: Napoleon sought to develop a new model of government and administration throughout the Empire. Such a model was for the middle-class people and the military. But it had relatively little appeal to the common people, both urban and rural of the Napoleonic Empire. The increase in taxation was resented by them.

The enlightened reforms like civil and legal equality granted by the satellite rulers of the Empire were less attractive to the common people when it was forced by the power of French guns. In such a background the significance of the newly emerging nationalism in Europe could not be ignored.

The sense of nationalism propounded by the bourgeoisie in Europe became widespread among the intellectuals and the educated middle class. This may be illustrated by the developments in Germany, particularly in Prussia. The defeat of Prussia at Jena and Auerstadt by Napoleon which led to the loss of independence created a deep sense of shame. It wounded the pride of the Prussians.

In consequence, a new sense of freedom and energy was spreading through society. The thinkers like Fichte and others began to emphasize the superiority of the German cultural tradition. This tradition was more based on emotions rather than the principles of the French Revolution. It was cultivated as a source of resistance to French domination and acted as a stimulus to German national consciousness. Herein lay the conflict between the Napoleonic Empire and the ideas of nationalism realized by revolutionary France.

Question 37. What were the noble ideas which spread through the Napoleonic Empire?
Answer:

Different noble ideas spread to different parts of Europe through the Napoleonic Empire.

These were nationalism, religious toleration, and secularism.

(1) Ideas of nationalism and patriotism spread to Europe through the Napoleonic Empire. Before the outbreak of the French Revolution, the people of Europe were loyal to the monarchy. However the French Revolution taught the people to give top priority to national interests. The deep sense of nationalism spread to different parts of Europe through the Napoleonic Empire. The concept of the national flag, national song, and national school inspired the people and spread throughout the Napoleonic Empire.

(2) Napoleon showed religious toleration to the Jews. This put to shame many European countries even in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The idea of religious toleration was adopted by almost all modern states.

(3) Through the Napoleonic Empire secularism, i.e., the idea that religion was separate from politics came to be established in Europe. Henceforth, in any matter of the state, the church was not involved.

Question 38. Why did Napoleon Bonaparte introduce the Continental system?
Answer:

Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the Continental System in 1806 which was an economic strategy in Europe intended to cripple Great Britain.

The reasons for the introduction of the Continental System were :

(1) If England’s trade and commerce were destroyed, it would ruin her economically.
(2) If the British-made goods were not exported, she would become bankrupt and she. could neither wage war nor help her allies.
(3) If the manufactured goods were not exported, the factories of England would be ruined. The businessmen and capitalists would suffer.
(4) The condition of England would deteriorate and thus England would have to sue for a treaty.

Question 39. What were the causes of the failure of the Continental System?
Answer:

The Continental System introduced by Napoleon failed due to various reasons :

(1) Most of the European countries depended on British goods, but when the supply of these articles was stopped, people had to face great difficulties and they began to oppose the Continental System.
(2) It was impossible for France to control the vast sea without a powerful fleet.
(3) British goods were smuggled to different parts of Europe and Napoleon could not check it due to his weak navy.
(4) Spain and Portugal did not join this scheme and extended their cooperation to England.
(5) Napoleon lost the sympathy of the people.
He was hated by the people for his selfish and tyrannical rule. Napoleon’s Continental System was a total failure and proved suicidal for him.

Question 40. Describe the nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer:

The nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic empire

Napoleon declared himself the ‘Emperor of France’ in 1804 and he established a vast empire. He conquered Italy, Germany, Prussia, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and Naples. But his empire did not last long and there were nationalist reactions against his empire.

(1) He was regarded as a foreigner by the people of the vanquished nations. Gradually, the spirit of nationalism grew powerful and people began to oppose him.

(2) The people of Spain began to organize revolutionary councils and national guards. All of Spain stood as one man against Napoleon.

(3) The spirit of nationalism that developed in Spain gradually spread to other European countries and initiated a formidable liberation struggle. The nationalist spirit of the Dutch, Belgians, Germans, Italians, Swiss, and Poles was provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them.

(4) When Napoleon was trying to consolidate at home, Germans started their war of liberation under the leadership of Prussia, to which Austria and Russia also joined.

(5) Students, teachers, peasants, clergy, and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon. Thus Napoleon had to face people imbued with the spirit of nationalism.

Question 41. Give an account of the reactions of the people against the Napoleonic Empire.
Answer:

The reactions of the people against the Napoleonic Empire

Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor, pursued a vigorous foreign policy to rebuild the French colonial empire which resulted in acquiring for France a large number of territories. He conquered most of Europe and Egypt for France. There were reactions from the people against the Napoleonic Empire.

(1) The Battle of Leipzig was a battle of nations and nationalities. Students, teachers, peasants, clergy, and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon.

(2) Napoleon’s empire became very vast. There were Dutch, Belgians, Germans, Italians, Swiss, and Poles in his empire. The nationalist spirit of the people was provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them and brought no new message.

(3) The people of Holland enthroned the Prince of Orange against the wishes of Napoleon.

(4) The Italian provinces rose in revolt against Napoleon.

(5) Even in France people began to oppose Napoleon. They were against the policy of forced

(6) He lost the support of the people of Europe. When he captured the Papal kingdom and imprisoned the pope for the latter’s refusal to accept the Continental System, the whole of the Christian world blamed him as a high-handed man.

Question 42. Can Napoleon be called the ‘Destroyer of the Revolution’?
Answer:

Napoleon was a supporter of the principles of the French Revolution, viz. liberty, equality, and fraternity. He provided equality to every individual in the country by implementing his code. Though he provided equality to his people, he took away their liberty. He believed in absolute monarchy and established his empire based on his personality. The administration was centralized completely.

He captured the real power of the provincial Government by placing all the officials under the central government. With all the rights of the judiciary and executive vested in him, he used to live in the palace of Tuileries like the absolute Bourbon kings. He established full control of education and destroyed individual freedom, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. He sent honest critics arbitrarily to prison. Thus he killed the principles of the revolution keeping in view the necessity of the time. He is thus called ‘the destroyer of the Revolution’.

Question 43. Write a note on Napoleon’s campaign against Russia.
Answer:

Napoleon’s campaign against Russia

Ever since the Peace of Tilsit, Russia had been Napoleon’s ally, but circumstances combined to weaken this alliance and eventually bring about a rupture. The matrimonial alliance between Austria and Napoleon offended the Czar and the coolness which sprang up, was heightened by Napoleon’s seizure of the duchy of Oldenburg which belonged to the Czar’s brother-in-law. The Czar had all along looked upon with suspicion the creation of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw by Napoleon.

The suspicion was changed into positive distrust when Napoleon enlarged the Grand Duchy by the territory acquired from Austria after Wagram. He feared that Napoleon’s object was to re-establish Poland and encourage Polish nationalism. Lastly, the rift between the two powers was completed by the Czar’s refusal to increase the rigors of Napoleon’s economic blockade of England.

The Continental system which the Czar had agreed to support, was causing great financial loss to Russia. So the Czar issued an edict in 1810, modifying his adhesion to the Continental System. This completed the rupture, as Napoleon would not tolerate any breach of the system by which he sought the compass of the economic ruin of England.

Both the powers prepared for war and Napoleon invaded Russia with the largest army he had ever commanded. Napoleon thought that a smashing victory like that of Friedland would speedily bring Czar Alexander to terms. Instead, he found that the Russians would not fight.

They steadily retorted, adopting the policy of avoiding fights and luring the enemy farther and farther into a country that they took pains to devastating as they retreated. Napoleon followed the Russians with his dogged energy, defeating them and finally occupying Moscow (1812). The Russians deserted their ardent capital and set it on fire.

This compelled Napoleon to retreat during which his army was exposed to indescribable hardships of hunger and exhaustion, intensified by the rigor of a Russian winter and the harassing attacks of the Cossack guerilla bands. Napoleon deserted the army and hurried to Paris. His Grand Army was reduced to a few paltry thousands. This ill-fated expedition shattered the military power of Napoleon and encouraged the powers of Central Europe to shake off his domination.

Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism 8 Marks Questions And Answers

Question 1. How did Napoleon rise to power in France?
Answer:

(1) Early life: Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769, on the island of Corsica, in a not-very-well-to-do family. Napoleon was enrolled as a student of the Military Academy of France and made his mark in the school through his brilliance. He displayed a marked fondness for mathematics, history, and the science of war. He also studied the works of the current philosophers. He had a faculty of keen observation and a capacity to learn from experience.

(2) Rise to fame: As an officer of the French army, Napoleon made his mark during the regime of the National Convention. By brilliant artillery action, he beat back the English invasion of the port of Toulon in 1793. As a result, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He defended the Government from the attack of the Parisian mob in 1795. His profession of Jacobin faith made him acceptable to the government.

All these factors contributed to his promotion to the rank of a full general. But it was not till the Italian campaign that Napoleon could emerge from obscurity to the commanding reputation of the foremost general of France. Bonaparte’s name became familiar to the Parisians after his brilliant defense of the Directory from the mob in 1795.

(3) His Italian Campaign: When the Directory was faced with the formidable challenge of the First Coalition, Carnot the Minister of the charge of defense invested Napoleon with the charge of the Italian campaign. Carnot had seen a plan prepared by Napoleon for the conquest of Italy and became highly impressed by it. In 1796 Napoleon was appointed in Italy where he could apply his new principles of warfare and won striking success.

The Italian campaign was the dawn of his career and his accession to the French throne in 1809 was its logical result. Napoleon reorganized Italy after his sleeping victory and sealed it with the Treaty of Campo Formio with Austria. By this treaty, France got the Ionian Islands which provided for French foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean. Austria recognized the Italian republic founded by Napoleon. Peace was established between France and her allies.

(4) Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt: Napoleon’s sweeping victory in Italy and the treaty of Campo Formio made him a national hero. Paris gave him a rousing reception after his return from Italy. After tasting, success in Italy Napoleon displayed his contempt for the Directory and pursued his ambition. The Directors became jealous of his power and popularity. They prepared a plan of invasion of England and asked Napoleon to execute it.

Napoleon feared that the plan would be a failure which would ruin his career. Napoleon landed in Egypt with fifty-five thousand men, ships full of libraries accompanied by experts in history, archaeology, science, and medicine. He routed the Mameluks in the battle of the Pyramid. The French killed and imprisoned 24 thousand men with a loss of 200 men on their side.

This glazing victory was darkened by the bad news of the battle of Abukir Bay in which the French fleet was destroyed by the heroic English sea lord Admiral Nelson. The loss of the French fleet cut off Napoleon and his men from Europe and they were stranded like fishes out of water. Finding no other alternative to save his men, he left them and returned to France in 1799 on a daring adventure.

(5) End of the Directory: It was a puzzled and dejected France that received Napoleon in 1799. The corrupt administration of the Directory as well as the excesses committed by the radicals during the Reign of Terror made France tired of both the moderates and the radicals. There was a general desire for peace and security. Externally, the mismanagement of foreign affairs by the Directory led to the formation of the second coalition. The advantage gained by France by the Treaty of Campo Formio was lost by the Directory.

No one in France reproached Napoleon for his failure in Egypt. On the contrary, they welcomed him as the savior who could give the people order and glory through his strong Government. Napoleon was not slow to understand that fortune was smiling at him. Fie organized a coup on November 9, 1799, and overthrew the Directory. A Consulate form of Government was established in France and Napoleon became the First Consul with almost unlimited power.

