05. Forest Society and Colonialism – Worksheet Solutions

Q.1. Who were famous as the woodcutters of Java?

Kalangs of Java.


Q.2. Who was the Inspector General of Forests in India?

Dietrich Brandis.


Q.3. Which river flows through the Bastar region?

Indrawati.


Q.4. Name the country that occupied Indonesia during the Second World War?

Japan.


Q.5. Name the present state of India in which Bastar is located.

Chhattisgarh


Q.6. Why did plantation develop in India? How did the British government support the plantations in India?

The British directly encouraged the production of commercial crops like jutesugarcane, wheat and cotton.
In the early 19th century the colonial state thought the forests to be unproductive.
They wanted to bring land under cultivation so that the land could yieldagricultural products and revenue and enhance the income of the state.


Q.7. How did Shipbuilding contribute to the decline of forest cover in the Indian subcontinent?

Shipbuilding significantly contributed to the decline of forest cover in the Indian subcontinent due to several factors:

  • The depletion of oak forests in Europe created a demand for timber.
  • To meet this need, the Indian forests were targeted for their strong and durable wood.
  • This led to extensive and rapid deforestation as trees were felled on a large scale.


Q.8. How did the changes in forest management in the colonial period affect the hobby of hunting of the Kings and British officials?

The changes in forest management during the colonial period significantly impacted the hunting practices of kings and British officials:

  • New laws restricted forest communities from hunting, collecting wood, and gathering forest products.
  • Hunting of small animals was banned, while hunting of large animals was encouraged.
  • The British promoted hunting as a sport, rewarding officials and kings for killing dangerous animals like tigers and wolves.
  • As a result, many species faced the threat of extinction due to increased hunting.


Q.9. How did the changes in forest management in the colonial period affect the firms trading in forest produce?

The changes in forest management during the colonial period had significant effects on firms trading in forest products:

  • The traditional trading class became dependent on colonial powers.
  • Many communities shifted from their ancestral professions to trading in forest products.
  • Colonial authorities began to regulate the trade in these resources.
  • The British established a monopoly for European firms to trade in forest produce.

Q.10. What are the main reasons for the rapid disappearance of forests?

Main reasons for the rapid disappearance of forests:

  • Forests were cleared to establish industries.
  • Increased land was needed for agriculture to support the growing population.
  • Wood was required for fuel.
  • Colonial rule significantly contributed to forest loss.

Q.11. How did the changes in forest management in the colonial period affect the lives of shifting cultivators?

The changes in forest management during the colonial period significantly impacted the lives of shifting cultivators. Key effects included:

  • Colonial powers viewed shifting cultivation as harmful to the environment and forests.
  • They feared it would lead to the destruction of valuable timber, resulting in a ban on this practice.
  • This ban caused the displacement of many forest tribes.
  • As a consequence, many tribes were forced to change their occupations.

Q.12. Write about the woodcutters of Java.

The Kalangs of Java were a community renowned for their skills as woodcutters and shifting cultivators. Their contributions were crucial to the Mataram Kingdom, especially in the following ways:

  • They were trained experts in forest cutting.
  • In 1755, when the Mataram Kingdom split, the 6,000 Kalang families were divided between the two new kingdoms.
  • Their expertise was vital for harvesting teak and building palaces.
  • When the Dutch took control in the 18th century, they attempted to force the Kalangs into servitude.
  • In 1770, the Kalangs resisted by attacking a Dutch fort, but their uprising was suppressed.


Q.13. How was the construction of the Indus Valley Railway network cause heavy destruction to the forests of Sindh and Punjab?

The construction of the Indus Valley Railway caused significant damage to the forests in Sindh and Punjab due to the following reasons:

  • The railway required a large number of wooden sleepers for its tracks.
  • Over 600,000 sleepers were needed for just one section of the railway.
  • This high demand led to widespread deforestation, as contractors cut trees indiscriminately.
  • Forests near the railway tracks rapidly diminished as a result.

Q.14. How did the British exploit the forest resources of India for their economic development?

The British exploited India’s forest resources primarily for their economic gain through various means:

  • The production of commercial crops like jute, sugarcane, wheat, and cotton was encouraged.
  • Railways were crucial for trade and troop movement, leading to extensive tree cutting for sleepers used in railway tracks.
  • Large forest areas were cleared to establish tea, coffee, and rubber plantations to satisfy European demand.
  • By the early nineteenth century, vast quantities of timber were felled for shipbuilding.

