GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 First World War and Russian Revolution

1. Answer The Following Questions Pointwise:

 

Question 1. Discuss the process of establishment of colonies in West Europe, Asia and Africa.
Answer:
Establishment of Colonies in West Europe:
1. The countries of western Europe wanted to expand their empires in Asia and Africa.
2. They did not spare their neighbouring countries either.
3. Spain had taken control over Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
4. Portugal came under the rule of the Spanish monarch due to blood relation.
5. Italy and German states became targets of the greed of France and Austria.
6. As European powers tightened their hold over Asian and African nations, many free European nations, following England's example, established many Afro-Asian countries as their colonies.
Colonialism in Asia:
1. After securing its grip over India, England (British) extended its empire to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Singapore, and Malaysia.
2. England also entered China, imposing opium trade on them, which caused the opium wars.
3. China lost the war and five of its ports to England, where England conducted its trade, thereby expanding its empire.
4. Due to China's weakness, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Belgium, and America also gained trade and political advantages.
5. Europeans set up colonies in West Asia because of its huge oil resources.
6. England, Germany, Russia, and America established oil businesses in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Colonies in Africa:
1. The Dutch established their initial colony in South Africa at the end of the 15th century.
2. England and France set up their colonies in Cape and Algeria in North Africa.
3. King Leopold of Belgium seized the vast areas of Congo and established his authority.
4. England established its colonies in Egypt, some regions of East Africa, and parts of South Africa.
5. France established its colonies in Tunisia, Morocco, and West African regions.
6. Germany established its empire in some areas of East and West Africa.
7. Italy captured the African regions around the Red Sea.
8. After the Berlin Conference ended, the African territories were divided among the European nations.
In simple words: European nations wanted more land and resources, so they took over weaker countries in Asia and Africa. Countries like England, Spain, and France built large empires, often by force, to gain wealth and power. This led to many conflicts and the division of continents.

Exam Tip: When discussing the establishment of colonies, remember to explain the motives (e.g., resources, trade, power) and provide specific examples for each continent mentioned.

 

Question 2. Explain the factors responsible for the First World War.
Answer: The following elements caused the First World War:
Frankfurt Treaty: This was a peace agreement signed in Frankfurt on 10 May 1871, at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. In this conflict, Germany (Prussia) had beaten France and forced France to sign the Frankfurt Treaty.

• According to this treaty, France had to pay a war fine and give away two of its provinces, Lorraine and Alsace, to Germany.
• France could not overcome this shame.
• Thus, the Frankfurt Treaty itself was a reason for the First World War.

Economic Factors:
England had created its huge empire in Asia and Africa in the 19th century by exploiting its colonies economically.
1. Because of industrialization and colonization, Europe needed a huge supply of raw materials.
2. In the last quarter of the 19th century, Germany began competing to supply markets in Asia and Africa.
3. It started providing cheaper products compared to England and France.
4. This broke apart the markets of England and France.
5. Consequently, there was strong economic competition between Germany and England.
Militarism: Military strength was important for the competition that European nations sought for expansion.
1. England, France, Austria, Russia, and other nations began expanding their military power.
2. Countries such as Japan, Italy, and Germany started mandatory military training.
3. The production of weapons grew under the excuse of self-defense.
4. Thus, militarism gained momentum, and military rivalry, combined with economic competition, created a serious atmosphere for conflict.
Groupism-Secret Treaties:
Groupism and secret pacts played a big role in the First World War.

• The world was divided into two major groups before the First World War.
• On one side was the group of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey, while the other side included England, France, Russia, and Japan.
• A feeling of jealousy, animosity, distrust, fear, and hatred developed between these groups, which was a significant cause of the First World War.

Feeling of Fierce Nationalism:
The independence of Belgium and Greece and the unification of Germany and Italy resulted from nationalism.
1. The feeling of nationalism became very intense and narrow in Europe.
2. Economic rivalries, competitions, and colonialism in Europe had grown so much that the national interests of different countries started to clash.
3. Leading European nations began teaching extreme and destructive nationalism to their people.
4. Love for one's own country and hatred for other countries was encouraged.
5. The German Chief Kaiser Wilhelm wished to achieve things his way with the help of his huge military might.
6. The feeling of war spread across other nations.
Role of Newspapers:
Newspapers in European nations fostered so much hatred among people with their negative, insulting, provocative, exaggerated, and untrue reports. They spread poison against rival nations, making it impossible for rulers to work towards peace and harmony.
1. Philosophy about war: The idea of “War is Warfare” became common in Europe.
2. Trotsky published sayings like “only one mighty person deserves to live” and “War alone is the national need.”
3. Nietzsche, the German writer, described war as “a sacred act.”
Immediate cause:
The Archduke of Austria and his wife were killed by being shot by a member of the Serbian terrorist group “Black Hand.” Austria blamed Serbia for involvement in the act and gave an ultimatum to hand over the culprit to Austria within 48 hours.