(6) Conclusion: Napoleon had many great personal qualities that account for his success. Fie was marvelously versatile. Fie had a keen insight into the forces at work. Fie could do incessant hard work to the extent of 18 hours a day. Fie was immensely resourceful in ideas. His brain was never idle. Wherever he went, he prepared some plan for the improvement of the place. But he never made snap judgments. He carefully examined the minute details.

But he did pretend to be omniscient. He made himself the idol of his soldiers and developed familiarity even with the ordinary troopers. He spoke to them in a tone of fellowship which earned their devotion to him. All these qualities pave the way for the rise of Napoleon in France.

Question 2. Was Napoleon the “Child of the Revolution”?
Answer:

(1) Introduction: The rise of Napoleonic dictatorship and the foundation of the Napoleonic empire logically postulate the question as to what was Napoleon’s relation with the Revolution. Napolean called himself the ‘child of the revolution’. He was a supporter of the principles of revolution life liberty, equality, and fraternity. No correct assessment of Napoleon’s relation with the Revolution can be made unless we determine at first the heritage of the Revolution and judge Napoleon’s attitude towards it

(2) Napoleon and the Revolution: Napoleon’s youthful mind was saturated with the revolutionary ideas of the philosophers. He rode to the crest of revolutionary waves to reach the steps of the French throne. In their earlier life, he had worked with the Jacobins and saved them during the National Convention.

(3) Napoleon’s attachment to equality: Of the three great ideas of the Revolution—Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, Napoleon rejected Liberty and selected the other two. He translated them into reality. Equality is closely connected with both the democratic passion of envy and the philosophical notion of justice. It was suitable to his scheme of centralization and dictatorship. It also suited the people’s desires. Hence most of his reforms were based on equality. It was in that sense he • was too, the heir and executor of the Revolution.

In short, the reforms of Napoleon were inspired by the spirit of Equality. The revolutionary settlement of land which abolished feudalism and the revolutionary tax system which abolished privileges were all retained by him. It ensured equality. Secondly, Napoleon maintained legal equality and social equality, opening careers to talents. Equal inheritance was assured. His Code Napoleon was an embodiment of these principles.

The Civil Code of Napoleon providing civil marriage and divorce liberated Europe from clerical tyranny of family life. For the first time since Constantine, Europe accepted a code of secular life ordained by a secular State. Napoleon made revolutionary philosophy a practical one by combining liberty with order. What he did was a synthesis between Revolutionary France and Old France and he left out those ideas like Liberty that stood in his way.

(4) European settlement based on Equality: Equality, the great message of the French Revolution, was spread by Napoleon outside France through the mouth of his guns. If he was the tyrant of Europe, he was also its benefactor. Wherever new conquests were made, Napoleon took special care to reorganize the area in the light of the French State refashioned by them; wherever he could lay his hands he abolished feudalism and serfdom and enforced equality—legal and moral. Napoleon’s Civil Code spread through Europe. The fame of the institutions of new France inspired the people of Europe.

The principle of Liberty— the cardinal doctrine of the Revolution was rejected by Napoleon when it conflicted with his purpose or wherever it conflicted with equality, he sacrificed liberty. The very constitution of the consulate which made the First Consul, the dictator of France as well as the foundation of the hereditary monarchy of his house, was the negation of liberty. Fie replaced the principle of reaction by appointment and made the legislature subservient to his will. Although he confirmed his despotic Government by a plebiscite, but that was merely a window dressing.

(5) Over-centralization of administration: Napoleon’s reforms overcentralized everything. It made every organ of society subjected to him. Education, religion,
administration, and law almost everything came under his control. It was a negation of liberty. The full expression of Liberty is nationality. Napoleon’s conquest of foreign lands and the system of despotism that he imposed on the conquered countries violated the aspect of the Revolution. In Spain and Germany, his rule became particularly hateful. Vanity and self-interest marred his judgment.

(6) Destroyer of Revolution: If Napoleon was the child of the Revolution, he was a genius in reaction against it. Fie trampled upon liberty which was one of the three great ideas of the Revolution. Fie established a despotism under a constitutional wig of the plebiscite. The wig soon fell when he overthrew the republic and declared himself Emperor.

His rigid centralization of administration extinguished all local elected bodies. His principle of selection banished the principle of election. He even policed the mind of the people through the system of regimented education. He even did not hesitate to police their soul by nominating the bishops.

Independence of sovereignty of legislature became a myth. Censorship of the press gagged the liberty of the press. Napoleon destroyed the Revolution and harnessed it to the chariot of autocracy. In Europe, while he sowed the seeds of new ideas on one hand by introducing his beneficial reforms, on the other :
on the other hand, he destroyed its liberty by establishing his domination over it.

Question 3. Give a short sketch of the carrier of Napoleon the Great.
Answer:

Carrier of Napoleon the Great

(1) Early life of Napoleon Bonaparte: Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio at Corsica in 1769, in a family of Italian origin. Napoleon was educated in French military schools at Brienne and Paris. At the age of sixteen, he left military school and became a second lieutenant in the artillery. By 1796 Bonaparte was appointed to command the army in Italy.

(2) Character of Napoleon: Napoleon was a marvelously gifted man. His character was a happy combination of the qualities of the practical and the poetic, the realistic and the imaginative, such reached the highest pitch. They were rendered potent by an obstinate will and almost superhuman activity.

(3) Napoleon’s character best suited for France: French politics gave Napoleon an extraordinary opportunity for his ambition, selfishness, and egoism. France was easily acquired in the usurpation of the power of Napoleon because of the foreign danger that threatened the country. The needs of France were such that only the highest of powers of technical administration were adequate to meet them.

Napoleon possessed exactly that combination of qualities that mark great Statesmanship and practical judgment. He had a clear intellect and he developed scrupulous attention to minute details. Napoleon was one of those men for whom everything—from a saucepan to the governing of men—was capable of improvement.

(4) Napoleon and Revolution: Napoleon said on one occasion, “I am the Revolution” and on another that “he had destroyed the Revolution.” It was Napoleon’s function in history to fuse old France with the new. A great opportunist Napoleon was not the man to be led away by revolutionary dogmatism. But he understood that whatever disgust might have been left for the Republic, France was still wedded to the cause of the Revolution.

(5) Rise to power:

Italian Campaign of 1796-1797: The Italian Campaign of 1796-1797 was the beginning of a long series of sensational military exploits that were to rank Napoleon as the great commander of modern times. The Sardinians were defeated and Bonaparte turned his attention to the Austrians.

To the famous exploits of Lodi, Napoleon with reckless courage at the risk of his own life affected the passage of the bridge of Lodi, and the Austrians were defeated. Austria concluded the Treaty of Campo Formio. France secured the Rhine frontier and control of the Cisalpine Republic in Italy. He overthrew the ancient Republic of Venice and plundered Italy with her works of art. The Italian campaign was the stepping stone of Napoleon’s fame.

(6) The Egyptian Campaign: After the Treaty of Campo Formio, only England remained at war with France. The Directory now appointed Napoleon as commander of the “Army of England”. They were glad to send him far away from Paris because his popularity became a menace to them. Napoleon, who had imitated Charlemagne in Italy, now dreamt of rivaling the exploits of Alexander in Egypt. The Egyptian expedition was doomed to fail as France lacked naval control. The French fleet was destroyed by Admiral Nelson in the Battle of the Nile and Napoleon secretly escaped to Paris in 1799.

(7) The Coup d’etat of Brumaire: The tragedy of the Egyptian campaign cast no shadow on the fortunes of Bonaparte. On November 9-10, 1799, Napoleon, assisted by Abbe Sieyes, successfully overthrew the unpopular and inefficient Directory, an incident known as the coup d’etat of Brumaire.

A new Constitution was drawn up for France with Napoleon as First Consul and Ducos and Abbe Sieyes being the other Consuls. This form of Government was known as the Consulate. As the First Consul Napoleon proved himself a successful administrator and introduced social, economic, political, administrative, and religious reforms to make France a modern and powerful State.

(8) War of the Second Coalition: A Second Coalition was formed against France by Britain, Austria, and Russia. Napoleon led the French army in person into Italy. The Austrians were decisively defeated at Marengo in 1800—one of the greatest victories of Napoleon. Austrians led for peace. England concluded the Peace of Amiens by which she recognized the existence of the French Republic.

(9) The Empire: On December 2, 1804, in the presence of Pope Pius VII, Napoleon placed a crown upon his head and assumed the title of Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, in the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The establishment of the Empire was an outright repudiation of the French Revolution.

(10) Napoleon, The Imperialist: The history of the Empire is the history of ten years of continuous war. Napoleon was inspired by the name and example of Charlemagne and aspired to unite the Latin and Teutonic peoples under his Imperial crown. It was clear that the Holy Empire was doomed and the Austrian Empire faced ruinous defeat. Europe was threatened by a universal menace in the ascendency of France. Napoleon appealed to the French national thirst for military glory.

Question 4. Explain the workings of the Continental System.
Answer:

The workings of the Continental System

(1) Introduction: The Peace of Tilsit (July 7, 1807) left Napoleon face to face with only one power and that was England. The destruction of the French fleet at Trafalgar and the diminution of the strength of the Grand Army from the losses suffered at Austerlitz, Jena, and Dylan proved to the Emperor of the French that he had better abandon his project to invade England. But if he could not cross the channel in force or meet the English fleet at sea, he believed he could ruin England by excluding her from the markets of the continent.

The English ministry in pursuance of its reading of international law had closed all neutral sea-borne commerce from the mouth of the Elbe to the extremity of the French coast. Napoleon answered the measure by his Berlin decree which was issued on November 21, 1806, in that city and declared the British islands to be in a state of blockade. All English merchandise was to be confiscated as well as all ships which had touched either at a British port or a port in the British colonies.

(2) Progress of the Continental System: Napoleon followed up this measure with the Milan decree of December 17, 1807, by which he declared that any ship of any country which had touched a British port was liable to be seized and treated as a prize. He declared an absolute boycott of English goods throughout the continent. Every port in Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea was to be hermetically sealed against their importation. But to make this blockade at all effective, Napoleon needed to obtain control of the navies of the few states that still maintained neutrality.

The entry of Russia into the scheme of the Continental Blockade would Napoleon hoped entirely ruined the English trade, but in reality, it did nothing of the sort. English commerce was as active and enterprising as ever, and the risks it encountered in running the continental blockade only increased the profits of the English merchants. The real sufferers were the inhabitants of the continent, who had to pay enhanced prices for such articles of prime necessity. Napoleon had hermetically sealed or seemed to have sealed the continent from St.

Petersburg to Lisbon, from Naples to Antwerp and Hamburg to the products and ships of the hated ‘nation of the shop keepers’. As a result, the popularity that the Emperor had originally enjoyed as the bringer of revolutionary benefits was gradually replaced by a sullen irritation.

The new state of mind was sedulously fanned to flame by the unreconciled patriots to be found in every country that had been obliged to assume the Napoleonic yoke. Their men were cut too quickly by the disgrace of their countries’ subjection and pictured Napoleon as a cruel tyrant and heartless conqueror against whom the nation must assert itself, otherwise, it would perish

Napoleon’s expectation that the carrying trade of the world would desert England and fall into the hands of France was not fulfilled, because English fleets remained complete masters of the sea and effectually, prevented the rise of any other commercial power. Denmark was the first victim indicated in the Tilsit agreement But Canning, then foreign minister of England, got wind of these secret agreements and promptly forestalled Napoleon. An English fleet was sent to Copenhagen to request the deposit of the Danish fleet for the period of the war.

