Grade VIII History Ch. 1 The Beginning of The Modern World

Grade VIII History
Chapter 1 The Beginning of the Modern World

Answer the following questions in one or two words/sentences:
(1)The history of most nations can be divided into a number of periods. Name them
Ans. The history of most countries can be classified into three periods ancient, medieval and
modern.
(2)What distinguishes one historical period from another?
Ans. Each period in history is distinguished by some characteristics-political, economic,
religious and social. These different characteristics set one period apart from the other.
(3)In what way is the classification of historical periods useful to us?
Ans.The classification of history into different periods helps to bring a sense of order and
continuity to the vast and bewildering array of historical events and processes that have
occurred over centuries of evolution.
(4)When did the Modern Period begin in (a) Europe (b) India?
Ans. (a) The Modern Period in Europe began in the 15th century. (b) In India, the Modern
Period started in the mid-18th century,
(5)Mention any four characteristic features of the Modern Period
Ans. Urbanization, technological advancement, democratic institutions and fundamental civil
liberties are four characteristic features of the Modern Period.
(6) Mention any two (a) primary and (b) secondary source materials of the Modern Period
Ans.(a) Two primary sources of the Modern Period are official documents like British official
records and archaeological remains such as monuments and artefacts.
(b) Two secondary sources of the Modern Period are books and reports written by historians
and scholars who study primary sources to interpret evidence and arrive at conclusions.
7. Why is it important to study developments in Europe to understand the history of modern
India?
Ans.The Modern Age in India began with the advent of British rule in India. To understand the
nature and the impact of British rule on Indian history, it is necessary to understand the
changes that were taking place in Europe.
8. What is the meaning of Renaissance?
Ans. Renaissance' is a French word thatmeans “rebirth' or 'revival'. The Renaissance ushered in
revolutionary changes in Europe and marked the transition of Europe from the Medieval to the
Modern age.
9. What is meant by Reformation?
Ans.The Reformation was a protest movement against the authoritarianism and evil practices
of the Roman Catholic Church. It was a revolt against its orthodoxy, conservatism and blind
faith that was stifling and regressive and a stumbling block to the intellectual and spiritual
advancement of the people.
10. What do you understand by nation states?
Ans. 'Nation states' refers to the rise of strong and independent countries in 14th-century
Europe, that had a common territory, with a well-defined boundary, and whose people were
bound by common ties of culture, history, language and territory. The people of the nation
states also lived under one ruler/government.
Answer the following questions briefly:
1. The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks led
to the beginnings of Renaissance in Europe. With reference to this statement answer the
following:
(a) How did it lead to the revival of classical Greek and Roman learning in Europe?
Ans. (a) After the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks a large number of Greek
scholars fled to Italy with rare manuscripts. These scholars were patronized and encouraged by
the rulers, scholars and the rich Italian merchants of Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice.Libraries
were set up and universities were established to promote classical and modern learning. This in
turn led to the spread of classical Graeco-Roman learning amongst the people of Europe.
(b) What effect did it have on the outlook and attitudes of the people of Europe?
Ans.(b) The revival of classical Graeco-Roman learning inspired and encouraged the people of
Europe to question and challenge long established ideas and institutions that had been
imposed upon them by the Church and their kings. They refused to blindly accept the dictates
of their rulers and the Church, and demanded to know the truth based on logic and reason.
They refused everything that could not be explained by reason. Thus there arose the new spirit
of rationalism, a scientific temper and the spirit of enquiry amongst people. The scientific
temper and the desire to seek and know the truth also led to new and varied developments in
the fields of art, architecture, sculpture, painting, literature, science and technology. This period
saw a great outburst of creativity and brilliance.
(c) What effect did it have on trade?
Ans. In the middle of the 15th century CE, the Ottoman Turks captured Asia Minor and cut off
direct land links between Asia and Europe. The Turks also took control of the main ports of the
eastern Mediterranean Sea, raided European ships, and imposed heavy taxes on goods passing
through their lands. This was a great blow to European trade with the East. This gave rise to an
urgent need to find and alternate sea route to the East. Great voyages of explorations were
undertaken, leading to great discoveries of new routes and new lands.
2. With reference to the causes of the Reformation, how did the following contribute to the
movement:
(a)Renaissance: The Renaissance had radically altered the pattern of thinking and outlook of
the people. It had set in motion the advent of new and powerful ideas of humanism,
rationalism, scientific spirit and the spirit of inquiry. These revolutionary ideas unleashed
unstoppable forces that completely charged the way people thought and behaved. It was like
the awakening of a sleeping giant People had finally found truthful and rational answers to their
questions and discovered the real truth about themselves and their environment. Everything
based on blind faith was questioned. The teachings of the Church were rejected and its
authority challenged. The invention of the printing press helped to spread the ideas of the
Renaissance thinkers quickly and far and wide. The Bible was translated from Latin to the
regional languages and everybody got to know the real facts about the teachings of the Bible.
(b) Evil practices of the Roman catholic Church : During the early Medieval Period
the Pope and the clergy (priests) led pious, simple and saintly lives dedicated to the service of
the people With the passage of time, many among the clergy began to lead immoral lives of
luxury, wealth and comfort. The monasteries owned nearly one-third of the landed property in
Europe. Religious duties and services to mankind were largely ignored or forgotten. The Church
levied various taxes such 'tithes' and 'Peter's Pence on all European Christians under their
control. High fees were charged for conducting religious services. Bribery and corruption
became common. Church offices were sold, bringing many unworthy people into the Church.
The Church started the practice of selling 'Indulgences to those who had committed sins. It was
like a certificate of pardon by God for their sins and a 'passport to heaven' without having to
undergo any penance.
(c) Rise of strong and powerful rulers: The decline of feudalism in Europe also saw the
emergence of strong rulers, These kings and rulers defied the authority of the Pope and refused
to let him have a say in the administrative affairs of their countries. They also resented the
papal taxes and the drain of their wealth to Rome in the form of papal taxes.
Picture study:
This is a portrait of the German monk who opposed certain activities of the Catholic Church
(a) Identify the person in the picture.
Ans. The person in the picture is Martin Luther, a German monk and preacher.
(b) With which great religious movement is his name associated?

Ans.His name is associated with theReformation.
(c) Where was he born and in which country did he lead his movement?
Ans. Martin Luther was born in Germany and led the Reformation movement in Germany too.
(d) Mention any four effects of the movement started by him.

Ans. Four effects of the Reformation movement were:
(a) The Roman Catholic Church was split up permanently.
(b) Civil wars broke out in many countries between the Catholics and the Protestants.
(c) Religious intolerance and persecution of Protestants in Catholic countries and of Catholics in
Protestant countries became the order of the day and led to many wars in Europe.
(d) The religious persecution of Protestants in England was a major reason for their migration to
and colonization of North America.

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Grade VIII History

Chapter 1 The Beginning of the Modern World

(b) With which great religious movement is his name associated?

(d) Mention any four effects of the movement started by him.

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