Q.15. Explain any five ways in which the lives of the villagers were affected by the Forest Acts.

The Forest Acts significantly impacted the lives of villagers in various ways:

  • Many villagers were forced to steal wood from the forests. If caught, they faced harsh treatment from forest guards who often demanded bribes.
  • Women, particularly those who collected fuel wood, experienced heightened anxiety due to the new restrictions.
  • Police constables and forest guards frequently harassed villagers, demanding free wood and other resources.
  • The Act imposed severe hardships, making traditional practices like cutting wood for homes, grazing cattle, and collecting fruits illegal.
  • Hunting and fishing, once common practices, were also prohibited, further restricting villagers’ access to essential resources.

04. Pastoralists in the Modern World – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: The Maru Raikas herded
(a) camels
(b) goats
(c) sheep
(d) all the three
Ans: (a) 

Q2: Banjaras were not found in
(a) Punjab
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Delhi
(d) Maharashtra
Ans: (c)

Q3: The Massais are located in the
(a) east Africa
(b) west Africa
(c) north Africa
(d) South Africa
Ans: (a) 

Q4: The warriors consisted of
(a) elder people
(b) younger people
(c) children
(d) healthy people
Ans: (b)

Q5: Why were some forests classified as “protected”?
(a) In these the customary grazing rights of pastorals were granted but their movements were severely restricted.
(b) The colonial officials believed that grazing destroyed the saplings and young shoots of trees that germinated on the forest floor.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)

Q6: Which of these are the pastoral communities of the mountains?
(a) Gujjars
(b) Gaddis
(c) Bhotiyas and Sherpas
(d) All the above
Ans: (d) 

Q7: Dhangars were an important pastoral community of
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) U.P.
(d) Assam
Ans: (b) 

Q8: Where were the Banjaras found?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Punjab, Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
(d) All the above
Ans: (d) 

Q9: According to the ‘Wasteland Rules’
(a) uncultivated lands were taken over and given to select individuals
(b) these individuals were granted various concessions and encouraged to settle these lands
(c) some of them were made headmen of villages in the newly cleared areas
(d) all the above
Ans: (d) 

Q10: Which of the following statements best explains pastoralist nomads?
(a) The villagers who move from one place to another
(b) The people who do not have a permanent place to live in
(c) The herdsmen who move from one place to another looking for pasture for their herd
(d) The people who visit many places for enjoyment
Ans: (c)

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir are great herders of _________ .
Ans: The Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir are great herders of Goat and sheep

Q2: When the high mountains were covered with snow, the herds were grazed in the _________ .
Ans: When the high mountains were covered with snow, the herds were grazed in the Low hills

Q3: The Gaddi shepherds belong to _________ .
Ans: The Gaddi shepherds belong to Himachal Pradesh

Q4: The Gaddi shepherds spent their winter in _________ .
Ans: The Gaddi shepherds spent their winter in The low hills of Siwalik range

Q5:  Africans depend on some form of pastoral activity for their _________ .
Ans: Africans depend on some form of pastoral activity for their Livelihood

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Pushkar is famous for what?
Ans: Cattle fair

Q2: Name the nomad communities of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Ans: Gollas, Kurumas and Kurubas.

Q3: Name the crop which is generally harvested in March April months.
Ans: Rabi Crops- Mustard and wheat.

Q4: Where does Dhangar shephered live in Maharashtra?
Ans: Central Plateau.

Q5: What are the vast meadows in the high mountain called?
Ans: Bugyal.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What were the instructions given to the police to check the movement of pastoralists in colonial Africa?
Ans: The police were given instruction to keep a watch on the movements of pastoralists,and prevent them from entering white areas. Passes to enter the Territory should not be given to these natives unless exceptional circumstances necessitate their entering.Ordinary visiting passes should not be given to the locals.

Q2: What are Reserved Forests and Protected Forests?
Ans: Reserved Forests: The forests which produced commercially valuable timber likeDeodar or Sal. No pastoralist was allowed to access these forests.
Protected Forests: In these forests some customary grazing rights of pastoralists weregranted but their movements were strictly restricted.

