State two features of Imperialism.

Two features of Imperialism are-

1. Imperialism refers to the state policy or practice by which a powerful nation establishes its control over
another country, either by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control. Once
conquered, this country was claimed as a colony.
2. These colonies were governed and administered by the imperial nation through its representatives or a puppet
government.

What was the cause of Franco-German rivalry?

Germany defeated France and annexed the French territory of Alsace-Lorraine. The war and the subsequent
annexation caused widespread resentment and a strong desire for revenge in France. This was the cause of Franco-
German rivalry.

What was the cause of Anglo-German rivalry?

The arms race was a major reason for the Anglo German rivalry. Germany intended to create a fleet to match the
Royal Navy and wanted to expand the limits of her empire by conquering overseas colonies. This led to Anglo-
german rivalry.

How did the Sarajevo Crisis in 1914 lead to the First World War?

Sarajevo Crisis, the immediate cause of the war was the murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the
Austrian throne, on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian at Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia. Austria served an ultimatum on Serbia
on July 23 making eleven demands. Serbia accepted most of the demands except those that would have led to the
loss of her sovereignty.

Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia started preparation for war to support Serbia. On August 1,
1914 Germany declared war on Russia and on August 3, war was declared on France. German troops marched into
Belgium to press on to France on August 4 and on the same day Britain declared war on Germany. Thus, the First
World War began.

Which country was blamed for the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand? Which country declared war on
Serbia? Name two countries which supported Austria.

Serbia was blamed for the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand. Austria declared war on Serbia. Two
countries which supported Austria were Germany and Turkey.

Why did Britain declare war on Germany in 1914?

Great Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August, when the German army invaded Belgium whose neutrality
had been guaranteed by England.

Name the five major powers who got involved in the hostilities in 1914.

The five major powers that got involved in the hostilities in 1914 were Austria, Germany, Russia, France and Britain.

Why is the war fought between 1914 and 1918 called the First World War?
The war fought between 1914 and 1918 is called the First World War because of the following reasons-

1. The War was fought on the land and in the air, on the sea and under it. In the War were mobilised all methods
of destruction, such as tanks, submarines, gunfire and bombardments.
2. The War began in Europe, but very soon it spread to continents of Asia and Africa as well.

Which country withdrew from the First World War and why?

Russia withdrew from the First World War after the October Revolution. The Russian Empire had suffered serious
reverses in the War. Over 600,000 Russian soldiers were killed. The day after the Bolshevik Government came to
power under the leadership of Lenin, it issued the Decree on Peace with proposals to end the War without any
annexations and indemnities.

Explain briefly the Treaty of Versailles?

The victorious powers or the Allies, met in a conference first in Versailles, a suburb of Paris, and later in Paris,
between January and June 1919.

As a result of the discussions at the Paris Conference, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed. It ended
the War. The basis of the treaty's negotiations was the American President Wilson's Fourteen Points. The treaty was
designed to prevent Germany from going to war again.

Name the country which emerged as a world power after the War. What happened to the Austrian Empire after the
First World War?

The United States of America emerged as a world power after the War.

After the First World War, the ruling dynasty of Hapsburg in Austria-Hungary was destroyed and Austria and
Hungary became separate independent states.

Mention any two important consequences of the First World War.

Two important consequences of the First World War were-

1. Territorial rearrangements leading to development of democracy in Europe and United States emerging as the
new world power surpassing Europe.
2. Formation of the League of Nations.

What was the effect of the First World War on the colonial possessions of industrialised countries?

France got back Alsace-Lorraine which she had lost in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). France was given full
ownership of the rich coal mines in the Saar basin for a period of 15 years. The fate of Schleswig was determined by
a plebiscite. Germany had to surrender the areas of Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium. The city of Memel went to
Lithuiana. The newly created State of Poland got back all the territories she had lost in the War.

Besides territorial losses in Europe, Germany lost all her colonies and overseas possessions. Togoland and the
Cameroon were partitioned between Britain and France and German East Africa was shared between Britain and
Belgium. Palestine and Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) were also held by Britain under a Mandate from the League
of Nations.
How was Denmark affected by the Treaty of Versailles?

According to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Schelswig-Hostein was restored to Denmark.

When and why was the League of Nations formed?

The League of Nations was created as a world organisation of all independent States in 1920.

The horrors of War convinced the leaders of the world that there must be a mechanism to prevent war and promote
international cooperation. This culminated in the setting up of the League of Nations.

State any two aims of the League of Nations.

Two aims of the League of Nations were-

1. All the States of the world were prohibited from entering into any secret treaties and alliances.
2. The member-States were not supposed to maintain huge armies, warships and destructive armaments.

Name the two major countries which were not allowed to become the members of the League of Nations.

The two major countries which were not allowed to become the members of the League of Nations were Germany
and the Soviet Union.

The First World War was unique in history. In this context, answer the following:

(a) Any three causes that led to the war.

(b) The extent and methods used in this war.

(c) Economic consequences of this war.

