The Rise of Nationalism in Europe PYQs & Important Questions Class 10 History

Class 10 History ‘The Rise of Nationalism in Europe’ Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) given here would help students in preparing for Class 10 CBSE Social Science Board Exams. The questions given here are PYQs collected from past years’ Board exams.

PYQs & SQP – The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

SQP: 2024-25

Q1. ‘Romanticism, a cultural movement sought to develop a particular form of nationalist sentiment.’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

Answer:

Romanticism was a cultural movement that played a crucial role in promoting nationalism in Europe. It emphasized emotions, folklore, and cultural heritage to create a sense of collective identity.

1. Glorification of Folk Culture – Romantic artists and poets collected folk tales, songs, and traditions to revive the spirit of national identity (e.g., Grimm Brothers in Germany).
2. Emphasis on Common History – It encouraged people to take pride in their past and promoted a shared sense of belonging.
3. Promotion of Local Languages – Romantic thinkers opposed the dominance of a single language and encouraged the use of regional languages to preserve national identity.
4. Influence on National Movements – Romanticism inspired people to fight for their cultural and political freedom, leading to movements for independence in different nations.

Thus, Romanticism helped shape nationalist sentiments by emphasizing cultural uniqueness and historical pride.

Q2. ‘The Treaty of Vienna depicted the spirit of conservatism.’ Substantiate the statement with key features of the treaty.

Answer:

The Treaty of Vienna (1815) was signed after Napoleon’s defeat to restore the old monarchical order in Europe. It reflected the spirit of conservatism in the following ways:

1. Restoration of Monarchies – The treaty reinstated the Bourbon dynasty in France and rulers in other European states to strengthen traditional monarchies.
2. Rearrangement of Boundaries – France lost the territories it had gained under Napoleon, and new territorial arrangements were made to strengthen conservative powers.
3. Strengthening Monarchies Against Future Revolutions – The treaty aimed to prevent the spread of liberal and revolutionary ideas by forming alliances among monarchies.
4. Formation of the German Confederation – The treaty reorganized the German states into a loose confederation under Austrian dominance to curb nationalist movements.
5. Balance of Power – The treaty ensured that no single European power became too strong, maintaining the dominance of conservative forces.

Thus, the Treaty of Vienna reflected conservatism by restoring traditional rule, suppressing nationalism, and preventing democratic reforms.

Session 2023-24

Q1. (A) How did the ideology of ‘liberalism’ affect the Europe in early nineteenth century? Explain. 

OR 

(B) Explain the process of formation of ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’.

Answer:

(A) Impact of the Ideology of ‘Liberalism’ on Europe in the Early 19th Century.

Liberalism comes from the Latin word liber, meaning free. In the early 19th century, it influenced Europe in many ways:

1. Political Changes:
   • Liberalism supported the idea of individual freedom, equality, and government based on a constitution.
   • It opposed absolute monarchy and promoted parliamentary systems.
   • The French Revolution (1789) spread liberal ideas across Europe.
2. Economic Impact:
   • Liberal thinkers supported free markets without government interference.
   • The rise of industries and trade was encouraged by policies like Zollverein (a customs union in Germany).
3. Social Impact:
   • Liberalism promoted the idea of equal rights, but women and lower classes were often left out.
   • It encouraged nationalism, leading to the unification of Germany and Italy later in the century.
4. Rise of Nationalism:
   • Many regions in Europe, such as Greece and Belgium, fought for independence using liberal ideas.
   • People started identifying themselves as part of a nation rather than subjects of a king.
5. Challenges to Liberalism:
   • Conservative rulers tried to suppress liberal movements (e.g., the Congress of Vienna in 1815).
   • The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 showed both the strength and weaknesses of liberalism.

(B) Process of Formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’.

1. Before Unification:
   • The British Isles were divided into different ethnic groups: English, Scots, Welsh, and Irish.
   • England became powerful and dominated the other regions.
2. Act of Union with Scotland (1707):
   • England and Scotland were united to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
   • Scotland lost its political independence but was allowed to keep its legal and educational systems.
3. Control Over Ireland (1801):
   • Ireland was mostly Catholic, while England supported Protestants.
   • After many revolts (e.g., by Wolfe Tone in 1798), Britain forcibly united Ireland with itself.
   • The Act of Union (1801) created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
4. Impact of Unification:
   • English culture and language dominated, and local identities were suppressed.
   • Symbols like the Union Jack (flag) and God Save the King (anthem) were promoted.
   • Scottish and Irish people faced discrimination and rebellion against English rule continued.

Q2. “Conservative regimes set up in Europe in 1815 were autocratic.” Support the statement by giving any two arguments.

Answer: Conservative Regimes in Europe (1815) Were Autocratic – Two Arguments

1. Suppression of Freedom and Rights:
   • Conservative rulers, after the defeat of Napoleon, wanted to restore monarchy and maintain their power.
   • They restricted freedom of speech, press, and political associations to prevent revolutionary ideas from spreading.
2. Use of Repressive Measures:
   • The Congress of Vienna (1815) restored the old ruling families and created alliances to suppress any democratic or nationalist movements.
   • Secret police and censorship were used to crush liberal and nationalist uprisings (e.g., revolts in Italy, Spain, and Germany were suppressed).

These actions show that the conservative regimes were autocratic, meaning they ruled with absolute power and ignored people’s demands for democracy.