But Denmark resented the demand and England was under the regrettable necessity of bombarding Copenhagen and taking by force the ships of Denmark refused to deposit with her. Nothing but a unique situation could justify conduct so highhanded but Napoleon had declared that he would not spare the Danish fleet It is clear then, that in the coercion of Denmark, Canning merely forestalled Napoleon. Portugal was another neutral country. After Tilsit, Napoleon required her to adhere to his Continental system. But as Denmark, so in Portugal, England with her command of the sea was able to frustrate Napoleon’s object.

The ‘Spanish ulcer’ then became a prolonged drain upon Napoleon’s resources and the Spanish resistance was a continual inspiration to the people of Europe. Holland which was almost entirely a commercial nation was so seriously affected that its King Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother refused to promulgate the Imperial Decree. The result of the continental system was, therefore, the impoverishment of the allies of France and their consequent hatred, while it increased rather than diminished the commercial prosperity of England.

Question 5. Discuss the impact of Napoleon on France and Europe.
Answer:

The impact of Napoleon on France and Europe

(1) Impact on France: For a decade and a half as never before or since in human history, the record of Western civilization was to be dominated by the biography of one man. As the First Consul with plenty of power and plenty of work, Napoleon had virtually been made the dictator of France.

Napoleon devoted himself immediately to the restoration of order within France. They constitute his best claim to statesmanship and have been eloquent testimony to his administrative genius which was nearly as high as his military abilities. Religion, Government, legal justice, and education, all came within the comprehensive scheme of reform.

His primary object was to restore order, confidence, and respect for authority. His financial measures complied with the establishment of the Bank of France and did much to restore financial confidence. The whole system of education was reorganized and higher studies on research were encouraged. His monumental civil code established civil equality and religious toleration.

He threw careers open to talent and thus removed all traces of aristocratic privileges. In a word, he consolidated revolution by securing to the people its more valued fruits. Thus he proved himself one of the greatest social reformers.

(2) Influence on Europe: But the French Revolution was not merely a local event. It burst the boundaries of France carrying new ideas of social and political organization and thus, in the long run, helped to refashion Europe on new principles. Everywhere the people heard the siren song of liberty, equality, and fraternity and the example of France became the inspiration of Europe.

The cardinal idea was that of liberty—an idea that found noble expression in the famous Declaration of Rights. In France, it made herself the spokesman of the human race, and it became the watchword of the charter of all reformers and revolutionists. Liberty, personal and political, became a universal creed. The serfdom was abolished,

Not only in France but all over the continent. Political privileges and despotism even of a benevolent type were abolished forever. It is practically identical to democracy and popular sovereignty. In the nineteenth century, the majority of the States of Europe had popularly elected parliaments with varying degrees of authority.

The example set by the French Revolution in establishing social equality was infectious. In the nineteenth century, the influence of this idea is seen in growing social conscience and in the increasing recognition given to the interests of the great masses of the people.

Another great legacy of the French Revolution was the idea of nationalism. It was the urge of national patriotism that for a time made the French people invincible in Europe. Eventually, France was beaten with her weapon when her action provoked similar national sentiments in other countries. Thus arose a new factor in Europe politics which was to be the most potent force in reshaping the boundaries of Europe.

The history of Europe in the nineteenth century is the story of the triumph of nationalism in Belgium, Italy, Germany, and the Balkan Peninsula. The history of Europe since 1815 has been the history of the growth of these ideas. The forces let loose by the French Revolution of 1789 are potent even to this day and are working out visibly or invisibly the destinies of the nations of the world.

Question 6. What were the effects of the Napoleonic regime on Germany and Italy?
Answer:

The effects of the Napoleonic regime on Germany and Italy

(1) Introduction: It is one of the ironies of history that Napoleon generated in Europe the very force that brought about his downfall—Nationalism. In Italy, it roused the national spirit by ruling in agreement with it, and Germany by ruling in defiance of it. Italy was the land of Napoleon’s ancestors. In no quarter of Europe was the unifying effect of Napoleon’s rule more felt than in Italy.

(2) Napoleon and Italy :

French Administration introduced in Italy: Under Napoleon’s rule for the first time since the Lombard invasions, the whole of the Italian Peninsula was governed on a single plan. The French codes were introduced throughout the length and breadth of Italy. French engineers built bridges and roads. Church properties were put to secular uses, towns were provided with lighting and conscription was introduced. The ablest sons of Italy entered the civil service and the armies of the Empire opened up careers to many Italians.

(3) French monarchies created in Italy: Napoleon became a creator and destroyer of the Italian states. The old aristocratic Republic of Genoa was changed into the Ligurian Republic, giving it a constitution similar to that of France. Napoleon’s most notorious act was the overthrow of the famous old republic of Venice. In 1809, the States of the Church were carved into Departments and incorporated into the French Empire. The new monarchies of a military dynasty brought life into a country that had been distinguished by the dying languor of old age.

(4) Obstacles to Italian Unification Removed Temporarily :

The French armies that followed Napoleon across the mountains into Italy, believed that France had a liberating message to give to the Italians. In the history of the Italian people, the first campaign of Bonaparte marks the beginning of the resurgence of national feeling, which is known as the ‘Risorgimento’.

The three great obstacles to Italian unity—the domination of the foreign dynasties of Flapsburgs and Bourbons, the Papacy, and the spirit of the locality were for a moment broken in the great movement of the French Empire. A way was prepared for the union of Italy and here, the name of Napoleon was long remembered.

(5) Napoleon and Germany : The Napoleonic Government of Germany was a salutary episode in the history of the German people. Before his iron touch, many of the time-honored political and social institutions crumbled away and Germany emerged as more manageable and easy to unite. She became more formidable to France. It is one of the ironies of history that Napoleon the Great prepared the way for Bismarck.

(6) Simplification of political geography: There was never so restless a diplomatist as Napoleon and never did territorial changes follow one another with such bewildering rapidity. A great simplification of the complicated political geography of Germany was carried out in March 1803. Of all the ecclesiastical States of Germany and of the fifty free States, only six remained. Of the 360 States that composed the Holy Roman Empire or German Empire in 1792, only 81 remained in 1802.

(7) Confederation of Rhine: After the Battle of Austerlitz, the pace of transforming Germany increased, ending in the destruction of the German Empire. The result was that in 1806, the new kings of Bavaria and Wurtumburg and fourteen other German princes formed a new Confederation of the Rhine.

They renounced their allegiance to the German Emperor, recognized Napoleon as their protector, and made an offensive and defensive alliance with him. Napoleon secured control of their foreign policy, the settlement of questions of peace and war, and the guarantee of 63,000 German troops for his wars. Many more petty German States were dissolved and annexed by the fourteen States.

The League which was inimical to German nationality received a large measure of support from the German princes as Napoleon bribed the German princes into marriages into the charmed circle of the imperial family of Bonaparte. After the battles of Austerlitz and Jena, there was no armed force among the Germans capable of resisting the Grand Army of Napoleon.

But more than fear and corruption, Napoleon’s policy received popular sympathy in Germany, because in Bavaria the Austrians had been regarded as a menace and in the Rhineland, the Prussians were hated. Napoleon’s policy was hailed until the pressure of his tyranny turned favor into bitter hatred.

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(8) Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, 1806: Napoleon broke the spell of a thousand years with the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. The formation of the Confederation of the Rhine had killed it. Emperor Francis who was defeated by Napoleon at Austerlitz renounced his title as Holy Roman Emperor Francis II of the Holy Roman Empire and became Francis I, hereditary Emperor of Austria.

The elimination of Austria which was an essential step in the unification of Germany was temporarily achieved. The formation of a united Germany without the Hapsburgs became one of the permanent political ideas in the German mind.

(9) Patriotism roused :

French Influence on Germany: French ideas modified the civil life of South Germany, where feudalism was to a great extent destroyed and religious liberty was established. But all these benefits were very soon forgotten for there was a negative influence of the reaction. Paradoxically, Napoleon had no intention of educating the German nation. These States should develop an.

independent or liberal life was the last thing that Napoleon desired. His object was to make Germany merely an arsenal to feed the French army. Cut off from colonial trade, denied entry into the French markets, and held down by foreign armies of occupation which plundered and pillaged the country, she was drained of men and bled white for money. No wonder, the Germans longed for a strong German nation to throw off the foreign yoke.

(10) The reaction of Germany: The reactionary movement against the French tyranny found its head and heart in Prussia, for that country nursed a vengeance since the battle of Jena. The kingdom of Prussia was marked out for special humiliation. She was deprived of her Westphalian and Polish provinces, condemned to pay a crushing war indemnity and to support the burden of a French army of occupation.

From every quarter, from poets and historians, from philosophers to men of action, came the cry that the German nation must be liberated from the Latin yoke. Even the French codes were denounced as alien to the Teutonic genius and the historic tradition of the German race.

(11) Conclusion: It is hard to believe that Napoleon had any permanent plan for the settlement of Europe.

Question7. Give an account of the code Napoleon vis-a-vis the ideals of the French Revolution.
Answer:

The Code Napoleon vis-a-vis the Ideals of the French Revolution :

The revolutionaries of France were keen on destroying the numerous legal systems that prevailed in the ‘ancient’ regime. They also hoped to codify the existing laws into a simple and uniform national code. The National Convention actually started the work, but it couldn’t complete it It was under Napoleon Bonaparte that real progress was made in this direction. Under the pressure from Napoleon as the First Consul, the insurmountable task of codifying the laws was undertaken by a Council although all the plans were supervised by Napoleon himself.

The Council held 84 sessions to discuss various drafts of the new codes, and Napoleon himself presided over as many as 36 sessions. The members of the Council based its approach on the revolutionary principles of absolute equality of persons, civil marriage, divorce, equal division of property among heirs, etc.

The final draft of the Code (in 1804), however, favored Roman Law rather than the ideas of the revolutionary period. In a word, the Code Napoleon rejected many ideals like the liberalism of the Revolution. The areas where the Code deviated from the ideals of the Revolution and reflected the ideas of the ‘ancient’ regime may be studied.

(1) Under the Code the right of individual property was assured. But the father was a despot and his authority over his wife and children, as prevalent in the ancient regime, was restored. A rebellious child could be imprisoned by his father.

(2) The status of women was lowered. A husband could divorce his wife on the grounds of adultery. Though such a right was accorded to women it came with many limitations. For example, a wife could divorce her husband on the same grounds only if the husband insisted on bringing his mistress into the household. Such kind of discrimination went against the ideals of liberalism of the Revolutionary period. Napoleon himself was hostile to any kind of women’s liberation.

(3) The Code Napoleon propounded equality of all in the eye of the law. But at the same time, the penal measures in the Code resembled more the ancient regime rather than the Revolutionary principles. For instance, trial by jury was not at the level it was earlier. The method of arbitrary imprisonment of the pre-Revolutionary days was revived. Special prisons were established for political offenders.

(4) The Code, while rejecting the democratic principles of Revolutionary France, adopted altogether a new concept of property rights and rights of citizens. Earlier concepts like feudalism and feudal privileges were destroyed. The Code insisted on an equal division of estates among sons. It has been pointed out by some historians that the most important of all the articles of the Code was that which insisted on an equal division of estates among sons.