(a) Three causes that led to the war were as follows-

1. Race for Armaments — Germany had acquired colonies in Africa and a few islands in the Pacific. In order
to protect her colonies Germany began to build a powerful navy. The Germans dug the Kiel Canal deeper so
that battle ships could find shelter in its waters. There was an arms race and the peculiar feature of such a race
is that if one country increases its armaments, other countries are compelled to do the same. Such a race for
armaments could end only in a war.
2. Division of Europe into two armed camps — In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary had signed a Treaty
to help each other in case of enemy attack. Three years later Italy joined the Pact, which came to be known as
the Triple Alliance. As opposed to the Triple Alliance emerged the Triple Entente comprising Britain, France
and Russia in 1907 to control German expansionism. Thus, Europe was divided into two major camps. The
suspicions, fears, rivalry and enmity between the two camps was a major step towards World War I.
3. Sarajevo Crisis — The immediate cause of the war was the murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir
to the Austrian throne, on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian at Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia. The assassination was
organised by a secret society called 'Black Hand' or 'Union of Death' formed by extremist Serbian
nationalists.

(b) The First World War was fought in many different areas called fronts.
 1. War on the Western Front — The war began when the German armies swept across Belgium and entered
southern France. The French army along with the British army met the German forces in the Battle of Marne
(after the river near which the battle was fought) some 15 miles from Paris. The European countries made use
of the troops recruited from their colonies in the war.
2. Trench Warfare — The opposing armies dug a series of trenches to defend themselves and to launch
attacks. Living conditions in these trenches were pathetic.
3. War on the Eastern Front — The fighting began with the invasion of Russia by Austria-Hungary. Germany
and Austria succeeded in repulsing the Russian attack and capturing parts of the Russian empire. They were
also successful against Romania, Serbia and Italy. Outside Europe, Japan occupied German possessions in
East Asia, and Britain and France seized most of the German colonies in Africa.
4. Policy of Blockade — The war involved total mobilisation of all the resources of the warring parties with all
economic activities subordinated to the needs of the war. It also required that no goods including food, raw
materials and war materials should be allowed to enter the enemy territory from anywhere.
5. Entry of USA in the War — In 1915, the German U-Boats had sunk a British ship Lusitania. The
Americans were generally sympathetic to Britain, and this incident further roused anti-German feelings in the
USA. On 6 April, 1917, the United States of America declared war on Germany.
6. Exit of Russia from the War — Another major development that took place in 1917 was the withdrawal of
Russia from the War after the October Revolution.

(c) As a result of the War, the economy of many countries was shattered.

1. The global economic depression of 1929-30 is attributed to this War.

2. It gave rise to many serious social problems.
3. According to some estimates the expenditure on the Allied side was nearly forty-one thousand million
pounds and that on the German side over fifteen thousand million pounds.

With reference to the First World War, answer the following questions:

(a) State any three consequences of the war.

(b) Mention three points under the Treaty of Versailles, which affected Germany.

(c) What were the objectives of the League of Nations? Name the organisation formed in October 1945 with
objectives similar to those of the League of Nations.

(a) Three consequences of the First World war were as follows:

1. Treaty of Versailles was signed between the Allies and Germany on June 28, 1919.
2. Territorial rearrangements — it changed the political map of the world by giving a serious blow to monarchy
and developed democracy in Europe. The treaty not only affected substantial territorial changes but also
reduced the military strength of Germany.
3. The war led to the formation of the League of Nations.

(b) Three points under the Treaty of Versailles, which affected Germany were-

1. The area of the Rhine Valley was to be demilitarised and the German territory west of Rhine was to be
occupied by the Allied Troops for 15 years.
2. Germany lost Alsace Lorraine to France; Eupen-et-Malmedy to Belgium, Schleswig to Denmark. Danzig
became a Free Port in the Polish territory.
3. Germany ceded parts of her pre-War territory to Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia and France.
(c) The objectives of the League of Nations were —

1. All the States of the world were prohibited from entering into any secret treaties and alliances.
2. The member-States were not supposed to maintain huge armies, warships and destructive armaments.
3. All States were to respect each other's independence.
4. All States were to refer their mutual disputes, if any, to the League of Nations for a peaceful settlement.
5. The member-States were to take necessary action as directed by the League against any State which tried to
disturb world peace and order.
6. Apart from political functions, the League of Nations was supposed to promote cultural, social and economic
cooperation among the member-States.
7. The United Nations was formed in October 1945 with objectives similar to those of the League of Nations.

Study the picture and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify the event in the picture and state how it became the immediate cause of the First World War.

(b) State any three other causes of the First World War.

(c) Mention any three clauses of the Treaty of Versailles.

(a) The picture shows the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the Crown Prince of Austria and his wife at
Sarajevo, by Gavrilo Princep, an Austrian subject. It became the immediate cause of the First World War.

1. Though the assassin, Gavrilo Princep was an Austrian subject, the assassination had been planned in Serbia
by a secret society of patriotic terrorists called 'Black Hand'.
2. Serbia was blamed for Archduke's assassination.
3. Austria presumed that Princep and fellow conspirators had received their guns and bombs in the Serbian
Capital with the help of Serbian officials.
4. Austria sent a stiff ultimatum to Serbia for apprehending the criminals and handing them over to Austrian
government.
5. She sought a ban on all anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian schools and anti-Austrian meetings.
6. They were also required to take steps to suppress all revolutionary movements against the territorial integrity
of the Austrian Government.
7. The Serbian government refused to accept some of the demands of the ultimatum on the ground that they
involved violation of its sovereignty, i.e., its authority to govern itself.
8. Austria declared war on Serbia on 28 July, 1914.
9. Russia supported Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia and Great Britain declared war on Germany.
10. Italy left the Triple Alliance and joined the war against Germany.

