WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs

WBBSE Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century: Conflict Of Monarchical And Nationalist Ideas

Question 1. “The real purpose of the Congress of Vienna was to divide among the conquerors the spoils taken from the vanquished.”-Discuss
Answer: The Real Purpose Of The Congress Of Vienna Was To Divide Among The Conquerors The Spoils Taken From The Vanquished:-

According to the Compensation of the Vienna Congress (1815), the old ruling families were brought back to their respective thrones. The Congress generally followed the rule of restoring to every king, prince, or duke the territory which had been his before 1789.  Care was, however, taken so that each of the big four powers- Austria, Russia, Prussia, and England got additional territories.

England: England got Malta, the Ionian Island in the eastern Mediterranean, Heligoland, Trinidad and Mauritius, Ceylon, and the Cape of Good Hope.

Austria: Austria was compensated for the loss of Belgium by getting the Italian possession of Lombardy and Venetia and she also received Tyrol, Salsbury, and Illyria.

Prussia: Prussia got the northern part of Saxony, Posen, Thorn, Danzig, the Rhine area, and West Pomerania.

Russia: Russia got one-fourth part of Poland and also got compensation in Finland and in the Turkish province of Bassarabia. Thus it could be said that “The real purpose of the Congress was to divide among the conquerors the spoils taken from the vanquished.”

Read and Learn More WBBSE Class 9 History Long Answer Questions

Question 2. Discuss the basic principles of the Vienna Congress.
Answer: After the downfall of Napoleon, a conference of the heads of the European countries was held at Vienna, the capital of Austria in 1815.

The basic principles of the Vienna Congress were

  1. The Principle of Legitimacy,
  2. The Principle of Balance of Power, and
  3. The Principle of Compensation.

The Principle of Legitimacy: According to this principle, it was decided that those rulers who had been driven from their states and had been deprived of their thrones should be reinstated.

In other words, the diplomats of the Vienna Congress did not recognize any political change that had occurred in Europe after 1789. They were determined to bring back the Europe that existed before the French Revolution.

The Principle of Balance of Power: The diplomats of the Vienna Congress decided that the power of the different countries should be balanced so that no country could threaten another.

It indicated balancing the neighboring kingdom of France with the latter in such a way that France would not be able to disturb the European order of 1815 in the coming years.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs

WBBSE Class 9 Europe in the 19th Century LAQs

Principle of Compensation: According to this principle, it was decided that those states which had helped the allies against Napoleon were to be rewarded, but those which had supported Napoleon were to be punished.

Moreover, it was also decided that those kingdoms should be compensated that had either been destroyed or had suffered losses because of Napoleon.

Since the Allies had taken an active part in the downfall of Napoleon, it was also decided to compensate them by giving them some new territories.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Principles of Compensation

Key LAQs on Nationalism and Monarchy in 19th Century Europe

Question 3. Criticize the work of the Vienna Congress (1815).
Answer: Vienna Congress (1815):-

The Vienna Congress (1815) convened with the declaration of high morals and principles. It was expected that the settlement of the Vienna Congress would prove valuable for the establishment of peace based upon a just division of power.

But it has been remarked that it was a symbol of the reaction, conservatism, and selfishness of big powers.

NEET Biology Class 9 Question And Answers WBBSE Class 9 History Notes WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 Life Science and Environment
WBBSE Class 9 Geography And Environment Notes WBBSE Class 9 History Multiple Choice Questions WBBSE Class 9 Life Science Long Answer Questions
WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 Geography And Environment WBBSE Class 9 History Long Answer Questions WBBSE Class 9 Life Science Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 9 Geography And Environment Multiple Choice Questions WBBSE Class 9 History Short Answer Questions WBBSE Solutions For Class 9 Maths
WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 History WBBSE Class 9 History Very Short Answer Questions WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 Physical Science and Environment

It was criticized on the following grounds:

The principles adopted at the Vienna Congress were overlooked by the diplomats. The Principle of Legitimacy was not applied in many states like Naples, Saxony, and Genoa. Each representative was eager to grab as many provinces as he could.

