CSS Past Paper 2018 British History Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Group 4 | 2018 | Part 2 | Descriptive
Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2018 British History Descriptive (Part 2).
Question 2
What did lead to the occurrence of Ultra-degree of mega development towards the close of 17th century A.D. in Britain known as “Glorious Revolution”?
Introduction
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was one of the most important events in British history. It brought huge political, social, and economic changes. It ended the absolute power of the monarchy and strengthened the Parliament. This revolution is called “glorious” because it happened without a full-scale war or bloodshed.
Main Causes of the Glorious Revolution
- Religious Conflict:
One of the biggest causes was religion. King James II was openly Catholic in a mostly Protestant country. He gave special rights to Catholics and ignored the laws that protected Protestants. This made people angry and afraid that Catholicism would take over again. - Fear of Catholic Dynasty:
James II had two Protestant daughters, Mary and Anne. But in 1688, he had a son who would be raised Catholic. People feared that there would now be a long line of Catholic kings. This scared the Parliament and the people, so they started looking for a solution. - James II’s Autocratic Rule:
James tried to rule like an absolute monarch. He suspended laws passed by Parliament and removed judges who didn’t follow his orders. He ignored the traditional rights of Parliament, which upset both the nobles and the common people. - Role of Parliament:
Parliament was gaining power and didn’t want to be controlled by a king again. They were ready to take action to save their authority. Parliament wanted a balance of power where they could make decisions, not just the king. - Invitation to William of Orange:
Seven important English nobles secretly invited William of Orange, who was married to James’ Protestant daughter Mary, to come to England with an army. William accepted and landed in England in November 1688. Many of James’ soldiers and supporters joined William, so James fled to France.
Major Developments After the Glorious Revolution
- Constitutional Monarchy Established:
The power of the king was reduced, and the authority of Parliament increased. This was a big step toward democracy. - Bill of Rights 1689:
Parliament passed the Bill of Rights which limited the powers of the monarch and protected the rights of the people. It said that only Parliament could make or remove laws, and it banned Catholic kings from ruling England again. - Religious Toleration (to some extent):
Though Catholics still faced restrictions, the Toleration Act of 1689 gave some religious freedom to Protestant Dissenters (like Baptists and Quakers). - Rise of Political Parties:
Two major political groups — the Whigs and the Tories — became more active. These parties debated laws and shaped modern British politics. - Economic and Scientific Growth:
After the revolution, England became more stable. This helped in growing trade, colonization, and the scientific revolution. New ideas about economy and government came forward.
Conclusion
The Glorious Revolution was not just about changing a king. It was about changing the whole system of government in Britain. It protected the rights of the people and made sure no king could rule without the consent of Parliament. This led to a more balanced, modern, and developed British state by the end of the 17th century.
Question 3
“The 18th century A.D. witnessed the Emergence, Rise and Growth of the two Movements (Agrarian and Industrial) which revolutionised the lives of the English people in particular and later on, of the world in general.” Comment on the statement.
Introduction
The 18th century in Britain was a time of great change. Two major revolutions happened — the Agrarian Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. These movements started in Britain and later changed the whole world. Life in Britain shifted from farms to factories, and from villages to cities. These revolutions totally changed the way people lived, worked, and thought.
Agrarian Revolution (Agricultural Revolution)
- Enclosure Movement:
Open lands were closed off into private farms. Rich landowners took over common lands. This helped improve farming methods, but many small farmers lost their lands and moved to cities. - New Tools and Techniques:
Farmers started using machines like the seed drill (by Jethro Tull), better ploughs, and crop rotation systems. These changes increased food production and reduced the need for labor in farming. - Selective Breeding:
Farmers started breeding animals for better meat, milk, and wool. This improved the quality of livestock. - Impact of Agrarian Revolution:
- More food meant the population grew.
- Many poor people moved to cities, where they later worked in factories.
- It created a surplus in agriculture that supported the coming Industrial Revolution.
Industrial Revolution
- Rise of Machines and Factories:
Before this, people worked with hands or small tools. Now, machines replaced human labor. Textiles were the first industry to use machines like the spinning jenny and power loom. - Steam Power and Coal:
The invention of the steam engine by James Watt changed everything. Factories, trains, and ships could now run faster and longer. - Urbanization:
People moved to cities for factory jobs. Cities like Manchester and Birmingham grew very fast but also became overcrowded and dirty. - Transport Revolution:
Better roads, canals, and especially railways connected different parts of Britain. It became easier to transport goods and people. - Communication and Banking:
The development of banks and insurance companies helped in growing businesses. The telegraph and postal systems made communication faster.
