CSS Past Paper 2020 British History Descriptive

CSS | Past Paper | Group 4 | 2020 | Part 2 | Descriptive

Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2020 British History Descriptive (Part 2).

Question 2

What were merits and demerits of Whig oligarchy? Critically examine the causes of the downfall of Whig ascendancy.

Introduction

The Whig oligarchy ruled Britain for a long period, especially from the early 18th century till mid-19th century. It was a political system where power was mostly in the hands of rich aristocrats and nobles, especially the Whigs. Even though it had some good points, there were also many flaws. Their long rule finally ended due to several reasons.

Merits of Whig Oligarchy

Political Stability:
The Whigs brought peace and stability after the Glorious Revolution (1688). They supported constitutional monarchy and helped avoid civil wars.
Support for Parliament:
Whigs believed in supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy. This helped in growing democratic values slowly.
Economic Growth:
They supported trade, banking and the capitalist class. Under their rule, England grew economically.
Toleration Act 1689:
Whigs supported religious freedom to Protestants. This reduced religious violence.
No Absolute Monarchy:
They made sure the monarchy didn’t become too powerful again like the times of Charles I.

Demerits of Whig Oligarchy

Limited Democracy:
Even though they supported Parliament, they didn’t allow common people to vote. Only rich landowners had the right to vote.
Corruption and Nepotism:
The Whigs used bribery and personal connections to stay in power. They often gave jobs to friends and family.
Ignored Common People:
They didn’t care much about working class or poor people. Their policies mostly helped the rich.
Control by Aristocrats:
Power was limited to a small elite group. Ordinary people had no say in politics.

Causes of the Downfall of Whig Ascendancy

Rise of the Middle Class:
Industrial Revolution created a new middle class. They wanted more political rights and didn’t support the old Whig elite anymore.
Reform Movement:
There was pressure for parliamentary reforms. People wanted fair elections and equal representation. Whigs resisted these changes.
Emergence of New Parties:
The Conservative and Liberal parties started gaining support. The Whigs couldn’t keep up with new ideas.
Internal Conflicts:
There were divisions within the Whig party. Some wanted reforms while others resisted. This weakened their position.
Failures in Foreign Policy:
Their weak foreign policy during events like the Crimean War made people lose trust in them.
First Reform Act 1832:
Ironically, this act passed by the Whigs to give some voting rights ended up reducing their own control, because more people started demanding more reforms.

Conclusion

The Whig oligarchy played a big role in shaping modern Britain. It brought stability, supported Parliament, and encouraged economic growth. But its control by the elite class, ignorance of common people’s rights, and resistance to reforms became its downfall. As time passed, British society changed, and the Whigs failed to change with it. That’s why their power slowly faded, and new democratic forces took over.

Question 3

Estimate the influence of French Revolution on English Society and Political thought.

Introduction

The French Revolution (1789) had a deep impact on many countries, including England. Even though the revolution happened in France, its ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread across Europe. In England, it changed the way people thought about government, rights, and society. It caused debates, fear, reforms, and new political thinking.

Influence on English Society

Rise of Public Awareness:
After the revolution, common people in England started talking more about rights and justice. There was more interest in politics among middle and working classes.
Spread of Revolutionary Ideas:
French slogans like “liberty, equality, fraternity” inspired people. Some groups in England started demanding reforms in voting and social rights.
Growth of Radicalism:
Radical thinkers like Thomas Paine supported the revolution. His book “The Rights of Man” became very popular. He said people had the right to rebel against bad governments.
Fear Among the Elite:
The upper class and monarchy got scared. They thought revolution might come to England too. So, they started controlling press and speech strictly.
Class Tensions Grew:
The rich feared the poor might rise up like in France. The poor were angry because of poverty, and they started supporting reform movements.
Reform Movements Started:
Groups like the London Corresponding Society (1792) were made. They demanded universal male suffrage, equal rights, and free speech.

Influence on English Political Thought

Debate Between Conservatives and Radicals:
Thinkers like Edmund Burke were against the French Revolution. In his book “Reflections on the Revolution in France”, he said revolutions bring chaos. On the other hand, Paine said revolutions bring justice.
Beginning of Liberalism:
The revolution made people believe in individual freedom and democracy. This led to the liberal political thought in England, which grew stronger in the 19th century.
Effect on Reform Acts:
Although reforms were slow, the revolution pushed England toward Reform Acts like in 1832, 1867, and 1884, which gave more people the right to vote.
Influence on Socialism:
Some thinkers began to talk about socialism, like Robert Owen. They said the government should help the poor and workers.
Fear of Revolution Delayed Reforms:
While many wanted reforms, the British government delayed changes out of fear that too much freedom might lead to a revolution like France.