Q3: Which conditions are responsible for the death of pastoral animals in the semi-arid regions of South Africa?
Ans: High temperature combines with low rainfall. It creates conditions which are dry and extremely hot. Drought conditions are common in this semi arid land of equatorial heat.
During such times pastoral animals die in large numbers

Q4: How did the Grazing Tax change the lives of pastoralists?
Ans: The British tried to discourage Nomads tribes in all possible ways.
Grazing Tax was one such measure adopted by the colonial power.
They wanted to increase revenue income. So Grazing Tax was imposed on many items including grazing land.
The Tax on grazing land was step to discourage Nomadism.
Pastoral tribes had to pay tax on every animal they grazed on the pastures

Q5: How the pastorals have survived in the modern times?
Ans: Their grazing lands were disappeared. Their number of cattle was reduced but still they have adapted themselves in newsituations. They have changed the path of their cyclical movement as Raikas have done in India. Now come to Haryana instead of Sind.

Q6: How did drought affect the pastoralists in Africa?
Ans: Droughts made a severe effect on the pastoral tribes.
When rain is less and pastures are dry, pastorals move to new grazing lands but thecolonial powers restricted their movement to a small area.
They were forced to live in the semi-arid areas.
During the drought period, a large number of cattle used to die due to starvation anddisease.

Q7: What are factors that affect the pastoral movement in plains?
Ans: There are many factors which affect the pastoral movement in plains.
Their movement is not like the mountain nomad pastoralists.
They move according to the time of advancing monsoon and retreating monsoon.
In the dry season they move towards the main area and return back at the arrival of monsoon.

Q8: Explain the Taxation Policy imposed by colonial government upon the pastoralists to expand their revenue income.
Ans: To expand its revenue income, the colonial government looked for every possiblesource of taxation.
Taxes were imposed on land, on canal water, on salt, on trade goods and even on animals.
Pastoralists had to pay tax on every animal they grazed on the pastures.
In most pastoral tracts of India, grazing tax was introduced in the mid-nineteenth century.
The tax per head of cattle went up rapidly and the system of collection was made increasingly efficient.
In the decades between the 1850s and 1880s the right to collect the tax was auctioned out to contractors.

Q9: Explain the annual movement of Dhangars.
Ans: Dhangars move from central plateau of Maharashtra during the months-October and November.
Due to the shortage of fodder, they move to konkan which is flourished agricultural tracts with high rainfall.
The Konkani peasants welcome them as their field had to be fertilized and made ready for the Rabi crops.
The flocks of Dhangars manure the fields and feed on the stubble.
With the onset of the monsoon the Dhangars leave the Konkan and the coastal areas with their flocks and return to their settlements on the dry plateau.
This is because sheep cannot tolerate the wet monsoon conditions.

Q10: How did the reserves affect the Movement of Massai Community?
Ans: Massai groups were forced to live in the confines of special reserves.
The boundaries of these reserves became the limits with which they could now move.
They were not allowed to move out with their stock without special passes.
It was very difficult to get permits without trouble and harassment.
Those who found guilty of disobeying the rules were severely punished.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the social organisation of the Maasai tribe in the pre-colonial times.
What changes occurred in Maasai community during colonial period ?

Ans: Maasai society was divided into two social categories – elders and warriors. The elders formed the ruling group and met in periodic councils to decide on the affairs of the community and settle disputes. The warriors consisted of younger people, mainly responsible for the protection of the tribe. They defended the community and organised . cattle raids. Raiding was important in a society where cattle was wealth. It is through raids that the power of different pastoral groups was asserted. Young men came to be recognised as members of the warrior class when they proved their manliness by raiding the cattle of other pastoral groups and participating in wars. They, however, were subject to the authority of the elders.
To administer the affairs of the Maasai, the British introduced a series of measures that had important implications. They appointed chiefs of different sub-groups of Maasai, who were made responsible for the affairs of the tribe. The British imposed various restrictions on raiding and warfare. Consequently, the traditional authority of both elders and warriors was adversely affected.

Q2: Discuss the main features of life of the Dhangars pastoral community of Maharashtra.
Ans: The main feature of life of the Dhangars :

  • Dhangars were an important pastoral community of Maharashtra. In the early twentieth century, their population in this region was about 4,67,000.
  • Most of the Dhangars were shepherds, some were blanket weavers and still others were buffalo herders.
  • The Dhangar shepherds stayed in the central plateau of Maharashtra during the monsoon. This was a semi-arid region with low rainfall and poor soil. It was covered with thorny scrub. Nothing but dry crops like bajra could be sown here.
  • In the monsoon, the central plateau became a vast grazing ground for the Dhangar flocks.
  • By October, the Dhangars harvested their bajra and started on their move towards west. After a march of about a month, they reached the Konkan. This was a flourishing agricultural tract with high rainfall and rich soil. Here, the shepherds were welcomed by Konkan peasants.