Impact on English People and the World
- Social Change:
There was a new class structure. Rich industrialists became powerful. The working class grew and faced hard conditions, but they also fought for their rights later. - Economic Growth:
Britain became the world’s richest country. It exported goods worldwide. Other countries followed its model of industry. - Political Awareness:
Working people started demanding political rights and better laws. This led to reforms later in the 19th century. - Global Spread:
The model of industrial and agricultural development spread to Europe, America, and later Asia. It was the beginning of the modern capitalist world.
Conclusion
The 18th century was a turning point in human history. The Agrarian and Industrial Revolutions changed everything — from how people lived to how they worked. It started in Britain but affected the whole world. These two movements helped shape the modern society we live in today.
Question 4
Shed ample light on the Interior as well as Exterior policy of Sir Robert Peel as British Premier with particular emphasis on Irish issue.
Introduction
Sir Robert Peel was a famous British Prime Minister in the 19th century. He served two times — first in 1834–1835 and then in 1841–1846. He was a member of the Conservative Party and is remembered for his modern thinking and reforms. Peel worked on both internal (interior) and foreign (exterior) policies. He also played an important role in dealing with the Irish issue, which was a big problem at that time.
Interior Policy of Sir Robert Peel
- Economic Reforms:
Peel believed in free trade. He reduced taxes and removed many import duties (called tariffs) on raw materials. His most famous act was the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, which lowered the price of bread but made rich landowners angry. - Financial Policy:
He introduced the Income Tax in 1842 to raise government money. This was a smart move to reduce budget deficit. It mostly affected rich people and helped balance the budget. - Police Reforms:
Peel is also called the father of the modern police system. In 1829, he formed the Metropolitan Police in London. The police were called “Bobbies” after him. This improved law and order in cities. - Social Reforms:
Peel supported the Factory Act, which improved working conditions in factories. He tried to reduce child labor and protect women workers. He also focused on improving prisons and education. - Banking Reform:
The Bank Charter Act 1844 was introduced to control the issue of paper money and make banking more secure. This act increased public trust in the British economy.
Exterior Policy of Sir Robert Peel
- Peaceful Foreign Policy:
Peel wanted to avoid wars and maintain peace. He believed that war was bad for the economy. His foreign policy was careful and focused on diplomacy. - Relations with France:
He improved relations with France, which was important because Britain and France were old rivals. Peel wanted cooperation, not conflict. - Non-Intervention Policy:
Peel avoided getting involved in the internal problems of European countries. He didn’t support revolutions or uprisings in other nations. - Trade Agreements:
He worked to sign trade deals with other countries. Peel wanted to increase British exports and make the country richer through global trade.
The Irish Issue
- Tensions with Catholics:
Ireland was mostly Catholic, but British laws favored Protestants. Peel tried to reduce the anger by supporting the Catholic Emancipation Act, though he had earlier opposed it. This act allowed Catholics to sit in Parliament. - Irish Famine (1845–1849):
During Peel’s time, the Potato Famine started in Ireland. The poor Irish heavily depended on potatoes, and when the crops failed, millions faced hunger. Peel took some action like importing cheap American corn (maize) to lower food prices. But many say his actions were too late and not enough. - Repeal of Corn Laws and Ireland:
One reason Peel repealed the Corn Laws was to help Ireland by making food cheaper. However, this decision made many people in his own party (Tories) turn against him, and he lost political support.
Conclusion
Sir Robert Peel was a great reformer who tried to modernize Britain. His interior policies improved the economy, police system, and factories. In foreign affairs, he followed a peaceful and smart strategy. He tried to help Ireland during the famine and removed the Corn Laws for their benefit. Even though he lost power because of this, his legacy lives on as a leader who worked for the good of all people, not just the rich.
Question 5
What measures were taken for the Democratisation of British Parliament round the decades?
Introduction
The British Parliament was not always democratic. In the early 19th century, most people couldn’t vote. Only rich landowners had power. But over the decades, many reforms were made to make Parliament more democratic. These changes gave more people the right to vote and made the system fairer and more modern.
Reform Act of 1832 (First Reform Act)
- This was the first major step.
- It ended the system of “rotten boroughs” (places with very few voters but still had MPs).
- Gave the vote to middle-class men who owned property.
- Increased the number of voters but still not for the working class.
Reform Act of 1867 (Second Reform Act)
- Brought by the Conservative government under Disraeli.
- Gave the vote to urban working-class men in towns and cities.
- Doubled the number of voters.
- A big step toward including common people in politics.
Reform Act of 1884 (Third Reform Act)
- Gave the vote to rural working-class men, just like urban workers.
- Now, almost all adult men (not women) who paid rent or taxes could vote.
- It made the voting system more equal in towns and villages.
Redistribution Act 1885
- Changed the way Parliamentary seats were distributed.