Criticism of French Revolution’s Impact

Some historians say the revolution caused more fear than progress in England.
The conservative government used the French example to stop radical reforms for many years.
Others say without the revolution, British democracy would have developed more slowly.

Conclusion

The French Revolution made a huge impact on English society and political thinking. It opened the minds of people and made them question authority. It caused debates between conservatives and liberals, and slowly helped bring democratic reforms. Even though the revolution didn’t happen in England, its fire of ideas definitely lit the path to change in British politics and society.

Question 4

Give a history of parliamentary Reforms between 1832. A.D to 1928 A.D. Also critically examine how England became a politically democratic country?

Introduction

From 1832 to 1928, England passed several parliamentary reform acts. These laws expanded the right to vote, made the political system fairer, and helped the country become more democratic. In the beginning, only rich landowners could vote. But by 1928, almost all adults had the right to vote.

Parliamentary Reforms (1832–1928)

1. The First Reform Act (1832)

Also called the Great Reform Act.
It removed “rotten boroughs” (places with very few voters but had MPs).
Gave the vote to middle-class men who owned property.
Increased voters from 435,000 to 652,000.
Working class was still left out.

2. The Second Reform Act (1867)

Passed by Disraeli (a Conservative).
Gave voting rights to working-class men in towns.
Voter number doubled to about 1.4 million.
It was a big step toward democracy.

3. The Ballot Act (1872)

Introduced secret voting (before that, voting was public).
Reduced bribery and pressure on voters.
Made elections fairer and more honest.

4. The Third Reform Act (1884)

Gave vote to rural workers (agricultural laborers).
Equalized voting rights between town and countryside.
By now, about 60% of adult men could vote.

5. The Redistribution Act (1885)

Redrew electoral map.
Created equal-sized constituencies (voting areas).
One MP for one seat – more fair representation.

6. The Parliament Act (1911)

Limited the power of House of Lords.
Lords could no longer stop laws made by House of Commons.
Made House of Commons supreme, which was elected by people.

7. The Representation of the People Act (1918)

Gave vote to all men over 21 and women over 30 (with property).
After World War I, soldiers and women demanded their rights.
Voter numbers increased to 21 million.

8. Equal Franchise Act (1928)

Gave vote to all women over 21, same as men.
Made voting rights completely equal for men and women.
Now UK was a full democracy.

How England Became a Political Democracy?

1. Gradual Reforms, Not Revolution

Unlike France, England didn’t have a big violent revolution. Change came slowly, step by step through laws.

2. Pressure from Middle and Working Class

As industrialization grew, middle and working-class people demanded more political power. The government had to listen.

3. Political Parties Helped

Parties like the Liberals and Labour Party supported reforms. Leaders like Gladstone, Disraeli, and Lloyd George helped pass important acts.

4. Role of War

After World War I, people who fought in the war demanded voting rights. The war changed attitudes about fairness and rights.

5. Women’s Movements

Groups like Suffragettes and Suffragists fought hard for women’s voting rights. Their pressure finally led to success in 1918 and 1928.

Critical View

Though reforms were successful, they were very slow.
Rich classes tried to keep power for as long as they could.
Some groups (like women and the poor) had to fight hard to get rights.
Still, by 1928, England became a true democracy where adults had equal voting rights.

Conclusion

Between 1832 and 1928, England transformed from an elite-controlled system to a full democracy. These reforms didn’t happen overnight but came with public pressure, political support, and social change. By giving equal political rights, England became one of the most democratic countries in the world.

Question 5

“Peel was the most liberal of conservatives and most conservative of liberals”. Examine the statement critically.

Introduction

Sir Robert Peel was a British politician who belonged to the Conservative Party, but many of his actions were more liberal than conservative. That’s why historians say he was “the most liberal of conservatives and most conservative of liberals.” His political career shows a mix of both ideologies. He believed in reforms, but he also wanted to maintain law, order, and tradition.

Early Life and Political Career

Peel was born in 1788.
He became Prime Minister twice (1834–35 and 1841–46).
He was a strong supporter of the Tory/Conservative Party, but over time, his ideas changed.
He introduced important reforms that went against the traditional conservative views.

Why Peel Was a Liberal Conservative?

1. Catholic Emancipation (1829)

Peel was against giving rights to Catholics at first.
But later, he supported the Catholic Emancipation Act, which allowed Catholics to sit in Parliament.
This decision was seen as liberal and upset many conservatives.

2. Reform of Criminal Laws

He reduced the number of crimes punishable by death.
This was a liberal move to make the law more humane.

3. Founding of Metropolitan Police (1829)

Peel created the modern police force in London.
This helped reduce crime and bring peace to society.
Though it was a conservative step for law and order, it was also modern and reformist.