(b) Three causes that led to the war were as follows-

1. Race for Armaments — Germany had acquired colonies in Africa and a few islands in the Pacific. In order
to protect her colonies Germany began to build a powerful navy. The Germans dug the Kiel Canal deeper so
that battle ships could find shelter in its waters. There was an arms race and the peculiar feature of such a race
is that if one country increases its armaments, other countries are compelled to do the same. Such a race for
armaments could end only in a war.
2. Division of Europe into two armed camps — In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary had signed a Treaty
to help each other in case of enemy attack. Three years later Italy joined the Pact, which came to be known as
 the Triple Alliance. As opposed to the Triple Alliance emerged the Triple Entente comprising Britain, France
and Russia in 1907 to control German expansionism. Thus Europe was divided into two major camps.
3. Imperialism — By the end of the 19th century, England and France had built up a huge colonial empire in
Asia and Africa. Britain had India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Egypt, South Africa, Caribbean Islands and many
parts of Africa as its colonies. It grew rich from its success in trade in foreign resources, markets, territories
and people. Some other countries of the world like Germany, Italy, Russia and Japan also wanted to increase
their sphere of influence and create their colonies in Asia and Africa. These colonies were essential for their
progress as they could provide raw materials for their industries and markets for their finished products.
Besides, acquiring colonies would add to the power and prestige of these countries. This led to a clash of
interest among these countries. They began to scramble for colonies which resulted in rivalries and wars.

(c) Three clauses of the Treaty of Versailles were-

1. The area of the Rhine Valley was to be demilitarised and the German territory west of Rhine was to be
occupied by the Allied Troops for 15 years.
2. Germany lost Alsace Lorraine to France; Eupen-et-Malmedy to Belgium, Schleswig to Denmark. Danzig
became a Free Port in the Polish territory.
3. Germany ceded parts of her pre-War territory to Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia and France.

4. Next chapter

How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the rise of dictatorship?

Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain territories of Turkey and Germany. But by the Treaty of
Versailles, she could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no
part of German and Turkish colonial empire.

Germans looked down upon the Weimar Republic which had signed such a disgraceful treaty. Germany was forced
to cede large chunks of her territory and her overseas colonies were divided among the Allies. Germany was forced
to pay heavy reparations of 33 billion dollars and total strength of its army was fixed at one lakh. The terms of this
treaty were greatly resented by the Germans who eagerly looked for an opportunity to avenge the same. These
sentiments were exploited by Hitler.

Hence, the Treaty of Versailles lead to the rise of dictatorship.

How did the failure of the League of Nations lead to the rise of dictatorship?

After the First World War, the League of Nations was established to maintain peace in the world and to prevent
wars. But it proved weak and failed to achieve its aims. It failed to check the rise of dictatorships. Had it acted well
in time, the ambitious plans of Mussolini and Hitler would not have materialised.

What is meant by 'Fascism'? Why did the Italians feel that they had been deceived by the Treaty of Versailles?

'Fascism' means autocracy or dictatorship where the power of the State is vested in one man only and it is obligatory
for all the others to obey his orders.

Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain territories of Turkey and Germany. But by the Treaty of
Versailles, she could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no
part of the German and Turkish colonial empire.
How did the economic crisis after the First World War create unrest in Italy?

Italy suffered heavy losses in terms of life and property in the First World War. After the War, many soldiers became
unemployed. Trade and commerce were ruined leading to large-scale unemployment. There was a shortage of food
grains.

In what way was socialism a cause for the rise of Fascism in Italy?

The Socialists who included the Anarchists, the Communists and the Social Democrats created conditions conducive
for the growth of Fascism in Italy. Inspired by the Russian Revolution, the Communists inflamed the atmosphere
with revolutionary ideas. People wanted a powerful leadership who could establish peace and prosperity by ending
lawlessness and insecurity prevalent in Italy. The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions
with alarm and provided financial support to Fascism.

State two underlying principles of Fascism.

Two underlying principles of Fascism were-

1. Fascism was the antithesis of democracy. Fascists believed that democracy was not suitable for the country
because it widens the gulf between the poor and the rich.
2. Fascism supported one party and one leader. They believed that the country could make progress only under
one leader.

What did Mussolini do to solve the problem of unemployment?

A number of measures were undertaken to reduce unemployment. All factories and mills were nationalised to
improve the lot of workers. Various syndicates were established to improve relations between the capitalists and the
workers. Mussolini started an impressive public works programme which included the building of roads, bridges,
canals, railways, schools, hospitals, etc.

Give any two positive results of Fascism in Italy.

Two positive results of Fascism in Italy were-

1. A number of measures were undertaken to reduce unemployment.

2. All efforts were made to eradicate illiteracy by making elaborate provisions for education.

Why did Germans feel humiliated by the Treaty of Versailles?

Defeat in the First World War and the conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles made the Germans feel
humiliated and helpless. Germany was forced to cede large chunks of her territory to France, Belgium, Poland and
Denmark. Her overseas possessions were divided by the Allies in the War among themselves. Germany was forced
to pay heavy reparations to the tune of 33 billion dollars and the total strength of the German army was fixed at one
lakh.

Why was the economic burden of Germany greater than that of other countries?

