CSS Past Paper 2016 British History Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Group 4 | 2016 | Part 2 | Descriptive
Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2016 British History Descriptive (Part 2).
Question 2
What measures were adopted by England to check the influence of the French Revolution of 1789 on England?
Introduction
The French Revolution of 1789 shocked all of Europe, especially England. People in England got inspired by ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity. But the British government was scared that such revolution might happen in England too. So, they quickly took many steps to stop its effects.
Suppression of Radical Societies
Many radical groups like the London Corresponding Society were formed in England. These groups supported ideas of democracy and equal rights. But the British government banned such societies and arrested many leaders.
Censorship and Control of Press
The government also passed laws to control newspapers and pamphlets. Any writing that supported revolutionary ideas or criticized the King or Parliament was banned. Editors were punished. So, people were scared to publish anything bold.
Treason and Sedition Acts (1795)
The government passed two important acts:
- Treason Act: Speaking or writing against the King could be called treason.
- Sedition Act: Any speech or writing that created hatred against the government was punished.
These acts made it very hard for people to speak openly.
Suspension of Habeas Corpus
From 1794 to 1801, the right of Habeas Corpus (which protects people from illegal arrest) was suspended. That means anyone could be arrested without a proper reason. It helped the government to arrest suspects without trial.
Use of Spy System
The government started using spies to watch people, especially those who were members of any political group. They collected reports and gave them to the government so they could take early action against any dangerous group.
Control Over Public Gatherings
Public meetings and demonstrations were seen as dangerous. The government passed the Seditious Meetings Act (1795), which made it illegal to hold any public meeting of more than 50 people without permission. This helped stop the spread of revolutionary ideas.
Role of Church and Aristocracy
The Church of England and the rich class supported the government. They helped in spreading anti-revolutionary ideas through sermons and newspapers. They showed revolution as a bad and violent thing, not a movement for rights.
War Against Revolutionary France
Britain joined the war against France in 1793. The government told people that France was the enemy and their ideas were dangerous. This made people less supportive of revolution because they didn’t want to be like their enemy.
Conclusion
In short, England took strict political, legal, and social actions to stop the spread of the French Revolution’s ideas. They used censorship, arrests, new laws, and war to control the situation. These steps helped the British government stay safe during a time when the whole of Europe was shaken.
Question 3
Analyze critically the Reform Act of 1832.
Introduction
The Reform Act of 1832 was a major turning point in British political history. Before this act, the British Parliament was unfair and corrupt. Only a few rich people could vote, and many towns didn’t even have proper representation. The act tried to fix some of these problems. But it also had some weaknesses.
Background of the Reform Act
In early 19th century, Britain was changing fast. Cities were growing because of the Industrial Revolution, but the political system was not updated. Many people wanted a change. There were protests, and pressure from middle-class groups forced the government to act.
Main Features of the Act
- Abolished Rotten Boroughs: Many small towns with very few voters (called “rotten boroughs”) still had MPs. The act removed 56 of these and reduced seats of 30 more.
- New Towns Got Representation: Big cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds, which had no MP before, now got seats in Parliament.
- Increased Voters: It increased the number of people who could vote, especially the middle class. Now, men owning property worth £10 could vote.
- Uniform Voting Rules: It made voting rules more similar across towns and counties.
Achievements of the Act
- It was the first step towards democracy in Britain.
- It gave more power to the middle class, who were growing due to industry and trade.
- It reduced corruption by removing many rotten boroughs.
- It made Parliament more modern and representative.
Limitations and Criticism
- Working class still excluded: Poor people, factory workers, and women still had no right to vote.
- Only 5% of people could vote after the act. So, real democracy was still far.
- Power stayed with rich: Though middle class got some voice, the landowners and rich businessmen still had most control in politics.
- Voting still not secret: Votes were open, so people could be pressured or bribed.
Reaction of the People
At first, people were happy that some change happened. But many, especially the working class, were disappointed because their demands were not accepted. This led to movements like Chartism later.
Conclusion
The Reform Act of 1832 was not a complete solution, but it was a big change for that time. It opened the door for more reforms in the future like the Reform Acts of 1867 and 1884. It helped Britain slowly move towards a more democratic system, even though it didn’t help everyone at once.