Q3: How did the Indian pastoralists cope with the changes that was brought about by the British colonial officials ?
Ans: Under colonial rule, the life of pastoralists changed dramatically. Their grazing grounds shrank, their movements were regulated, and the revenue they had to pay increased.

  • Some reduced the number of cattle in their herds, since there was not enough pasture to feed large numbers.
  • Others discovered new pastures when movement to old grazing grounds became difficult. After 1947, the camel and sheep herding Raikas, for instance, could no longer move into Sindh and graze their camels on the banks of the Indus, as they had done earlier
  • In recent years they have been migrating to Haryana where sheep can graze on agricultural fields after the harvests are cut. This is the time that the fields need manure that the animals provide.
  • Over the years, some richer pastoralists began buying land and settling down, giving up their nomadic life. Some became settled peasants cultivating land, others took to more extensive trading.
  • Many poor pastoralists, on the other hand, borrowed money from moneylenders to survive. At times they lost their cattle and sheep and became labourers, working on fields or in small towns.

Q4: Where do the Raikas live ? Mention characteristics of their economy and life.
Ans: The Raikas lived in the deserts of Rajasthan. The characteristics of their economy and life are :

  • As the rainfall in Rajasthan,was meagre and uncertain, so the Raikas found the cultivation of their land tracts very difficult. Their harvest fluctuated every year. Over vast stretches, no crop could be grown. Therefore, the Raikas combined cultivation with pastoralism.
  • During the monsoons, the Raikas of Banner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner stayed in their home villages, where pasture was available.
  • By October, when these grazing grounds were dry and exhausted, the Raikas moved out in search of other pasture and water, and returned again during herded next rainy season.
  • One group of Raikas—known as the Maru (desert) Raikas—herded camels and another group reared goats and sheep.
  • Therefore, we can say that the life of the Raikas as pastoral groups was sustained by a careful consideration of a host of factors. They had to judge how long the herds could stay in one area of Rajasthan, and know where they could find water and pasture in Rajasthan and nearby provinces.

Q5: Write down the main features of the life of Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh.
Ans: The main features of the life of Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh as given below :

  • In different areas of the mountains, the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh had cycle of seasonal movement. In winter, they moved downward and in summer, they moved upward to the valley. Gaddi shepherds also spent their winter in the low hills of Siwalik range, grazing their flocks in scrub forests. By April, they moved north and spent the summer in Lahul and Spiti. When the snow melted and the high passes were clear, many of them move on to higher mountain meadows.
  • By September, Gaddi shepherds bean their return movement. On the way, they stopped once again in the villages of Lahul and Spiti, reaping their Kharif crop and sowing their Rabi crop. Then,- they come down with their flock to their lower areas or plains on the Siwalik hills.
  • Next April, with the coming of summer, Gaddi shepherds, once again, began their march with their sheep and goats, to the summer meadows.

03. Nazism and the Rise of Hitler – Worksheet Solutions

Q1. Which was the most famous film in which orthodox Jews were stereotyped and marked?

Ans: The most infamous film that stereotyped and marked orthodox Jews is The Eternal Jew.

Q2. What was Article 48 of Weimer Republic?

Ans: Article 48 of the Weimar Republic allowed the President to:

  • Impose emergency measures
  • Suspended civil rights
  • Rule by decree

This provision was frequently used during the Republic’s short existence, contributing to political instability and loss of public confidence in the democratic system.

Q3. Name the scientist who discovered the theory of natural selection and evolution.

Ans: Charles Darwin is the scientist known for formulating the theory of natural selection and the concept of evolution.

Q4. Name the place where people were isolated and detained without due process of law.

Ans: Concentration camps were places where individuals were isolated and detained without any legal process. Key features include:

  • Surrounded by electrified barbed wire fences.
  • People could be arrested and sent there without legal procedures.
  • Mass killings occurred with scientific precision in gas chambers.

These camps were notorious for their brutal conditions and the systematic persecution of various groups, particularly Jews during the Holocaust.

Q5. Explain any three reasons that led to the German invasion of Soviet Union.