The representatives of the Vienna Congress did not represent the common. people. Congress ignored the feelings of the common people and did not respect the rights of the people.

The Congress ignored the feelings of nationality. They divided many states and annexed them to one another nationality. The rulers rearranged Europe according to their desires, disposing of it as if it were their personal property.

The Congress ignored the feelings of the revolution. The feelings of liberty, equality, and fraternity were ignored while undertaking the great work of the reconstruction of Europe.

Question 4. What arrangements were made in Europe according to the Principle of Compensation?
Answer: Arrangements Were Made In Europe According To The Principle Of Compensation:-

According to the Principle of Compensation of the Vienna Congress, it was decided that those states which had helped the Allies against Napoleon were to be rewarded. But those states which had supported Napoleon were to be punished.

As England played the most important role in bringing about the defeat of Napoleon, England received the lion’s share of compensation.

England got Malta, the Ionian Islands in the eastern Mediterranean, Heligoland, Ceylon, Trinidad, Mauritius, and the Cape Colony in Africa.

Russia got most of the Polish territory, Finland, the Turkish province of Bessarabia, and a major part of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw.

Prussia got Swedish Pomerania, some Polish territory, about two-fifths of Saxony, and large districts of the Rhine.

Austria was given Venetia and Lombardy in Italy as compensation for the loss of Belgium. It got Tyros from Bavaria and Illyrian provinces along the Eastern coast of the Adriatic.

It was also decided that those states which had supported Napoleon were to be punished. Poland was punished. This big country was divided into three parts and given to Russia, Prussia, and Austria respectively.

As the king of Denmark had helped Napoleon against the Allies, Denmark was punished. Norway was snatched away from it and was given to Sweden.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Vienna Congress

Understanding Revolutionary Ideas in 19th Century Europe

Question 5. Why is the period between 1815-1848 known as the Age of Metternich?
Answer: Age Of Metternich:-

The period between 1815-1848 is called the ‘Age of Metternich’ in European politics. In the post-Napoleon period, he was the most powerful personality in molding the shape of European politics.

As a Conservative Politician: Metternich was a conservative politician. He was not interested in bringing about reforms and favored an authoritarian style of functioning.

He was the symbol of those forces eager to preserve the status quo. He was eager to remove the sparks of revolution and liberalism wherever he could detect them.

He was apprehensive that a liberal democratic style of functioning could bring back in Europe revolutionary fervors. Therefore, he favored a reactionary system of governance under the leadership of Austria.

Domestic Policy: Metternich laid down certain domestic measures which were opposed to nationalist thinking such as press censorship and setting up a network of police and spies.

Strict control was placed on educational institutions to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for revolutionary ideas and suppressing nationalist and liberal ideas.

Foreign Policy: To maintain peace Metternich wanted to maintain the status quo. He crushed liberalism in Italy, Germany, and Spain.

He also prevented the Russians from helping the Greeks. He kept an eye on the Russians to see that they did not extend their influence on the Greeks.

Metternich’s repressive system kept peace and order in Europe for three long decades and saved the Austrian empire.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th-Century Questions And Answers

Question 6. What were the causes of the July Revolution of 1830?
Answer: Causes Of The July Revolution Of 1830:-

The July Revolution of 1830 in France is an important chapter in the history of Europe. The following causes were responsible for the outbreak of the July Revolution in France.

Reestablishment of the Bourbon dynasty: The Bourbon dynasty was reestablished in France according to the Principle of Legitimacy, but a large section of the people in France were not willing to accept the rule of the absolute Bourbon monarchs.

Defects of the Constitutional Charter: Louis XVIII declared a Constitutional Charter just after his accession. In the charter, the king reserved to himself the highest position in the country, and the rights and interests of the common people were generally ignored.

Unity among the different political parties: Though different political parties in France had different views there seemed to be unity in the object of those parties who wanted to root out the Bourbon dynasty from France.