• Serbia stated its lack of knowledge in the matter.
• Thus, Austria declared war on Serbia, and the First World War started on 1st August 1914.

In simple words: Many things led to the First World War, like Germany making France sign the unfair Frankfurt Treaty, countries fighting over trade and resources, and building up their armies. Nations also formed secret alliances and had strong feelings of nationalism, often hating other countries. Newspapers spread this hatred, and the assassination of Austria's Archduke was the final trigger.

Exam Tip: When listing causes, group them into categories like economic, political, militarism, and immediate triggers to provide a structured and comprehensive answer.

 

Question 3. Mention the effects of the First World War.
Answer: Effects of the First World War:
1. During the War, the production of essential items had decreased.
2. Consequently, problems like scarcity, joblessness, starvation, and strikes increased.
3. People suffered greatly, and the situation of children was terrible.
4. At the end of the First World War, Germany surrendered without conditions to the Allied Nations, leading to the Treaty of Versailles (June 1919).
5. Thus, the war finished.
6. In Paris, a "Peace Process" began among the Allied Nations.
7. 58 committees and 145 meetings were held.
8. The agreement was made with Germany in the Mirror Palace of Versailles, hence it is known as the Treaty of Versailles.
Following provisions were made in the Treaty of Versailles:
1. Regional changes were agreed upon.
2. Reduction in troops and disarmament were mandated.
3. The distribution of benefits at the end of the war and war fines were arranged.
4. Germany was held accountable for the war.
5. A war fine of 6.5 billion pounds was imposed on Germany.
6. It had to give the Ruhr region to France.
7. Its Rhine river had to be opened for international sea travel.
8. The Rhineland region on the French border was prohibited from being a fortress.
9. Mineral-rich regions were given to France for 15 years.
10. Most of the German organizations were taken away.
11. Alsace and Lorraine were to be returned to France.
12. Germany was to give France and other Allied Nations a large amount of coal and iron yearly, as war compensation.
13. Germany was forced to sign these terms and conditions at gunpoint, which caused resentment and despair among Germans.
Long Term Effects:
1. The Treaty of Versailles could not create a feeling of peace. Because of it, a desire for revenge was created among the defeated nations.
2. Socialist Russia was not given a place in the League of Nations.
3. America did not join the League of Nations.
4. Thus, this Peace Process itself became a reason for the Second World War.
In simple words: The First World War led to many problems like a lack of basic goods and lots of suffering. After the war, the Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany and made them pay a huge fine and give up land, which caused a strong desire for revenge. This treaty and other factors ultimately contributed to the Second World War.

Exam Tip: When discussing effects, distinguish between immediate outcomes (like the Treaty of Versailles) and long-term consequences (like the rise of resentment leading to another war).

 