- Gave fairer representation to industrial towns and cities.
- Ended the over-representation of small towns with few people.
Parliament Act 1911
- Reduced the power of the House of Lords.
- Lords could no longer block money bills.
- Gave more power to the elected House of Commons.
- Also fixed MP salaries, so even poor people could become MPs.
Representation of the People Act 1918
- Gave the vote to all men over 21 and women over 30 (who met property conditions).
- This was after World War I when women had worked hard for the country.
Representation of the People Act 1928
- Gave equal voting rights to women and men (both over 21).
- This made Britain a true democracy for adults.
Representation of the People Act 1948
- Ended university votes and multiple votes by rich people.
- Everyone had one vote, making the system fairer.
Voting Age Lowered (1969)
- The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years.
- More young people got involved in politics.
Other Modern Reforms
- Secret ballot introduced in 1872 to stop vote-buying and pressure.
- Electoral Commission made to monitor fair elections.
- House of Lords reforms in 1999 reduced hereditary peers.
Conclusion
Democratisation of the British Parliament didn’t happen overnight. It took many years and laws to make it fair and open to all. Each reform brought more people into the system and reduced the control of the rich and powerful. Today, the UK Parliament is one of the most democratic systems in the world — but it took a long journey to reach here.
Question 6
How Britain put a halt to “The policy of Splendid Isolation”? What were its positive and negative aspects?
Introduction
“Splendid Isolation” was a foreign policy followed by Britain in the 19th century, especially after the Congress of Vienna (1815) until the late 1890s. During this time, Britain avoided forming permanent alliances with European powers. Britain focused on protecting its empire and trade interests without getting involved in European conflicts. But in the early 20th century, Britain ended this policy and started making alliances. This shift changed its role in world politics.
Why Britain Followed Splendid Isolation? (Before Ending It)
- Britain had a strong navy and a vast empire, so it didn’t need help from others.
- European alliances were unstable and risky.
- Britain’s main interest was to protect its colonies, not get involved in European wars.
- It trusted in balance of power — no single country should become too strong.
How Britain Put a Halt to Splendid Isolation?
1. Rise of Germany
- Germany became a strong industrial and military power after 1871.
- Its naval buildup under Kaiser Wilhelm II was seen as a threat to Britain’s naval supremacy.
- Germany’s growing power forced Britain to rethink its isolation.
2. Boer War (1899–1902)
- Britain faced international criticism and isolation during the Boer War in South Africa.
- No major country supported Britain.
- This showed the weakness of standing alone.
3. Entente Cordiale with France (1904)
- Britain signed a friendly agreement (not a formal alliance) with France.
- It settled colonial disputes (especially in Africa).
- This ended centuries of rivalry and was a big break from isolation.
4. Anglo-Russian Agreement (1907)
- Britain also made peace with Russia by solving conflicts in Central Asia and Persia.
- This formed the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) against the growing power of the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).
5. Naval Race and German Threat
- The German navy challenged British naval power.
- Britain needed allies to maintain balance and security.
Positive Aspects of Ending Splendid Isolation
1. Stronger Security
- Alliances with France and Russia gave Britain protection against German aggression.
2. Balance of Power Maintained
- Helped Britain keep the balance of power in Europe, especially before World War I.
3. Settled Colonial Disputes
- Agreements with France and Russia reduced chances of colonial wars.
4. Gained International Support
- Britain was no longer diplomatically alone and had powerful friends.
Negative Aspects of Ending Splendid Isolation
1. Involvement in World War I
- Because of alliances, Britain had to join WWI in 1914 when Germany invaded Belgium.
- This brought massive loss of life and resources.
2. Loss of Flexibility
- Britain could no longer stay neutral in European matters.
- Alliances forced it to take sides.
3. Political Tensions Increased
- Alliance system divided Europe into rival camps, which increased tensions and led to war.
Conclusion
Britain ended the policy of Splendid Isolation because of changing global conditions, especially the rise of Germany and colonial tensions. Joining alliances gave Britain security and stronger global influence but also pulled it into European conflicts like World War I. The shift from isolation to alliances was a major turning point in British foreign policy.
Question 7
Why it is believed by certain circles that after Decolonisation, Britain has been subservient to US-Line of Action during Cold War and thereafter down to 9/11 and subsequent years? Do you agree or not? Argue.
Introduction
After World War II, Britain lost most of its colonies and global power. The USA and USSR became the new superpowers. Many people believe that after decolonisation, Britain started following the foreign policies of the USA, especially during the Cold War, and even after 9/11. This question asks whether Britain was really subservient to the US or not.
Arguments That Britain Was Subservient to the US
1. Suez Crisis (1956)
- Britain, France, and Israel attacked Egypt without US approval.
