ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for National Movement during First World War (1915-1919) Class 10 History

We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of seventh chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is National Movement during First World War (1915-1919). All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for National Movement during First World War (1915-1919) will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.


Name of the chapterNational Movement during First World War (1915-1919)
Subject History and Civics
Topics covered
  • August Declaration of 1917
  • Lucknow Pact
  • Questions Answers from Ch 7 National Movement during First World War (1915-1919)
Related Readings

Very Short Questions


1. When did the Congress split into two wings?

Answer

The Congress split into two wings in Surat in 1907.


2. Between whom was the Lucknow Pact concluded?

Answer 

The Lucknow Pact was concluded between the Congress and the Muslim League.


3. Where did the Congress and the Muslim League hold their session in 1916?

Answer

The Congress and the Muslim League held their session in 1916 in Lucknow.


4. When was the Lucknow Pact adopted by the Congress and the League?

Answer

The Lucknow Pact was adopted by the Congress and the League in 1916.


5. The Lucknow Pact is remembered for two reasons. State the reasons.

Answer

Two reasons are:
(i) Hindu-Muslim unity as a result of Lucknow Pact, 1916.
(ii) Unity between the Moderates and the Assertives in the Congress in 1916.


6. What is the importance of the Lucknow session of the Congress?

Answer

It was at the Congress session of Lucknow that Assertives were added to Congress and Congress League Pact of 1916 was signed during this Congress session.


7. Write any two features of the Lucknow Pact.

Answer

(i) Judiciary should be separated from Executive.
(ii) Half the members of the Viceroy's Executive Council should be Indians.


8. 'The Indian Council of the Secretary of State should be replaced by two permanent Under Secretaries out of which one should be an Indian.' Where and when was this stated?

Answer

It was one of the main features of the Lucknow Pact, it was stated in the Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League in 1916.


9. Write any one major drawback of Lucknow Pact.

Answer

Since, the Congress agreed to the scheme of communal electorates for Muslims, it lost its secular character.


Write any two features of the Lucknow Pact.

Answer

(i) Judiciary should be separated from the Executive.
(ii) Separate Electorates for the Muslims accepted by Congress.


11. What changes did the Lucknow Pact contemplate in the composition of Viceroy's Executive Council?

Answer

It stated that half of the members of the Viceroy's Executive Council should be Indians elected by the elected members of the Imperial Legislative Council.


12. What compromises did Congress make over the Lucknow Pact?

Answer

Since, the Congress agreed to the scheme of communal electorates for the Muslims, it lost it's secular character.


13. When were Montague-Chelmsford Reforms introduced?

Answer

Montague-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced by the Government of India Act 1919 published in July 1918.


14. Give one main reason why the system of Dyarchy broke down.

Answer

Financial arrangements were not proper. No minister was given sufficient funds for the development activities.


15. Who made the August Declaration 1917?

Answer

Mr. E. S. Montague made the August Declaration in 1917.


Short Answer Type


1. Mention two reasons which intensified Indian Nationalism.

Answer

Two reasons which intensified Indian nationalism were:

(i) The deteriorating economic condition of Indians.
(ii) The Communist Revolution of 1917, in Russia placed a unique and inspiring idea before the Indians.


2. What led to the dispute in the Congress?

Answer

The debate and disagreement between the Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists over the methods of agitation in Bengal came into the open during the anti-partition movement which led to dispute in the Indian National Congress. The Assertives wanted to extend the Swadeshi and Boycott movement from Bengal to the rest of the Country and extend boycott to every form of association with the colonial government.


3. What happened in the Surat Session of 1907?

Answer

At Surat Session, Assertives tried to push the candidature of Lala Lajpat Rai for president-ship of Congress while Early nationlists nominated Dr. Ras Behari Ghosh to be the President.


4. How was the dispute over presidency in the Surat Session resolved?

Answer

The situation was saved by Lala Lajpat Rai by stepping down and Dr. Ras Behari Ghosh became the president. Real trouble started when the moderates tried to repudiate the resolution on boycott, swadeshi and national education which was been adopted in 1906.