As a result of the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to suffer in agricultural production, colonies,
foreign investment, trade contracts, etc. The foreign countries raised tariffs against the German goods. The number
of unemployed people increased. The condition of the farmers became miserable. By June 1931, debts on farmers
had risen to $300 million.

In what way was the failure of Weimar Republic responsible for the introduction of Nazism?

Germans looked down upon the Weimar Republic which had signed such a disgraceful treaty of Versailles. The
Germans could not reconcile with the democratic parliamentary system prevailing in their country. They preferred
prestige and glory to liberty and freedom. They felt that only a strong man could restore the past prestige of Germany
and check the rising popularity of Communism. When Hitler promised them all glory, they welcomed him with open
arms.

How did the spread of Communism lead to the rise of Nazism in Germany?

After the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the Communist influence in Germany increased considerably. The
Communists organised themselves effectively and succeeded in capturing a number of seats in Reichstag. Hitler
warned the people that Communists of Germany would become the servants of their Russian masters and would
follow the dictates of Communists.

He tried to persuade the people in Germany that Nazism alone could check the growing influence of Communists.

Give any two aims of Nazism.

Two aims of Nazism were:

1. To exalt nationalism
2. To extol war

Name the book in which Hitler first expressed Nazi principles. Name the country where the Nazi party came to
power in 1933. Give one positive and one negative result of Nazism in Germany.

The book in which Hitler first expressed Nazi principles is Mein Kampf.

In 1933, the Nazi party came to power in Germany.

One positive result of Nazism in Germany was that special efforts were made to increase the military force of the
country. Military training was made compulsory which again created more employment.

One negative result of Nazism in Germany was that Hitler put an end to civil liberties.

Do you think that the aims of the Fascists and Nazis could have brought lasting peace and prosperity to their
countries? Do you agree with those aims? Why?

No, the aims of the Fascists and Nazis couldn't have brought lasting peace and prosperity to their countries.

No, I don't agree with those aims because every human being has the right to live his live freely. Violence and
oppression can never foster peace in a country.

With reference to the rise of dictatorship in Europe after the First World War, answer the following questions:
(a) How did class conflicts lead to the rise of dictatorship that emerged in Italy and Germany after the First World
War?

(b) How did the decline of democracy help in the rise of dictatorship in Italy and Germany?

(c) What was the reason for the failure of the League of Nations?

(a) Class conflict increased in many countries after the First World War.

1. The real issue in most parts of continental Europe was whether control of government and economic systems
would continue in the possession of aristocracies or would be in the hands of less privileged majorities.
2. The common man had been promised, during the War, that he would be rewarded by greater attention to his
economic needs.
3. These promises were ignored and the common man was embittered.

(b) Democracy was introduced in Italy for the first time in 1919.

1. Elections failed to give a clear majority to a single party.

2. As a result, there was complete instability in the country and between 1919 and 1922 six coalition
governments were formed in Italy.
3. The various political parties had different policies and programmes and there was no continuity in their
policies.
4. They were unable to deal effectively with the problems of unemployment, strikes and riots which took place
during 1921-22.
5. This situation was fully exploited by the Fascists under the leadership of Mussolini, who promised the people
a strong national government.
6. The rise of the Nazi Party in Germany was facilitated by the absence of any strong opposition party.
7. As a result, the Nazi Party did not encounter any effective resistance and its popularity achieved great
heights.

(c) The failure of the League of Nations can be attributed to the following reasons-

1. United States of America was not a member of League of Nations.

2. Big nations of the League of Nations, who were the Super Powers in the world, were very self-seeking.
3. The League of Nations had no such powers as to get its edicts enforced.
4. In the absence of any sovereign power, the League of Nations was unable to take any effective action against
the aggressor, and this became the main reason behind the failure of the League of Nations.
5. The League of Nations did not have its own army and hence, it could not prove to be effective.

Due to Fascism, Italy made progress in different spheres of life and became a powerful nation. With reference to the
results of Fascism in Italy, explain the following:

(a) Reforms introduced in Italy to improve the economic condition of the people.

(b) Aggressive foreign policy under Mussolini.

(c) Negative impact of Fascism in Italy.

(a) Mussolini introduced various reforms to improve the economic condition of the people in Italy.
 1. He took measures to stall further devaluation of the Italian currency.
2. A number of measures were undertaken to reduce unemployment.
3. All factories and mills were nationalised to improve the lot of workers.
4. Various syndicates were established to improve relations between the capitalists and the workers.
5. Mussolini started an impressive public works programme which included the building of roads, bridges,
canals, railways, schools, hospitals, etc.

(b) Mussolini used to say, "Italy must expand or perish."

1. He regained the Islands of Rhodes, Dodecanese as well as the city of Fiume.

2. He turned Albania into a protectorate of Italy.
3. He entered into commercial and diplomatic treaties with France and Russia.
4. He captured Abyssinia in 1936 and when there was an objection in the League of Nations, Italy left the
League of Nations.
5. After that, Italy's relations with England and France deteriorated and she was drawn towards Germany.

(c) Besides the positive impacts, there were many negative effects of Fascism in Italy.

1. All efforts were made to curb political freedom.

2. After gaining power, Mussolini became a dictator and took all the military and civil powers into his own
hands.
3. All political parties except the Fascists were banned.
4. The system of Jury was abolished and special courts were set up where the Fascist civilian and military
officers were empowered to decide political cases.
5. Press was censored.
6. The freedom of speech and organising meetings was also prohibited.
7. Mussolini crushed his opponents brutally.