4. Repeal of the Corn Laws (1846)

Corn Laws protected British farmers by putting tax on foreign grain.
Peel removed these laws to help the poor get cheap food.
It was a major liberal step but made him unpopular with landowners.
His own party split because of this decision.

5. Economic Policies

Peel reduced import duties and followed free trade ideas.
These were liberal economic policies that helped the middle and working classes.

Why Peel Was Also Conservative?

1. Belief in Order and Tradition

Peel believed in slow change.
He always wanted to protect the monarchy, Church, and Parliament.

2. Opposed 1832 Reform Act at First

He didn’t support expanding voting rights in the beginning.
He feared it would lead to too much democracy and instability.

3. Strict on Law and Discipline

Peel believed in strong discipline and didn’t tolerate disorder.
This showed his conservative side.

Critical Analysis

Peel was a realist. He believed reforms were needed, but only when necessary. He didn’t blindly follow ideology. He looked at what was best for the country at that time.

His actions made Conservatives angry because they thought he was betraying them.
Liberals liked his reforms but didn’t fully trust him.
He stood between both sides, trying to balance reform with tradition.

Conclusion

Peel was a unique leader who didn’t fit perfectly into one political category. He had the heart of a liberal and the mind of a conservative. He modernized Britain, reformed the law, helped the poor, and kept peace and order. That’s why the statement, “the most liberal of conservatives and the most conservative of liberals,” fits him very well.

Question 6

What do you know about the Middle East and Suez Canal crisis? Also explain why did England withdraw from Palestine and Suez Canal? Discuss.

Introduction

The Middle East has always been important for Britain, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. The region was rich in oil and was located on key trade routes. One of the most important parts of British interest was the Suez Canal – a waterway that connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, making trade with India and Asia faster.

Background of Suez Canal

Opened in 1869, built by the French.
Britain took control of it in 1875 by buying shares from Egypt.
It became a vital route for British Empire’s trade and military movement.

The Suez Canal Crisis (1956)

The Suez Crisis was a major event in 1956. Here’s what happened:

1. Nationalization by Nasser

Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal.
This shocked Britain and France, who wanted to control it.
Nasser did this to fund the Aswan Dam after the U.S. and Britain cut off loans.

2. Tripartite Attack (Britain, France, Israel)

In response, Britain, France, and Israel made a secret plan.
Israel attacked Egypt first. Then Britain and France intervened, pretending to protect the canal.
But their real goal was to remove Nasser and retake control.

3. International Pressure

The U.S., USSR, and UN strongly opposed the invasion.
America feared this would push Egypt toward the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Under U.S. pressure, Britain was forced to withdraw.

Why Did Britain Withdraw from Suez Canal?

1. Pressure from the U.S.

America threatened to damage the British economy if they didn’t leave.
Britain depended on U.S. support after WWII.

2. International Condemnation

The world criticized the invasion.
UN demanded immediate ceasefire and withdrawal.

3. Decline of British Power

After WWII, Britain was no longer a global superpower.
The crisis showed the end of British imperial control.

4. Rise of Nationalism in Arab World

Nasser became a hero in the Arab world.
British presence became unpopular and hard to maintain.

British Withdrawal from Palestine

1. Background

Britain got control of Palestine after World War I under Mandate System.
The area was home to Arabs and Jews, and both groups wanted full control.

2. Conflict Grew

Arab and Jewish clashes increased.
Jewish immigration from Europe (especially after WWII) made tensions worse.
Zionist groups began attacking British forces.

3. Britain’s Decision to Withdraw (1947)

Britain was tired and financially weak after WWII.
They couldn’t handle the growing violence.
So, they gave the issue to the United Nations, which suggested dividing Palestine into Arab and Jewish states.

4. Creation of Israel (1948)

After Britain left, Jews declared Israel as an independent state.
This caused the first Arab-Israeli war.

Conclusion

The Suez Crisis and withdrawal from Palestine marked the decline of British imperial power in the Middle East. Britain could no longer control the region like before. Rising nationalism, international pressure, and changing world politics forced Britain to leave. These events also changed the balance of power, showing that the United States and Soviet Union were now the superpowers, not Britain.

Question 7

What do you know about the League of Nations? Explain the work of the league. What were the causes of the failure of the League of Nations?

Introduction

The League of Nations was the first international organization made to maintain world peace. It was formed after World War I to make sure such a war never happened again. But in the end, the League failed to stop aggression, and World War II broke out.

Formation of the League of Nations

It was established in 1920, after the Treaty of Versailles.
Main idea came from U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points.
Headquarter was in Geneva, Switzerland.
About 42 countries joined at the start, later expanded.