5. What initiated the Lucknow Pact?

Answer

In 1913, a new group of Muslim leaders entered the folds of the Muslim League with the aim of bridging the gulf between the Muslims and the Hindus. The Muslim League changed its major objective and decided to join hands with the Congress in order to put pressure on the British Government.


6. Why the partition of Bengal was necessary?

Answer

The province of Bengal was too big to be administered by a single provincial government. It comprised of Bengal proper, Bihar, Odisha, Chhotanagpur and Bengali speaking districts of modern Assam.


7. How the policy of divide and rule was applied in partition of Bengal?

Answer

One of the significant motive behind Bengal partition was policy of divide and rule. This policy was applied to create a wedge between the Hindus and Muslims of Bengal. In East Bengal, Curzon addressed to Muslims in meetings to explain the real motive of partition to create a Mohammedan province.


8. How did the people express their unhappiness against this decision of the British.

OR

What was the reaction of the people to the partition?

Answer

When the proposal was published then there was a great hue and cry from all quarters. When the partition came into effect the people started a strong movement against it known as the Anti Partition Movement. The people, under the leadership of great Nationalist leaders, understood the real motive of the partition which was to flare up the confrontation between the Hindus and Muslims. The people felt humiliated, insulted and tricked. They were ready to sacrifice their lives and face death fearlessly.


9. What did the people do to make Swadeshi and Boycott Movement more successful?

Answer

In all public and Anti-Partition meetings all over the region (Bengal), even other States and big towns the call for total boycott and for use of Swadeshi was given. Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a significant role as a leader and soon the Movement gained great force. Young and old men and women of Bengal marched in well-organised processions to protest against the division of Bengal. Thousands of meetings were organised in which British goods were burnt at public places. The crowds disallowed shopkeepers to sell British goods. People of all shades co-operated in this agitation.


10. How the spirit of Swadeshi and Boycott movements benefitted Indians?

Answer

The purpose of Swadeshi movement was the expansion of Indian industries. The boycott movement was meant to abstain from the purchase of foreign goods. Both the movements were complementary to each other and proved successful. A number of associations sprang up which promoted the cause of swadeshi movement. Important among such associations were Bande Mataram Sampradaya, the Swadeshi Samaj and Anti Circular Society. Both the movement gave impetus to indigenous production of goods and services


11. Critically evaluate the drawbacks of Lucknow Pact?

Answer

(i) The League remained a separate entity, advocating that Muslim political interests were separate from those of Hindus.
(ii) Pact also recognised the principle of weightage of Muslims in certain provinces.
(iii) According to the Pact, no legislature could enact a law if it was opposed by 3/4th of members of a particular community.
(iv) There was no involvement of Hindu and Muslim masses.


12. What is the importance of the Lucknow Session of 1916 of the Indian National Congress?

Answer

In December 1916, the Congress and the League held their sessions at Lucknow. In the session, both the parties decided to work together and signed a Joint Scheme of Reforms, that later came to be known as the Lucknow Pact.


13. What was the attitude of the Congress towards the British during the First World War?

Answer

Most of the Congress leaders decided to support the government in the First World War as they believed that after the War was over, India would be given political reforms and self governing institutions.


14. What was the impact of the First World War on India or on the National Movement?

Answer

(i) The War was indirectly responsible for changing the aims and objectives of the Muslim League. After the War, both the Congress and the Muslim League decided to work together.

(ii) The War period was full of intense nationalist political activities.


15. What is the importance of the Lucknow Session of the Congress?

OR

Mention two reasons why 1916 is considered very important in the history of the Indian National Congress.

Answer

(i) Hindu-Muslim Unity: It was the year when Lucknow Pact was signed which created understanding between Muslim League and Congress.

(ii) Unity within the Congress: It was the year in which both Early Nationalist and Assertives decided to work together.