The Repressive Policy of Charles X: After the death of Louis XVIII, his brother Charles X who was a great reactionary succeeded to the throne of France.

He reintroduced the administrative system of the ‘ancient regime’ and placed the aristocracy and the clergy in power. He also brought back those emigres who had left. France during the Revolution and arranged to pay them suitable compensation.

In addition to the above, Charles X appointed Polignac as his Minister who was a staunch follower of reactionary principles.

When the Chamber of Deputies passed the vote of no-confidence against the ministry of Polignac on 18 March 1830, Charles X instead of accepting the resolution of the Chamber, dissolved it and ordered a new election.

The people of France were highly aggrieved and had no other way to take but the path of revolt against Charles X.

The July Ordinances of Charles X: The repressive policy of Charles X reached its climax when he issued the ordinances on July 26, 1830, by which he-

  1. Suspended the liberty of the press,
  2. Dissolved the Chamber of Deputies,
  3. Changed the electoral system reduced the number of voters and
  4. Ordered fresh elections.

The four ordinances sounded a challenge and the Frenchmen retaliated by revolting against the ordinances by denying Charles. X as the king of France.

The leadership of the Revolution of 1830 was led by Thiers. Charles X sent his forces to suppress the revolutionaries but failed. Ultimately the revolutionaries dethroned Charles X and set up Louis Philippe as the king of France (30 July 1830).”

Step-by-Step Guide to Answering LAQs on 19th Century Europe

WBBSE Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century: Conflict Of Monarchical And Nationalist Ideas

Question 7. What were the causes of the February Revolution of 1848 in France?
Answer: After the downfall of Charles X in July 1830 Louis Philippe was made the king of France.

It was expected that he would rule according to the aspirations of the people of France. But soon the people became dissatisfied with his administration. At last revolution broke out in 1848.

The causes of the outbreak of the February Revolution are as follows:

Economic: In France, there was an industrial and financial crisis. There was also an agricultural crisis leading to high prices of bread.

Artisans and laborers were thrown out of employment. Added to this was the famine of 1846 which led to a crisis among the peasants. Inflation engulfed both the rural and urban populations.

Key Themes in European History for LAQs

Political: Louis Philippe held elections to the Chamber of Deputies in which only the bourgeois and the rich middle class could become members.

The legislature passed laws for the benefit of the middle class and ignored the laborers, artisans, and peasants. Therefore it was natural for the common man to become hostile toward the king.

Social: The Revolution of 1848 was the act of bourgeois liberals. From 1815 onwards they also wanted to protect the state against a reactionary nobility, who wanted to recover its former position. Despite the abolition of serfdom and the agrarian reform, feudal authority continued to exist.

Constitutional: Louis Philippe did not extend the right of franchise in the country but narrowed it down. He imposed restrictions on the freedom of the press, speeches, articles, etc. The people who opposed this were imprisoned.

The last days of the reign of Louis Philippe were replete with a general feeling of disappointment and discontent. The French Revolution in 1848 was the direct result of this existing atmosphere.

Class 9 History WBBSE Chapter 3 Europe 19th Century

Question 8. Write the story of the unification of Italy. Or, How was Italy unified?
Answer: The unification of Italy in the nineteenth century is an important landmark in the history of Europe. Italy was divided into many small kingdoms. Taking advantage of this the big powers like France, Austria, and Spain dominated Italy.

  1. The secret revolutionary society, Carbonari took the initiative to unify and liberate Italy through an armed struggle.
  2. The next step in the unification of Italy was led by Mazzini the founder of the Young Italy movement. The mass uprising organized by young Italians for the unification and liberation of Italy failed.
  3. After Mazzini, Cavour took the lead. for Italian unification. He aimed to unify Italy under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel, the king of Piedmont. Cavour concluded the Pact of Plombieres (1858) with the king of France, Napoleon III for the liberation of Italy from Austrian rule. By the Peace of Villafranca (1859) Austria ceded Lombardy to Piedmont.
  4. In the next stage Garibaldi, a great patriot and a follower of Mazzini occupied Sicily and Naples and these were joined to Piedmont.
  5. At last Venetia in 1866 and Rome in 1870 were joined to Italy and the Italian unification was complete.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century Conflict Of Monarchical And Nationalist Ideas Unification Of Italy Key Persons

Question 9. What was the contribution of Count Cavour to the unification of Italy?
Answer: Count Cavour took a leading part in the unification of Italy.