Question 4
“Lord Palmerston was more successful as Foreign Minister than as Prime Minister” Critically Analyze.
Introduction
Lord Palmerston was one of the most famous British politicians of the 19th century. He served twice as Foreign Minister and also became Prime Minister later. Many historians believe he was more effective and respected in foreign affairs than in home politics. In this answer, we will see why.
Palmerston as Foreign Minister (Successes)
Palmerston was Foreign Minister for a long time between 1830–1841 and 1846–1851. His style was bold and aggressive. He always put British interests first. Some of his achievements include:
- Support for Liberalism in Europe
He supported liberal movements and nationalism in Europe. He helped countries like Belgium to gain independence and stopped big powers from controlling smaller nations. - Gunboat Diplomacy
Palmerston believed in using the navy and force to protect British citizens and trade. One example is the Don Pacifico Affair (1850), where he defended a British citizen in Greece by sending warships. - Trade and Empire
He helped expand British trade and defended British colonies. He also supported actions in China (Opium Wars) and maintained British prestige worldwide.
Palmerston as Prime Minister (Weaknesses and Some Successes)
He became Prime Minister in 1855–1858 and again in 1859–1865. Though he was popular, he had some limitations in domestic affairs.
- Domestic Reforms Lacking
Palmerston didn’t focus much on reforms at home. He didn’t care much about working-class problems, education, or health reforms. - Weak Handling of Political Issues
He was often criticized for not understanding new political ideas. He didn’t support voting reforms until very late, and his party had many internal divisions. - Some Foreign Successes Continued
Even as Prime Minister, he did good work in foreign matters. He kept Britain neutral during the American Civil War, and also protected British interests in Europe and Asia.
Criticism and Controversies
- Some people say Palmerston was too aggressive in foreign policy.
- Others say his home policy was outdated and he didn’t help the poor.
- But his foreign achievements are still praised widely by historians.
Comparison of Both Roles
| Role | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Foreign Minister | Strong leadership, bold decisions, expanded British power | Sometimes too aggressive, risked war |
| Prime Minister | Maintained peace, popular among public | Weak in reforms, ignored social issues |
Conclusion
In the end, Lord Palmerston was clearly more successful as a Foreign Minister. He protected Britain’s global position and acted with confidence in foreign policy. As Prime Minister, he didn’t perform badly, but he didn’t bring major change either. So, the statement is true to a large extent.
Question 5
Explain the Policy of Disraeli With special reference to peace with Honour.
Introduction
Benjamin Disraeli was a major British leader in the 19th century and head of the Conservative Party. He served twice as Prime Minister. Disraeli is mostly remembered for his foreign policy and his slogan “Peace with Honour”, especially during the Congress of Berlin (1878). His main goal was to keep Britain strong, respected, and peaceful at the same time.
Background of Disraeli’s Foreign Policy
Disraeli believed that Britain must play a leading role in world politics. He supported the British Empire and wanted to protect British interests in Europe, Asia, and Africa. His foreign policy was active, bold, and focused on balance of power.
Key Aims of Disraeli’s Foreign Policy
- To protect the British Empire, especially in India.
- To stop Russian expansion in the East.
- To keep the Ottoman Empire strong as a buffer between Russia and India.
- To maintain peace in Europe without showing weakness.
Peace with Honour – Congress of Berlin (1878)
This event is the best example of Disraeli’s idea of “Peace with Honour”.
- The Problem
Russia had defeated Turkey in the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) and signed the Treaty of San Stefano, which gave Russia a lot of power in the Balkans. Britain and Austria were alarmed. - Disraeli’s Action
Disraeli, along with Lord Salisbury, went to the Congress of Berlin. He wanted to stop Russia from gaining too much. At the same time, he didn’t want war. - The Result
- The treaty was changed to reduce Russian power.
- British interests were protected.
- Disraeli returned home and said, “We have brought back peace with honour”.
- Britain also got control of Cyprus, which helped to secure its route to India.
Other Major Foreign Policy Steps by Disraeli
- Purchase of Suez Canal Shares (1875)
He bought shares in the Suez Canal from Egypt, which gave Britain control over this important sea route to India. - Support for Ottoman Empire
Disraeli protected the Ottoman Empire to stop Russian expansion, even though it was seen as corrupt and weak. - Expansion of Empire
He supported the expansion of British influence in Africa and Asia, showing his imperialist mindset.