(iii) Swaraj: The pact led to the gradual development of self - governing institutions.


16. State the provisions in Lucknow Pact for election of Muslims in provincial legislatures?

Answer

Four-fifths of the members of the Provincial Legislatures were to be directly elected and one-fifth to be nominated. The number of members in the provinces was laid down in the scheme. The number of Muslims members was laid down for each Province. They were to be elected through separate electorates. On the whole, the proportion of Muslim members was large, for example, 50 per cent in Punjab, 40 per cent in Bengal and 30 per cent in U.P.


17. State the clause related to communal veto in the Lucknow pact?

Answer

No Legislative Council (Imperial or Provisional) was to proceed with any Bill or Resolution, affecting one or the other community, if three-fourths of the members of that community opposed it on the ground that it adversely affected their interests.


18. What was the objective of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms?

Answer

The objective of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms was to give some responsibilities to the Indian representatives elected by the people.


19. How did the real control of the administration remain in the hands of the British according to the government of India Act, 1919?

Answer

The real control of the administration remained in the hands of the British according to the Government of India Act, 1919 because the British could control law and situation anywhere in India and had control over the finance.


20. In what ways were the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms illusory as far as the National Movement was concerned?

Answer

The Montague-Chelmsford reforms were illusory to the leaders of the national movement: because the real control of the administration remained in the hands of the British as per this Act. The British could control law and order situation anywhere in the country as they had the police and the army under them. Moreover, the finances were under British control.


21. What is meant by Diarchy? How was it to be practiced as per the Government of India Act, 1919?

Answer

Diarchy means dual rule. The Central Government was to be governed by the British, while the Indians would be involved in the administration of the provinces (states).

As per the Government of India Act, 1919 the Centre would control such areas as law and order, finance, defence, external affairs and communication. The provinces would control irrigation, forests, health education, etc.


22. What was the programme of the Home Rule League?

Answer

Programme of action consisted of massive propaganda. Like organisation of mass meetings, lecture tours, carrying message of Home Rule through newspapers, distribution of leaflets and pamphlets, tours of towns and villages, and opening of the branches of the League in different cities of India. Women and students were motivated to carry the message of Home Rule to all sections of society and all parts of the country.


Structured Questions


1. State the details of the Surat Session of 1907.

Answer

In 1907, at the Surat session, the confrontation came to a head. There was a row over the election of President. At Surat session, Assertives tried to push the candidature of Lala Lajpat Rai for Presidentship of congress while Early Nationalists nominated Dr. Ras Behari Ghosh to be the President. The situation was saved by Lala Lajpat Rai by stepping down and Dr. Ras Behari Ghosh became the President. Real trouble started when the moderates tried to repudiate the resolution on boycott, swadeshi and national education which has been adopted in 1906. Gopal Krishna Gokhale and the rest of Assertive Nationalists withdrew their support from swadeshi and boycott movements as they were afraid that these movements would make the British refuse to give them more political rights.


2. The bond of alliance between the Congress and the Muslim League was cemented by the conclusion of the Lucknow Pact in 1916. In this context mention the main features of the Pact?

Answer

(i) Independent Unit: India was to be treated as an independent unit of the Empire, as a self autonomous state with equal rights and responsibility.

(ii) Provincial Legislature: Four-fifth of the members of the Provincial Legislatures were to be elected and one fifth nominated. One third of the elected members were to be Muslims.

(iii) Powers of the Imperial Legislative: Defence, foreign affairs and political relations of India i.e., making of war, peace and signing of treaty were to be excluded from the control of the Imperial Legislative.

(iv) Bills related to Religious Interests: No bill could be introduced in the Legislative Council if it affected the interest of any community and such a bill could not be passed if it was opposed by three-fourths of that community.

(v) Composition of Viceroy's Executive Council: Half the members of the Viceroy's Executive Council should be Indians elected by the elected members of the Imperial Legislative Council.

(vi) Separation of Judiciary from Executive: Judiciary should be separated from Executive. Members of the judiciary in every Province should be placed under the control of the highest court of that Province.