Ans: Three key reasons led to the German invasion of the Soviet Union:

  • Hitler aimed to conquer Eastern Europe as part of his long-term strategy.
  • He sought to secure food supplies and living space for the German population.
  • The invasion, which began in June 1941, was intended to expand Germany’s territory.

Q6. What were the promises made by Hitler to the people of Germany?

Ans: Promises made by Hitler to the people of Germany:

  • Build a strong nation and restore the dignity of the German people.
  • Undo the injustices of the Versailles Treaty.
  • Provide employment for those seeking work.
  • Ensure a secure future for the youth.
  • Eliminate foreign influences and resist foreign conspiracies against Germany.

Q7. What were the ideas of Hitler on racial state?

Ans: Hitler’s ideas on a racial state were based on a strict hierarchy among people:

  • The Aryan race, characterised by blond hair and blue eyes, was deemed the most superior.
  • Jews were considered the most inferior and were labelled as ‘undesirable’.
  • Hitler advocated for lebensraum, or living space, to expand German territory.

He believed that:

  • Only a society of pure Nordic Aryans should exist.
  • All others, including those deemed impure, had no right to live.
  • New territories were necessary to enhance resources and power for Germany.

Hitler aimed to consolidate Germans in one area, particularly targeting eastern expansion, with Poland as a key focus.

Q8. Write a short note on Tripartite Pact.

Ans:

In September 1940, the Tripartite Pact was signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan. This agreement aimed to strengthen Hitler’s influence on the global stage.

  • Puppet regimes supporting Nazi Germany were established across much of Europe.
  • By the end of 1940, Hitler had reached the height of his power.

Hitler sought to conquer Eastern Europe to secure food and living space for Germans. In June 1941, he attacked the Soviet Union, which led to significant military challenges:

  • Germany faced British aerial bombings on the western front.
  • The Soviet Red Army dealt a severe defeat to German forces.

Ultimately, Hitler’s regime ended with his suicide in April 1945, and the subsequent Nuremberg Trials prosecuted Nazi war criminals for their actions during the war.

Q9. “Politically, the Weimer Republic was fragile”. Explain.

Ans: Politically, the Weimar Republic was fragile due to several inherent defects in its constitution that made it unstable and susceptible to dictatorship:

  • Proportional representation made it nearly impossible for any single party to achieve a majority, resulting in a reliance on coalition governments.
  • Article 48 granted the President the authority to impose emergency measures, suspend civil rights, and rule by decree.
  • During its brief existence, the Weimar Republic experienced twenty different cabinets, averaging just 239 days in office, alongside frequent use of Article 48.

As crises mounted, public confidence in the democratic parliamentary system eroded, as it appeared unable to provide effective solutions.

Q10. Explain any five features of Hitler’s foreign policy.

Ans:

Hitler’s foreign policy was marked by several significant features:

  • Withdrawal from the League of Nations: In 1933, Hitler pulled Germany out of the League, signalling a rejection of international cooperation.
  • Reoccupation of the Rhineland: In 1936, he reoccupied this demilitarised zone, defying the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Annexation of Austria: In 1938, he integrated Austria into Germany, promoting the idea of “one people, one empire, one leader.”
  • Seizure of Sudetenland: Hitler claimed the German-speaking Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia and subsequently took over the entire country.
  • Support from England: Throughout these actions, Hitler enjoyed unspoken support from Britain, which viewed the Versailles Treaty as excessively punitive.

These rapid successes helped to transform Germany’s international standing and reversed its post-World War I decline.

Q11. Highlight the different provisions which were made by Nazis for German Youth to enter the Nazi organizations.

Ans: Nazi Provisions for German Youth

  • Youth organisations were tasked with educating German youth in the spirit of National Socialism.
  • At age ten, children were required to join Jungvolk.
  • By age 14, all boys had to join the Hitler Youth, where they were taught to:
    • worship war
    • glorify aggression and violence
    • condemn democracy
    • hate Jews, communists, Gypsies, and others deemed undesirable
  • After rigorous ideological and physical training, they typically joined the Labour Service at 18.
  • Following this, they were obligated to serve in the armed forces and join one of the Nazi organisations.
  • The Youth League of the Nazis was founded in 1922 and later renamed Hitler Youth to unify youth movements under Nazi control, leading to the dissolution of other youth organisations.

Q12. Highlight the effects of the recession of 1930 on the German economy.

