CSS Past Paper 2019 British History Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Group 4 | 2019 | Part 2 | Descriptive
Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2019 British History Descriptive (Part 2).
Question 2
What was so glorious about the Glorious Revolution? Discuss its significance in the British History.
Introduction
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was one of the most important turning points in British history. It was called “Glorious” because it happened with almost no bloodshed and changed the whole political setup of England. It ended the absolute rule of monarchy and brought in a constitutional monarchy, which gave more power to Parliament.
Background of the Revolution
Before 1688, King James II was ruling England. He was a Catholic, and that worried the mostly Protestant population. People were scared he would bring back Catholic rule and remove Protestant rights. When he had a son, fears grew that a Catholic dynasty would start. So, some Parliament members invited William of Orange (James’s Protestant son-in-law) to take the throne.
Why it was “Glorious”?
- The Revolution was almost bloodless.
- It removed a king without a long civil war.
- It protected Protestantism in England.
- It stopped the idea of “Divine Right of Kings”.
- It brought a peaceful change through Parliament, not violence.
Key Events
- In November 1688, William landed in England with an army.
- James II’s army didn’t support him fully, and many leaders went to William’s side.
- James fled to France, and William and Mary became joint monarchs.
- Parliament passed the Bill of Rights (1689) which limited royal power and gave more rights to Parliament.
Significance in British History
- Rise of Parliamentary Power:
The Revolution showed that Parliament had more power than the king. The monarch could no longer rule without Parliament’s approval. - End of Divine Right:
The belief that kings were chosen by God was rejected. Now, rulers were answerable to laws and Parliament. - Religious Impact:
It confirmed England as a Protestant country. Catholics were barred from the throne, and Protestant succession became a law. - Bill of Rights 1689:
This document became a foundation of British democracy. It set rules for elections, freedom of speech in Parliament, and protection from cruel punishments. - Inspiration to Others:
The Glorious Revolution inspired other countries like the USA and France to fight for their rights and limit kings’ powers.
Conclusion
The Glorious Revolution was “glorious” not just because it was peaceful, but because it laid the foundation of a new political system in Britain. It ended the danger of absolute monarchy and brought a balance between the monarchy and Parliament. Its effects are still seen today in the British political system.
Question 3
What was the political and constitutional significance of the Hanorerian succession in England?
Introduction
The Hanoverian succession was a big political change in British history. After Queen Anne died in 1714 without any children, the throne passed to George I from the German House of Hanover. This was done to keep a Protestant ruler on the throne as decided in the Act of Settlement 1701. The Hanoverian succession changed British politics and helped develop the modern constitutional monarchy.
Background
- Queen Anne was the last monarch from the Stuart family.
- The Act of Settlement (1701) said only Protestants could be king or queen.
- Even though there were over 50 closer relatives to Anne, Parliament chose George I because he was Protestant.
- George I was from Hanover in Germany and became king in 1714.
Political Significance
- Power Shift to Parliament:
George I didn’t speak English well and didn’t understand English politics, so he didn’t take part in government much. This gave more power to ministers and Parliament. - Weakening of the Monarchy:
Monarchs became less involved in day-to-day politics. The king was now more like a figurehead, while real power shifted to elected officials. - Rise of the Prime Minister:
Since George I was not active in running the country, someone had to lead in his place. This gave rise to the position of Prime Minister. Robert Walpole became the first de facto Prime Minister. - End of Absolute Rule:
The Hanoverians didn’t try to rule as absolute monarchs like the Stuarts. They accepted the power of Parliament, which was a big change in British politics. - Party Politics:
Political parties like the Whigs and Tories became more organized. The Whigs supported the Hanoverians and were in power for many years.
Constitutional Significance
- Growth of Constitutional Monarchy:
The king was now ruling under a constitution where Parliament had more control. The monarchy became more symbolic over time. - Strengthening of Laws and Parliament’s Role:
Parliament now had the final say in major matters. The idea of “king-in-Parliament” became stronger, where laws were made by the king only with Parliament. - Stable Protestant Rule:
The succession made sure that England stayed a Protestant nation. Catholic rulers were permanently excluded from the throne. - Cabinet System Development:
The Cabinet became more important during the Hanoverian rule. Ministers were now chosen from Parliament and were responsible to it.
Conclusion
The Hanoverian succession had a huge impact on British politics and constitution. It marked the real beginning of constitutional monarchy in Britain. Power moved from the king to the Parliament, and democratic institutions started growing stronger. Without this succession, the British political system may have looked very different today.
Question 4
Explain the factors that led to the Industrial Revolution and discuss how did it affect the social, political, economic and cultural life of the English people?
Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was a big turning point in British history. It started around 1760 and continued till the mid-19th century. It changed the way people lived, worked, and earned. Instead of hand tools and manual labour, machines and factories became the new way of production. This revolution first began in Britain and then spread to the rest of the world.
Factors that led to the Industrial Revolution
- Agricultural Revolution:
Before industries, there was a farming revolution. New farming tools, crop rotation, and better animal breeding increased food production. This gave extra workers for factories and more food for growing cities. - Availability of Capital:
Britain had rich businessmen who could invest money in machines, factories, and new inventions. - Natural Resources:
Britain had lots of coal and iron, which were needed for machines, steam engines, and buildings. - Colonial Empire and Trade:
Britain had many colonies which gave raw materials (like cotton) and also became markets for finished goods. This helped industries grow fast. - Inventions and Technology:
Many inventions like the Spinning Jenny, Steam Engine, and Power Loom made production faster and cheaper. - Transport System:
Better roads, canals, and later railways made it easier to move raw materials and finished goods across the country. - Political Stability and Legal System:
Unlike other European countries, Britain was politically stable. Its laws protected property and encouraged business. This helped industrialists feel secure.
Effects on British Life
1. Social Effects
- Urbanization:
People moved from villages to cities for factory jobs. Cities like Manchester and Birmingham grew very fast. - New Working Class:
A large working class was formed who worked in factories under tough conditions. - Poor Living Conditions:
Workers lived in small, dirty houses near factories. Diseases like cholera were common. - Change in Family Life:
Women and children also worked in factories. Family life suffered due to long working hours.
2. Political Effects
- Rise of New Classes:
The middle class of factory owners and businessmen became powerful and started demanding more political rights. - Reform Movements:
The poor working conditions led to labour movements and demands for voting rights and laws to protect workers. - Reform Acts:
Later, Parliament passed several Reform Acts to give more people the right to vote and improve working conditions.
3. Economic Effects
- Growth of Industries:
Britain became the “Workshop of the World” with fast-growing industries in cotton, iron, coal, etc. - Increase in Exports:
British goods were sold all over the world, increasing national wealth. - Banking and Finance:
Banks and stock markets grew as businessmen needed loans and investments.
4. Cultural Effects
- Change in Values:
Hard work, discipline, and saving money became important values. - Education and Literacy:
As machines needed trained workers, more schools were opened. Literacy rates improved over time. - New Social Thinking:
Writers and thinkers started talking about workers’ rights, poverty, and equality. This led to socialist ideas.
Conclusion
The Industrial Revolution changed Britain forever. It turned a farming country into an industrial one. Though it brought wealth and progress, it also caused social problems like poverty, child labour, and pollution. But in the long term, it laid the foundation of modern Britain with better technology, democracy, and economic growth.
Question 5
The Reform Act of 1832 made possible the series of political and administrative reforms that laid the foundation of modern Britain. Discuss.
Introduction
The Reform Act of 1832, also known as the Great Reform Act, was a major step in British political history. Before this Act, the British electoral system was unfair. Only a small group of rich people had the right to vote, and many towns didn’t even have representation in Parliament. The Act of 1832 made the system fairer and more democratic. It became the first in a line of reforms that helped shape modern Britain.
Background of the Reform Act
- Before 1832, many “rotten boroughs” (places with very few people) still sent MPs to Parliament, while big industrial cities like Manchester had no representation.
- The voting system was based on old rules from centuries ago, which didn’t match the population anymore.
- Only rich landowners could vote—just around 5% of the population.
- Growing pressure from the middle class, working class, and reformers forced Parliament to act.
Main Features of the Reform Act 1832
- Abolished Rotten Boroughs:
56 small boroughs were removed from Parliament, and 42 new seats were given to big towns and cities. - Extended the Right to Vote:
Now, middle-class men who owned or rented property could vote. The number of voters increased from about 500,000 to 800,000. - More Equal Representation:
Parliamentary seats were now better matched with population. Industrial towns finally got their fair share. - Encouraged Future Reforms:
Though it didn’t give voting rights to workers or women, it opened the door for more changes in the future.
Political Significance
- Birth of Modern Democracy:
It marked the beginning of a more democratic Britain. Even though it was limited, it showed that Parliament was ready to listen to the people. - Weakened Aristocratic Power:
The landed aristocracy lost some control. The middle class became more powerful in politics. - Growth of Political Parties:
The Whigs and Tories had to become more organized to win votes. This led to modern party politics. - Rise of Public Opinion:
Newspapers, meetings, and political campaigns became important tools to influence voters.
Administrative Significance
- Need for Clean Governance:
As more people entered politics, there was pressure to make the system more honest and efficient. - Later Reforms Followed:
- Municipal Corporations Act (1835) cleaned up local governments.
- Reform Acts of 1867 and 1884 gave voting rights to working-class men.