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Question 8. What was the conflict between the imperial ideology and the ideals of the French Revolution?
Answer:

The conflict between the imperial ideology and the ideals of the French Revolution

By 1810 the French Empire occupied much of Europe. Much of Europe was ruled directly by Paris. Historians were not unanimous if Napoleon had any definite master plan for the development of Europe. However the imperial ideology was that of a centralized empire that was to be ruled by Paris.

1. Napoleon ordered the dependent satellite kingdoms like Holland, Italy, Naples, Westphalia, Spain, and others intended to provide Napoleon with troops and money.

2. His other enemies were also conquered by him one after another. Austria and Prussia were forced to sign peace treaties and give up their lands to France. Napoleon also provided the thrones of the Netherlands and Spain to his brothers.

3. By 1808 barring Great Britain every major European nation was either directly under the control of France or was allied with France.

4. On the surface it seemed that wherever it went, the French army carried the revolutionary ideas of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’ and Napoleon was cheered as a liberator. But soon the conquered people’s illusion was shattered and they realized that they had only exchanged one kind of absolute rule for another. The conquered peoples were often sent off to fight Napoleon’s wars. The citizens were forced to provide accommodation to the French soldiers in their homes. They were also forced to pay a high rate of tax.

5. Napoleon’s rule over the empire was mainly designed to serve the interests of France. It rested on force and the military. Hence the people did not accept the French hegemony of their free will.

6. Conclusively it can be said that liberty and equality were the minimum demands of the French Revolution. But as in France, so also in Europe, Napoleon did not permit them to flourish. Nowhere did he allow his subjects to enjoy individual liberty. Napoleon’s imperial ideology conflicted with the revolutionary ideals of ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’.

Question 9. What was the reaction of the people of France, Germany, and the Iberian peninsula against Napoleon?
Answer:

The reaction of the people of France, Germany, and the Iberian peninsula against Napoleon

The wars waged by Napoleon before and after his assumption of the title ‘The Emperor of the French’ differed greatly. Before he became the Emperor, Napoleon had to wage wars merely against the Governments and the official armies. However, after becoming an Emperor, he did not fight against governments alone. The people of different countries took together a part in them. Not only that but at a point in time in his own country (France) as well, Napoleon had to face the reaction of the population as a whole.

(1) France: Napoleon Bonaparte became the dictator of France in 1799. At that time the people neither got involved in organizing political opposition nor did they display any genuine enthusiasm for such activities. The promise of domestic peace and isolation with which Napoleon had come to power was achieved partially. For example, in the urban areas, efficient administrative machinery was proactive, and repressive measures could also be effectively enforced. But unrest in the countryside could never be contained.

(1) In the rural areas popular opposition to the Napoleonic regime took the form of desertion from the army. Resistance to conscription was another characteristic form of reaction against Napoleon.

(2) Reaction against Napoleon, however, was not confined to the rural areas. In the urban areas, the propertied class and the middle-class people rallied to the Napoleonic Empire in the aspiration of securing social stability. However, the Napoleonic regime never succeeded in attracting the obstinate loyalty of the bourgeoisie. Particularly, after 1812 when Napoleon missed victory the popular support degraded. This was one of the reasons behind the overnight downfall of the Napoleonic regime in France.

(2) Germany: After conquering Prussia, the leading German state, in the battle of Jena (1806), Germany was determined to recover its position by uprooting the Napoleonic regime. Meanwhile, there were indications of popular resistance all over Germany. Particularly in the greater part of North Germany, the patriots developed a system of secret communication amongst themselves.

The first martyr in the movement against Napoleon was a bookseller named Johann Philippe Palm. In 1806 he was murdered because he had authored a pamphlet entitled ‘Germany in her deep humiliation against the French’. A popular general insurrection was not yet possible. However, Napoleon’s army had to meet a hostile population in the countryside of Germany.

(3) The Iberian Peninsula :

It was in 1807 that Napoleon thought of capturing the Iberian Peninsula. Spain and Portugal were the two countries in the peninsula that were loyal to Britain which was a diehard enemy of Napoleon. Napoleon envisaged a plan for the invasion of Portugal through Spain.

Napoleon thought that it would be possible for him to incorporate Portugal and Spain into the French Empire without much difficulty. However, Napoleon didn’t possess much knowledge of the Iberian Peninsula. Fie also made a mistake in supposing that French ideas had a wider appeal in the two countries.

But unfortunately, the French were not at all welcome by the peoples of Portugal and Spain. Popular revolts broke out in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. They prevented Napoleon from fully occupying the country. In Madrid, the capital of Spain, a large section of the politicians became strongly anti-French and hence anti-Napoleon. In Spain, Napoleon’s army found itself among a hostile population. In the rural areas, the village headmen (mayors) organized ceremonies in which declarations of war were made.

Question 10. Estimate Napoleon’s statesmanship.
Answer:

Napoleon’s statesmanship

Napoleon’s domestic measures amounted to a wholesale reconstruction of France. They constituted his best claim to statesmanship and bear eloquent testimony to his administrative genius which was nearly as high as his military abilities. Religion, government, legal justice, and education all came within his comprehensive scheme of reform. Being raised above the strife of factions he could see the needs of the country as a whole, and he brought rare insight and detachment to the work of reconstruction and glorification.

In all that he did his primary object was to restore order, confidence, and respect for authority. His financial measures coupled with the establishment of the Bank of France did much to restore financial confidence. Social confidence was restored by the repeal of the decrees against emigrants well as other tyrannical laws of the Jacobins. Ecclesiastical tranquility was restored by the famous Concordat which healed the schism in the church. Thus he purged the Revolution of its excess and conciliated all sections of the people so that they became reconciled with the new order.

His monumental Civil Code established civil equality and religious toleration. He threw careers open to talent and thus removed all traces of aristocratic privilege. The whole system of education was recognized, and higher study and research, especially in physical science, was encouraged. In a word, he consolidated the Revolution by securing to the people its more valued fruits. Thus he proved himself to be one of the greatest social reformers.

In this work of reorganizing the institutions of France, “Napoleon showed himself at once the heir of the Revolution and the product of the reaction against it.” Of the cardinal principle of the Revolution, he was undisguisedly opposed to “liberty”; but he adopted the principle of “equality” in social and fiscal matters. His reforms were in accordance with. the principles of the Revolution in so far as equality was concerned.

His famous Civil Code enshrined that idea. He showed no partiality and had no favorites. All shred in bearing the nation’s burden in proportion to their ability and all had an equal chance of holding public offices. By throwing “carries open to talent”.he secured all equal opportunities and thus ignored any privileged caste. Thus the social basis of France remained revolutionary.

But Napoleon did not respect political liberty, the grand idea of the Revolution. He thought of liberty as a disturbing factor that prevented the efficiency of a state. Hence he allowed neither liberty of speech nor. the liberty of the press. He deprived the “Departments” of all powers of self-government and emphasized a reaction towards the old system of intendants by a law that imposed a perfect and a sub-perfect on every department. These officers were appointed by the central executive power in Paris, that is, virtually by Napoleon himself.

Thus the principle of election was subordinated to that of selection. By centralizing the administration and making it more efficient he did much to organize the ancient regime. In this respect, he may be looked upon as the “destroyer” of the Revolution.

The vigorous impulse given to useful and splendid public works, the attempt at the restoration of the colonial empire lost by Louis 15, the centralization of rule, and the restriction of political liberty—all these marked returns to the method of Louis XIV and Colbert. Again, the Revolution had accepted the principle of nationality, but Napoleon showed himself strongly anti-national in his dealings with foreign countries, especially Germany and Spain.

Question 11. Why did France submit to the monarchial rule of Napoleon?
Answer:

It looks like a paradox that France after having destroyed the Bourbon monarchy, should revert to hereditary absolutism, and surrender her political liberty at the feet of Napoleon. But the paradox can easily be explained. The French people were tired of the series of vicissitudes of fortune through which they had recently passed. They were sick of the trial of political experiments, none of which could give them peace and security. After ten years of war and revolution, they desired nothing so much as peace and a stable Government.

They clearly saw that only a soldier’s sword could free France from the entanglements of faction and establish an era of ordered progress. Hence they turned with a sense of relief to Napoleon who, they thought* was the only man who could restore discipline and respect for authority, which none of the previous governments could do.

Besides, Napoleon was the product of the Revolution and so his power was a guarantee that aristocratic privileges would not be restored and that the people would remain in secure possession of the lands they had acquired as the result of revolutionary arrangements.

Napoleon did protect the more valued fruits of the Revolution and thus reconciled the French people to his rule. In this connection, it should be noted that the French Revolution was motivated more by social wrongs and economic injustice than by political grievances.

Hence when Napoleon ensured equality in the sense of equal opportunity, the French people did not grudge about the loss of their liberty. Secondly, we should take into account the magnetic personality of Napoleon and his astounding victories. The French people loved nothing more than glary and they had their fill of it under Napoleon’s rule.

Question 12. What was the extent of the Napoleonic empire at its zenith?
Answer:

The extent of the Napoleonic empire at its zenith

Napoleon reached the apogee of his power at Tilsit (1807), but his territories received considerable addition after that date. They reached their maximum in 1811. At its height, the Napoleonic Empire “stretched without interruption across the continent from selt to sea.”

It had flung out its two arms. One to the northwest and the other to the southwest along the coastline of Europe. To the northwest, Napoleon annexed Holland in 1810, because his brother Louis who ruled there refused to sacrifice the interests of his Dutch subjects by enforcing the Continental System.

Next, he annexed a considerable portion of North Germany up to the Baltic to close the northern coastline of Europe to British ships. Similar considerations urged him to extend his empire to the southeast. To exclude the British from the Mediterranean he conquered Genoa and Tuscany in Italy, and then added the Papal States because the Pope proved unwilling to “march to his tune”. These states together with Piedmont (already annexed) formed an integral part of France. The other two Italian units were the Kingdoms of Italy and Naples.

Its king was Napoleon himself and it was ruled by his stepson-, Eugene as his regent. Naples was under Joseph Bonaparte and then on Joseph’s transfer to the Spanish throne, it was placed under Murat, his brother-in-law. Across the Adriatic, Illyria was incorporated into France.

In Germany Napoleon’s control was secured by the Confederation of the Rhine. Its policy was subservient to the needs of France, while its army was at the disposal of the Emperor. Outside the Confederation, Prussia was still under Napoleon, thumb, and Austria was crippled for the time being. Switzerland from which the Valais had been added to France, was well within the orbit of his power. Thus Napoleon controlled central Europe.

In the east, the creation of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw gave France an important strategic position. It enabled Napoleon to keep a sharp watch on Prussia as well as Russia who was a doubtful ally.  In the extreme southeast, Spain had been reduced to a vassal state under the rule of his brother, Joseph. The neighboring country of Portugal also formed part of his system.

Thus Napoleon bestrode Europe like a Colossus with one foot resting on the ocean and the other touching the realm of his ally, the Czar of all the Russians. He was the master of the continent and Paris became the political capital of Europe.

WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Environment

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation Introduction:

The terrible repercussions of the First World War (1914-18) had a strong impact on the minds of the people and made them cry out for peace. President Wilson of America took the initiative and made a plan for the establishment of a world peace organisation known as the League of Nations.

The League was established to prevent armed conflicts and to amicably settle international disputes, reduce armaments and achieve international peace and security.

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Many international issues arose after the First World War. At first, the problems were comparatively easy and the League was able to solve them by peaceful means were: But the League was too weak to deal with cases which involved the interests of the great powers.