Criticism of Disraeli’s Policy
- Some said he was too supportive of empires like the Ottomans, even when they were abusive.
- His aggressive style was seen as risky by liberals.
- But many still respected his skill in diplomacy and peace efforts.
Conclusion
Disraeli’s foreign policy was focused on British power, empire, and avoiding war. His role in the Congress of Berlin showed that he could protect British interests without fighting. That’s why his idea of “Peace with Honour” is still remembered as a clever and proud moment in British diplomacy.
Question 6
“Margarte Thatcher is judged to be best post war Prime Minister of England”. Discuss.
Introduction
Margaret Thatcher, also called the Iron Lady, was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the first woman to become Prime Minister and led the Conservative Party. Many people call her the best post-war Prime Minister because of her bold policies, strong leadership, and the way she changed Britain’s economy and world image. But some also criticize her for being too harsh.
Economic Reforms – Ending the Old System
When Thatcher came to power, Britain’s economy was very weak. There was high inflation, unemployment, and strikes. She believed that the government was too big, and she followed free-market policies.
- Privatization
She sold many state-owned companies like British Telecom, British Gas, and British Airways. She believed private companies worked better than government ones. - Reduced Trade Union Power
She passed laws to limit strikes and made trade unions less powerful. This ended the long period of labour union control. - Control on Inflation
She controlled money supply to reduce inflation, even though unemployment increased for some years.
Foreign Policy and Strong Image
Thatcher made Britain strong on the world stage again.
- Falklands War (1982)
Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, and Thatcher sent British forces to take them back. Britain won the war. This made her very popular and showed her strong leadership. - Close Ties with the US
She had a good relationship with US President Ronald Reagan. Both supported capitalism, anti-communism, and worked together during the Cold War. - Firm with Europe
She did not blindly follow the European Union. She defended British interests in Europe and asked for fair treatment in budget contributions.
Social and Political Impact
- She reduced the power of the welfare state, encouraging people to be more independent.
- Her policies helped create a new group of homeowners and small business owners.
- But she also increased division between rich and poor, and many people in northern England lost jobs in industries like coal and steel.
Long-Term Legacy
- She changed British politics permanently. Even after she left, many of her ideas continued.
- She made the Conservative Party stronger and forced even Labour Party to accept some of her reforms later.
- Her nickname “Iron Lady” shows how strong and determined she was.
Criticism
- Some call her policies too harsh and anti-poor.
- Unemployment and poverty increased in some areas.
- She was very controlling, and even people in her own party turned against her in the end.
Conclusion
Margaret Thatcher was a bold, strong, and revolutionary leader. She faced big problems and didn’t back down. Even though some people suffered because of her tough policies, she saved Britain from economic collapse, restored national pride, and made Britain strong again. So, many people rightly say she was the best post-war Prime Minister of England.
Question 7
Discuss the main features of the foreign policy of David Cameron with special reference to Middle East.
Introduction
David Cameron was the Prime Minister of the UK from 2010 to 2016. His foreign policy was shaped by the war on terror, Arab uprisings, and global economic shifts. He followed a foreign policy that focused on security, trade, human rights, and British interests, especially in the Middle East.
General Foreign Policy Approach
Cameron believed in active foreign policy. He supported NATO, worked closely with USA, and focused on fighting terrorism. He was also interested in building trade relations with growing economies in Asia and the Gulf.
Policy in the Middle East – Key Features
a) Arab Spring Response
When protests started in countries like Libya, Egypt, and Syria, Cameron supported democratic movements. He believed people should have freedom from dictatorships.
b) Military Action in Libya (2011)
One of the biggest actions was in Libya. Cameron, with France and the USA, launched air strikes to stop Muammar Gaddafi from attacking civilians. Gaddafi was removed, but Libya became unstable later.
c) Syria – Confused Strategy
Cameron wanted to bomb Assad’s regime in Syria in 2013 after chemical attacks. But the British Parliament rejected the plan. Later, in 2015, Parliament allowed air strikes only against ISIS, not Assad. His Syria policy was criticised for being unclear.
d) Fight Against ISIS
Cameron supported air strikes in Iraq and Syria against ISIS (Daesh). He said terrorism was a major threat to UK’s security. Britain gave military support and also helped with intelligence.
e) Support for Israel
Cameron had friendly relations with Israel, but he also supported a two-state solution for peace between Israel and Palestine. He criticized both sides during times of conflict.
f) Relations with Gulf Countries
He built good trade and political ties with Gulf States like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. He signed deals and increased arms sales, though many criticized him for ignoring human rights issues.