- Ballot Act 1872 introduced secret voting.
- Redistribution Act 1885 made seats more equal based on population.
Foundation of Modern Britain
- The 1832 Act didn’t solve all problems, but it started a journey toward equal rights and representation.
- It helped turn Britain from an oligarchy (rule of the few) into a parliamentary democracy.
- Over time, it led to universal suffrage, modern election laws, and responsible government.
Conclusion
The Reform Act of 1832 was a turning point in British history. It broke the old unfair system and introduced the idea that political power should reflect the people. Though limited in its time, it became the base for later reforms that built modern Britain. Without this Act, the British democratic system would have taken much longer to grow.
Question 6
How successfully did the Labour government of 1945-51 tackle the economic and social problems of Post-World War II in Britain?
Introduction
After World War II ended in 1945, Britain was badly damaged. The country faced serious economic problems, like debt, destruction of infrastructure, shortage of food, and low industrial output. Socially, there were housing shortages, poor health care, and poverty. In the 1945 elections, the Labour Party won a huge victory under Clement Attlee, promising to rebuild the country and improve people’s lives. Between 1945–51, Labour introduced major reforms. Some were very successful, while others faced difficulties.
Economic Problems and Labour’s Response
- War Debt and Financial Crisis:
- Britain owed over £4 billion after the war.
- Labour got a loan from the USA and Canada to help the economy.
- The pound was devalued in 1949 to support exports.
- Nationalisation of Industries:
- Labour nationalised coal, steel, railways, electricity, gas, and the Bank of England.
- The goal was to control key industries, improve working conditions, and invest in them.
- However, nationalisation didn’t always improve efficiency and was costly.
- Industrial Recovery:
- Labour focused on rebuilding industries and increasing production.
- By 1950, industrial production had improved, but rationing still continued.
- There were shortages of goods, and living standards remained low in the early years.
- Employment and Welfare:
- Unemployment stayed low due to government control and investment.
- Labour created a mixed economy with both public and private sectors.
Social Reforms and Achievements
- NHS (National Health Service):
- Started in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, the NHS gave free health care to all citizens.
- It was one of Labour’s greatest achievements and still exists today.
- Many doctors opposed it at first, but it became very popular.
- Welfare State:
- Inspired by the Beveridge Report, Labour introduced social security reforms.
- Provided unemployment benefits, pensions, family allowances, and sickness benefits.
- These policies aimed to protect people “from cradle to grave”.
- Housing and Education:
- Labour built over 1 million new homes to replace bombed ones.
- Prefabricated houses were used to meet the demand quickly.
- The Education Act 1944 (introduced by the previous government but continued by Labour) improved access to secondary education.
Challenges and Limitations
- Austerity:
People still faced rationing, high taxes, and limited consumer goods. - Economic Weakness:
Britain’s economy recovered slowly. Some industries remained unproductive. - Cold War and Defence Spending:
Money was diverted to military due to the start of the Cold War and Korean War in 1950. - Internal Divisions:
Labour leaders disagreed on spending priorities, especially on NHS costs.
Conclusion
The Labour government of 1945–51 achieved huge success in building the foundations of the modern welfare state. Its economic policies had mixed results—recovery was slow, but nationalisation and job creation helped stability. Socially, the creation of the NHS and expansion of welfare and housing were historic steps forward. Even though there were economic difficulties and continued austerity, Labour made real progress in improving the lives of ordinary people and shaping post-war Britain.
Question 7
What were the motives behind the Britain’s move to decolonisation after 1945? Also explain why and how did the British leave India in 1947?
Introduction
After World War II, Britain was no longer the strong empire it used to be. The war had weakened its economy and global power. At the same time, many colonies were rising up and demanding independence. This led Britain to start a process of decolonisation, which means giving freedom to its colonies. The Indian independence in 1947 was one of the first and most important examples.
Motives Behind Britain’s Move to Decolonisation (After 1945)
- Economic Weakness:
- Britain was deep in debt after WWII.
- It could no longer afford to maintain a big empire and military overseas.
- Managing colonies became too expensive.
- Rise of Nationalist Movements:
- People in colonies like India, Kenya, and Malaya were demanding freedom.
- Political parties and leaders (like Indian National Congress) became stronger.
- British rule was facing constant resistance.
- Loss of Global Power:
- The USA and USSR became the new superpowers after the war.
- Britain was now a secondary power, under pressure to end colonialism.
- The USA supported self-determination and was against colonial rule.
- Moral Pressure and Ideology:
- After fighting against Nazi dictatorship, it was hypocritical for Britain to deny freedom to others.
- Public opinion in Britain was also shifting towards justice and freedom for colonies.
- United Nations Support:
- The UN Charter supported independence for colonised nations.
