GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 પ્રથમ વિશ્વયુદ્ધ અને રશિયન ક્રાંતિ

Section 1. Answer the Following Questions.

 

Question 1. Describe the process of establishing colonies in Western Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Answer: The process of establishing colonies in Western Europe, Asia, and Africa happened in various stages and regions.
1. Western European Colonies: The nations of Western Europe held imperialist feelings. They also took over authority in their neighboring countries.

• Spain took control of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
• After the Portuguese ruler died without an heir, Portugal came under the authority of King Philip II of Spain through blood relation.
• For about six decades, Spain alone had the monopoly on setting up colonies in non-European countries.
• France and Austria also had power over Italy and Germany.

2. Asian Colonies: After England took power in India, it also established control over India's neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, and Malaya.

• England started trading opium at the Canton port after gaining entry into China. This led to the 'Opium Wars' between England and China. China's defeat resulted in England getting 5 more ports in China. This increased England's power in China.
• Taking advantage of China's weakness, countries like Russia, Germany, France, Belgium, and America also gained commercial and political rights in China.
• The countries of Western Asia had rich reserves of mineral oil. Therefore, England, Germany, Russia, and America set up their oil companies in countries like Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

3. African Colonies: In the late 15th century, the Dutch people from the Netherlands (Holland) first established a colony in the southern part of Africa, in Cape.

• After that, England established colonies in the Cape, and France set up colonies in Algeria in North Africa.
• King Leopold of Belgium took possession of the Congo region and established his power there.
• England also established power in some areas of Egypt and East Africa, as well as in South Africa, Natal, and Transvaal.
• France set up its rule in Tunisia, Morocco, and some parts of West Africa.
• Germany created its empire in East Africa.
• Spain and Portugal also established their colonies in some regions of Africa.

Thus, by 1880, most European countries had established their colonies in many regions of Asia and Africa.
In simple words: European nations, driven by imperialism, took over neighboring lands. Spain controlled areas like the Netherlands. England gained power in India and then in places like Sri Lanka. In Africa, countries like the Netherlands, England, and France also set up colonies to get resources and expand their influence.

Exam Tip: When describing colonial expansion, break down your answer by continent (Europe, Asia, Africa) and list specific countries involved in each region for better clarity.

 

Question 2. State the factors responsible for the First World War.
Answer: The factors responsible for the First World War were as follows:
1. Economic Factor: Due to the quick spread of the industrial revolution and colonialism, European countries needed a lot of raw materials.

• By the end of the 19th century, Germany began selling goods in the markets of Asia and Africa at lower prices compared to England and France. As a result, Germany faced intense economic competition with England and France.

2. Militarism: Fearing attacks from neighboring countries, and out of doubt, nations like England, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia began to increase their armies and weapons under the pretense of self-defense.

• Thus, military competition added to economic competition, creating a tense atmosphere for war.

3. Alliances - Secret Treaties: Before 1914, on one side, there was an alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey, while on the other side, an alliance of England, France, Russia, and Japan was formed.

• The European powers became divided into two groups. This created jealousy, hostility, suspicion, fear, hatred, and conflict between these two groups. This became a significant cause of the First World War.

4. Extreme Nationalism: Belgium and Greece gained independence, and Italy and Germany were unified. Economic jealousies, tensions, rivalries, and the extreme growth of imperialism in Europe caused the interests of various nations to clash. The leading nations of Europe taught their people fierce and aggressive patriotism, encouraging love for their country and hatred towards other nations. Kaiser Wilhelm II, the emperor of Germany, was very ambitious and imperialistic. He believed in the policy of 'world dominance'. He wanted to achieve his goals by frightening England and France with his massive military power. Wilhelm's policy pushed Germany and the entire world into war.5. Role of Newspapers: The harsh, provocative, exaggerated, and false writings in European newspapers helped create the conditions for war.6. Philosophy of War: In Europe, the policy that war was the only way to welfare gained strength everywhere.

• The German writer, Trietschke, popularized the principles that 'the strong have the right to win' and 'war is a national necessity'.
• Another German writer named Ni promoted war as a sacred duty.

7. Immediate Cause: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the crown prince of Austria, and his wife were assassinated by a member of a fierce organization called 'Black Hand' in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, in Serbia.