Its influence began to decline gradually. The League failed utterly to prevent war and to maintain world peace. The Second World War broke out in 1939.

In spite of the failure of the League of Nations, statesmen were hopeful that world peace could be established by mutual cooperation, harmony and the feeling of internationalism. This gave birth to the international peace organisation — United Nations Organisation.

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation Very Short Answer Type :

Question 1. What were the three principal organs of the League of Nations?
Answer:

The three principal organs of the League of Nations were :

(1) The Assembly
(2) The Council and
(3) The Secretariat.

Question 2. Who could become members of the General Assembly of the League of Nations?
Answer: All the states which were the members of the League of Nations were essentially the members of the General Assembly.

Question 3. How were new members admitted in the League Assembly?
Answer: Any member could be admitted in the League Assembly by a vote of assent by 2/3 of the existing members.

Question 4. Name the two great powers which were not members of the League in the beginning.
Answer: The two great powers which were not members of the League, in the beginning, were U.S.A and Germany.

Question 5. Who elected the temporary members of the League Council?
Answer: The temporary members of the League Council were elected by the League Assembly.

Question 6. Name the countries which were first elected as members of the League Council.
Answer: The countries which were first elected as members of the League Council were England, France, Italy and Japan.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 7. What were the two autonomous bodies of the League of Nations?
Answer:

The two autonomous bodies of the League of Nations were :

(1) The Permanent Court of International Justice
(2) The International Labour Organisation.

Question 8. When was the first session of the League convened?
Answer: The first session of the League was convened in 1920.

Question 9. Where was the first session of the League of Nations held?
Answer: The first session of the League of Nations was held in the city of Geneva, Switzerland. ‘

Question 10. When was the last session of the League of Nations held?
Answer: The last session of the League of Nations was held on 14th December 1939.

Question 11. What is Covenant?
Answer: The Constitution of the League of Nations is called Covenant

Question 12. How was the Secretary General of the League of Nations appointed?
Answer: The Secretary General of the League of Nations was appointed by the Council the Assembly was necessary.

Question 13. When was the Permanent Court of International Justice opened and where?
Answer: The Permanent Court of International Justice was opened in 1922 in Hague, the erstwhile capital of Holland.

Question 14. What was the function of the Permanent Court of International Justice?
Answer: The function of the Permanent Court of International Justice was to settle international disputes which might be referred to it by the Council of the League and interpreting international treaties and other legal complications.

Question 15. Who selected the name United Nations Organisation?
Answer: The name United Nations Organisation was selected by the American President Franklin Roosevelt.

Question 16. From where did Franklin Roosevelt select the name United Nations Organisation?
Answer: Franklin Roosevelt selected the name United Nations Organisation from Lord Byron‘s poem ‘The Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’.

Question 17. When was the U.N.O established and where?
Answer: The U.N.O was first established on 24 October 1945 in New York, U.S.A.

Question 18. How many members are there in the Security Council of the U.N.  at present
Answer: There are 15 members in the Security Council of the U.N.O at present.

Question 19. For how many years and by whom are the members of the Security Council elected?
Answer: The members of the Security Council are elected for two years by the members of the General Assembly.

Question 20. How are new members admitted in the U.N.O?
Answer: New members are admitted in the U. N.O. on the recommendation of the Security Council and by a vote of assent by 2/3 of the existing members of General Assembly.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 21. What is the seventh principle enumerated in the UN Charter?
Answer: The seventh principle enumerated in the UN Charter is that UN would not interfere in matters strictly within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.

Question 22. How many principles have been mentioned in the UN Charter?
Answer: Seven principles have been mentioned in the UN Charter.

Question 23. Who is the present Secretary General of U.N.O?
Answer: The present Secretary General of U.N.O is Ban-Ki-Moon.

Question 24. How many charter members were there in the U.N.O.?
Answer: There were 51 charter members in the U.N.O.

Question 25. Which countries are the five members of the Security Council with the power of Veto?
Answer: The five members of the Security Council who have the power of Veto are U.S.A, U.S.S.R., England, France and China.

Question 26. What is the judicial organ of the United Nations?
Answer: The judicial organ of the United Nations is the International Court of Justice.

Question 27. How many judges are there in the International Court of Justice?
Answer: There are 15 judges in the International Court of Justice.

Question 28. How are the judges of the International Court of Justice elected?
Answer: The judges of the International Court of Justice are elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Question 29. Name two organisations under the Economic and Social Council.
Answer: The two organisations under the Economic and Social, Council are UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and FAO (Food – and Agricultural Organisation).

Question 30. What does UNICEF stand for
Answer: UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.

Question 31. Where are the headquarters of WHO?
Answer: The headquarters of WHO are in Geneva.

Question 32. What does WHO stand for?
Answer: WHO stands for World Health Organisation.

Question 33. What does UNESCO stand for?
Answer: UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Question 34. What is the composition of the Trusteeship Council?
Answer: The Trusteeship Council is composed of the representatives of permanent members of Security Council, representatives of all those states which hold the administration of colonies and some representatives elected by the General Assembly.

Question 35. How is the head of the Secretariat of U.N.O. appointed?
Answer: The head of the Secretariat, the Secretary-General, is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 36. Who were the original members of the League of Nations?
Answer: The Allied powers in the First World War who signed the different peace treaties, were called the original members of the League of Nations.

Question 37. What was the aim of the League of Nations?
Answer: The aim of the League of Nations was to maintain peace, order and security among the countries of the world.

Question 38. Where were the headquarters of the League of Nations?
Answer: The headquarters of the League of Nations were at Geneva, Switzerland.

Question 39. Which organ of the League had principal executive power?
Answer: During the time of the League, the Council had principal executive power.

Question 40. What did the Permanent Secretariat of the League consist of?
Answer: The Permanent Secretariat of the League consisted of a Secretary-General appointed by the Council and approved by the Assembly.

Question 41. Where was the Permanent Secretariat situated?
Answer: The Permanent Secretariat was situated at Geneva.

Question 42. What was the function of the World Court?
Answer: The Permanent Court of International Justice was to interpret any disputed point in international law. It also determined when treaty obligation had been violated.

Question 43. Which peace organisation was established after the Second World War?
Answer: The U.N.O was established after the Second World War.

Question 44. What is the executive authority of the U.N.O.?
Answer: The name of the executive authority of the U.N.O. is Security Council.

Question 45. Who signed the UN Charter for India?
Answer: Ramaswami Mudaliar. signed the UN Charter for India.

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation 2 Marks Questions And Answers

Question 1. How was the League of Nations founded?
Answer:

The terrible repercussions of the First World War (1914-18) made a strong impact on the minds of the people and made them cry out for peace. President Woodrow Wilson of the United States of America took the initiative and made a plan to establish a world peace organization in 1920 known as the League of Nations which would solve disputes peacefully.

Question 2. With what aim was the League of Nations founded?
Answer:

After the First World War (1914-18) an international peace organization known as the League of Nations was established in 1920 with

The following aims in view:

(1) To prevent armed conflict and to promote international peace and cooperation,
(2) To establish honorable relations among different nations
(3) To promote international disarmament in order to reduce tension and
(4) To find out ways and means for peaceful settlement of international disputes.

WB Class 9 History Question Answer

Question 3. Describe the structure of the League of Nations.
Answer:

The structure of the League of Nations

The League of Nations had four main organs, the first of which was the Assembly consisting of representatives of every member state, meeting once a year in Geneva. The second organ was the Council, i.e., the executive committee composed of one representative from each of the five permanent states (Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan) and a temporary of nine other member states, chosen by the Assembly.

The third was the Permanent Secretariat, located at Geneva. The fourth organ was the Permanent Court of International Justice which was a court of arbitration for the settlement of international disputes with its office at Hague.

Question 4. Write a note on the Covenant of the League of Nations.
Answer:

Covenant of the League of Nations

The Constitution of the League of Nations, called the Covenant, consisted of 26 articles among which the tenth, twelfth, and sixteenth articles were of great significance.

(1) Under the tenth article of the Covenant, the members of the League of Nations promised to respect the political independence and territorial integrity of the member countries of the League.

(2) According to the twelfth article, the members unanimously decided to solve their problems through mutual negotiations.

Question 5. Give an account of the General Assembly of the League of Nations.
Answer:

General Assembly of the League of Nations

The League of Nations functioned through a number of organs, the most important of which was the Assembly. All the states which were the members of the League were essentially the members of the Assembly. Every member state could send three representatives, although no state had more than one vote.

The function of the Assembly of the League was:

(1) to establish world peace
(2) to resolve international disputes
(3) to extend international security and
(4) to work to safeguard the interests of minorities.

Question 6. Who were they? members of the League Council?
Answer:

The members of the League Council were divided into two divisions:

(1) Permanent members
(2) Temporary members. There were five permanent members of the Council, viz. Great Britain U.S.A., France, Italy, and Japan. As the United States did not accept membership of the

League of Nations, the number of permanent members remained only four. The number of temporary members was four.

Question 7. What was the function of the Assembly of the League of Nations?
Answer:

The function of the Assembly of the League of Nations was :

(1) To establish world peace
(2) To resolve international disputes
(3) To extend international security and (iv) to work to safeguard the interests of the minorities.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 8. Give an account of the Council of the League of Nations.
Answer:

The Council of the League of Nations

The League Council comprised nine members, of which five were permanent and four temporary members. The five permanent members were Great Britain, U.S.A., France, Italy and Japan.

As the U.S.A. did not accept the membership of the League, the member of permanent members remained only four. Later on, the number of permanent members was increased to six. Germany and Russia became the new permanent members.

Question 9. Who are the permanent members of the League Council?
Answer:

The Council of the League consisted of four permanent members. Later the number of members was increased to six. England, France, Italy, and Japan were permanent members. Later on Russia and Germany were admitted as permanent members.

Question 10. What were the main functions of the League Council?
Answer:

The main functions of the League Council were :

(1) To discuss about various international disputes and to resolve them
(2) To make efforts to stop war and to reduce armaments
(3) Summoning of international conferences to resolve disputes.

Question 11. What was the function of the Secretariat of the League of Nations?
Answer:

The functions of the Secretariat of the League of Nations were:

(1) To list the subjects to be considered in the Assembly
(2) To preserve the documents and necessary papers regarding the minutes of the meetings, settlements, and treaties concluded among the member states
(3) To offer necessary suggestions for effecting modifications in the treaties.

Question 12. Mention any two causes of the failure of the League of Nations.
Answer:

Two causes for the failure of the League of Nations were:

(1) The League was never able to make itself truly representative of the entire world. Countries like the U.S.A., Germany, Russia, Italy, and Japan were not members of the League at different stages and no international organization can be really successful if some of the great powers remain outside it.

(2) The League had no army, navy, or air force of its own nor was it in a position to apply economic sanction on the Great Powers which looked after their own interests instead of fulfilling their obligations to the League.

Question 13. How did the United Nations Organisation come into being?
Answer:

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Britain and Franklin Roosevelt, President of the U.S.A. announced the Atlantic Charter where the term ‘United Nations’ was first adopted. In the Moscow Conference (1943) Britain, the U.S.A., Russia, and China were unanimous that an international peace organization should be set up.

This resolution was confirmed in the Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944) and the Yalta Conference (1945). Representatives of 50 nations met in San Francisco (1945) and prepared a Charter for world peace called the UN Charter on 24 October 1945 the U.N.O came into existence.

