Class 8 History Chapter 8 question answer The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

The Making of the National Movement 1870s–1947 Class 8 question answer: History class 8 chapter 8 question answer

Textbook	Ncert
Class	Class 8
Subject	History
Chapter	Chapter 8
Chapter Name	The Making of the National Movement 1870s–1947 ncert solutions
Category	Ncert Solutions
Medium	English

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Question 1: Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?

Answer 1: People were dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s due to economic hardships, high taxes, and the exploitation of Indian resources for British benefit. Farmers suffered from famine and oppressive land revenue policies, while Indian industries declined due to British economic policies favoring British goods.

Politically, Indians were excluded from decision-making, and the administration was biased against them. Socially, racial discrimination and policies like the Arms Act (1878) and the Vernacular Press Act (1878) further alienated Indians. These factors led to growing resentment and the rise of nationalist movements.

Question 2: Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?

Answer 2: Indian National Congress wished to speak for all the people of India, irrespective of class, colour, caste, creed, language, or gender. It stated that India, its resources and systems were not of any one class or community of India, but of all the different communities of India.

Question 3: What economic impact did the First World War have on India?

Answer 3: The First World War had a significant economic impact on India. The war led to increased demand for Indian goods, boosting industries like textiles and steel, but it also caused high inflation, making essential commodities expensive for ordinary people. Heavy war expenditures forced the British to impose new taxes and raise existing ones, burdening Indians further.

The demand for soldiers and resources disrupted agriculture, leading to food shortages. While some Indian businesses profited from wartime production, the overall economy suffered due to rising prices and economic hardships for the general population.

Question 4: What did the Muslim League resolution of 1940 ask for?

Answer 4: In 1940 the Muslim League had moved a resolution demanding “Independent States” for Muslims in the north-western and eastern areas of the country. The resolution did not mention partition or Pakistan.

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Question 5: Who were the Moderates? How did they propose to struggle against British rule?

Answer 5: The Moderate leaders wanted to develop public awareness about the unjust nature of British rule. They published newspapers, wrote articles and showed how British rule was leading to the economic ruin of the country. They criticised British rule in their speeches and sent representatives to different parts of the country to mobilise public support.

They felt that the British had respect for the ideals of freedom and justice and so would accept the just demands of Indians. What was necessary, therefore, was to express these demands and make the government aware of the feelings of Indians.

Question 6: How was the politics of the Radicals within the Congress different from that of the Moderates?

Answer 6: The Radicals were opposed to the Moderates’ “politics of prayers” within the Congress. They looked into more radical objectives and approaches. They emphasized the value of self-sufficiency and productive work. They suggested that people should rely on their own strength rather than the government’s “good” intentions (as was the stated policy of the Moderates). They believed that people must strive for swaraj.

Question 7: Discuss the various forms that the Non-Cooperation Movement took in different parts of India. How did the people understand Gandhiji?

Answer 7: Various Forms of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

• Boycott of Institutions: Indians withdrew from British-run schools, colleges, courts, and government services, undermining the colonial administrative structure.
• Economic Boycotts: People shunned British-made goods and revived local industries by promoting the use of indigenous products like Khadi, which symbolized self-reliance and economic independence.
• Mass Mobilization: In different regions, local leaders organized protests, strikes, and public meetings that adapted the non-cooperation strategy to local contexts and needs.
• Social and Cultural Revival: The movement encouraged a return to Indian cultural traditions and the rejection of colonial cultural influences, fostering community pride and national identity.

How People Understood Gandhiji:

• Moral and Spiritual Leader: He was seen as a figure who embodied truth and nonviolence, guiding the nation with ethical principles rather than force.
• Champion of the Common Man: Gandhiji’s simple lifestyle and focus on everyday issues resonated deeply, making him a relatable leader who cared for the masses.
• Symbol of National Unity: His ability to unite diverse groups—from urban intellectuals to rural farmers—highlighted his role as the unifying force in the struggle for independence.
• Innovative Strategist: People admired his practical approach in adapting non-cooperation tactics to different regional challenges, which brought the movement broad-based support.

Question 8: Why did Gandhiji choose to break the salt law?

Answer 8: Gandhiji chose to break the salt law as a symbolic act of defiance against British rule and their oppressive taxation policies. The British had imposed a monopoly on salt production and heavily taxed it, making it unaffordable for the poor, even though it was a basic necessity.