Question 4. Write short notes on the following:
1. Russian Revolution:
2. The Events of the First World War:
3. Aims of the League of Nations:
Answer:
1. Russian Revolution:
1. The Russian Revolution is considered a significant event in world history.
2. The Russians had been treated unfairly and suppressed by the Czar of Russia.
3. The Russian Czars inherited their positions and acted as dictators.
4. People did not have any rights during this time.
5. The Czars were so harsh and unkind to people that if anyone requested rights, they were tortured, suppressed, and severely punished by being sent to the cold and remote Siberia.
6. These actions led to sadness, poverty, and suffering among the population.
7. Farmers, laborers, and peasants were not earning enough money, despite working very hard, and thus remained poor.
8. Under Father Gapon's leadership, a large protest was held at the Czar's home, the Winter Palace, on 22 January 1905.
9. The Czar's army opened fire on these innocent people, causing thousands to die, and the snow in Petersburg turned red with blood.
10. This day is called “Bloody Sunday” in history.
11. Many Russians were provoked and became agitated as the Czardom's weaknesses became clear when a small nation like Japan defeated the massive nation of Russia in the Russia-Japan War.
12. To calm the angry Russians, an announcement was made to call for a Duma Legislative Assembly, which had not been convened for many years.
13. Such Dumas were called but could not satisfy the citizens.
14. On 8th March 1917, the oppressed workers of Petrograd started a strike.
15. The Czar sent his soldiers to stop this event, but the army refused to shoot these people.
16. As a result, the Bolshevik revolution began.
2. The Events of the First World War:
1. The First World War started on 28th July 1914.
2. In this conflict, 24 nations supported the Allied Nations, and 4 nations supported the Axis Nations.
3. Many soldiers and civilians died due to tanks and poisonous gases.
4. In 1917, the Russian Revolution began, causing Russia to withdraw from the war.
5. Germany managed to sink an American steamer 'Lusitania,' resulting in the deaths of 147 American soldiers.
6. Thus, America joined the Allied Nations, which made them stronger.
7. The German army could not stand against the American troops.
8. Bulgaria joined the Allied Nations in September 1918, and Turkey and Austria followed in October 1918.
9. The German leader Kaiser Wilhelm surrendered his position and fled.
10. Germany surrendered to the Allied Nations and signed a ceasefire treaty, ending the war.
3. Aims of the League of Nations:
1. The League of Nations was formed on 10 January 1920.
2. Its purpose was to maintain global peace and security.
3. Every nation was expected to respect the unity and integrity of other nations.
4. To give up the approach of war.
5. To foster international relationships.
6. To resolve international disagreements peacefully, through discussions or mediation.
7. If any nation ignored the League of Nations or its mediations, it would be declared a 'rebel' nation.
In simple words: The Russian Revolution started because the Czars treated people badly, causing a "Bloody Sunday" event. This led to a large uprising and the Bolshevik revolution. The First World War involved many countries, caused many deaths, and ended with Germany's surrender. After the war, the League of Nations was created to try and keep global peace, resolve disputes, and encourage cooperation among nations.

Exam Tip: For short notes, focus on key events, dates, and their main significance. Use bullet points to make the information clear and easy to understand.

 

Question 5. Give Reasons: Question 1. The League of Nations was established after the First World War.
Answer: The terrible impacts of the World War showed the nations of the world the absolute need for global peace. There was a strong sense that an international body was necessary. So, it became important to actively and immediately consider world peace. The American President Woodrow Wilson played a big role in establishing the League of Nations.
In simple words: The League of Nations was formed after World War I because the war was so terrible that countries realized they desperately needed a way to keep peace and prevent another big war.

Exam Tip: When giving reasons, start by stating the core reason clearly, then provide supporting details or consequences that led to the event.

 

Question 5. Question 2. 22nd January, 1905 is known as 'Bloody Sunday' for Russia:
Answer: Russia was governed by Czars who were very cruel and pitiless. They were dictators and committed terrible acts against people. Citizens had no rights during this period. To demand their rights, people decided to peacefully hold a large rally against the Czar, led by Father Gapon. The rally reached the Winter Palace, which was the Czar's home, on 22nd January 1905. That day was Sunday. The Czar's army opened fire on these innocent people, causing thousands of innocent people to die, and the snow in Petersburg turned red with blood. Thus, this day is called “Bloody Sunday.”
In simple words: January 22, 1905, is called 'Bloody Sunday' in Russia because the Czar's army shot and killed many unarmed protestors who were marching peacefully for their rights, staining the snow red with blood.

Exam Tip: When explaining historical events like 'Bloody Sunday', include the key date, the main participants, the trigger, and the immediate tragic outcome to provide a complete picture.

 

Question 6. Choose the correct option from those given below:
Question 1. In which Treaty was the seed for the First World War sown?
(a) Versailles
(b) Treaty of France and Britain
(c) Frankfurt
(d) Treaty of Germany and Hungary
Answer: (c) Frankfurt
In simple words: The unfair terms of the Frankfurt Treaty made France angry and wanting revenge, which helped start the First World War.

Exam Tip: Remember specific treaties and their immediate consequences; the Treaty of Frankfurt directly led to French resentment against Germany.

