CBSE Class 10 History – 47 Most Important
Questions with Answers
1. What were the main factors that led to the rise of nationalism in Europe in the 19th
century?
Spread of liberal ideas from the French Revolution, cultural revival, print media, industrial growth,
and unification struggles in Italy and Germany.
2. How did the French Revolution contribute to the spread of nationalism?
It introduced liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspiring other nations to demand self-rule and equal
rights.
3. Explain the role of Otto von Bismarck in German unification.
Used diplomacy and wars (with Denmark, Austria, France) under Prussian leadership; followed a
policy of ‘Blood and Iron’.
4. What were the causes of the 1848 Revolutions in Europe?
Economic hardship, unemployment, food scarcity, and growing demand for political rights by
liberals and nationalists.
5. What is meant by the term liberalism in 19th century Europe?
It meant freedom for individuals, equality before law, freedom of press, and representative
government.
6. What was the impact of the Revolt of 1857 on Indian nationalism?
It created early national consciousness and inspired later freedom movements despite its failure.
7. Describe the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the Indian freedom movement.
He popularised ‘Swaraj is my birthright’ slogan and organised Ganpati and Shivaji festivals to
mobilise masses.
8. What was the Swadeshi Movement?
A movement to boycott foreign goods and promote Indian-made products after Bengal’s partition in
1905.
9. Compare Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
Non-Cooperation: boycott of schools and goods (1920–22); Civil Disobedience: breaking laws like
Salt Law (1930–34).
10. What was the Quit India Movement?
Launched in 1942 demanding immediate British withdrawal; slogan: ‘Do or Die’.
11. What is globalisation?
Integration of economies through trade, capital, technology, and migration globally.
12. How did colonial policies reshape world trade?
Colonies supplied raw materials and served as markets for European goods, ensuring European
dominance.
13. What caused the Great Depression of 1929?
Stock market crash, overproduction, fall in demand, and bank failures leading to unemployment.
14. Explain the effects of industrialisation on cities.
Urban crowding, pollution, long working hours, rise of slums, and growth of labour movements.
15. What are cottage industries?
Home-based production systems like handloom weaving; industrialisation destroyed them.
16. How did print culture change Europe?
It spread literacy, allowed mass communication, and helped in religious and political reform.
17. How did print culture contribute to Indian nationalism?
Pamphlets, newspapers, and journals spread awareness and unity against British rule.
18. What were the effects of the World Wars on global economy?
Destruction, inflation, debt, and economic depression; US and USSR emerged powerful.
19. What role did women play in freedom movements?
Active in picketing, protests, Salt March, and spreading nationalist ideas.
20. What was the impact of the Salt March?
Symbolised defiance of unjust British laws; united Indians across regions and classes.
21. Explain the role of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in social reform.
He fought against Sati, promoted education, and founded Brahmo Samaj for reform.
22. What was the role of press in social reform in India?
Published reformist writings that questioned traditions and supported education and women’s
rights.
23. What was the impact of industrialisation on environment?
Deforestation, pollution, and urban waste increased drastically.
24. What was the Great Depression’s impact on India?
Falling prices of crops, loss of income for peasants, unemployment, and reduced exports.
25. What was nationalism according to Gandhi?
Self-rule with non-violence, equality, and harmony among all religions and classes.
26. Explain the role of peasants in Civil Disobedience Movement.
Refused to pay taxes, boycotted foreign goods, and joined protests for freedom.
27. What were the main features of the Industrial Revolution in Britain?
Machine production, factory system, urbanisation, use of coal and steam power.
28. What is meant by proto-industrialisation?
Production by artisans for merchants before the factory system began.
29. What was the role of the Indian National Congress in freedom movement?
Organised political debates, petitions, and later led mass movements under Gandhi.
30. How did the partition of Bengal promote nationalism?
Led to Swadeshi Movement and unity against British divide-and-rule policy.
31. Why did the Revolt of 1857 fail?
Lack of coordination, limited reach, and superior British resources.
32. What is the importance of 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
Exposed British brutality, increased demand for independence, and ended trust in British rule.
33. What were the objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
To boycott British institutions, goods, and build self-reliant India.
34. Explain Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).
Agreement: end Civil Disobedience; British to release prisoners and allow salt use.
35. What was the role of Subhas Chandra Bose?
Formed INA (Azad Hind Fauj), slogan: ‘Give me blood, I will give you freedom.’
36. What were the causes of the First World War?
Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
37. What was the impact of the First World War on India?
Heavy taxes, price rise, forced recruitment, and spread of discontent.
38. Who were the moderates and what were their demands?
Early INC leaders (Dadabhai Naoroji, Gokhale); demanded reforms through petitions and dialogue.
39. What was the Simon Commission?
British commission (1927) to review reforms; boycotted as no Indian member.
40. What is meant by nationalism through culture?
Promotion of common language, traditions, and symbols to unite people.
41. Who was Giuseppe Garibaldi?
Italian nationalist leader who unified southern Italy; inspired revolutionaries.
42. What was the role of press in Europe’s nationalism?
Newspapers spread political awareness and united diverse groups under national identity.
43. What was the Dandi March?
March led by Gandhi in 1930 to protest Salt Tax; triggered Civil Disobedience Movement.
44. What was the impact of print on religious reform?
Helped spread reformist religious texts and debates widely.
45. Explain the term ‘Indentured Labour’.
Contract labourers sent to colonies; often exploited under harsh conditions.
46. What was the effect of industrialisation on India’s economy?
Deindustrialisation due to import of cheap British goods; loss of artisan jobs.
47. What is the legacy of Indian freedom struggle?
Unity in diversity, democratic values, secularism, and inspiration for future generations.