The main elements of his policy were:

  1. Austria should be driven away from Italy.
  2. The Italian unification was to be made under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel, the king of Piedmont.
  3. It was impossible to unite Italy without seeking help from any foreign country.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Cavour And Victor Emmanuel

Cavour was appointed Prime Minister of Piedmont in 1852 by Victor Emmanuel. He concluded the Pact of Plombieres (1858) with the king of France Napoleon III for the liberation of Italy from Austrian rule. He induced the French emperor to come to the aid of the Sardinians when Austrian troops marched against Sardinia.

In the Battles of Magenta and Salferino, the Austrians were defeated by the armies of Piedmont-Sardinia, and the cities of Lombardy and Milan (1859) were occupied. Thereafter when Cavour was about to attack Venice, the French emperor suddenly withdrew from the war, leaving Sardinia to fight alone.

Cavour thought it would be an act of extreme risk to continue to fight alone and preferred to come to terms by which Sardinia was allowed to rule over the enlarged kingdom of Italy, comprising its northern and central states. This marked a great step forward towards a united Italy.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs The Unification of Italy

Examples of Long Answer Questions on Nationalism in Europe

Question 10. What was the contribution of Garibaldi to the unification of Italy?
Answer: Garibaldi was a famous patriot of Italy. He was influenced by the ideas of Mazzini and he joined Young Italy. In 1860 the people of Sicily rose in revolt against their king Francis II of Naples. The rebels requested Garibaldi to help them.

Garibaldi decided to come ahead to help the Sicilians. An army of volunteers was organized at Genoa with one thousand of them wearing red shirts. Therefore, they were called the ‘Red Shirts’.

On 5 May 1860, the Red Shirts under the leadership of Garibaldi went to Sicily. It was called ‘Expedition of the thousands. It seemed that the campaign would fail, for the king of Naples had 24,000 troops in Sicily and about 100,000 in Naples. But fortune favored Garibaldi.

The army of Sicily was badly defeated by the soldiers of Garibaldi. Now he decided to take Naples also. Despite a big army, the king of Naples could not fight with Garibaldi and fled. Garibaldi took possession of Naples.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Joseph Garibaldi

After freeing Sicily and Naples from the autocracy of Francis II, Garibaldi decided to attack Rome to complete the unification of Italy.

But Cavour did not allow this because he apprehended that Garibaldi’s increased strength would be an impediment to Italian unification under the leadership of Piedmont-Sardinia. Garibaldi accepted the proposal and gave up all the conquered provinces in favor of Victor Emmanuel II.

Important Long Answer Questions On Europe In The 19th Century For Class 9

Question 11. How did Bismarck unify Germany?
Answer: Germany was divided into many small kingdoms for a long time. Each state was a separate unit and the rulers, whether foreign or German, were despots.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Austro Prussian War

In Germany, the movement towards a united Germany started among the German youths and students, but the movement failed to make any headway owing to Austria’s opposition.

Germany found a leader who wanted to unite Germany. He was Otto von Bismarck who became the Prime Minister of Prussia in 1861.

“The great question of the day,” he said, “would be decided not by speeches and majority resolutions… but by blood and iron”.

According to him, the greatest obstacle to German unity was the presence of Austria in Germany. So expulsion of Austria was the first condition for the achievement of German unity.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs Franco Prussian War

Bismarck accordingly prepared the ground, strengthened the Prussian army, and then forced a war with Austria which is known as the Battle of Sadowa (1866).