 

Question 2. Which Treaty was signed at the end of the First World War?
(a) Treaty of Versailles
(b) Latem Treaty
(c) Secret Treaty
(d) Frankfurt Treaty
Answer: (a) Treaty of Versailles
In simple words: The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the First World War and imposed terms on Germany.

Exam Tip: It is crucial to associate the Treaty of Versailles with the formal end of World War I.

 

Question 3. Which provinces did France lose with the Frankfurt Treaty?
(a) Denzing provinces
(b) Provinces in west Russia
(c) Abscess and Lorraine provinces
(d) Provinces in England
Answer: (c) Abscess and Lorraine provinces
In simple words: Under the Frankfurt Treaty, France lost the regions of Abscess (Alsace) and Lorraine to Germany.

Exam Tip: Keep in mind the key territories exchanged in important treaties, as these often highlight underlying tensions.

 

Gujarat Board Class 9 Social Science First World War And Russian Revolution Additional Important Questions And Answers

Answer The Following Questions:

 

Question 1. How the Treaty of Frankfurt was the root-cause of the First World War?
Answer:
1. Germany had defeated France in the Sedan War, which made France sign the Frankfurt Treaty in 1871.
2. According to this treaty, France had to pay a war fine and give away its provinces Lorraine and Alsace to Germany.
3. France could not get past this humiliation.
4. Thus, the Frankfurt Treaty itself became a cause of the First World War.
In simple words: The Frankfurt Treaty caused the First World War because Germany forced France to give up land and pay money after the Sedan War, leaving France feeling deeply humiliated and wanting revenge.

Exam Tip: When discussing cause-and-effect in history, clearly link events. The humiliation and territorial loss from the Frankfurt Treaty directly fueled French resentment, a major underlying cause of WWI.

 

Question 2. There was an instance economic competition between England and Germany.
Answer:
1. England had established its vast empire in Asia and Africa in the 19th Century by making money from its colonies.
2. Due to industrialization and colonization, Europe needed a huge amount of raw materials.
3. In the last quarter of the 19th century, Germany had started competing to create markets in Asia and Africa.
4. It started providing cheaper products compared to England and France.
5. This broke the market dominance of England and France.
6. Thus, there was strong economic competition between Germany and England.
In simple words: England and Germany had a strong economic rivalry because England had a huge empire for resources, and Germany started selling cheaper goods in Asian and African markets, challenging England's trade power.

Exam Tip: Economic competition is a recurring theme in global conflicts. Mentioning specific actions like Germany's cheaper goods helps illustrate the intensity of the rivalry.

 

Question 3. Why had the self-confidence of women in Europe enhanced after the First World War?
Answer:
1. During the War, women took on the duties of family and work as men were fighting in the war.
2. They left their homes and successfully took over responsibilities in various professional areas.
3. Their self-confidence increased because they proved to be equal to men.
4. Thus, the demand for women to have voting rights was raised.
In simple words: Women in Europe gained more confidence after World War I because they stepped into men's jobs and proved they could handle important roles, showing their equality and leading to demands for voting rights.

Exam Tip: Highlighting social changes, like the enhanced role of women, as an effect of major wars shows a comprehensive understanding of historical impacts.

 

Question 4. The seeds for the Second World War were sown in the Peace Process of the First World War itself. Given reason.
Answer:
1. At the end of the First World War, Germany surrendered without conditions to the Allied Nations.
2. In Paris, a "Peace process” started among the Allied Nations.
3. The agreement was made with Germany in the Mirror Palace of Versailles, hence it is known as the Treaty of Versailles.
4. Germany was held accountable for the war.
5. A war fine of 6.5 billion pounds was imposed on Germany.
6. It had to give the Ruhr region to France.
7. Its Rhine river had to be opened for international sea travel.
8. The Rhineland region on the French border was forbidden from being a fortress.
9. Mineral-rich regions were given to France for 15 years.
10. Most of the German organizations were taken away.
11. Alsace and Lorraine were to be returned to France.
12. Germany was to give France and other Allied Nations a large amount of coal and iron yearly, as war compensation.
13. Germany was forced to sign these terms and conditions at gunpoint, which caused resentment and despair among Germans.
14. Due to all these reasons, Germans developed a strong desire for revenge, which later became the start of the Second World War.
In simple words: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was so harsh on Germany that it caused deep resentment and a desire for revenge among Germans. This unfair treaty laid the groundwork for future conflicts and ultimately led to the Second World War.