Ans: The German economy was severely affected by the recession of the 1930s:

  • By 1932, industrial production dropped to 40% of the 1929 level.
  • Millions of workers lost their jobs or faced reduced wages.
  • The number of unemployed reached an unprecedented 6 million.
  • Many men took to the streets with placards stating, “Willing to do any work.”
  • Unemployed youths often gathered at street corners or queued at local employment exchanges.
  • As job opportunities vanished, some youths turned to criminal activities.
  • The economic crisis caused widespread anxiety and fear among the population.
  • The middle class, including salaried employees and pensioners, saw their savings diminish due to currency devaluation.
  • Small business owners and retailers suffered as their businesses collapsed.

02.  Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution – Worksheet Solutions

Q.1. Who put forward the April Theses?

Lenin was the key figure behind the April Theses.

  • He returned to Russia in April 1917 after years in exile.
  • Lenin opposed the ongoing war and called for a change in power.
  • His main demands included:
    • Ending the war.
    • Transferring land to the peasants.
    • Nationalising the banks.
  • He suggested that the Bolshevik Party should be renamed the Communist Party to reflect its new goals.
  • Initially, many in the Bolshevik Party were surprised by these ideas, believing it was too early for a socialist revolution.


Q.2. Who was Robert Owen?

Robert Owen was a prominent English manufacturer known for his innovative social ideas.

  • He aimed to create a cooperative community called New Harmony.
  • This community was established in Indiana, USA.
  • Owen believed in the power of cooperation to improve society.


Q.3. Name the Secret Police of Russia.

Cheka was the first secret police organisation in Russia. It was established to:

  • Enforce the policies of the Bolshevik Party.
  • Punish those who opposed the Bolsheviks.
  • Control dissent and maintain order during the revolution.

Later, it was renamed the OGPU and then the NKVD, continuing its role in suppressing opposition.


Q.4. Who was the father of communism?

Karl Marx is widely regarded as the father of communism. He was a German philosopher and economist who, along with Friedrich Engels, developed the theory of communism in the 19th century. Here are some key points about his contributions:

  • Marx argued that society was divided into two main classes: capitalists, who owned production, and workers, who sold their labour.
  • He believed that the profit generated by capitalists came at the expense of workers, leading to their exploitation.
  • Marx advocated for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a socialist society where property would be collectively owned.
  • He envisioned a future communist society where class distinctions would disappear, and everyone would share resources equally.

Q.5. Name two famous socialists who introduced a communist system.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are two prominent figures known for introducing a communist system.


Q.6. What was the main occupation of Russians?

Agriculture was the primary occupation of Russians, with around 85% of the population engaged in farming. This was significantly higher than in many European countries, where the percentage ranged from 40% to 50%.

  • Most cultivators produced food for both the market and their own needs.
  • Russia was a major exporter of grain.
  • Industry existed mainly in urban areas like St Petersburg and Moscow.
  • Craftsmen and factories coexisted, with many factories emerging in the 1890s.

Q.7. Highlight the main events of February Revolution.

Key events of the February Revolution include:

  • 22nd February 1917: A lockout occurred at a factory on the right bank of the River Neva.
  • 23rd February: Workers from fifty factories went on strike in support, with many women leading the protests.
  • 25th February: The government suspended the Duma.
  • 26th-27th February: A general strike began, with soldiers joining the workers.
  • 2nd March: The Tsar abdicated, and leaders from the Soviet and Duma established a Provisional Government.

Q.8. Discuss the negative aspects of the Bolshevik government on soviet union and its people.

The Bolshevik government had several negative impacts on the Soviet Union and its people:

  • The Bolsheviks opposed private property, leading to government control over most industries and banks.
  • Land was declared social property, allowing peasants to seize land from the nobility.
  • Russia became a one-party state, with the Bolsheviks suppressing political opposition.
  • Trade unions were placed under strict party control, limiting workers’ rights.
  • The government used the secret police to punish critics, creating a climate of fear.

Q.9. How was the bad condition of women responsible for Russian revolution?

The poor condition of women significantly contributed to the Russian Revolution. Key factors included:

  • Women comprised 31% of the factory workforce.
  • They received lower wages, earning between half and three-quarters of a man’s salary.
  • Women were subjected to long working hours in harsh conditions.
  • When they protested for better treatment, they faced violence from the police.

Q.10. Why Socialists were against private property? Explain.

