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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 1 The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 1 covers French Revolution & Idea of Nation, Making of Nationalism in Europe, Age of Revolutions (1830-1848), Unification of Germany, Italy & Britain, and Nationalism & Imperialism.

Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)

1. The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation

Short Note:

• Frederic Sorrieu: In 1848, the French artist created four prints visualizing a world made up of 'democratic and social Republics'.

• French Revolution (1789): Transferred sovereignty from absolute monarch to French citizens. Introduced concepts like la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen), new tricolor flag, centralized administrative system, and uniform weights & measures.

• Napoleonic Code (Civil Code of 1804): Abolished all privileges based on birth, established equality before law, secured right to property, and abolished feudal system.

2. The Making of Nationalism in Europe & Liberalism

Short Note:

• Liberalism: Stood for freedom for the individual and equality before law. Economically, it meant freedom of markets and abolition of state-imposed restrictions on trade.

• Zollverein (1834): A customs union formed at the initiative of Prussia. It abolished tariff barriers and reduced currencies from over 30 to 2.

• Treaty of Vienna (1815): Hosted by Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich to undo changes brought by Napoleonic wars and restore conservative regimes (Bourbon dynasty restored in France).

• Giuseppe Mazzini: Italian revolutionary who founded secret societies 'Young Italy' in Marseilles and 'Young Europe' in Berne.

3. Unification of Germany, Italy, and Great Britain

Short Note:

• Unification of Germany: Spearheaded by Prussia under Chief Minister Otto von Bismarck ('Blood and Iron' policy). Three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark, and France ended in Prussian victory. Kaiser William I was proclaimed German Emperor in January 1871.

• Unification of Italy: Spearheaded by Sardinia-Piedmont under Prime Minister Count Cavour (diplomacy) and Giuseppe Garibaldi (armed volunteers - Red Shirts). Victor Emmanuel II proclaimed King of United Italy in 1861.

• Britain (Strange Case): Formed not through revolution, but through a long-drawn political process. Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland formed United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Intext & Conceptual Questions

Q1: What was the main aim of the Treaty of Vienna (1815)?
1. To undo most of the changes that had come about in Europe during the Napoleonic wars.
2. To restore the Bourbon monarchy that had been deposed during the French Revolution.
3. To set up a new conservative order in Europe and prevent future French expansion by creating a series of buffer states on its borders.
Q2: Briefly explain the process of German Unification.
1. Prussian Leadership: Prussia took on the leadership of the movement for national unification after the liberal initiative failed in 1848.
2. Role of Bismarck: Chief Minister Otto von Bismarck was the architect of this process, using the Prussian army and bureaucracy.
3. Three Wars: Prussia fought three wars over seven years against Austria, Denmark, and France, winning all and completing unification in 1871.

Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions

Q1: Explain what is meant by the 1848 revolution of the liberals. What were the political, social and economic ideas supported by the liberals?
Answer: The 1848 revolution was led by the educated middle class alongside revolts of the poor, unemployed, and starving peasants in Europe.
• Political Ideas: Demand for creation of nation-states based on constitutionalism, parliamentary principles, freedom of the press, and freedom of association.
• Social Ideas: Abolition of class-based privileges, end of serfdom and bonded labor.
• Economic Ideas: Freedom of markets, abolition of state-imposed tariffs on the movement of goods and capital.
Q2: How was the history of nationalism in Britain different from the rest of Europe?
Answer:
1. No Sudden Revolution: In Britain, the formation of the nation-state was not the result of a sudden revolution, but of a long-drawn-out parliamentary process.
2. English Dominance: The English nation steadily grew in wealth, importance, and power, extending its influence over other nations of the islands (Scotland and Ireland).
3. Legislative Integration: The Act of Union (1707) incorporated Scotland into the United Kingdom, and Ireland was forcibly incorporated in 1801 following failed revolts.
Q3: Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans?
Answer:
1. Ethnic Diversity & Decline of Ottomans: The Balkans was a region of geographical and ethnic variation. The disintegration of the Ottoman Empire made the region highly explosive.
2. Romantic Nationalism: One by one, European subject nationalities broke away from Ottoman control and declared independence.
3. Big Power Rivalry: Major European powers (Russia, Germany, England, Austria-Hungary) fought for territorial and trade influence in the Balkans, turning it into a battleground that led directly to World War I.
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Class 10 › Social Science (History) › The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
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Topics in this chapter: The French Revolution and the Idea of the NationThe Making of Nationalism in Europe & LiberalismUnification of Germany, Italy, and Great Britain