Exam Tip: Emphasize how severe terms, especially on the defeated, can breed future conflicts rather than resolve them. The Treaty of Versailles is a prime example of this.

 

Question 5. Which Europeans established their colonies in which different parts of Africa?
Answer:
1. The Dutch established their initial colony in South Africa at the end of the 15th Century.
2. England and France set up their colonies in Cape and Algeria in North Africa.
3. King Leopold of Belgium took over the vast provinces of Congo and established his authority.
4. England established its colonies in Egypt, some regions of East Africa, and parts of South Africa.
5. France established its colonies in Tunisia, Morocco, and West Africa.
6. Germany established its empire in some areas of East and West Africa.
7. Italy captured the African regions around the Red Sea.
8. Spain and Portugal also seized some areas of Africa. After the Berlin Conference ended, the African territories were divided among the European nations.
In simple words: Different European countries set up colonies in various parts of Africa. For example, the Dutch were in South Africa, England and France in North Africa, Belgium in Congo, and Germany and Italy in East and West Africa, with territories later divided among them.

Exam Tip: When listing colonial powers and their regions, aim for specific examples to demonstrate detailed knowledge of historical geography and imperial expansion.

 

Question 6. How was treaty of Versailles unjust?
Answer: Germany was held accountable for the war:
1. A war fine of 6.5 billion pounds was imposed on Germany.
2. It had to give the Ruhr region to France.
3. Its Rhine river had to be opened for international sea travel.
4. The Rhineland region on the French border was forbidden from being a fortress.
5. Mineral-rich regions were given to France for 15 years.
6. Most of the German organizations were taken away.
7. Alsace and Lorraine were to be returned to France.
8. Germany was to give France and other Allied Nations a large amount of coal and iron yearly, as war compensation.
9. Germany was forced to sign these terms and conditions at gunpoint, which caused resentment and despair among Germans.
10. Thus, the Treaty of Versailles was unfair.
In simple words: The Treaty of Versailles was unfair because it severely punished Germany by making them pay a huge fine, give up important land and resources, and accept full blame for the war. These harsh terms were forced upon them, leading to widespread anger among Germans.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific punitive measures against Germany (financial, territorial, military) to explain why the treaty was perceived as unjust.

 

Question 7. The overambitious nature of Kaiser Wilhelm II can be held responsible for the First World War". Justify the statement.
Answer:
1. Wilhelm II was a very ambitious German Kaiser.
2. He believed in 'World Leadership'.
3. He was also the creator of nationalism and colonialism.
4. To turn his great ambition into reality and bring the world under his own authority, he built a very large army.
5. His policies led to a feeling of war in Germany and later throughout Europe.
6. Thus, we can say that Kaiser Wilhelm was overly ambitious by nature.
In simple words: Kaiser Wilhelm II's strong desire for Germany to be a world leader and his focus on building a massive army made other European countries nervous. His ambitious and nationalist policies directly caused tensions that contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.

Exam Tip: When justifying a statement about a leader's role, connect their personal traits and policy decisions directly to the historical outcome, showing a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

 

Question 8. Describe Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in brief.
Answer: Bolshevik Revolution:
1. The Russians overthrew the kingdom of the Tsar (Czar).
2. Power then went to Aleksander F. Kerensky, who led the Menshevik, a minority group.
3. All of Russia was happy with the Czar's downfall, except Lenin.
4. Lenin believed that laborers should receive their rights and importance, as taught by Karl Marx, while the Menshevik group believed in giving importance to the middle class.
5. As a result, Lenin encouraged the Bolsheviks against the Mensheviks and declared another revolution in November 1917.
6. This revolution was the final revolution, and Lenin gained control.
7. This event is known as the Socialist Bolshevik Revolution.
8. Thus, the 300-year-old Tsardom came to an end, and for the first time, Russia was without a Czar.
In simple words: The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 involved Russians overthrowing the Czar. Lenin, leading the Bolsheviks, disagreed with the Mensheviks about who should hold power. Lenin pushed for another revolution, which succeeded, ending the 300-year Tsardom and bringing Russia under Bolshevik rule.

Exam Tip: When describing a revolution, highlight the key figures, the opposing factions, the main grievances, and the ultimate outcome of the power struggle.