Socialists opposed private property, viewing it as the root of many social problems. Their key arguments included:

  • Private property primarily benefited individuals seeking personal gain.
  • Property owners often neglected the welfare of those who contributed to its productivity.
  • If property were controlled by society as a whole, it would prioritise collective social interests.
  • Socialists campaigned for this change to promote fairness and equality.

Q.11. What was the Bolshevik Ideology?

Bolshevik Ideology

  • Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks believed in a disciplined party structure.
  • In a repressive society like Tsarist Russia, they aimed to control the quality and quantity of their members.
  • Their goal was to transform Russian society through revolution.

Q.12. Explain any five effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917 over Russia.

Effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917 on Russia:

  • The revolution ended the autocratic Tsarist rule in Russia, abolishing the Romanov Dynasty.
  • The new Soviet Government withdrew from the First World War.
  • It established the world’s first socialist government.
  • Nationalisation occurred, with the government acquiring all industries, banks, mines, and railways.
  • Under Stalin’s leadership, the USSR began planned economic development and emerged as a global superpower.

Q.13. Mention any five effects of the Petrograd Revolution.

On Sunday 25 February 1917, the government suspended Duma. Politicians spoke out against the measures.
The streets thronged with people raising slogans about bread wages, better hours and democracy.
The government tried to control the situation and called out the cavalry once again. However the cavalry refused to fire on the demonstrators.
An officer was shot at the barracks of a regiment and three other regiments mutinied, voting to join the striking workers.
By the evening soldiers and striking workers had gathered to form a soviet or council in the same building as the Duma met. This was the Petrograd Soviet.

Q.14. Explain any five reasons why Russian people wanted the Czar to withdraw from the First World War?

The outbreak of war in 1914 saw Tsarist Russia join the Allied Powers, aiming for military gains. However, several factors led the Russian people to desire the Tsar’s withdrawal from the First World War:

  • Heavy Casualties: The Russian army suffered devastating losses, with over 7 million casualties reported by 1917. These defeats were both humiliating and shocking to the populace.
  • Poor Equipment: Russian soldiers were often ill-equipped and demoralised, leading many to refuse to fight. The retreating army also destroyed crops and buildings, worsening the situation.
  • Refugee Crisis: The war caused a massive displacement, resulting in over 3 million refugees within Russia, which strained resources and heightened public discontent.
  • Food Shortages: The destruction of farmland and the focus on supplying the military led to severe food shortages, triggering riots at bread shops across cities.
  • Loss of Support: As the war dragged on, support for the Tsar diminished. The government’s inability to address these crises discredited the Tsar and his regime.

Q.15. Mention the features of socialism.

Features of Socialism:

  • Opposition to private property, viewed as the source of social issues.
  • Advocates for the government control of production means.
  • Promotes cooperation among workers.
  • Aims to replace capitalism.
  • Focuses on enhancing the dignity of workers.

01. The French Revolution – Worksheet Solutions

Q.1. Fill in the blanks.
(i) ________ sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the Monarch.

Ans: Locke

Locke challenged the idea that monarchs have a divine right to rule, advocating for the rights of individuals and the concept of government by consent.

(ii) Louis XVI was sentenced to death by a court on the charge of _________.

Ans: treason

Louis XVI was convicted of treason against the French Republic, marking a significant moment in the French Revolution.

(iii) The slave trade began in the ________________ century.

Ans: seventeenth

The seventeenth century marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade, which had profound effects on societies involved.

(iv)  Louis XVI was executed publicly at the _______________________.

Ans: Place de la Concorde

Louis XVI was executed at the Place de la Concorde, a pivotal event symbolizing the end of monarchy in France.

(v) On the morning of ___________, the city of Paris was in a state of alarm.

Ans: 14 July 1789

On 14 July 1789, the city of Paris experienced widespread panic and unrest, leading to the storming of the Bastille.


Q.2. Which term was used in France for newly elected assembly in 1791?
Ans: The term used in France for the newly elected assembly in 1791 was the National Assembly.


Q.3. What form of government was in practice in France in 1789?
Ans: Monarchy. In 1789, France was governed by a monarchy where the king had substantial power. Key points about this period include:

  • The king was Louis XVI, ruling with absolute authority.
  • France faced severe financial issues due to wars and lavish spending.
  • Growing public discontent led to demands for change, paving the way for the French Revolution.


