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CSS Past Paper 2023 British History Descriptive (Part 2)

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CSS Past Paper 2023 British History Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Group 4 | 2023 | Part 2 | Descriptive

Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2023 British History Descriptive (Part 2).

Question 2

How did the Glorious Revolution occur in Britain? What was its fallout at home and abroad?

Introduction

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was one of the most important events in British history. It was called “glorious” because it happened without much bloodshed. This revolution changed the monarchy system in England and set the stage for modern democracy. It replaced James II with William III and Mary II and gave Parliament more power than the king.

Causes of the Glorious Revolution
  1. Religious Conflict:
    James II was a Catholic and tried to promote Catholicism in a mostly Protestant country. This created fear among the people and Parliament that he wanted to bring back the Catholic Church.
  2. Violation of Laws:
    James II ignored the Test Act and appointed Catholics in top positions, which was against the law. He also dismissed judges and ruled without Parliament.
  3. Birth of James II’s Son:
    When his Catholic son was born in 1688, people feared a Catholic dynasty would continue. Earlier, his daughter Mary (a Protestant) was next in line, but now the Catholic son would become king.
  4. Invitation to William of Orange:
    Seven leading nobles invited William of Orange (who was married to James’s daughter Mary) to invade England and save Protestantism. William landed with his army, and James II fled to France.
Main Events of the Revolution
  • In November 1688, William of Orange landed at Torbay with a strong army.
  • James II’s support weakened, even his own daughter Anne and army officers left him.
  • James fled to France, which was taken as abdication.
  • In 1689, Parliament offered the crown jointly to William and Mary.
Fallout at Home
  1. End of Absolute Monarchy:
    The revolution marked the end of the idea that kings ruled by divine right. Now, the monarchy had to work with Parliament.
  2. Bill of Rights 1689:
    This law limited the powers of the king, gave more rights to Parliament, and protected individual freedoms like free speech in Parliament and regular elections.
  3. Toleration Act 1689:
    Gave some religious freedom to Protestants, but Catholics were still discriminated against.
  4. Rise of Constitutional Monarchy:
    The Glorious Revolution set the base for a constitutional monarchy where the king or queen rules under the law and constitution.
Fallout Abroad
  1. Impact on Ireland:
    Ireland, which was mostly Catholic, supported James II. This led to the Williamite War (1689–1691), ending with the defeat of James at the Battle of the Boyne.
  2. Effect on France:
    France’s king Louis XIV supported James II. This led to tension and war between England and France. England joined alliances against France in Europe.
  3. Influence on America:
    The revolution inspired the American colonies. It promoted ideas of rights and self-government that would later influence the American Revolution.
Conclusion

The Glorious Revolution was a turning point in British history. It changed the political system, made Parliament stronger, and reduced the power of the monarchy. It also had major effects on Europe and the colonies. It showed that kings could be removed if they ruled against the will of the people, and that the rights of citizens must be protected by law.

Question 3

“The English people got so much frightened by the developments in France that there prevailed a sort of panic across the country”. Analyse the after-effects of the French Revolution on England.

Introduction

The French Revolution (1789) shocked the whole of Europe, and England was no exception. It started as a demand for rights and justice but soon turned into chaos, bloodshed, and war. In England, the ruling class got scared that similar uprisings might happen there. The people were inspired by ideas of liberty and equality, but the government feared losing control. So, there was a mix of panic, fear, and reactionary policies.

Political Effects on England
  1. Fear of Revolution Spreading:
    The British government feared that the revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity might spread to England. This fear increased especially after the execution of King Louis XVI.
  2. Rise of Conservatism:
    Leaders like Edmund Burke opposed the revolution. His book Reflections on the Revolution in France warned against the dangers of changing tradition and monarchy. The government became more conservative to protect law and order.
  3. Suppression of Radical Groups:
    Groups like the London Corresponding Society were promoting political reform and workers’ rights. The government started spying on them, arrested leaders, and banned meetings.
  4. Suspension of Habeas Corpus (1794):
    The right to a fair trial was suspended. People could be jailed without any charges. This showed how scared the government was of revolution.
Social Effects on England
  1. Division in Society:
    While the elite feared revolution, many working-class people supported the ideas of the French Revolution. This created a division between the classes.
  2. Freedom of Press Limited:
    The British government started censoring newspapers and pamphlets. Writers who supported the revolution were either silenced or punished.
  3. Increased Patriotism:
    The fear of France made people more patriotic. Supporting the king and the British way of life became popular. It united people against the “enemy”.
Economic Effects on England
  1. Wars with France:
    England joined wars against revolutionary France starting in 1793. These wars lasted for many years and drained the economy. Taxes increased to fund the army.
  2. Trade Disruption:
    War with France hurt trade. Exports decreased and unemployment rose. It became hard for poor people to afford basic goods due to inflation.
  3. Industrial Growth:
    Surprisingly, in the long term, the wars led to some growth in industries like weapons and shipbuilding, because the demand was high.
Cultural and Intellectual Effects
  1. Romanticism in Literature:
    Writers like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were first inspired by the revolution, but later became disappointed by the violence. Their poetry reflected both hope and fear.
  2. Public Debates:
    The revolution started a lot of debates in British society about rights, democracy, and justice. It made people think deeply about how they wanted their country to be governed.
Conclusion

The French Revolution deeply affected England. The fear of similar uprisings made the British government more strict and conservative. At the same time, it woke up the minds of common people to think about liberty, rights, and social justice. Though there was no revolution in England like in France, the ideas from across the Channel played a big role in shaping future reforms and political changes in Britain.