- The USA forced Britain to withdraw by putting economic pressure.
- This showed that Britain could no longer act independently.
2. NATO Membership
- Britain joined NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949.
- It became part of the US-led military alliance to contain the USSR.
- Britain mostly followed American strategies during the Cold War.
3. Nuclear Cooperation
- Britain developed its nuclear weapons but later became dependent on US technology.
- Trident missile system is American-made, showing military dependence.
4. Iraq War (2003)
- After 9/11, the USA invaded Iraq claiming weapons of mass destruction.
- Britain supported this move without clear evidence, under PM Tony Blair.
- Many called Blair “Bush’s poodle” because he followed US policy without question.
5. Global War on Terror
- Britain followed the US in Afghanistan, Iraq, and later in anti-terror policies.
- British intelligence and military supported US-led operations worldwide.
Arguments That Britain Was Not Fully Subservient
1. Independent Nuclear Power
- Even though Britain relies on US tech, it still maintains its own control over nuclear weapons.
2. Differences on Vietnam War
- Britain did not join the US in the Vietnam War (1955–1975).
- This shows Britain still made its own decisions.
3. Strong Diplomatic Role
- Britain remained active in European politics, Commonwealth, and the United Nations.
- It didn’t always follow US policy, especially in matters related to the EU.
4. Public and Parliament Pressure
- British leaders often faced pressure from public and Parliament, which limited blind support to the US.
- Example: In 2013, Parliament rejected military action in Syria.
My Opinion (Do I Agree?)
Yes, to some extent, I agree that Britain became closely aligned with the US after decolonisation.
But I don’t think it was fully subservient. It was more of a strategic partnership, where both countries benefited.
- Britain lost empire and global influence, so it leaned on the US for defense and economy.
- But it also kept some independence in foreign policy decisions.
Conclusion
After decolonisation, Britain’s power declined, and it became more dependent on the US. In many global issues, especially during the Cold War and post-9/11 period, Britain followed the American line. But calling it fully “subservient” is too extreme. It was more of a “special relationship” where Britain sometimes agreed with the US and sometimes didn’t. Britain tried to balance its role between being a loyal ally and an independent nation.
Question 8
Write short Notes on any TWO of the following:
a. Sir Winston Churchil
b. Britain’s role in EU
c. Lady Diana
a. Sir Winston Churchil
Sir Winston Churchill was one of the most famous leaders in British history. He served as Prime Minister during World War II (1940–1945) and again from 1951–1955. He is remembered for his powerful speeches, strong leadership, and never-give-up attitude during Britain’s darkest times.
He led Britain when it was fighting alone against Nazi Germany after France fell. His speeches like “We shall fight on the beaches” gave hope to the British people. Churchill worked closely with US President Roosevelt and Soviet leader Stalin, forming the Allied Powers. They planned how to defeat Hitler and later rebuild Europe.
Before becoming PM, Churchill held many positions like Home Secretary, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He warned about the danger of Hitler even before World War II started. After the war, although he lost the 1945 election, he remained a strong voice in politics and helped shape NATO and post-war Europe.
Churchill also won the Nobel Prize in Literature (1953) for his writings. He died in 1965 and was given a state funeral, showing his importance in British history.
b. Britain’s Role in EU
Britain’s relationship with the European Union (EU) was always complex. It joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 during Edward Heath’s government. This group later became the EU.
At first, Britain hoped to gain trade and economic benefits. But over time, there were problems. Britain wanted to keep its own currency (Pound Sterling) and refused to join the Eurozone. It also did not fully support political unity in Europe. Many people in the UK felt that the EU had too much control over British laws and immigration.
British leaders like Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron had mixed views on the EU. Thatcher supported trade but opposed too much political integration. In 2016, a referendum was held and the British people voted to leave the EU (Brexit).
Finally, Britain officially left the EU in January 2020. This ended almost 47 years of membership. Brexit had big effects on trade, economy, and UK’s global role. Some say it gave back independence, while others believe it created new problems.
c. Lady Diana
Lady Diana, also known as Princess Diana, was the first wife of Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne. She became a world icon because of her beauty, kindness, and charity work. She married Charles in 1981, and the wedding was watched by millions around the world.
Diana was known as the “People’s Princess” because she was close to ordinary people and helped many social causes. She worked with charities for AIDS patients, landmine victims, and children’s hospitals. She broke royal traditions by openly talking about her struggles and showing emotion in public.
However, her life was also full of problems. Her marriage with Prince Charles had many issues and ended in divorce in 1996. The media followed her every move, which added to her stress.
She died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, which shocked the whole world. Her death raised questions about media pressure and the Royal Family’s role. Even after her death, she remains one of the most loved figures in modern history. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, continue her charity work today.
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