Aims of the League

Prevent wars through collective security.
Disarmament – reduce weapons.
Settle international disputes peacefully.
Improve global health, working conditions, and human rights.

Work of the League of Nations

1. Social and Humanitarian Work

Fought against slavery and human trafficking.
Helped refugees after World War I.
Worked on health programs like malaria and leprosy control.

2. Economic and Labor Reforms

Improved labor laws like working hours and child labor.
Helped countries facing economic problems.

3. Settling Disputes

Solved some border disputes:
- Aaland Islands (1921) – between Sweden and Finland.
- Greece vs Bulgaria (1925) – League ordered Greece to withdraw and pay fine.

4. Mandate System

Took control of former colonies of Germany and Ottoman Empire.
These were given as mandates to Britain, France, etc., under League supervision.

Causes of the Failure of the League of Nations

1. Absence of Major Powers

USA never joined the League, even though Wilson proposed it.
Later, Germany, USSR, and Japan either joined late or left early.

2. No Military Force

The League had no army of its own.
It had to rely on member countries to enforce its decisions, which they often refused.

3. Weak Decisions

The League often gave warnings and sanctions, but no real action.
Aggressive countries ignored it without fear.

4. Rise of Dictators

In the 1930s, leaders like Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), and militarists in Japan didn’t respect the League.
They invaded other countries and the League failed to stop them.

5. Economic Depression

The Great Depression of 1929 made countries focus on their own problems.
They didn’t want to spend money or troops on international conflicts.

6. Failure in Major Crises

Manchuria Crisis (1931): Japan invaded Manchuria. League couldn’t stop them.
Abyssinia Crisis (1935): Italy invaded Ethiopia. League only gave weak sanctions.
Spanish Civil War (1936): League stayed silent.

Conclusion

The League of Nations had good intentions, and it worked in some small cases. But without major powers, strong leadership, or real force, it failed to stop major conflicts. Its failure showed the world that peace needs both cooperation and strength. After World War II, the League was replaced by the United Nations in 1945, which had more power and support.

Question 8

What were the causes of Falkland War? In what way it has affected the Britain’s relationship with Latin American countries?

Introduction

The Falkland War was a short but intense conflict between Britain and Argentina in 1982. It was fought over the Falkland Islands, a group of small islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The war lasted for about 10 weeks, but it had a big impact on Britain’s foreign policy, especially with Latin America.

Background of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are located about 500 km off the coast of Argentina.
Britain had controlled the islands since 1833, but Argentina claimed them as their own territory, calling them Islas Malvinas.
The islands had a small British population, and most people wanted to remain under British rule.

Causes of the Falkland War

1. Territorial Dispute

Argentina believed the islands were part of its territory, taken by Britain illegally in the 19th century.

2. Nationalism in Argentina

The military government in Argentina, led by General Galtieri, was facing economic problems and public anger.
They thought invading the islands would unite the people and distract them from the internal crisis.

3. Weak British Signals

Britain was reducing its presence in the South Atlantic, like removing a naval ship (HMS Endurance).
Argentina saw this as a sign that Britain wasn’t serious about defending the islands.

4. No Clear Diplomacy

The United Nations had passed many resolutions about negotiations over the islands, but no real agreement was reached.
This made Argentina think Britain might not react strongly to an invasion.

5. Surprise Invasion

On April 2, 1982, Argentine forces invaded and took control of the Falkland Islands.

British Response

Britain under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sent a naval task force to take back the islands.
After intense fighting, British forces retook the islands by June 14, 1982.
649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers died.

Impact on Britain’s Relations with Latin American Countries

1. Damaged Relations with Argentina

Relations between Britain and Argentina were completely broken after the war.
Diplomatic ties were cut, and remained cold for many years.

2. Latin American Sympathy for Argentina

Most Latin American countries supported Argentina, seeing the war as a fight against colonialism.
They saw Britain as a colonial power, and this damaged Britain’s image in the region.

3. Isolation of Britain in Latin America

Britain lost influence and was isolated diplomatically in Latin America.
Trade and political relations with the region weakened.

4. Strengthening of British Nationalism

While Latin America turned against Britain, the war boosted British patriotism.
Margaret Thatcher’s popularity increased after the victory.

5. Slow Normalization

In the 1990s, some relations with Latin America improved, but tensions with Argentina remained.
Still today, Argentina continues to claim the Falklands, and diplomatic issues remain.

Conclusion

The Falkland War was caused mainly by territorial disputes, political pressure in Argentina, and weak British signals. Britain won the war, but it damaged its image in Latin America. The war showed how old colonial disputes could still create modern conflicts. Even now, the Falkland issue is not fully solved, and it remains a point of tension between Britain and Argentina.

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