It ended Austria’s power over Germany and gave Prussia the power to reorganize the German states. Prussia lost no time in organizing the whole of northern and central Germany into a single kingdom under her leadership.

Within four years, Prussia waged war on France whose ruler, Emperor Napoleon III was the friend and protector of the Catholic states of South Germany. The war ended in the defeat and capture of the French emperor in the Battle of Sedan (1870).

This paved the way for the absorption of the Catholic states of the south enabling the unification of Germany under Prussia’s leadership. The king of Prussia now took the title of Kaiser, the emperor of Germany, and the whole country stood united.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century Bismarck

Question 12. What were the steps through which Germany was unified?
Answer: Like Italy Germany was divided into numerous small kingdoms.

  1. The first step to unify Germany was taken by Napoleon Bonaparte. After conquering Germany, Napoleon reduced the number of states to 39.
  2. The second step in the unification of Germany was the creation of Zollverein, or the customs union of the German kingdoms through which all the German states agreed to follow a uniform tariff policy and complete free trade among different states.
  3. The next step towards the unification of Germany was the Frankfurt Parliament (1849). The main function of this Parliament was to frame a constitution for Germany to achieve political unity and liberty and establish a popular government in place of the government of an absolute monarch.
  4. The next step was taken by Otto von Bismarck, the leader of Germany, who was determined to unite all the kingdoms of Germany. He successfully waged war against Denmark in 1864 by which he obtained two German provinces-Schleswig and Holstein.
  5. Next, the Prussian army defeated Austria in the Battle of Sadowa (1866). It ended Austria’s leadership in Germany.
  6. Next, Germany defeated France in the Battle of Sedan in 1870. This paved the way for the absorption of the Catholic States of the south enabling the unification of Germany under Prussia’s leadership. Thus emerged a unified Germany. William, I was the first emperor of Germany.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century LAQs The Unification Of Germany

Practice LAQs for Class 9 History: Europe in the 19th Century

Question 13. What is Ems Telegram?
Answer: In 1869 the Spanish throne became vacant. Leopold of the Prussian Hohenzollern family was invited by the Spaniards to become the king of Spain.

With the possibility of both Prussia and Spain coming under the rule of the Hohenzollern family, the balance of power in. Europe was threatened.

In these circumstances, France put tremendous pressure on Spain as a result of which Leopold declined the offer.

Not satisfied with this Napoleon III, the French king, sent his ambassador Count Benedetti to the Prussian emperor William I to get an assurance that none of the Hohenzollern dynasty would ever lay claim to the throne of Spain.

The Prussian emperor William I was enjoying his holiday at Ems. He politely refused to make such a promise to Benedetti.

A report on the whole matter was sent to Bismarck by telegram (13th July 1870). Bismarck immediately found an opportunity after reading this famous ‘Ems Telegram’.

Bismarck abridged the telegram in such a way that it appeared to the French that their ambassador Benedetti was insulted and it appeared to the Prussians that their king was insulted.

Bismarck had the abridged telegram published in the newspaper. This infuriated the French. An outcry for a war against Prussia grew and war was declared by France on 19th July 1870.

WBBSE  Chapter 3 Europe In The 19th Century: Conflict Of Monarchical And Nationalist Ideas

Question 14. What were the causes of the Crimean War? How did the Crimean War lay the foundation for the unification of Italy?
Answer: Causes Of The Crimean War:-

The Crimean War was an important event in the history of Europe. Nicholas I the Czar of Russia followed a policy of expansionism in Turkey. The increasing Russian dominance in Turkish affairs roused suspicion among European powers like England, Austria, and France.

All the three powers had an anti-Russian attitude. They followed a policy of containing Russian expansionism in the Turkish empire: Russia, England, France, and Austria met at Vienna and prepared a note to avoid the possibility of war and to maintain peace in the Turkish empire.

