Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (World History)

Subject: GS 1

Syllabus:

• Events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, and Redrawal of National Boundaries
• Colonisation, Decolonisation, Political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society.

Questions

1. The American Revolution was more economic than ideological. Elucidate.
   (150 Words, 10 Marks) 
2. To what extent was the French Revolution a landmark moment in European and world history? (150 Words, 10 marks)

Model Structure

1. The American Revolution was more economic than ideological. Elucidate. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 

Model Structure

Introduction:

• The American Revolution began in 1775 as an open conflict between the United Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain. Many factors played a role in the colonists' desire to fight for their independence. 

Main Body:

The American Revolution was more of an economic than an ideological revolution because:

• The British Government followed the policy of mercantilism. As per it the colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country. The colonies were expected to furnish raw materials and a market for finished goods.
• A series of Navigation Acts were passed by the British Parliament to control the trade of the American colonies. These Acts insisted that all the goods of both exports and imports should be carried in ships owned by England. 
• The Molasses Act levied heavy duties on sugar and molasses imported into the American colonies. In addition, a series of Trade Acts were also passed to control the trade in the colonies. ex: The Iron Act 1750 stopped the large-scale production of iron in the colonies.
• Seven Years' War further ruined the American economy. The end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the transfer of Canada from France to England removed the French fear from the minds of the Americans. 
• Granville Measures: When Granville was the Prime Minister of England, a series of Acts were passed affecting the interests of the American colonies.
  •  It prohibited the colonists from purchasing lands beyond the Appalachian Mountains. 
  • The Sugar Act of 1764 increased the duties on sugar. 
  • The Stamp Act of 1765 insisted on the use of British stamps in commercial and legal documents of the colonies. 
  • The Quartering Act made it compulsory that colonists should provide food and shelter to English troops. 
• Thus, the slogan “No Taxation without Representation” insists on American representation in the English Parliament.
• Townshend Laws Charles Townshend, the Finance Minister of England, imposed fresh taxes on glass, paper, tea, paints, etc in 1767. It was known as the Townshend Laws. The Americans protested it and boycotted the British goods (Boston Massacre)
• Boston Tea Party - In 1773, a new Tea Act was passed imposing a tax on the import of tea. It was a symbol to show that the British Parliament had the right to tax the colonies. 

Conclusion:

• All of these grievances that colonists had with the British government led to the events of the American Revolution. And many of these grievances directly affected what the founding fathers wrote into the U.S. Constitution. Though economical but it had some ideological features too -like Liberalism, Constitutionalism, Bill of Rights.

2. To what extent was the French Revolution a landmark moment in European and world history? (150 Words, 10 marks)

Model Structure

Introduction

• The French Revolution was a series of events and not a single episode that occurred in the decade of 1789-1799. It resulted in many socio-political changes like the toppling of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic with a voice to the people.

Main Body

• There were many factors behind the French Revolution, and some of them involved feudalism, inept leadership of Louis XVI, the burden on the lower and middle classes and a worsening economy.
• The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European and world history because-
  • It gave a thrust to the third estate, which included common people.
  • Religion was made subordinate to the state, and the Pope was no longer the real head of the French government → Secularisation of Society
  • Ideologies of nationalism based on human and civil rights were fostered.
  • Spread of Nationalism: The French Revolution ignited feelings of nationalism among the French people, leading to a stronger sense of unity and identity. 
  • The famous ideas of fraternity, equality and liberty found voice and were later adopted by many countries across the globe.
    • These ideas are adopted by India too, as mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
  • Abolition of Feudalism: The Revolution abolished feudal privileges and serfdom, redistributing land and wealth. These social changes marked a significant shift towards a more egalitarian society.
  • The French Revolution's ideals and principles inspired subsequent revolutions and reforms across the globe, including the Haitian Revolution, Latin American independence movements, and anti-colonial struggles in Asia and Africa.
  • It led to the emergence of various political ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
  • Art, Literature, and Culture: The French Revolution inspired artists, writers, and thinkers, producing a vast array of works reflecting its impact on society and human aspirations.
  • A new economic structure with a new currency, nationalisation of land and a mixed economy was adopted.

Conclusion

• There was a great upthrust to nationalism under the rule of Napoleon and further improved the socio-economic conditions of people belonging to the third estate.

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