Question 14. What are the principal aims (objectives) of the U.N.O.?
Answer:

The principal aims (objectives) of the U.N.O. established after the Second World War are:

(1) To protect world peace, prevent armed conflict among nations, promote peaceful settlement of international disputes, and to remove international tension
(2) To promote education, culture, and health of mankind and to promote the economic condition of poor and underdeveloped nations.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 15. What is the UN Charter?
Answer:

UN Charter

Between April and June 1945, representatives of 51 nations who were directly or indirectly involved in the war against the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan), met at a conference at San Francisco. The Big Four (Britain, France, the U.S.A, and Russia) dominated the conference and prepared a charter for world peace called the UN Charter.

Question 16. Name two basic principles of U.N.O.
Answer:

Two basic principles of the U.N.O are:

(1) All the members, big or small, in order to enjoy the rights and benefits would sincerely carry out their duties as per the U.N.O Charter.
(2) All members shall settle international disputes by peaceful means

Question 17. Write a note on the membership of the U.N.O.
Answer:

Membership of the U.N.O

(1) The membership of the U.N.O is open to all peace-loving nations of the world that accept the obligation of the U.N.O and are willing to carry out these obligations.

(2) 51 states who signed the UN Charter are the original members of the UN.

(3) Any member could be admitted in the UN on the recommendation of the Security Council and by a vote of assent by 2 of the existing members of the General Assembly.

(4) America, England, France, Russia, and China are the permanent members of
the UN Security Council.

Question 18. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Answer:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Composition: The International Court of Justice is located at Hague in the Netherlands. It consists of 15 judges. The judges are elected for a nine-year term. The Court elects its President and vice-president for a period of 3 years.

Function :

(1) A copy of a treaty signed between two or more two states is submitted to the International Court.

(2) It interprets international laws.

(3) It provides advice to the General Assembly and Security Council on any legal question.

(4) It has played an important role in the codification of International Laws.

(5) The Secretariat.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 19. What are FAO and WHO?
Answer:

FAO and WHO

FAO and WHO are two organs of the Economic and Social Council. FAO is the Food and Agricultural Organisation and WHO is the World Health Organisation.

Question 20. What are the six main organs of the U.N.O.?
Answer:

The six main organs of the United Nations organization are :

(1) The General Assembly
(2) The Security Council
(3) The Economic and Social Council
(4) The Trusteeship Council
(5) The International Court of Justice and
(6) The Secretariat.

Question 21. Why is 24 October celebrated as the United Nations Day?
Answer:

Between April and June of 1945, representatives of 51 nations who were directly or indirectly involved in the war against the Axis Powers met at a conference led by Britain, France, U.S.A., and Russia at San Francisco and prepared a charter for world peace called the UN Charter.

The Charter became officially effective on 24 October. So this day is celebrated as the United Nations Day.

Question 22. What is ‘Veto’?
Answer:

‘Veto’

The foremost responsibility of the Security Council is the maintenance of international peace and security. All the five permanent members of the Security Council (U.S.A, U.S.S.R., U.K., France, and China) must agree on all important issues.

A negative vote by any one permanent member is called a ‘Veto’. If the Veto is exercised, then the proposal or resolution is considered not passed. So on this issue the Security Council cannot take any action.

Question 23. What are the different functional agencies of the Economic and Social Council?
Answer:

The different functional agencies of the Economic and Social Council are:

(1) ILO (International Labour Organisation)

(2) UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation)

(3) WHO (World Health Organisation)

(4) FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation)

(5) IMF (International Monetary Fund)

Question 24. What is the composition of the General Assembly?
Answer:

The composition of the General Assembly

The General Assembly of the U.N.O. consists of all member states of the United Nations Organisation. Each member ‘state can send five representatives to the session of the General Assembly. The total strength of the U.N. General Assembly is now 193.

Question 25. What is the composition of the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation?
Answer:

The composition of the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation

The most important organ of the U.N.O. is the Security Council. There are two types of members in the Council permanent and non-permanent. Five permanent members are the U.S.A, U.S.S.R., U.K., France and China. The ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years.

Question 26. Write a note on the membership of the Security Council.
Answer:

The membership of the Security Council

The Security Council is the most important organ of the U.N.O. There are two types of members in the Security Council permanent and non-permanent. Five permanent members are the U.S.A., U.S.S.R, France, and China. The other ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years.

Class 9 History West Bengal Board

Question 27. Name the permanent members of the Security Council of the U.N.O.
Answer:

The Permanent members of the Security Council of the U.N.O are :

(1) America
(2) England
(3) France
(4) Soviet Russia and
(5) China

Question 28. What is the function of UNESCO?
Answer:

Function of UNESCO

UNESCO deals with the issues of economic and social welfare and works for the preservation of human rights across the globe. This body fights against illiteracy and devotes itself to the protection of health, the spread of education, improvement of the standard of living of the people. The task before UNESCO includes education, social science, natural science, mass communication, cultural activities, and relief services.

Question 29. What is the function of WHO?
Answer:

Function of WHO

WHO (World Health Organisation) organizes campaigns throughout the world against diseases such as pox, plague, smallpox, cholera, and others. It undertakes medical research to find out the causes of diseases, improve vaccines, and train medical research and aid workers.

Question 30. What is the function of UNICEF?
Answer:

Function of UNICEF

The function of UNICEF is to help the member countries improve the health condition of their children and to save the lives of sick or starving children in the world who suffer from malnutrition, hunger, and different kinds of diseases. It also looks after social welfare and vocational training of children. It also helps in the production of inexpensive books for children.

Class ix History Question Answer

Question 31. What is the function of the Security Council of the U.N.O.?
Answer:

The functions of the Security Council of the U.N.O. is :

(1) It maintains international peace and security
(2) It investigates all disputes and recommends ways and means for peaceful settlement
(3) It can also take action against a defaulting state and can ask its members to send military forces in order to control a dangerous situation.

Question 32. What is the function of the Economic and Social Council?
Answer:

The functions of the Economic and Social Council, a non-political organ of the U.N.O. are as follows :

(1) To promote economic and social advancement of all people

(2) Planning of economic development, financial and technical assistance to underdeveloped countries, industrialization of backward countries, improvement of education and aid to the world’s needy children; and,

(3) To appoint special committees from time to time to study specific problems.

Question 33. Write a short note on the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Answer:

The International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The headquarters of the International Labour Organisation were established in Geneva. All the member-states were also members of the International Labour Organisation. The main aim behind its establishment was to improve the condition of the Iabourers in different countries.

Question 34. What is the function of the Trusteeship Council?
Answer:

Function of the Trusteeship Council

After World War II, some underdeveloped countries were placed under the supervision of the Trusteeship Council. The primary task of the Council is to look after the economic, social, political, and cultural development of these countries.

An indirect function of the Trusteeship Council is to eliminate the possibility of rivalry among powerful nations of the world for the exploitation of underdeveloped nations.

Question 35. What is the function of the head of the Secretariat?
Answer:

Function of the head of the Secretariat

The head of the Secretariat, the Secretary-General, prepares an annual progress report of the U.N.O. and places it before the General Assembly. He has the right to draw the attention of the Security Council to any matter which, in his opinion, may threaten international security.

Question 36. When was the Yalta Conference held? Name the countries which took part in the Yalta Conference.
Answer:

The Yalta Conference was held in 1945. The countries that took part in the Yalta Conference were the U.S.A., Britain, and Russia.

Question 37. When and where was the Atlantic Charter signed?
Answer:

The Atlantic Charter was signed on 11 August 1941. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain, and Franklin Roosevelt, President of U.S.A. met together on a warship called the ‘Prince of Wales’ in the Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland and signed the Atlantic Charter.

Question 38. What is the importance of the Atlantic Charter?
Answer:

Importance of the Atlantic Charter

The Atlantic Charter is important because it contained the aims and fundamental principles for the reconstruction of the post-Second World War. An indication to set up a world organization for the preservation of peace in the world was given in this Charter. In this Charter, the term ‘United Nations’ was first adopted.

Class ix History Question Answer

Question 39. Mention two limitations of the U.N.O.
Answer:

Limitations of the U.N.O

(1) The first limitation in the Charter of the U.N.O is that the right of absolute veto has been given to each of the ‘Big Five’. The Big Powers have always on several occasions misused this right in their self-interest,

(2) The U.N.O has not achieved success in gaining the cooperation of all the ‘Big Five’ at a time on the question of the enforcement of the decision of the Security Council with the help of an international army.

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation 4 Marks Questions And Answers:

Question 1. Comment on the weaknesses of the League of Nations.
Answer:

The major weaknesses of the League of Nations are as follows :

(1) The first major failure came over the World Disarmament Conference. No agreement could be reached on this issue due to Franco-German mutual distrust and concealed unwillingness of the great powers to disarmament.

(2) The World economic crisis and economic depression of 1930 gave a serious blow to the League’s survival. Nations became more concerned with their economic survival than with making sacrifices for the fulfillment of the objects of the League.

(3) Meanwhile, Germany resigned from the League on the grounds that there was no equality among the members of the League.

(4) Japan violated the League’s ideals of peace and made a blatant attack on the Manchurian province of China. On China’s appeal, the League appointed the Lytton Commission which reported that Japan attacked Manchuria unprovoked.

The League declared Japan as an aggressor. Japan gave a rébuff to the League by withdrawing her membership and the League failed to punish Japan by applications of Article-16. The League’s failure to take action against Japan ruined the League’s prestige. Small nations of the World became aware that the League was unable to protect them.

(5) Italy felt encouraged at Japan’s instance. She attacked Abyssinia violating the ceasefire order of the League, while a commission of the League was engaged in a survey in Abyssinia. Italy’s arrogance angered world opinion and she was declared an aggressor.

The League applied sanction or economic blockade on her according to Art-16. Italy resigned her membership of the League and Germany, which had already resigned, supplied arms and ammunitions to Italy. The latter defied the League, defeated Abyssinia, and annexed it.

This was a major nail in the coffin of the League of Nations. The League lost its effectiveness in Nazi Germany’s aggression in the Rhineland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Britain did not actively support the League and the USA remained aloof. It was finally dissolved in 1946.

Question 2. Write a note on the evolution of the United Nations.
Answer:

The evolution of the United Nations

The League of Nations had failed to provide effective means for the peaceful settlement of international disputes among the great powers. Early in the Second World War, statesmen considered the necessity of replacing the League of Nations with a more effective body.

In August 1941 Churchill and Roosevelt met on a battleship in the Atlantic and issued a joint declaration, subsequently known as the Atlantic Charter.

This declaration laid down that the two countries abandoned any intention to annex any foreign territories, affirmed the principles of self-determination, and held out to all states equal freedom of access to trade and raw materials. On January 1, 1942, representatives of the twenty-six ‘United Nations’ signed a joint declaration endorsing the Atlantic Charter.

In the Moscow conference which met in November 1943, America, Britain, Russia, and China discussed the idea of a world peace organisation for the maintenance of international peace and security.

At the Teheran Conference in December, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin called for a world family of democratic nations. Early in 1914 the British and United States Governments began to work out detailed schemes for the future World Organisation.

A British Committee drew up proposals which were placed before a meeting of Dominion Prime Ministers in London in May 1944.

The proposals were for a World Assembly in which all member states would be represented and a World Council representing four powers and a number of other states. The World Council would take the initiative to maintain peace, which would be binding on the members of the organisation.

Representatives of Britain, Russia, China, and the United States met to consider the various proposals at a conference at Dumbarton Oaks, near Washington, in August and September 1944.