Q.4. When did the French Revolution break?
Ans: 14 July 1789 marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

  • On this day, the people of Paris were alarmed by the king’s orders to move troops into the city.
  • Rumours spread that the army would attack citizens.
  • A crowd of around 7,000 formed a militia and searched for arms.
  • They stormed the Bastille, a fortress prison, seeking ammunition.
  • The commander of the Bastille was killed, and a few prisoners were released.
  • The Bastille symbolised the king’s oppressive power and was subsequently demolished.


Q.5. When did France become a constitutional monarchy?
Ans: The year 1791 marked the beginning of a constitutional monarchy in France. Key developments included:

  • The National Assembly completed the constitution to limit the monarch’s powers.
  • Power was divided among three institutions: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
  • This separation represented a major shift from the previous absolute monarchy.
  • The Constitution granted law-making authority to the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected by citizens through a group of electors.


Q.6. What was the main object of the national assembly in France while drafting the constitution in 1791?
Ans: The main objective of the National Assembly in 1791 was to limit the powers of the monarch. Key aspects included:

  • Separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
  • Establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
  • Law-making authority was vested in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected.

Only men over 25 who paid certain taxes could vote, creating two categories of citizens: active and passive citizens.


Q.7. Who wrote the book two treatises of government?

Ans: John Locke wrote the book ‘Two Treatises of Government’.John Locke


Q.8. Who followed the policy of severe control and punishment in France?

Ans: Robespierre was the leader who enforced a policy of severe control and punishment in France during the Reign of Terror.

He targeted those he considered enemies of the republic, including ex-nobles, clergy and members of rival political parties.

  • Even his own supporters who disagreed with his methods
  • Those arrested faced trials by a revolutionary tribunal.
  • If found guilty, they were often executed by guillotine.

Robespierre believed that to protect the republic, it was necessary to use terror as a form of justice.


Q.9. Which was the most revolutionary social reform of the Jacobin regime?
Ans: One of the most revolutionary social reforms of the Jacobin regime was the abolition of slavery in the French colonies.

  • The colonies, such as MartiniqueGuadeloupe, and San Domingo, were crucial for producing commodities like sugar and coffee.
  • Labour shortages on plantations led to a triangular slave trade involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
  • In 1794, the Convention legislated to free all slaves in French overseas possessions.
  • This reform was short-lived, as Napoleon reinstated slavery in 1804.
  • Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

Q.10. In which year French women got the right to vote?
Ans: Women in France gained the right to vote in 1946.


Q.11. Who wrote the spirit of the laws?
Ans: Montesquieu wrote The Spirit of the Laws.


Q.12. In which book Rousseau mention the idea of one person, one vote?
Ans: The Social Contract. In his work, The Social Contract, Rousseau introduces the principle of one person, one vote. Key points include:

  • Rousseau emphasises the importance of equality in voting.
  • He argues that each individual’s voice should count equally.
  • This principle is foundational to democratic governance.


Q.13. What sort of clothes were worn by the Jacobins?
Ans: The Jacobins, who were part of the less affluent sections of society, adopted a unique style of clothing to express their identity. They typically wore:

  • Long striped trousers are similar to those worn by dock workers.
  • red cap, which symbolised liberty.

This clothing choice helped them stand out from the fashionable nobles, who preferred knee breeches.


Q.14. Between which three countries was the triangular slave trade held?
Ans: The triangular slave trade occurred between three regions:

  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Americas

This trade began in the seventeenth century and involved the exchange of goods and enslaved people across these continents.


Q.15. Which period is referred to as the reign of terror?
Ans: The period from 1793 to 1794 is known as the Reign of Terror.

  • Led by Robespierre, this era was marked by strict control and harsh punishments.
  • Many were arrested, including former nobles, clergy, and even political allies.
  • Those found guilty were often executed by the guillotine.
  • Robespierre’s policies led to widespread fear, even among his supporters.
  • He was ultimately arrested and executed in July 1794.


Q.16. Who was defeated in the battle of waterloo?
Ans:  Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte

Q.17. Who wrote the book ‘The Social Contract’?
Ans: Rousseau wrote the book ‘The Social Contract’.


Q.18. What does a sceptre stand for?
Ans: sceptre is a symbol that represents:

  • Royal power
  • Authority and governance
  • Traditionally associated with monarchs

It signifies the ruler’s right to govern and their leadership role.