Refugee Crisis
During the Syrian war, many refugees came to Europe. At first, Cameron didn’t want to take many in. But after public pressure, especially after the photo of a drowned Syrian boy, he agreed to take 20,000 refugees over 5 years.
Criticism of His Middle East Policy
- Libya became a failed state after intervention.
- Syria policy was unclear and weak.
- Arms sales to Saudi Arabia during Yemen war raised questions about human rights.
- Some said he was too close to the USA and lacked an independent vision.
Achievements
- He helped stop a massacre in Libya (2011).
- Took action against ISIS.
- Maintained UK’s role in international politics.
- Strengthened defence and intelligence cooperation with Middle Eastern partners.
Conclusion
David Cameron’s foreign policy in the Middle East was active but also controversial. He took bold steps in Libya and against ISIS, but his actions in Syria and support for Gulf States raised many questions. Overall, his aim was to protect British interests and promote stability, but the results were mixed.
Question 8
Write Short Notes on any TWO of the following:
a. Second World War
b. Treaty of Berlin
c. Fabianism
a. Second World War
The Second World War (1939–1945) was one of the deadliest wars in history. It started when Germany, under Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland on 1st September 1939. This made Britain and France declare war on Germany.
Main Causes
- Harsh terms of Treaty of Versailles (1919) after WWI
- Rise of Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany
- Appeasement Policy of Britain and France
- Expansionist goals of Japan, Italy, and Germany
Major Events
- Germany attacked Poland, France, Soviet Union, and others.
- Japan attacked Pearl Harbor (1941), so USA entered war.
- Turning point was Battle of Stalingrad and D-Day (1944).
- War ended in 1945, after USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Results
- Around 70-85 million people died.
- Formation of United Nations in 1945.
- Cold War started between USA and USSR.
- Germany was divided into East and West.
Conclusion
The Second World War changed the world order. It ended old empires and made USA and USSR superpowers. It also pushed Europe to work for peace through unity.
b. Treaty of Berlin
The Treaty of Berlin was signed in July 1878 after the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78). The original Treaty of San Stefano had given Russia too much power in the Balkans. European powers, especially Britain and Austria, didn’t like it.
Congress of Berlin
- Held in Berlin, Germany.
- Led by Otto von Bismarck (German Chancellor).
- Main goal: Balance power in Europe and protect Ottoman Empire from collapse.
Key Terms of Treaty
- Bulgaria was reduced in size (divided into 3 parts).
- Serbia, Romania, and Montenegro got full independence.
- Austria-Hungary got control of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Britain got Cyprus from the Ottomans to protect India route.
- Russia kept parts of Bessarabia and Caucasus.
Impact
- Stopped Russian dominance in Balkans.
- Increased tensions between Russia and other powers.
- Later caused Balkan Crisis and tensions that led to World War I.
Conclusion
The Treaty of Berlin helped avoid war for a while but didn’t solve the real problems of nationalism and power politics in Europe.
c. Fabianism
Fabianism is a socialist movement that started in Britain in 1884. It was founded by Fabian Society, which included thinkers like George Bernard Shaw, Sidney Webb, and Beatrice Webb.
Main Ideas
- Believed in gradual and peaceful change rather than revolution.
- Supported democratic socialism, where government controls industries for public benefit.
- Wanted reforms in education, health, workers’ rights, and social justice.
- Believed in using intellectual debates, education, and politics to bring change.
Impact
- Inspired the formation of the Labour Party (1900) in Britain.
- Influenced modern welfare state ideas like NHS and free education.
- Promoted idea that state should reduce poverty and inequality.
Conclusion
Fabianism helped shape British socialism by focusing on slow and steady change through law, not violence. It gave a peaceful way to bring fairness in society.
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