In the post World War I scenario, Italy and Germany experienced the rise of dictatorships. In this context, explain:

(a) Any three circumstances that led to the rise of Fascism in Italy.

(b) Any three domestic policies of Hitler.

(c) How were the foreign policies of Hitler responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War?

(a) Three circumstances that led to the rise of Fascism in Italy were as follows-

1. Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles — Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain
territories of Turkey and Germany. But she could get no part of the German and Turkish colonial empire.
2. Economic Crisis — Italy suffered heavy losses in terms of life and property in the First World War. After
the War, many soldiers became unemployed. Trade and commerce were ruined leading to large-scale
unemployment. There was a shortage of food grains.
3. Political Instability — Democracy was introduced in Italy for the first time in 1919. Elections failed to give
a clear majority to a single party. As a result, there was instability in the country and between 1919 and 1922
six coalition governments were formed in Italy. The various political parties had different policies and
programmes and there was no continuity in their policies. They were unable to deal effectively with the
problems of unemployment, strikes and riots which took place during 1921-22. This situation was fully
 exploited by the Fascists under the leadership of Mussolini, who promised the people a strong national
government.

(b) Three domestic policies of Hitler were as follows-

1. Hitler launched the first Five-year plan to have greater production. The economic life of the country was
organised with the objectives of removing unemployment and making the nation self-sufficient.
2. Special efforts were made to increase the military force of the country. Military training was made
compulsory which again created more employment.
3. Strict censor was imposed on books, the press and the cinema. All anti-Nazi books and magazines were
consigned to fire.

(c) Hitler resorted to the policy of territorial expansion and fortification of Germany.

1. He tried to acquire more territories for the surplus German population.

2. He tried to expand in South and East of Europe because that region was economically useful for Germany as
it possessed huge potential for wheat, oil and coal.
3. To attain this objective, Hitler made use of force and rejected all compromises.
4. He entered into a non-aggression treaty with Poland for a period of ten years in 1934 for the safety of his
eastern frontiers.
5. He reclaimed the territory of Saar and Rhineland from France.
6. In 1938, he annexed Austria by force. He concluded a non-aggression pact with Russia.

Study the picture and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify the leader in the picture. How did he establish a totalitarian state in his country?

(b) State three factors that led to the rise of Nazism.

(c) State four similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism.

Answer

(a) The leader shown in the picture is Adolf Hitler.

Hitler had no faith in the parliamentary system of government. He, therefore, eradicated all those elements which
offered opposition to his authority and established a totalitarian state in his country.

1. He concentrated all power into his hands, suppressed all opposition and propagated the ideology of Nazism.
2. He changed the federal government into a unitary government.
3. He, himself became the Governor of Prussia.
4. All provincial legislatures were dissolved in 1934 and the sovereign power of the central government was
established.
5. Various political parties were abolished.
6. A ban was imposed on the press, public speeches and writing of articles.
7. Even the members of the Nazi party who challenged Hitler's authority were severely dealt with.
8. A secret police known as the Gestapo, kept a check on the activities of citizens.
9. Those suspected of disloyalty to the State were arrested or executed without trial.
(b) Three factors that led to the rise of Nazism were —

1. Humiliating Treaty of Versailles — The conditions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles made
the Germans feel humiliated and helpless. Hitler exploited these sentiments and encouraged the Germans to
break the treaty and rebuild the empire of Germany by recapturing lost colonies.
2. Economic crisis — The harsh terms of Treaty of Versailles made Germany to suffer in agricultural
production, colonies, foreign investment, trade contracts, etc. Foreign countries raised tariffs against German
goods. This increased unemployment and made the conditions of farmers miserable. The Nazis exploited the
situation by assuring people to follow Nazi ideology to put an end to their economic misery.
3. Growing Fear of Communism — After the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the Communist influence in
Germany increased considerably as they succeeded in capturing a number of seats in Reichstag. Hitler
warned the people that Communists of Germany would become the servants of their Russian masters and
would follow the dictates of Communists. He persuaded the people that Nazism alone could check the
growing influence of Communism.

(c) Four similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism were-

1. To have faith in the totalitarian rule.

2. To despise democratic political systems.
3. To uphold One-Party and one leader.
4. To believe in aggressive nationalism and imperialism.
5. Next chapter

What was the issue between Germany and Poland that was the cause of the World War II?

Hitler invaded Poland in September 1939 for the following reasons:

1. Germany wanted to regain her lost territories.

2. The city of Danzing was inhabited mainly by the Germans and by occupying Danzing Corridor, Germany
could connect with East Prussia.
3. Germany signed a Non-Aggression Pact with Russia in August 1939, Poland was accused of committing
atrocities against Germans living there.

On September 1, 1939, the German armies marched into Poland. The invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the
Second World War.

How was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for the Second World War?

The Treaty of Versailles was responsible for the Second World War because of the following reasons-

1. The treaty demanded annexation of German territories and creation of many States. This sowed the seeds of
bitterness and conflict.
2. All the German colonies were forcibly taken away from her and she was divided into two parts for the benefit
of Poland.
3. She was burdened with huge war indemnity which she could never pay.
4. Her military power was reduced.
5. This treaty was based on the spirit of revenge and Germany was forced to sign the treaty.

