Complete NCERT textbook questions with model answers for Class 10 History Chapter 1. These solutions follow CBSE marking scheme patterns and show how to structure answers for 1, 3, and 5 marks questions. Focus on answer writing technique rather than just memorizing content.
Write in Brief (1 Mark Questions)
Exam Tip: 1-mark answers should be precise, direct, and not exceed 20-30 words. No explanation needed.
Answer: The French Revolution transferred sovereignty from the monarchy to the French people, establishing the concept of citizens with equal rights under a constitution.
Answer: King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles on 18th January 1871.
Answer: Germania became the allegory of the German nation, usually depicted as a female figure wearing a crown of oak leaves (symbolizing heroism).
Answer: Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the King of United Italy in 1861, though unification was completed only in 1871 with Rome's inclusion.
Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)
Exam Tip: 3-mark answers should be 60-80 words with clear points. Structure: Introduction + 2-3 points + Conclusion.
Answer: The 1848 revolution of the liberals refers to the series of revolts led by educated middle classes demanding constitutionalism and national unification.
| Political Ideas | Social Ideas | Economic Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| • Constitution and representative government • End of autocratic rule • National unification |
• End of privileges based on birth • Equality before law • Freedom for the individual |
• Freedom of markets • Removal of state restrictions on goods movement • Abolition of guild restrictions |
These revolutions failed to establish lasting change but strengthened nationalist sentiments.
Answer: Britain's nationalism developed differently due to its unique historical processes:
- No sudden revolution: Unlike France, Britain had gradual evolution through acts of Parliament
- Incorporation rather than unification: England dominated Scotland (1707 Act of Union), Ireland (1801), and Wales
- British identity suppression: Distinct Scottish, Irish, and Welsh cultures were suppressed in favor of British identity
- Symbolic unification: British flag (Union Jack), national anthem, and English language promoted as symbols of unity
Thus, British nationalism emerged through parliamentary acts and cultural dominance rather than popular uprisings.
Answer: Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkans due to multiple intersecting factors:
- Geographical complexity: The Balkan region comprised many ethnic groups - Serbs, Romanians, Bulgarians, Greeks, etc.
- Declining Ottoman Empire: As the Ottoman Empire weakened, different Balkan groups sought independence
- European power rivalry: Major European powers (Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary) had competing interests in the region
- Intense nationalism: Each Balkan nationality developed strong nationalist aspirations for independent states
- Historical claims: Different groups claimed the same territories based on historical and ethnic grounds
This explosive combination eventually led to the First World War.
Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Exam Tip: 5-mark answers need 120-150 words with proper structure: Introduction, 4-5 main points with examples, and conclusion.
Answer: The unification of Germany was achieved through Prussian leadership under Otto von Bismarck's "Blood and Iron" policy, completed in 1871.
Key Stages of German Unification:
Conclusion: Unlike Italy's popular participation, German unification was an elite-driven process using warfare and diplomacy, establishing Prussia's dominance in the new German Empire.
Answer: Napoleon introduced several reforms that created more efficient administration while inadvertently spreading nationalist ideas across Europe.
| Administrative Reform | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Napoleonic Code (1804) | Uniform legal system replacing feudal laws | Equality before law, protection of property rights |
| Simplified Administrative Divisions | Replaced complex feudal jurisdictions | Easier governance and tax collection |
| Abolition of Feudal System | Removed privileges based on birth | Merit-based advancement possible |
| Improved Transport | Better roads and communication networks | Faster movement of goods and troops |
| Standardized Weights & Measures | Uniform system across territories | Facilitated trade and commerce |
| Guild Restrictions Removed | Freedom for peasants and workers | Growth of commercial classes |
Paradoxical effect: While these reforms improved efficiency, they also created nationalist resistance as local populations resented French domination and suppression of their cultures.
Map-Based Question
Important: Map questions carry 2-3 marks. Always label clearly and include a key/legend if needed.
a) First territorities to become part of unified Italy (1859-1860)
b) States joined in 1870 to complete Italian unification
c) Kingdom of Sardinia (before unification)
d) Austrian Empire in 1850
[Image: Outline map of Europe 1850-1871 showing Italian unification process]
Map showing: Kingdom of Sardinia (starting point), Lombardy (gained 1859), Central Italian states (joined 1860), Kingdom of Two Sicilies (conquered 1860), Venetia (gained 1866), Papal States/Rome (captured 1870)
Answer Key for Map:
- 1859-1860 additions: Lombardy (from Austria), Central Italian states (Tuscany, Parma, Modena, Romagna)
- 1860 addition: Kingdom of Two Sicilies (conquered by Garibaldi's Red Shirts)
- 1866 addition: Venetia (gained after Austro-Prussian War)
- 1870 addition: Rome and remaining Papal States
- Kingdom of Sardinia: Northwestern Italy including Piedmont and island of Sardinia
- Austrian Empire (1850): Controlled Lombardy and Venetia in Italy, plus territories across Central Europe
Extra Practice Questions
Answer: The French Revolution (1789-1799) was crucial for nationalism's development:
- Concept of Citizenship: Introduced idea that people constitute the nation, not the monarch
- National Symbols: Created tricolour flag, national anthem (Marseillaise), and patriotic festivals
- Centralized Administration: Uniform laws and administrative divisions
- Language Standardization: French promoted as national language
- Export of Ideas: Revolutionary armies spread these concepts across Europe
It transformed nationalism from cultural sentiment to political ideology demanding sovereignty.
Answer: While both created nation-states in 1871, their unification processes differed significantly:
| Aspect | German Unification | Italian Unification |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Prussian monarchy and Bismarck | Multiple leaders: Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi |
| Method | "Blood and Iron" - warfare and diplomacy | Combination of diplomacy, popular revolt, and military action |
| Role of People | Minimal; elite-driven process | Significant; Garibaldi's volunteers and popular support |
| Foreign Help | Limited; mainly Prussian strength | Substantial; French assistance against Austria |
| Resulting Government | Authoritarian empire under Prussian king | Constitutional monarchy under Piedmontese king |
Answer Writing Checklist
Final Note: These solutions demonstrate how to write answers, not just what to write. Practice adapting this structure to different questions.