• Austria accused Serbia of being behind this event and issued an ultimatum to Serbia to hand over the culprits within 48 hours. Serbia stated that it was unaware of the incident. Austria did not listen to Serbia's argument and declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

Thus, the assassination of the Archduke of Austria and his wife became a reason for the First World War.
In simple words: The First World War happened due to many factors. Economic competition among European countries, particularly between Germany and England, caused tension. Countries increased their armies, leading to militarism. Nations formed alliances, creating two rival groups. Extreme nationalism and the ambition of leaders like Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II also played a role. Newspapers spread exaggerated news, and some philosophers even promoted war. Finally, the assassination of Austria's Archduke by a Serbian group was the direct spark that started the war.

Exam Tip: When discussing the causes of WWI, ensure you cover both long-term factors (economic, militarism, alliances, nationalism) and the immediate trigger (assassination), detailing how each contributed.

 

Question 3. Write down the outcomes of the First World War.
Answer: The First World War, which began on August 1, 1914, concluded on November 11, 1918. In this war, Germany and the Central Powers were defeated, and the Allied Powers won.
The outcomes of the First World War were as follows:
1. Loss of Life and Property: According to historian Langsam, 6.5 crore people participated in the war. Of these, 1 crore people died, 2 crore were injured, and 70 lakh people became permanently disabled. After the war, countless people died from epidemics and famine. The cost of the war was very high.
2. Social Changes: As a large number of men died in the World War, the male population in European countries decreased. This led to women stepping forward to work in many areas of life. Women had to take on family and professional responsibilities that men previously handled.

• Women came out of the four walls of their homes. They successfully managed responsibilities in professional fields. As a result, their self-confidence grew, believing they were equal to men. Women's suffrage movements occurred in European countries to gain voting rights.
• During the war, the production of essential goods decreased. This led to scarcity, unemployment, famine, strikes, and lockouts in European countries. People faced many difficulties. The situation of children in European countries became pitiable.

3. Treaty of Versailles of June 1919: In 1919, the Allied nations, meeting in Paris, the capital of France, started a 'peace process', which became famous as the 'Paris Peace Conference'.

• It formed 58 commissions. These held 145 meetings. The agreement with Germany during this peace conference was made in the Palace of Mirrors at Versailles. Therefore, it became known as the 'Treaty of Versailles'.
• Finally, the Allied nations imposed the Treaty of Versailles on the defeated nations in June 1919. This treaty included four types of provisions:
  (1) Territorial arrangements,
  (2) Reduction of the military and disarmament,
  (3) Arrangement for war reparations and war penalty, and
  (4) Other provisions.

• US President Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister Lord George, and French Prime Minister Clemenceau played important roles in the Treaty of Versailles.
• Germany was held responsible for the First World War and was fined 6.5 billion pounds as war reparations.
• France took over the Ruhr region of Germany. The Rhine River in Germany was opened for international navigation.
• Fortification in the Rhine region near the French border was forbidden. Mineral-rich regions of the country were given to France for 15 years.
• Most of Germany's colonies were taken away.
• The provinces of Alsace and Lorraine were given back to France.
• Under the war penalty, Germany was ordered to give large quantities of coal and iron to France and the Allied nations every year.
• Germany was forced to sign all these conditions at gunpoint.
• As a result, the German people became frustrated and depressed.
• Germany's economy was shattered by the Treaty of Versailles.

4. Far-reaching Consequences: The Treaty of Versailles, made with the defeated nations in the war, contained a feeling of revenge. This made it impossible to establish peace in the world.

• The League of Nations was established to maintain world peace.
• Russia was not given a place in the League of Nations. America did not join the League of Nations.
• The world again divided into two parts. Thus, the peace process of the First World War contained the seeds of the Second World War.

In simple words: The First World War caused huge losses of lives and property. It led to big social changes, with women taking on more roles as many men died. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh conditions on Germany, making it pay a huge penalty and lose territory. These harsh terms sowed the seeds of future conflict, eventually leading to the Second World War, even though the League of Nations was formed to prevent future wars.

Exam Tip: When listing the outcomes of WWI, ensure you cover both immediate consequences (loss, social change, Treaty of Versailles terms) and long-term implications (League of Nations, seeds of WWII).

Section 2. Write Short Notes.

 

Question 1. Russian Revolution
Answer: The Russian Revolution of 1917 is considered a very important event in world history.