(vii) Abolition of Council of the Secretary of State: The Council of the Secretary of State for India shall be abolished and he shall have same position with regard to the Government of India as he does in relation to the government of self governing colonies.


3. How did Tilak bring a new wave in Indian Politics that was distinct from the early congressmen?

Answer

The new wave in Indian Politics was the result of efforts putting by Balgangadhar Tilak.

The distinct features of his movement to attain Swaraj were:

  • His role in the Anti-partition Movement: The partition of Bengal gave him a big opportunity to expose evil design of the Government. Leaders like Tilak, Bipin Chandra and Lajpat Rai transformed the Anti-Partition Movement into a movement of Swaraj.
  • Bitter attacks on Government: Year after year, the Congress passed nearly the same resolutions, without much effect on the Government. Therefore, Tilak came to the conclusion that "reforms would be secured not by action."
  • Home Rule Movement: The year 1916 saw the establishment of the Home Rule leagues in Madras (Chennai) and Maharashtra. The two leagues were led by Mrs. Besant and Tilak respectively. Tilak's political belief.
  • "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it": Tilak talked of 'Swaraj' as early as 1896-97. Swaraj and Swadeshi had become the battle cry of these robust nationalists.


4. The All India Muslim League was founded in December 1906 to voice the political interests of the Muslim community. In this context, state:

(a) the attitude of the nationalist Muslims towards the formation of the League.

(b) the impact of the Lucknow Pact of 1916 as an important step to achieve Hindu-Muslim unity.

(c) main impact of the Muslim League on the National Movement.

Answer

(a) Most of the nationalist leaders were of the opinion that personal belief should not be mixed with political activities. In spite of the appeals from the Muslims League, many nationalist leaders like Habibur Rehman, Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Ali, Hakim Ajmal Khan joined the national movement.All these leaders carried on national propaganda among the people and brought them into the fold of struggle for freedom.


(b) The Lucknow Pact was signed between the Congress and the Muslim League in 1916 to work together. They joined hands in demanding Self-Government or Swaraj at an early date. The Congress, according to this Pact, accepted separate representation of the Muslims in the Councils. This removed the Muslim League's fear that the Councils formed through elections would be dominated by the Hindus and the Muslims interests would suffer. The coming together of the Congress and the Muslim League to jointly fight for a common cause was an important political event.


(c) With the establishment of the Muslim League, the National Movement got a set back. The formation of the party on the basis of religion was an unhealthy sign in the political life of the people. Though the Muslim League preferred to serve the interests of its community, it actually served the interests of British rulers. In many situations, the Muslim League demanded concessions for the Muslims. The activities of the Muslim League and other communal parties took a dangerous turn when they started saying that the Indian people were not one nation but were two nations. While the national movement united the people on the basis of their common aspirations to take India on the road to progress, the communal parties questioned the very basis of the Indian nationhood.


5. The bond of alliance between the Congress and the Muslim League was cemented by the conclusion of the Lucknow Pact in 1916. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) What were the main features of the Pact?

(b) What was the significance of the Pact?

Answer

(a) (i) Independent Unit: India was to be treated as an independent unit of the Empire, as a self autonomous state with equal rights and responsibilities.

(ii) Provincial Legislatures: Four-fifths of the members of the Provincial Legislatures were to be elected and one fifth nominated. The number of Muslim members was laid down for each Province. They were to be elected through separate electorates. On the whole, the proportion of Muslim members was large, for example, 50 per cent in Punjab, 40 per cent in Bengal and 30 per cent in U.P.

(iii) Imperial Legislative Council: The Imperial Legislative Council was to have 150 members. Of these four-fifths were to be elected and one-fifth nominated. One-third of the elected members were to be Muslims.

(iv) Powers of the Imperial Legislative Council: Defence, foreign affairs and political relations of India i.e. waging of war, peace and signing of treaty were to be excluded from the control of the Imperial Legislature.