How did the rise of Fascism and Nazism become one of the causes of the Second World War?
Italy wanted to revive the glory of the Old Roman empire. She joined the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1937 and formed a
ten years alliance with Germany in 1939 to strengthen her position. Mussolini established dictatorship in Italy. Italy
demonstrated her imperialistic designs by attacking Abyssinia.

In Germany, Hitler wanted to re-establish the prestige of Germany in the international field. He flouted the military
clauses in the Treaty of Versailles and declared re-armament. In 1938, he annexed Austria and dismembered
Czechoslovakia.

Thus, Mussolini and Hitler drove the countries of the world towards another World War.

What was the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis? Why did Italy join the side of Germany and Japan in the Second World
War?

Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis was the alliance between Italy, Germany, and Japan who fought against Allied forces in
World War II. It created a defense alliance between the countries and was largely intended to deter the United States
from entering the conflict.

Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain territories of Turkey and Germany. But she could get no part of
the German and Turkish colonial empire. So, she felt cheated. Further, Italy was ruled by Mussolini and Germany
was ruled by Hitler. The ideologies of both leaders were similar. They glorified wars and wanted to make their
country powerful. Hence, Italy joined the side of Germany and Japan in the Second World War.

What was the immediate cause of the Second World War? Which incident brought the USA in the Second World
War?

Hitler's invasion of Poland in September, 1939 was the immediate cause of the Second World War.

On December 7, 1941, Japan under the Premiership of General Tojo, ordered a surprise aerial attack on the Pearl
Harbour. This incident caused America to declare war on Japan, Germany and Italy.

Why did the USA drop atom bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The USA warned the Japanese people and the government to stop the fighting and surrender. But when Japan
refused to surrender, the USA dropped atom bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What made Japan to surrender to the Allies?

Japan surrendered to the Allies after the USA dropped atom bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
in August, 1945.

Mention two important consequences of the Second World War.

Two important consequences of the Second World War were-

1. Defeat of the Axis Powers — The Axis Powers made remarkable success initially but were defeated by the
Allied Powers.
2. Formation of the UN — The United Nations Organisation was established to bring peace and avoid another
world war.

What is meant by the 'Cold War'?

After the Second World War, the USA and the erstwhile USSR emerged as two great powers representing
contrasting ideologies. They divided the world into two rival blocs —

1. The Capitalist bloc led by the USA

2. The Communist bloc led by the USSR.

There was a state of extreme political tension between the two but no armed conflict. This is known as the Cold War.

Mention any two characteristics of the Cold War.

Two characteristics of the Cold War were-

1. There was no armed struggle.

2. The rivals continued to maintain their peace time diplomatic relations along with their hostility.

Give two causes that led to the Cold War.

Two causes that led to the Cold War were-

1. The ideological conflict between both the United States and the Soviet Union.
2. The emergence of nuclear weapons and the fear of communism in the United States.

Name two countries each belonging to the Capitalist Bloc and the Communist Bloc.

Two countries belonging to the Capitalist Bloc were Britain and France.

Two countries belonging to the Communist Bloc were Poland and Hungary.

What was the Communist view about the western style democracy? What was the Capitalist view about
Communism?

The Soviet bloc countries considered the Western style democracy as a farce, meant only for the rich and upper
middle class. Therefore, they wanted to spread Communism in the world and bring about a change in the social
system of all the countries of the world.

The Capitalist Bloc countries considered the political and social system of the USSR as objectionable and dangerous
as it had no place for Parliamentary democracy and individual liberty. They projected the USSR as the enemy of
world peace and Communism a grave threat to freedom and liberty throughout the world.

Name any two countries which became independent after the Second World War.

Two countries which became independent after the Second World War were Myanmar and Malaya.

State how each of the following factors were the causes of the Second World War:

(a) The failure of the League of Nations.

(b) The Aggressive Nationalism of Germany.

(c) The Policy of Appeasement.

(a) The League suffered an early blow when the USA did not join the League. Even those who joined the League
were not interested in the principle of collective security.

1. The League of Nations succeeded in allaying the threat of war in cases where the parties were small nations.
2. The League did nothing when Poland, with the backing of France, seized a part of Lithuania in 1920.
3. In 1923, there was a threat of war between Italy and Greece.
4. Italy refused to submit to the League's intervention and the dispute was settled by direct mediation of Great
Britain and France.
5. Thereafter, in every crisis, the League was either defied or ignored.
6. The authority of the League was flouted by Japan when it seized Manchuria; and by Italy when it conquered
Ethiopia.
7. The coercive machinery of the League was not adequate to perform the task given to it.
8. The economic sanctions were of no use against a determined aggressor.
9. Moreover, the member states were not willing to apply economic sanctions as it affected their economy as
well.
10. Besides, the League failed to maintain international peace and the countries of Europe lost faith in its
usefulness.

(b) The humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles gave rise to the spirit of revenge and aggressive nationalism in
Germany leading to the Second World War in the following ways:

1. Germany started looking for an opportunity to do away with the harsh treaty. But this was not possible
without an aggressive policy and armaments.
2. In 1938, Hitler annexed Austria and dismembered Czechoslovakia.
3. On September 1, 1939, the German armies marched into Poland.
4. France and Britain gave an ultimatum to Germany.
5. In reply, Germany attacked France.
6. On September 3, Britain and France declared war on Germany.
7. The German armies completed the conquest of Poland in less than three weeks so as to ensure that no aid
reached Poland.