• The Tsarist rulers of Russia were dictators. They held absolute power without any limits. The people had no rights under the Tsar's rule. The Russian people were crushed under the oppression of Tsarist rule. The Tsarist rulers were so cruel that if anyone demanded rights, they were tortured or sent to Siberia, a region with deadly cold.
• Thus, the autocratic, tyrannical, and oppressive Tsarist rule in Russia brought only suffering, poverty, and hardship to the people. A large number of farmers, farm laborers, and workers in Russia were oppressed by the feudal system. They worked extremely hard on their landlords' farms but did not receive enough compensation, so their situation was miserable.
• On Sunday, January 22, 1905, the people of St. Petersburg marched under the leadership of a priest named Father Gapon to the Tsar Nicholas II's palace to present a petition. They were unarmed. Some people held images of the Tsar in their hands. Slogans like 'White Tsar, Long Live God' were written on them. The Tsar ordered the army to fire on these people, killing thousands of innocent people and injuring thousands. The snow in front of the Tsar's palace in St. Petersburg turned red with blood. This day was a Sunday. Hence, it is known as 'Bloody Sunday'.
• In 1905, a war occurred between Russia and Japan. Russia was defeated in this war. This revealed the weaknesses of Tsarist rule. The Russian people became agitated. They held large demonstrations against the Tsar.
• To calm the enraged Russian people, the Tsar announced the convening of the Duma (legislative assembly), which had not been called for years. Four sessions of the Duma were held over time. But before the Duma could take steps to satisfy the people, it was dismissed.
• On March 8, 1917, workers in Petrograd went on strike. Tsar Nicholas II sent the army to suppress the strike. However, the army refused to fire. This incident marked the start of the revolution in Russia.
• After the fall of Tsarist rule, power came into the hands of the Menshevik (minority) party under the leadership of Kerensky. All Russians, except Lenin, were happy with the fall of Tsarist rule.
• Lenin believed in the dominance of the working class according to Marxist ideology; the Menshevik party had the dominance of the middle class. Lenin incited the Bolsheviks (majority) against the Mensheviks and gained power through an armed revolution in November 1917, which became known as the 'Socialist Bolshevik Revolution'.
• Thus, the 300-year-old Tsarist rule in Russia ended. For the first time, Russia became without a Tsar.

In simple words: The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a big event. The Tsars were harsh rulers, and people had no rights. Farmers and workers faced great hardship. 'Bloody Sunday' happened in 1905 when the Tsar's army fired on peaceful protestors. Russia's defeat by Japan in 1905 showed the Tsar's weakness. Strikes in March 1917 led to a full revolution. The Mensheviks first took power, but then Lenin's Bolsheviks took over in November 1917, ending 300 years of Tsarist rule.

Exam Tip: For a short note on the Russian Revolution, include key events like 'Bloody Sunday', the fall of Tsarist rule, and the rise of the Bolsheviks under Lenin, mentioning the key dates.

 

Question 2. Events of the First World War
Answer: The First World War began on August 1, 1914.

• During the World War, nations were divided into two groups:
  (1) The Allied Powers group included England, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, Serbia, and America, and
  (2) The Central Powers group included Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, Hungary, and Austria.
• 24 nations sided with the Allied Powers, and 5 nations sided with the Central Powers in the war.
• At the start of the war, Germany achieved significant victories in Europe. It killed a large number of French and Russian soldiers. Submarines sank many Allied ships.
• Millions of soldiers and civilians died in the war due to mutual air attacks, tanks, poisonous gases, and other weapons.
• In 1917, the revolution took place in Russia, and Russia withdrew from the war.
• At that time, Germany was a very powerful nation. It sank the American steamer Lusitania. 147 American soldiers died in this incident. As a result, in April 1917, America joined the Allied Powers. Along with it, Panama, Greece, Cuba, China, Siam, and other countries also joined the Allied Powers. This increased the strength of the Allied Powers.
• The German army could not withstand the American army. This changed the entire course of the war.
• In September 1918, Bulgaria; in October 1918, Austria; and Turkey surrendered to the Allied Powers.
• German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II fled Germany.
• On November 11, 1918, the German Republic accepted the surrender of the Allied Powers and signed the armistice. Thus, the First World War ended.

In simple words: The First World War started on August 1, 1914. Countries were divided into two main groups: the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. Germany had early successes but later faced strong resistance. Many people died due to various attacks, and new weapons were used. Russia left the war in 1917, but America joined the Allied side after Germany sank one of its ships. This changed the war's outcome, and eventually, Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918, ending the war.