(v) Bills related Religious Interests: No bill could be introduced in the Legislative Council if it affected the interests of any community and such a bill could not be passed if it was opposed by three-fourths of that community.

(vi) Composition of Viceroy's Executive Council: Half of the members of the Viceroy's Executive Council should be Indians elected by the elected members of the Imperial Legislative Council.

(vii) Separation of Judiciary from Executive: Judiciary should be separated from Executive. Members of the judiciary in every Province should be placed under the control of the highest court of that Province. Executive officers should not have judicial powers.

(viii)Abolition of Council of the Secretary of State: The Council of the Secretary of State for India which operates from London shall be abolished. Secretary of State for India shall have the same position with regard to the Government of India as he has in relation to the government of self-governing colonies. The Secretary of State for India was to be assisted by two Under Secretaries, of whom one should be an Indian.


(b) (i) Unity: It brought the Hindu and the Muslim unity which was the need of the hour. It also brought Early Nationalist and Assertives leaders at the same platform.

(ii) Strengthening of the National Movement: The unity between the Congress, the League and between the Early Nationalist and Assertives demoralised the British Government. Now the government was under pressure for granting constitutional reforms. This helped in strengthening the national movement.

(iii) Constitutional Reforms: At that time, the Home Rule League was also gaining momentum, both the leaders of the Congress and the League made it clear to the British Government that their demands for constitutional reforms could not be easily rejected if they wished Indians to be loyal to the British. In the face of overwhelming, odds the government announced on August 20, 1917 that their policy in India was "the gradual development of self-governing institutions".


6. How did Tilak bring a new wave in Indian Politics that was distinct from the early congressmen?

Answer

The new wave in Indian politics was the result of efforts putting by Balgangadhar Tilak. The distinct features of his movement of attain Swaraj were:

  • His role in the Anti-partition Movement: The partition of Bengal gave him a big opportunity to expose evil design of the Government Leaders like Tilak, Bipin Chandra and Lajpat Rai transformed the Anti-Partition Movement into a movement of Swaraj.
  • Bitter attacks on Government: Year after year, the Congress passed nearly the same resolutions, without much effect on the Government. Therefore, Tilak came to the conclusion that “reforms would be secured not by action.”
  • Home Rule Movement: The year 1916 saw the establishment of the Home Rule leagues in Madras (Chennai) and Maharashtra. The two leagues were led by Mrs. Besant and Tilak respectively.
  • Tilak’s political belief—”Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”: Tilak talked of ‘Swaraj’ as early as 1896-97. Swaraj and Swadeshi had become the battle cry of these robust nationalists.


7. What according to you was the most significant contribution of the Home Rule Movement in India.

Answer

  • Strengthening of the National Movement: The Home Rule infused a new spirit and life in the National Movement and intensified the demand for the grant of self-government.
  • Mass Movement: It transformed the National Movement into people’s movement. Even women did not lag behind.
  • Unity in the Congress: The movement brought together the Moderates and the Assertives in the Congress.
  • Declaration of August 1917: The Government realised the seriousness of the demonstration that broke out after the launching of Home Rule League. So government felt the necessity to pacify the Indians by declaring its policy.
  • Beginning of Transfer of Power: The Government of India Act was the direct outcome of Home Rule League. Through this Act Government made a beginning towards transferring some power to Indians at Provincial level.


Picture Based Questions


1. Answer the following:

(i) Name the lady in the picture given alongside With which national event you can associate this lady?
(ii) Which movement influenced her to launch the similar movement in India?
Answer

(i) Dr. Annie Besant. She was associated with Home Rule League
(ii) Home Rule Movement of Irish freedom fighters influenced her to launch the similar movement in India.


2. Answer the following:

(i) Name the person in the picture.
(ii) With which famous declaration would you associate this gentleman? When this declaration was made?
Answer

(i) Edwin Montague.
(ii) He was associated with ‘August Declaration’. This declaration was made oh 20 August 1917.

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