(c) Appeasement meant accepting the hostile demands of an aggressive nation to gain peace.

1. Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement towards dictatorial countries like Germany and Italy
because they felt that the dictators had a real cause of grievance due to the humiliating terms of the Treaty of
Versailles and if their grievances were removed they would not disturb world peace.
2. Further, they wanted to check the rising tide of Communism and Russian Bolshevism.
3. Britain and France feared that Germany would divert towards Russian Bolshevism.
4. They, therefore, allowed Germany to rearm and to re-militarise the Rhineland and capture Austria and
Czechoslovakia.
5. So without the Western countries' policy of appeasement, Fascism or Nazism could not have survived so long
and would not have been able to unleash the Second World War.

The Treaty of Versailles was harsh and sowed the seeds for the Second World War. In this context, briefly describe
the following:

(a) The grievances of Germany against the Treaty.

(b) The motives of the USA, Britain and France in imposing the Treaty of Versailles on Germany.

(c) The Policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France. The dissatisfaction of Italy.

(a) The Treaty of Versailles, by which the First World War came to an end, created more problems than it solved.

1. The treaty demanded annexation of German territories and creation of many States.
2. This sowed the seeds of bitterness and conflict.
3. All the German colonies were forcibly taken away from her and she was divided into two parts for the benefit
of Poland.
4. She was burdened with huge war indemnity which she could never pay.
5. Her military power was reduced.
6. This humiliation gave rise to the spirit of revenge and Germany started looking for an opportunity to do away
with the harsh treaty.
7. But this was not possible without an aggressive policy and armaments.
8. Hence, the war became inevitable.

(b) Both Great Britain and France had suffered tremendous casualties during the war and faced serious economic
problems because of the war's costs.

1. The two countries' leaders wanted to see Germany pay reparations for the cost of the war and accept the
blame for causing the war.
2. The War Guilt clause of the treaty explicitly and directly blamed Germany for the outbreak of hostilities.
3. The treaty forced Germany to disarm, to make territorial concessions, and to pay a huge war indemnity.
4. France was the only Allied power to share a border with Germany, and therefore suffered the bulk of the
devastation and casualties from the German war machine.
5. The French aimed to weaken Germany to the greatest extent possible.

(c) Appeasement meant accepting the hostile demands of an aggressive nation to gain peace.

1. Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement towards dictatorial countries like Germany and Italy
because they felt that the dictators had a real cause of grievance due to the humiliating terms of the Treaty of
Versailles and if their grievances were removed they would not disturb world peace.
2. Further, they wanted to check the rising tide of Communism and Russian Bolshevism.
3. Britain and France feared that Germany would divert towards Russian Bolshevism.
4. They, therefore, allowed Germany to rearm and to re-militarise the Rhineland and capture Austria and
Czechoslovakia.
5. So without the Western countries' policy of appeasement, Fascism or Nazism could not have survived so long
and would not have been able to unleash the Second World War.

Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain territories of Turkey and Germany. But she could get no part of
the German and Turkish colonial empire. So, she felt dissatisfied.

The League of Nations was unable to eliminate power struggles leading to another World War. In this context
describe how the following were connected with the Second World War:

(a) Japanese invasion of China.

(b) Ideological differences between nations.

(c) Hitler's invasion of Poland.

(a) Japanese policy of expansion was one of the causes of the War.

1. Japan's ambitions rose after the First World War.

2. She was determined to dominate the Far East.
3. Japan started an undeclared war against China in 1931.
4. China appealed to the League of Nations to declare sanctions against Japan.
5. Britain and France, the leading members of the League did not pay any attention to the appeal.
6. Japan joined the Berlin-Rome Axis to form the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis to further its policy of expansion
and conquest.
7. In 1933, Japan left the League of Nations and started occupying the British and American properties in
China.
8. Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement, thinking that the Japanese could be used to weaken
China.
9. Thus, a war was inevitable under these circumstances.

(b) Ideological differences between nations refer to the ideologies of fascism and nazism in Italy and Germany,
respectively. Fascism and Nazism believed in the following-

1. To have faith in the totalitarian rule.

2. To despise democratic political systems.
3. To uphold One-Party and one leader.
4. To believe in aggressive nationalism and imperialism.
5. To hold that the state is supreme and it could suppress the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
6. To regard war as an instrument for furthering national interests.
7. To uphold intensely nationalistic, anti-communist and anti-democratic rule.

The ideology of fascism and nazism was extremely aggressive and led to the Second World War.

(c) Hitler invaded Poland in September 1939 for the following reasons:

1. Germany wanted to regain her lost territories.

2. The city of Danzing was inhabited mainly by the Germans and by occupying Danzing Corridor, Germany
could connect with East Prussia.
3. Germany signed a Non-Aggression Pact with Russia in August 1939, Poland was accused of committing
atrocities against Germans living there.
4. On September 1, 1939, the German armies marched into Poland.
5. France and Britain gave an ultimatum to Germany.
6. In reply, Germany attacked France.
7. On September 3, Britain and France declared war on Germany.
8. The German armies completed the conquest of Poland in less than three weeks so as to ensure that no aid
reached Poland.
9. The invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the Second World War.

With the surrender of Japan, the Second World War was finally over. The war had far-reaching consequences.
Against this background, write short notes on:
(a) Effect of World War II on Japan.