Q3. Explain the impact of French Revolution on other European countries.

Answer: Impact of the French Revolution on Europe

1. Spread of Revolutionary Ideas – Inspired liberty, equality, and democracy.
2. Rise of Nationalism – Encouraged struggles for independent nation-states.
3. End of Feudalism – Weakened landlords and gave more freedom to peasants.
4. Political Revolutions – Influenced uprisings in Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
5. Stronger Middle Class – Increased demand for constitutional governments.
6. Fear Among Monarchs – Led to strict laws and suppression of liberal movements.

Q4. “Ideas of national unity in the early nineteenth century Europe were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism.” Examine the statement.

Answer: Ideas of National Unity and Liberalism in 19th Century Europe:

1. Definition of Liberalism – Stood for individual freedom, equality before law, and government based on a constitution.
2. Link with Nationalism – Nationalists wanted unified nations based on shared culture, language, and history, aligning with liberal values.
3. End of Aristocratic Privileges – Liberals opposed monarchy and feudalism, promoting merit-based society.
4. Demand for Constitution – Advocated parliamentary government and rule of law instead of absolute monarchy.
5. Economic Freedom – Supported free markets, removal of trade barriers (e.g., Zollverein in Germany).
6. Rise of Middle Class – Businessmen, professionals, and intellectuals led the push for liberal-nationalist movements.

Conclusion – National unity in 19th-century Europe was driven by liberal ideals, aiming for self-rule and economic progress.

Q5. Describe any three measures that were introduced by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.

Answer: Measures Introduced by French Revolutionaries to Create a Collective Identity:

1. Introduction of a New National Flag – The revolutionaries replaced the old royal flag with the Tricolour (Blue, White, and Red), symbolizing the unity of the French people.
2. Creation of a National Assembly – The concept of a government based on elected representatives promoted the idea that France belonged to its citizens, not to the king.
3. Standardized Laws and Language – A uniform legal system (Napoleonic Code) was introduced, and French became the common language, reducing regional differences and strengthening national identity.

Conclusion – These measures helped unify the French people under a common identity, promoting nationalism.

 Q5. Explain the role of Otto Von Bismark in the Unification of Germany.

Answer: Role of Otto von Bismarck in the Unification of Germany:

1. Architect of German Unification – Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, led the unification of Germany through a policy of “Blood and Iron”, meaning war and diplomacy.
2. Wars for Unification – He strategically waged three wars to unite Germany:
   • War with Denmark (1864) – Gained Schleswig and Holstein.
   • Austro-Prussian War (1866) – Defeated Austria and excluded it from German affairs.
   • Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) – Defeated France, which helped unite German states under Prussian leadership.
3. Proclamation of the German Empire (1871) – After winning the Franco-Prussian War, Bismarck declared King Wilhelm I of Prussia as the Emperor of Germany at the Palace of Versailles, completing German unification.

Conclusion – Through diplomacy and military strategy, Bismarck played the key role in creating a strong, unified German nation under Prussian dominance.

Q6. How did the ‘Treaty of Constantinople’ of 1832 recognize Greece as an independent nation? Explain.

Answer: Treaty of Constantinople (1832) and Greek Independence:

1. Background – Greece was under Ottoman rule for centuries. Inspired by nationalism and the ideas of the French Revolution, the Greeks started a war of independence in 1821.
2. European Support – Countries like Britain, France, and Russia supported Greece due to their shared Christian heritage and political interests in weakening the Ottoman Empire.
3. Defeat of the Ottomans – The combined forces of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman and Egyptian fleets at the Battle of Navarino (1827), leading to negotiations for Greek independence.
4. Treaty of Constantinople (1832) –
   • Officially recognized Greece as an independent nation.
   • Established Greece as a monarchy with Prince Otto of Bavaria as its first king.
   • Marked the first success of nationalism in Europe, encouraging other nationalist movements.

Conclusion – The treaty was a major step in the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of nationalism in Europe.

Q7. How did a new ‘British nation’ formed through the propagation of dominant English Culture? Explain.

Answer: Formation of the ‘British Nation’ Through English Culture:

1. Union of England and Scotland (1707) – The Act of Union led to the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Scotland lost its political independence but was forced to accept English dominance.
2. Suppression of Scottish and Irish Identity –
   • Scottish culture and traditions were suppressed; the Scottish clans lost their independence.
   • Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the UK in 1801, and Irish Catholics faced discrimination.
3. Promotion of English Culture –
   • English became the dominant language in administration and education.
   • The British flag (Union Jack), national anthem, and the English parliamentary system were imposed.
4. Creation of a Common Identity –
   • The idea of “Britishness” was promoted, but it mainly reflected English values and traditions.
   • Other cultures were either absorbed or sidelined, leading to resentment among the Scots, Irish, and Welsh.

Conclusion – The British nation was formed through political and cultural dominance of England, often at the cost of suppressing regional identities.

Q8. Mention any two objectives of the ‘Treaty of Vienna’ of 1815.

Answer: Two Objectives of the Treaty of Vienna (1815):

1. Restore Monarchies – The treaty aimed to re-establish the conservative monarchies that had been overthrown by Napoleon, ensuring political stability in Europe.
2. Create a Balance of Power – It sought to prevent any one country from becoming too powerful, especially France, by redrawing territorial boundaries and strengthening neighbouring states.