- Many new countries raised their voice in the UN for decolonisation.
- Labour Government Policy:
- The Labour Party, which came to power in 1945, supported decolonisation.
- Leaders like Clement Attlee were more ready to grant freedom than earlier governments.
Why Britain Leave India in 1947?
- Indian National Movement:
- Long struggle by the Indian National Congress, Muslim League, and other groups.
- Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah pushed for full independence.
- Quit India Movement (1942):
- This mass protest showed that British control was getting weak.
- British responded with arrests, but the pressure kept growing.
- World War II Impact:
- Britain used Indian resources in the war without Indian approval.
- After the war, the British army was tired and not strong enough to control India.
- Naval Mutiny and Unrest:
- In 1946, Indian navy soldiers rebelled.
- This shocked the British, showing even the armed forces were turning against them.
- Communal Tensions and Partition Demand:
- Tensions between Hindus and Muslims were rising.
- The Muslim League, led by Jinnah, demanded a separate country (Pakistan).
- Violence was increasing, and Britain could not control the situation.
How Britain Left India in 1947?
- In February 1947, Prime Minister Attlee announced that Britain would leave India by June 1948.
- Lord Mountbatten was sent as the last Viceroy to handle the transfer of power.
- Due to rising violence, Mountbatten decided to advance the date to 15th August 1947.
- India was divided into two countries: India and Pakistan.
- British laws were ended, and power was given to Indian leaders.
- Millions of people were displaced in the Partition, and thousands were killed in communal riots.
Conclusion
Britain’s decision to decolonise after 1945 was due to many reasons—economic problems, strong nationalist movements, and global pressure. India was the first major colony to gain freedom. The way Britain left India in 1947 was fast and not fully planned, which caused partition and massive human suffering. Still, it marked the beginning of the end of the British Empire, as many other colonies followed the same path in later years.
Question 8
Explain why John Major and the Conservatives won the general election of 1992 but lost the election of 1997?
Introduction
The Conservative Party, under John Major, surprisingly won the 1992 general election, even though many thought they would lose. But just five years later, in the 1997 election, they were badly defeated by the Labour Party led by Tony Blair. This rise and fall of the Conservatives between 1992 and 1997 was caused by many political, economic, and public opinion factors.
Why the Conservatives Won the 1992 Election?
- Fear of Labour Policies:
- Many voters didn’t trust the Labour Party’s economic policies.
- Labour was still seen as too left-wing and not business-friendly.
- People feared high taxes and too much government control.
- John Major’s Image:
- Major had replaced Margaret Thatcher in 1990 and brought a more down-to-earth, calm image.
- He connected well with ordinary people and promised stability.
- Successful Campaign:
- The Conservatives ran a strong campaign with slogans like “Labour’s Tax Bombshell”.
- They created fear about Labour increasing taxes, which worked on middle-class voters.
- Media Support:
- Most big newspapers like The Sun and Daily Mail supported the Conservatives.
- The media helped shape public opinion against Labour.
- Poll Errors:
- Polls predicted a close race or even a Labour win, which made Conservative voters turn out more strongly.
- Voter turnout was high, and the Conservatives got over 14 million votes—a record at the time.
Why the Conservatives Lost the 1997 Election?
- Economic Failure – Black Wednesday (1992):
- Just months after winning, the pound collapsed on Black Wednesday.
- Britain had to exit the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), and the economy suffered.
- The public lost trust in the Conservative’s handling of the economy.
- Internal Party Divisions:
- The Conservative Party was split over Europe, especially about joining the European Union.
- These divisions made the government look weak and confused.
- Sleaze and Scandals:
- Many Conservative MPs were involved in corruption, affairs, and scandals.
- The media called it a time of “Tory sleaze”, and the public was angry at the dishonesty.
- Long Time in Power:
- By 1997, the Conservatives had been in power for 18 years.
- People wanted change and new leadership.
- Rise of New Labour:
- Tony Blair modernised the Labour Party and moved it to the centre.
- He dropped old socialist policies and promised economic responsibility.
- Blair became very popular, especially with young and middle-class voters.
- Effective Labour Campaign:
- Labour ran a strong media campaign, using professional advertising and clear messages.
- Their slogan “Things Can Only Get Better” gave hope to people.
- Public Mood for Change:
- The public was tired of Conservative rule, scandals, and economic problems.
- There was a strong anti-Tory feeling in the country.
Conclusion
John Major and the Conservatives won in 1992 because of fear of Labour, strong campaigning, and Major’s image. But after that, they faced economic disaster, scandals, and looked divided and out of touch. In 1997, the Labour Party offered fresh leadership and new ideas under Tony Blair. The people wanted change, and that’s why the Conservatives lost so badly. It was one of the biggest political shifts in modern British history.
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