Exam Tip: When recounting war events, use chronological order and highlight major turning points, such as key countries joining or leaving the conflict and significant military actions.

Section 3. Give Reasons.

 

Question 1. The League of Nations was established after the First World War.
Answer: The First World War caused immense loss of life and property worth billions of rupees. The devastation of the World War made the nations of the world understand the need for global peace. To prevent such another world war, there was a special need for an international organization to maintain peace in the world, resolve mutual differences or disputes peacefully through negotiations or arbitration, and increase international cooperation. As a result, according to the provision made by the Peace Conference held in Paris at the end of the World War in April 1919, the League of Nations was established on January 10, 1920.
In simple words: The First World War caused huge destruction and loss. This made countries realize the urgent need for world peace. To stop future wars and solve problems peacefully, an international group called the League of Nations was created after the war.

Exam Tip: When explaining the establishment of the League of Nations, emphasize the devastating impact of WWI and the collective desire among nations to prevent future conflicts through a structured international body.

 

Question 2. The day January 22, 1905, is known as 'Bloody Sunday' in Russia.
Answer: On Sunday, January 22, 1905, a large procession of people marched under the leadership of a priest named Father Gapon to the palace of Tsar Nicholas II to present a petition. All the people were unarmed. The Tsar ordered the army to fire on these people, killing thousands of innocent people and injuring thousands. The snow in front of the Tsar's palace in St. Petersburg turned red with blood. Hence, the day January 22, 1905, is known as 'Bloody Sunday' in Russia.
In simple words: On January 22, 1905, many unarmed people marched to the Tsar's palace. The Tsar's army fired on them, killing thousands. This terrible event, where snow turned red with blood, gave the day the name 'Bloody Sunday'.

Exam Tip: To explain 'Bloody Sunday', focus on the peaceful nature of the protestors, the Tsar's violent reaction, and the immediate outcome of widespread casualties.

 

Question 3. League of Nations
Answer: The League of Nations is an organized and structured group of nations. At the end of the First World War, the nations of the world felt the need for global peace. Therefore, with the aim of establishing world peace, the Peace Conference held in Paris under the leadership of US President Woodrow Wilson established the League of Nations on January 10, 1920, as an organization of world nations.
In simple words: The League of Nations is a global group formed after World War I. Its main purpose was to keep peace and prevent future wars by helping countries work together and solve problems without fighting.

Exam Tip: Define the League of Nations clearly, state its primary goal (world peace), and mention its origin in the post-WWI Paris Peace Conference under Woodrow Wilson.

Section 4. Choose the Correct Option from the Following and Write the Answer.

 

Question 1. The seeds of the First World War were sown in which treaty?
(a) Treaty of Versailles
(b) Treaty of Frankfurt
(c) Treaty of France and Britain
(d) Treaty of Germany and Hungary
Answer: (b) Treaty of Frankfurt
In simple words: The peace agreement signed after an earlier conflict, the Treaty of Frankfurt, created tensions that later helped start the First World War.

Exam Tip: Remember that while the Treaty of Versailles concluded WWI, the Treaty of Frankfurt (after the Franco-Prussian War) created the grievances that fueled the rise of militarism and alliances leading to WWI.

 

Question 2. Which treaty was signed at the end of the First World War?
(a) Treaty of Versailles
(b) Secret Treaty
(c) Treaty of London
(d) Treaty of Frankfurt
Answer: (a) Treaty of Versailles
In simple words: At the very end of the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles was the main agreement that officially brought the fighting to a close and set terms for peace.

Exam Tip: It is crucial to distinguish between treaties that *sowed the seeds* of war and those that *ended* it. The Treaty of Versailles is always associated with the conclusion of WWI.

 

Question 3. Which regions did France lose in the Treaty of Frankfurt?
(a) Regions of Dunkirk
(b) Regions of Alsace and Lorraine
(c) Regions of Western Russia
(d) Regions of England
Answer: (b) Regions of Alsace and Lorraine
In simple words: In the Treaty of Frankfurt, France had to give up the territories of Alsace and Lorraine. These regions were important and had been part of France before this treaty.

Exam Tip: The loss of Alsace-Lorraine by France to Germany in the Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) was a significant point of contention that contributed to future tensions leading to WWI.