In the Vienna Note, Russian guardianship over the Orthodox Greek Church in Turkey was accepted while Russia was asked to withdraw all other claims on Turkey. However, the proposals of the Vienna Note were rejected by Russia. So England and France declared war against Russia in support of Turkey which is known as the Crimean War (1854).

The Crimean War (1854) laid the foundation for the unification of Italy. Cavour, the Prime Minister of Piedmont, was a great diplomat. He wanted to unify Italy but at the same time he knew that Italy could not be unified without driving out Austria from Italy and that was quite impossible without foreign help.

He wanted to put the ‘Italian question’ on an international platform. He, therefore, sent his soldiers to the Crimean War in support of the Allies. He soon achieved success in his object when he was invited to the Treaty of Paris. He succeeded in gaining the sympathy of the Allies.

Question 15. How did the Greeks achieve their independence?
Answer: Greeks Achieve Their Independence As Follows:-

Greece, the cradle of ancient European civilization, was conquered by Turkey. In the 18th century, there was a revival of Greek learning, history, and culture which inspired them with a spirit of nationalism. Moreover, the nationalist and democratic ideals of the French Revolution inspired them with the ideas of freedom.

The struggle of the Greeks originated in the activities of the Philke Hetaire (a secret society for friendly brotherhood) formed in Odesa (now in Ukraine) in 1814. Its main objective was to spread the doctrine of liberty and expel the Turks from Europe.

Uprisings first started in Moldavia and Wallachia in 1821 under the leadership of Alexander Ypsilanti but were suppressed by the Turkish government. Meanwhile, a rebellion broke out in Morea in South Greece and the Aegean islands.

Russia, to occupy some parts of Turkey, came to help the Greek rebels. To curb Russian influence in Greece both England and France joined the war.

The combined Anglo-French-Russian navy destroyed the Turkish navy in the Battle of Navarins. While the English and French fleets withdrew, the Russian army routed the Turks and forced Turkey to sign the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829. By this treaty, Greece became independent under Russian protection.

Question 16. Give a pen picture of the life of the serfs in Russia. Who was known as ‘Czar the Liberator’ and why?
Answer: There were about 45 million serfs in Russia comprising 50% of the total population. The condition of the serfs was miserable.

They were treated like animals by their masters. They could be auctioned. They were subjected to physical punishment. The serfs were tied to the lords for everything and had no freedom. The law did not recognize or protect their rights.

Czar Alexander II abolished serfdom and came to be known as ‘Czar the Liberator’. The serf system was detrimental to Russia’s progress.

The unskilled, illiterate serfs were unfit to work in the factories or modern agricultural farms. The serf system lost its utility and became a barrier to the economic progress of Russia. By the Emancipation Statute of 1861, the Russian serfs were declared free.

They were granted civil rights equal to those of the free peasants. All the rights of the lords on the serfs ceased to exist.

They were granted full freedom. The liberated serfs could own property, engage in business, and were free to marry at their will. The land to be received by the serfs was to be fixed by magistrates called Arbiters of Peace.

Long answer questions for WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 3

Question 17. What were the main features of Czar Alexander II’s Emancipation Statute?
Answer: There were about 45 million serfs in Russia comprising 50% of the total population. The condition of the serfs was miserable. They were treated like animals by their masters. Czar Alexander II passed the ‘Emancipation Statute’ in 1861 and abolished serfdom.

The main features of the ‘Emancipation Statute’ were as follows:

The Russian serfs were declared free. They were granted civil rights equal to that of the free peasants.

All the rights of the lords on the serfs ceased to exist.

The serfs were granted full freedom. The liberated serfs could own property. engage in business and were free to marry at their will.

The landed estates of the lord were to be divided into two parts. The serfs would get 50% of the land they used to cultivate under the lords.

The serfs must pay the landlord for the land received from him. Since the serfs had no money to pay, the government would advance the money to the lords on behalf of the serfs. The serfs were to pay back to the government in 49 installments.

The land was not vested with individual serfs, but the village mirs got the land and controlled it.

Leave a Comment