They reached an agreement on all important matters except the voting procedure. This was decided by the ‘Big Three’ at the Yalta Conference in February 1945. It was decided at Yalta to call a ‘Conference of the United Nations’ at San Francisco ‘to prepare the Charter of such an organization, along the lines proposed in the informal conversations at Dumbarton Oaks’.

On April 25, 1945, shortly before the end of the war, representatives from fifty-one nations met at San Francisco, to draw up a constitution for the new organization, to be called the United Nations.

The negotiations in San Francisco were not smooth. While the ‘Big Four’ were pledged to defend a common set of proposals, the lesser powers ‘the middle and smaller countries’ naturally resented what they alleged was excessive domination of the UN by the Great Powers as symbolized in the veto.

Although the Dumbarton Oaks framework remained virtually intact, important modifications were introduced. The Charter in its final form was adopted on June 26, 1945. The Charter came into effect on October 24, 1945, which is now observed throughout the world as ‘U.N. Day’.

Class ix History Question Answer

Question 3. Write the aims and objectives of UNO.
Answer:

Aims and objectives of UNO

UNO was formed on 24th October 1945 with wide objectives which may be Classified under 2 groups – Primary objectives and Secondary objectives.

1. Primary Objectives :

The Primary objectives of UNO were formed to save the succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to establish such conditions under which international laws can be maintained.

2. Secondary Objectives :

(1) To maintain international peace and security.

(2) to recognize the right of self-determination of every nation of the world and to establish friendly relationship between states.

(3) The improve the economic, social, scientific ate cultural coming in every country.

(4) To co-operate mutually in solving the problems of food, health, education, unemployment, etc.

(5) To allow every nation of the world, whether great or ack to enjoy the status of ‘nation’.

(6) To maintain the sanctity of every country’s territorial limits and not to apply force on any other state.

(7) To assist in the improvement of backward and underdeveloped nations.

Question 4. Write a note on the dispute-solving mechanism of the League of Nations.
Answer:

If a dispute did occur, the League, under its Covenant

Could do three things These were known as its sanctions :

(1) It could call on the states in dispute to sit down and discuss the problem in an orderly and peaceful manner. This would be done in the League’s Assembly which was essentially the League’s parliament which would listen to disputes and come to a decision on how to proceed. If one nation was seen to be the offender, the League could introduce verbal sanctions — warning an aggressor nation that she would need to leave another nation’s territory or face the consequences.

(2) If the states in dispute failed to listen to the Assembly’s decision, the League could introduce economic sanctions. The purpose of this sanction was to financially hit the aggressor nation so that she would have to do as the League required. The logic behind it was to push an aggressor nation towards bankruptcy, so that the people in that state would take out their anger on their Government, forcing them to accept the League members not to do any trade with an aggressor nation in an effort to bring that aggressor nation to heel.

(3) If this failed, the League could introduce physical sanctions. This meant that military force would be used to put into place the League’s decision. However, the League did not have a military force at its disposal and no member of the League had to provide one under the terms of joining — unlike the current United Nations. Therefore, it could not carry out any threats and any country defying its authority would have been very aware of this weakness.

The only two countries in the League that could have provided any military might were Britain and France and both had been severely depleted strength-wise in World War I and could not provide the League with the backing it needed. Also, both Britain and France were not in a position to use their finances to pay for an expanded army as both were financially hit very hard by World War I.

Question 5. Write about the formation of the League of Nations.
Answer:

Formation of the League of Nations :

The horrors of the devastating warfare and the huge losses sustained during the First World War had a stunning effect on mankind. People all over the world were demanding peace. The result was the birth of the League of Nations.

President Woodrow Wilson of the USA, who was its real creator in the last of his Fourteen Points, said “A general association of nations must be formed … for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial solidarity of great and small states alike.”

The delegates to the Paris Peace Conference supported the proposal of Wilson and set up a commission to ponder over the formation of the proposed international institution. The commission recommended the setting up of an international body under the name League of Nations with its constitution and other relevant terms and conditions.

The recommended Covenant (pledge) for the League of Nations was subsequently accepted by the representatives of the Paris Peace Conference. The League Covenant contained 26 Articles specifying its objects, structure, etc.

Class ix History Question Answer

Question 6. Comment on the nature of the United Nations.
Answer:

Nature of the United Nations: The principal aim of the UNO is the maintenance of international peace and security. Such responsibility is vested in the hands of the Security Council. On the basis of performance, it may be said that the UN has saved mankind from the deadly military conflict and the World War Il has not been followed by World War Ill.

This may be regarded as the most important achievement of the UN. It must, however, be said at the same time that the capacity of the UN to enforce a system of collective security is very much limited by the fact that it was essentially a puppet devised by its members.

In fact, the UN can do no more than its members, particularly the Permanent Members of the Security Council, permit. Thus its role has not been confined to provide ways and means that facilitate the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Andrew Haywood has pointed out that even in this respect its record has been clean. The UNO was, indeed, successful in negotiating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan (1948). But during the long period of the Cold War (1947-1990) the UN was virtually paralyzed by the superpower rivalry.

The end of the Cold War raised new hope in the effectiveness of the UNO. But it was found confronted with new problems. Significantly the new task before the UN is to shift from traditional peacekeeping to ‘multidimensional’ or ‘robust’ peacekeeping.

Question 7. What is the United Nations Charter?
Answer:

The United Nations Charter: The United Nations Organization was formally established on 24 October 1945. When the UNO began to function its total number of member countries was 51. At present (December 2014) the total number of members stands at 193.

The constitution of the UNO is called the Charter. More than ten thousand words have been used in the Charter. It is thus a very long charter it consists of a Preamble, 19 Chapters, and 3 Articles. The Preamble of the UN

The Charter reflects the spirit of the UNO, which is as follows :

We The Peoples of The United Nations Determined :

(1) To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind.

(2) To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and

(3) To establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

(4) To promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. And For These Ends

(5) To practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and

(6) To unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and

(7) To ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

(8) To employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples, Have Resolved To Combine Our Efforts To Accomplish These Aims

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.

Question 8. What is the composition and role of the General Assembly in the U.N.O? What is the function of the Security Council?
Answer:

(1) Composition:

(1) All members of the UN send representatives to the General Assembly.

(2) Important decisions, budgetary matters, and admission of new members are taken by 2/3″ majority of the members.

(3) The General Assembly meets every year on the 3rd Tuesday of September.

(2) Functions:

(1) To discuss everything relating to international peace and security.

(2) To make recommendations on the maintenance of peace and security.

(3) To see the working of other agencies and organs

(4) To consider and approve the U.N. budget.

Functions of the Security Council:

(1) To maintain international peace.

(2) To investigate disputes and make recommendations about solving them.

(3) Take military action against the aggressors.

Chapter 7 The League Of Nations And The United Nations Organisation 8 Marks Questions And Answers:

Question 1. Discuss the structure of the League of Nations.
Answer:

Formation of the League of Nations : The horrors of mechanized warfare and the huge losses sustained during the First World War had a stunning effect on mankind. People all over the world were demanding peace. The result was the birth of the League of Nations.

In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson of the USA who was its real creator in the last of his Fourteen Points, said “A general association of nations must be formed … for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity of great and small states alike.”

The delegates to the Paris Peace Conference supported the proposal of Wilson and set up a commission to ponder over the formation of the proposed international institution. The commission recommended the setting up of an international body under the name League of Nations with its constitution and other relevant terms and conditions.

The recommended Covenant (pledge) for the League of Nations was subsequently accepted by the representatives of the Paris Peace Conference. The League Covenant contained 26 Articles specifying its objects, structure, etc.

The Structure of the League of Nations : The League of Nations began functioning through an Assembly, a Council, and a permanent Secretariat. Moreover, it had under it two autonomous bodies, namely, the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Labour Organization.

The International Court of Justice had the responsibility to judge and settle international disputes, and the International Labor

The organization was to develop labor relations. Besides, there were some other socio-economic organizations under the domination of the League. Sessions of the League were to be held at Geneva annually in the month of September.

Special sessions, however, might be held in times of emergency. The first session of the League was convened on 15 November 1920, and the last, the 20th session on 14 December 1939.

(1) Assembly: The assembly of the League consisted of the representatives of all the member states, each being entitled to only one vote. The Assembly was a deliberative and advisory body. It had no power to legislate or compel acceptance of its decisions.

It made the budget for the League. It also elected the non-permanent members of the League Council and admitted new states as members of the League.

(2) Council: The League Council comprised of Permanent and Non-Permanent members. Originally there were five Permanent members, €.g. Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany and the USA. Four Non-Permanent members were elected from lesser important powers by the Assembly.

The non-permanent members were to serve for fixed terms. However, as a result of non-adherence by the USA, the Permanent members of the Council were reduced to four, while the non-permanent members were increased to six. During the time period of the League of Nations, the Council was the principal executive power.

The functions of the Council were :

(1) To formulate plans for the reduction of armaments.

(2)To advise on the ways and measures to be taken by the whole League to protect member states from aggression.

(3) To mediate and settle disputes between members.

(4) All emergencies arising in international affairs were to be dealt with by the Council.

(5) All important decisions of the Council were required to be unanimous.

(3) Permanent Secretariat: The Permanent Secretariat of the League consisted of a Secretary-General appointed by the Council and approved by the Assembly.

The functions of the Secretariat were : 

(1)To compile data on international problems.

(2) To register treaties.

(3) To act as secretaries at deliberations of the Council and of the Assembly. The Permanent Secretariat was situated at Geneva.

(4) Other Important Bodies: The League had two other important bodies, namely, the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Labor Organization. The Permanent Court of International Justice (or the World Court) had the responsibility to interpret any disputed point in international law.

It also determined when treaty obligations had been violated. The other body was the International Labour Organization which had the responsibility to secure and maintain fair and humane conditions of labor for men, women, and children.

Assessment of the League: The League started its work very well. The record of the League since its inception was one of success. In its attempts to prevent war the League also achieved some remarkable success. However, for the sectarian and selfish policy pursued by the big powers, this international organization finally failed to make the world a secure place to live with peace.

For example, when Japan attacked Manchuria in 1931, the League failed to discharge its responsibilities. Ultimately after Hitler started conquering territories in utter disregard to the Treaty of Versailles, the fall of the League became inevitable.

Question 2. Compare and contrast the League of Nations and the United Nations.
Answer:

Comparing The League of Nations and the United Nations

The ideals of the League of Nations and of the United Nations were more or less similar. They were formed with the purpose of ensuring international peace and security. The idea of world organization embedded in the League of Nations has assumed greater significance in the creation of the United Nations.

In matters of organization, the two bodies are almost similar. The League had three organs the Assembly, the Council, and the Security Council. The organization of the United Nations is more elaborate and it has six organs the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

In the League of Nations, the Big Powers exercised influence in shaping its policy. Similarly, in the United Nations, the Big Five, America, Russia, Britain, France, and China, play a crucial role in directing the activities of the United Nations.

Both organizations have relied on peaceful methods for the solution of international disputes and have urges and sanctions against the disturbance of peace.

“For all their differences” it has been said, the League and the U.N., “are basically the same-voluntary associations of states established to foster cooperation among their members in certain stipulated political, economic, and social areas.

They were both endowed with essentially the same organizational limbs, including an assembly, council, economic and social bodies, trusteeship committee, courts, and secretariat. In most matters, these organs were authorized only to recommend, not command.