By launching the Salt March in 1930, Gandhiji aimed to unite Indians in a nonviolent protest against colonial exploitation. The movement mobilized people across the country, making it a powerful tool in the struggle for independence and highlighting the unjust nature of British policies.

Question 9: Discuss those developments of the 1937–47 period that led to the creation of Pakistan.

Answer 9: The developments of 1937-47, which led to the creation of Pakistan, are given below:

1. 1937 Provincial Elections – The Indian National Congress secured a majority in several provinces but refused to form coalition governments with the All India Muslim League (AIML), increasing Muslim alienation.
2. Congress Rule (1937–1939) – The Congress’s policies during its rule, such as the promotion of Hindi and the Wardha Scheme of education, were perceived as anti-Muslim, strengthening the demand for a separate Muslim identity.
3. Lahore Resolution (1940) – The AIML, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, formally proposed the idea of independent Muslim states, later known as the “Pakistan Resolution.”
4. World War II & Quit India Movement (1942) – While Congress launched the Quit India Movement against British rule, the AIML cooperated with the British, positioning itself as a crucial player in future political settlements.
5. Cripps Mission (1942) – The British proposed limited self-governance but did not address Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan, leading to further political deadlock.
6. Bengal Famine (1943) – Mismanagement by the British and lack of effective relief efforts fueled resentment among Muslims, reinforcing the need for separate Muslim leadership.
7. Simla Conference (1945) – The British attempted to negotiate a power-sharing deal, but Jinnah’s insistence on AIML being the sole representative of Muslims led to a deadlock.
8. 1945–46 Elections – The AIML won a decisive victory in Muslim-majority areas, proving its legitimacy as the representative of Indian Muslims and strengthening the demand for Pakistan.
9. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) – A last attempt by the British to keep India united with a federal structure failed due to differences between Congress and AIML.
10. Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946) – The AIML called for mass protests to demand Pakistan, leading to communal riots, particularly in Calcutta, worsening Hindu-Muslim relations.
11. Interim Government Formation (1946) – Congress and AIML tensions escalated when Congress, led by Nehru, dominated the interim government, sidelining AIML, increasing Muslim League’s push for Pakistan.
12. Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947) – British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten proposed partition as the only solution, which was accepted by Congress and AIML.
13. Indian Independence Act (July 18, 1947) – The British Parliament passed the act, finalizing the partition and creating the sovereign states of India and Pakistan on August 14–15, 1947.

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Question 10: Find out how the national movement was organised in your city, district, area or state. Who participated in it and who led it? What did the movement in your area achieve?

Answer 10: The national movement in Uttar Pradesh played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. The state was a major center of revolutionary activities, non-violent protests, and peasant movements against British rule. Leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Rani Lakshmibai, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Ram Prasad Bismil were actively involved in the fight for freedom.

The 1857 Revolt, often called the First War of Independence, began in Meerut and spread to Kanpur, Lucknow, and other parts of the state. The Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement saw massive participation from the people of Uttar Pradesh. Peasants and farmers, led by activists like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, protested against unfair taxes and land policies.

The revolutionaries of Uttar Pradesh, including the famous Kakori Conspiracy case participants, made significant contributions through armed resistance. The movement in the state led to increased nationalist sentiments, widespread protests, and the weakening of British control, ultimately contributing to India’s independence in 1947.

Question 11: Find out more about the life and work of any two participants or leaders of the national movement and write a short essay about them. You may choose a person not mentioned in this chapter.

Answer 11: Subhas Chandra Bose: The Firebrand Nationalist

Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, was one of the most dynamic leaders of India’s freedom struggle. Born in 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose was a brilliant student who later joined the Indian National Congress (INC). However, he differed from Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent methods and believed that India needed an armed revolution to gain independence.

In 1941, Bose escaped British surveillance and traveled to Germany and later Japan to seek international support for India’s independence. He formed the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army – INA) and led military campaigns against British forces in India. His famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” inspired many to join the struggle. Though his mysterious death in 1945 remains a topic of debate, his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born in 1875 in Gujarat, was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. Initially a successful lawyer, he was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom movement. Patel played a key role in organizing peasant movements in Gujarat, including the Bardoli Satyagraha, which earned him the title “Sardar” (leader).

After independence in 1947, Patel became India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. His greatest contribution was the integration of over 560 princely states into India, ensuring that the newly independent nation remained united. His firm leadership and determination earned him the title “Iron Man of India.” The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, stands today as a tribute to his efforts in nation-building.