(b) The division of Germany.

(c) Division of the world into two Power Blocs.

(a) After the defeat of Germany, the Allied powers turned their attention towards Japan.

1. When Japan refused to surrender, America dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
2. Japan offered to surrender on the terms of Potsdam declaration and the war came to an end.
3. The American army was to occupy Japan until 1952.
4. After this period, the Japanese would resume sole control over their own affairs.
5. Emperor Hirohito was left on the throne as a constitutional monarch and the Japanese Parliament retained
some of its law making powers.
6. All lands acquired or seized by Japan since 1895 were taken away.

(b) At the end of World War II, Germany was divided into zones, each zone under the army of each of the Allied
Powers.

1. The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) commonly known as West Germany was administered by UK,
France and the U.S. with Bonn as the capital. It came under the capitalist ideology of the Anglo-American
and their Allies and became part of the Capitalist bloc.
2. The German Democratic Republic (GDR), known as East Germany was administered by the Soviet Union
with East Berlin as the capital. It came under the influence of the political ideologies of communist Russia
and became part of the Communist (or Eastern) bloc.

(c) Towards the end of the War, the apparent harmony between the USA and the Soviet Union declined and old
suspicion and ideological differences came to the forefront.

1. Though both the countries did not engage in actual fight against each other, there was a state of extreme
political tension between the two.
2. This state of tension between countries in which each side adopted policies designed to strengthen itself and
weaken the other without armed conflict, is known as the 'Cold War.'
3. The Cold War also involved an arms race involving piling up of nuclear and conventional weapons,
formation of military alliances, economic warfare and trade embargoes, propaganda and proxy wars,
especially those involving superpower support for opposing sides within civil wars.
4. Thus, the USA and the USSR continued to maintain diplomatic relations and did not resort to overt clashes,
but treated each other with hostility.
5. This led to the division of the world into two power blocs.
6. The Democratic and Capitalist bloc was led by the USA. It was called the Western bloc or the American bloc
and it believed in liberal democracy based on Capitalism.
7. The Communist Bloc was led by the USSR. It was called the Eastern bloc or the Soviet bloc and it believed
in Communism based on Marxist theory.

With reference to the Second World War, explain the impact on the following:

(a) The Axis powers.

(b) Origin of the Cold War.

(c) The formation of the UN.

(a) The Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) were defeated in the Second World War. In November 1942, the
Allied forces (Britain, France, The Soviet Union and The USA) recaptured African territories lost by France. This
was followed by their victory over Italy and then Germany.
After the defeat of Germany, the Allied powers turned their attention towards Japan. Japan had won and had
occupied most of South East Asia. The British forces liberated Myanmar, Malaya, Philippines and Singapore. In the
Potsdam Conference held on July 26, 1945, the Allied Powers asked Japan to surrender but Japan refused.
Consequently, America dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan offered to surrender on the
terms of Potsdam declaration and the war came to an end.
After the war, Germany was divided into zones, each zone under the army of each of the Allied Powers. Japan and
Italy also became very weak. Unlike Germany, they were not divided into zones to be governed by conquering
forces. The American army was to occupy Japan until 1952. All lands acquired and seized by Japan since 1895 were
taken away.

(b) Towards the end of the War, the apparent harmony between the USA and the Soviet Union declined and old
suspicion and ideological differences came to the forefront.

1. Though both the countries did not engage in actual fight against each other, there was a state of extreme
political tension between the two.
2. This state of tension between countries in which each side adopted policies designed to strengthen itself and
weaken the other without armed conflict, is known as the 'Cold War.'
3. The Cold War also involved an arms race involving piling up of nuclear and conventional weapons,
formation of military alliances, economic warfare and trade embargoes, propaganda and proxy wars,
especially those involving superpower support for opposing sides within civil wars.
4. Thus, the USA and the USSR continued to maintain diplomatic relations and did not resort to overt clashes,
but treated each other with hostility.
5. This led to the division of the world into two power blocs.

(c) The horrors of the two World Wars and the failure of the League of Nations led to a meeting of the Big Three —
Roosevelt (President of the USA), Churchill (Prime Minister of Britain) and Stalin (Premier of the USSR) at Yalta in
February 1945. They resolved to convene a conference of the representatives of all nations at San Francisco to draw
up the 'Charter of the United Nations.' This led to the establishment of the United Nations Organisation on October
24, 1945.

Study the picture on the right and answer the questions:

(a) Identify the object in the picture. Which country was responsible for its production?

(b) Where was this object used for the first time? How did it bring an end to the War?

(c) How can a future war be avoided following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi?

(a) The object in the picture is the Atom Bomb. It was produced by the United States of America (USA).

(b) The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in Japan by the USA. It destroyed half of the city killing
thousands of people. Still Japan refused to surrender. After that another atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese
city Nagasaki. This made Japan surrender on the terms of Potsdam declaration bringing an end to the Second World
War.
(c) The Gandhian strategy is the combination of truth, sacrifice, non-violence, selfless service and cooperation.

1. According to Gandhi one should be brave and not a coward.

2. He should present his views, suggestions and thoughts without being violent.
3. One should fight a war with the weapons of truth and non violence.
4. Gandhi said that "There is no god higher than truth."
5. According to Gandhi's thoughts, non-violence is the ultimate solution of every kind of problem in the world.
6. Thus, a future war can be avoided by following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.