In the security sphere, their founders intended that action to extinguish threats to the peace should be left primarily to the political councils dominated by the great powers”. But in spite of the similarities, there have been wide differences between the two organizations. Both the United States and the Soviet Union who have been members of the United Nations from the beginning were not originally included in the League of Nations.

While all important decisions in the League Assembly required unanimity, in the General Assembly of the United Nations, they require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

The power and responsibility of the League Assembly and the League Council were not clearly defined. But in the United Nations, the positions of the General Assembly and the Security Council have been clearly demarcated.

The Security Council has been given wider authority than the Council of the League, for in that body rests the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The incorporation of the Covenant of the League of Nations in the peace treaty of Versailles weakened the League. It appeared that the League of Nations was an attempt on the part of the victors to devise a political settlement intended to serve their interests. But the United Nations had nothing to do with any peace treaty. “It was the job of the United Nations to maintain peace, not to create peace”.

On the whole, the objectives of the Charter are far more comprehensive and radical than those of the Covenant. The League was not an effective instrument for the enforcement of sanctions. But the framers of the U.N. Charter ‘put teeth’ into the new collective security system. International organizations in 1919 had no concrete

Precedent whereas the United Nations of 1945 had twenty years experience behind them. In several respects, the United Nations is somewhat tighter than the League. “Its organs, when they can function at all, can do more.

But how far they can function at all depends, as before, on the will of its leading members to make them function”. The fabric of international society has been strengthened by putting more emphasis on the role of specialized agencies in promoting economic, social, cultural, and technical cooperation.

Question 3. How was UNO formed?
Answer:

Formation of UNO: The United Nations Organization is an international body. It was established on 24th October 1945 in order to maintain peace and security.

Circumstances leading to the formation of UNO: Nearly 50 million people lost their life during World War II. The deadly weapons terrified the men. The failure of the League of Nations forced the nation heads to form an international institution to establish durable peace and security in the world.

Different steps :

1. London Declaration: The London Declaration was the first step towards the foundation of UNO. In June 1941 the representatives of Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa met in London and proposed for the first time to establish an effective organization to maintain international peace and security. This announcement came to be known as the London Declaration.

2. Atlantic Charter: In 1941 the British Prime Minister Mr. Churchill and the US President Mr. Franklin Roosevelt met on board of a British Warship (Augusta) somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Their declaration came to be known as the Atlantic Charter.

It became an important document when 26 leaders of different states including Stolin, the President of Russia put Here, in the conference, as many as 51 representatives of different states signed a document known as the United Nations Charter.

These 51 signatory states are the original members of the United Nations. The aims, objectives, composition, etc. of the United Nations were clearly laid down in the charter. Thus, UNO was formed on 24th October 1945 and this day is celebrated as UN Day every year.

3. Washington Declaration: In 1942 the representatives of 26 nations signed a declaration known as the United Nations Declaration. The name United Nation was devised by President Franklin Roosevelt. Most of the principles of the Atlantic Charter were accepted

4. Moscow Declaration: In 1943 the foreign ministers of Britain, America, Russia, and China met at Moscow. It was decided that an international body was “formed after World War – II. A joint communique was issued on ist November 1943. The first formal decision to establish the United Nations was taken at Moscow in 1943.

5. Dumbarton Oaks Conference:  The representative of Britain, America, Russia, and amet in 1944 at an estate known as Dumbarton Oaks, near Washington. At this Conference draft of the UN, charter was formulated.

6. The San Fransisco Conference and the Birth of the United Nations: The final step towards the formation of an international body, the United Nations, was taken at the San Francisco Conference of 1945.

Question 4. Write a note on the purposes and membership of the U.N.O.
Answer:

Purposes and Principles of the U.N.:The purposes of the United Nations are set forth in Article I of the Charter. These are :

(1) Maintenance of international peace and security;

(2) Development of friendly relations among nations;

(3) International cooperation in solving problems of economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian nature; promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom; and

(4) To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve the above ends.

In order to fulfill the purposes for which UNO was established, the UN acts in accordance with the following principles, as envisaged in Article 2 of the Charter :

(1) The organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members

(2) All members shall fulfill in good faith the obligation they have assumed under the Charter

(3) They shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means

(4) They shall refrain in their international relations from the threat of use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of United Nations

(5) They shall give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter, and to refrain in giving assistance to any State against which the organization is taking preventive enforcement action

(6) The United Nations to ensure that non-members act in accordance with these principles so far as is necessary for maintaining international peace and security;

(7) The organization shall not intervene in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State. This provision shall not, however, prejudice the application of enforcement action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression.

Membership: There are two kinds of members of the United Nations. According to Article 3, there are original members who participated in the San Francisco Conference or had signed earlier the Declaration by the United Nations on January 1, 1942, and signed the Charter and ratified it also. In all 51 States are regarded as original members.

Subsequent members are elected under Article 4 of the Charter, by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Membership of the United Nations is open to all peace-loving countries that accept the Charter and have faith in the judgment of the Charter.

Any prospective country desiring to become a member must submit an application including a declaration that it accepts the obligations envisaged by the Charter. New members are admitted by two-thirds votes of the members of the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Membership becomes effective on the date on which the Assembly accepts the application.

Question 5. Write an essay on the specialized agencies of the U.N.
Answer:

UNDP :

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is active in more than 150 developing countries and territories. This organ provides multilateral, technical, and pre-investment aid. It has five-year programs that cover varied fields like farming, fishing, forestry, mining, manufacturing, power, transport, communication, housing and building, trade and tourism, health and environmental sanitation, education and training community, economic planning and public administration.

The UNDP aims to help developing countries to make better use of their human and natural resources and improve living standards. Natural resources are surveyed and other potentials for increased output are examined. Educational systems are strengthened. Vocational and technical instruction is given at various levels.

UNICEF :

The United Nations International Children’s International Children’s’ session in 1946 to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China, for food, medicines, and clothing. In 1950 to main objective of this agency was changed to promoting programs for the benefit of children of developing countries. Its name was changed to United Nations Children’s Fund but the by now popular acronym was kept. Whenever there are natural disasters, civil wars, or epidemics, UNICEF acts swiftly to help children and mothers.

All aspects of child care, immunization, breastfeeding, growth monitoring, and simple methods of rehydration have been included in the work of UNICEF. The training of national personnel consisting of teachers, health and sanitation workers, nutritionists, and child welfare specialists has been undertaken by UNICEF.

Paper for textbooks, equipment, and medicine for health clinics, pipes, and pumps for supplying clean water have been provided. Voluntary contributions finance UNICEF. About three-quarters of its income comes from Governments, the rest are donations. It also raises money by its sale of greeting cards and other fund-raising activities.

WHO:

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has its headquarters at Geneva. It is governed by the World Health Assembly on which 166 member states are represented. The Executive Board has 31 members sent by as many countries.

As the name implies, WHO aims to raise the health levels of all the people in the world. The World Health Assembly set a goal which was “Health for All by the year 2000”. Cooperation between Governments and people helps the programmes of WHO which involve eight essential elements.

Education about prevailing health problems, an adequate and nutritious food supply, safe water and sanitation, maternal and child health, immunization against major infectious diseases and appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries, and supply of essential drugs, form important elements of the programmes.

The decade from 1981 to 1990 has been declared as “The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade”.

UNESCO :

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO) has its headquarters in Paris. UNESCO’s primary aim is to promote peace by making the member nations understand each other’s culture and collaborate through education, science, culture, and communication.

Firstly, UNESCO expands and guides education so that the people of every country learn to take care of their own development.

It also helps to establish scientific and technological foundations in order to enable the country to make better use of its resources. A special effort is made to encourage national culture and to preserve the cultural heritage of member nations.

Education is a field where UNESCO plays an important part. Literacy, universal primary education, training of teachers, educational planners and administrators, and the supply of equipment to schools, are all involved in the program initiated by this agency.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is older than the United Nations as it was established in 1919, under the Treaty of Versailles, along with the League of Nations. The ILO became the first specialized agency under the United Nations when an agreement establishing its relationship with the UN was approved in December. 1946. It has its headquarters at Geneva.

Question 6. Discuss the composition of the UNO.
Answer:

Composition of the UNO

The United Nations Organization (U.N.O.) was set up on October 24, 1945.

Main Aims of the U.N.O. :

(1) To maintain international peace and security.

(2) To promote friendly relations among different nations.

(3) To achieve international cooperation in solving the worldwide economic, social, and cultural problems.

(4) To promote respect for human rights, dignity and freedom.

(5) To promote respect among the member-nations for fundamental rights and freedom of mankind.

The principal organs of the U.N.O. :

(1) The General Assembly
(2) The Security Council
(3) The Economic and Social Council
(4) The Trusteeship Council
(5) The International Court of Justice and

(6) The Secretariat:

(1) General Assembly: This is the main body of the United Nations. The representatives of all the member countries sit in this Assembly. At present, it has about 150 members as its members. Every member nation can send 5 representatives in this Assembly but they will have a single vote. Its session is held once in a year.

Functions :

(1) This assembly thinks over the matters to maintain peace and security.

(2) It passes the budget of the United Nations.

(3) The Members of the General Assembly elect the members of other organs of the United Nations.

(4) The assembly takes the decisions to give membership to the new nations and to remove the existing nations if the need arises.

(2) Security Council: This Council is the executive wing of the United Nations. It has total 15 members 10 temporary and 5 permanent.

Its permanent members are :

(1) U.S.A.
(2) Russia
(3) England,
(4) France and
(5) Communist China.

Its temporary members are elected by the General Assembly for the term of two years.

Functions of the Security Council :

(1) This Council is responsible for the establishment of peace in the world. Every member country of the United Nations has the right to send its complaint to the Security Council.

(2) It settles the disputes and conflicts among the countries of the world. If the need arises it has the authority to use force against any country.

(3) This council appoints the judges of the International Court of Justice, along with the cooperation of the General Assembly.

(3) Economic and Social Council: This Council consists of 27 members. They are elected by the General Assembly for three years. 1/3 members retire every year and the new ones are elected.

Functions: This Council considers matters concerning Economic, Social, Cultural, and Educational matters of all the member countries of the United Nations.

(4) Trusteeship Council: This Council is formed to look after the matters and administration of those countries that have been kept in trusteeship of some countries by the United Nations. Its members are also elected by the General Assembly.

Functions :

(1) The Trusteeship Council sends its missions from time to time to those countries that have kept in trust of the United Nations.

(2) It listens to the complaints of the people of those countries which have been kept in trust.

(5) International Court of Justice: This Court of Justice is one of the important organs of the United Nations. This court is of 15 Judges. The judges are elected by the members of the General Assembly and Security Council for nine years.

Functions :

(1) This court decides those disputes which are presented to it by different countries of the world.

(2) This court has advisory functions also. It provides legal advice to the different organs of the United Nations.

(6) Secretariat: This is the main office of the United Nations. Its head is called “Secretary General”. He is nominated by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. About 6000 employees work under him in the office. These days Mr. Ban ki-Moon is the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Functions of the Secretariat: The Secretariat is involved in all the paperwork of the U.N. It organizes seminars, and coordinates the work of organs and agencies.

Specialized Agencies of the U.N.O. :

(1) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO)

(2) The World Health Organization. (W.H.O)

(3) The Food and Agriculture Organization. (FA.O.)

(4) The International Labour Organization. (I. L.O)

 

WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Environment