Question 4

Why did Britain initiate the Policy of Splendid Isolation? What is your personal opinion whether it was a right step in right direction or proved detrimental?

Introduction

In the 19th century, Britain followed a foreign policy known as “Splendid Isolation.” This policy meant that Britain avoided making permanent alliances with other European powers and stayed out of continental politics. Instead, it focused on its own empire, navy, and trade. This policy lasted from around 1870 to 1902.

Reasons for Initiating Splendid Isolation
  1. Strong Naval Power:
    Britain had the most powerful navy in the world. It believed it could protect itself and its colonies without help from other countries.
  2. No Need for Alliances:
    At that time, no European country was strong enough to threaten Britain alone. So, Britain didn’t feel the need to make alliances or get involved in continental issues.
  3. Focus on Empire:
    Britain had a huge empire and trade network. It preferred to concentrate on expanding and managing its empire rather than getting dragged into European rivalries.
  4. Avoiding Wars:
    After the costly Napoleonic Wars, Britain wanted to avoid further military conflicts in Europe unless its own interests were directly threatened.
  5. Balance of Power:
    Britain believed in maintaining a balance of power in Europe. It would only interfere if one country became too strong and threatened the balance.
  6. Public Opinion:
    The British public also supported the idea of staying out of European affairs. There was no desire among the people to get involved in foreign wars.
Was It a Right Step or a Mistake? (Personal Opinion)
Arguments in Favor (Right Step)
  • It allowed Britain to stay out of messy European politics and save money.
  • Britain was able to grow its empire and economy without distractions.
  • It avoided unnecessary wars and kept Britain safe during a time of peace.
Arguments Against (Proved Detrimental)
  • While Britain stayed isolated, Germany and other powers were forming strong alliances.
  • Britain was caught off guard when tensions rose before World War I.
  • When the Boer War broke out (1899–1902), Britain found itself alone and criticized by other nations.
  • The policy made Britain diplomatically weak in the long term.
Conclusion

In my opinion, the policy of Splendid Isolation worked well in the short term but was not suitable for the changing world of the late 19th century. As European powers became more aggressive and alliances were formed, Britain’s isolation made it vulnerable and alone. It was a safe policy for a peaceful time, but once the world became more dangerous, Britain had to abandon it. So, I think it was a good idea at the start but should have been changed earlier to keep Britain strong on the world stage.

Question 5

According to Rudyard Kipling, “however the world pretends to divide itself, there are only two divisions in the world today — human beings and Germans”. In the light of this statement, was the British policy in the First World War justified or not? Comment.

Introduction

The First World War (1914–1918) was one of the deadliest wars in history. Many countries were involved, but Britain played a major role. The British policy during the war has always been debated — whether it was a justified response to German actions, or whether it was unnecessary involvement. Rudyard Kipling’s quote shows the strong anti-German feelings at that time. This answer will discuss British policy during the war and whether it was justified or not.

Background of British Entry into WWI
  1. German Aggression:
    Germany was growing rapidly in power, especially in military and navy. Britain saw this as a threat to its global supremacy.
  2. Invasion of Belgium:
    Germany invaded neutral Belgium to reach France quickly. Britain had signed a treaty (1839 Treaty of London) to protect Belgium’s neutrality. This gave Britain a legal and moral reason to declare war.
  3. Balance of Power in Europe:
    Britain had always tried to maintain a balance of power. Germany’s rising influence could disturb this balance and dominate Europe.
  4. Alliance System:
    While Britain wasn’t bound by strict military alliances, it had understandings with France and Russia. Not helping them would damage its diplomatic image.
British War Policy – What Did It Include?
  1. Naval Blockade:
    Britain blocked German ports to cut off supplies. This caused starvation in Germany and was very controversial.
  2. Massive Recruitment and Propaganda:
    Britain used propaganda to create hate against Germans. Kipling’s quote reflects that mindset. Men were encouraged to fight as a moral duty.
  3. Support to Allies:
    Britain sent troops to France and supported Russia and other allies with money, weapons, and supplies.
  4. Colonial Involvement:
    British colonies were also involved. Indian, African, and Australian soldiers fought for Britain in different war zones.
Was British Policy Justified?
Yes, It Was Justified:
  • Treaty Obligations: Britain had a responsibility to protect Belgium’s neutrality.
  • German Threat: Germany was becoming a danger to all of Europe. Stopping it early could save the continent from domination.
  • Moral Reasons: German war crimes in Belgium and the sinking of civilian ships like Lusitania made British people feel it was a moral fight.
  • Protecting Empire and Trade Routes: Britain’s global empire and sea trade routes were at risk from Germany.
No, It Was Not Justified:
  • War Could Have Been Avoided: Some historians believe Britain was not directly threatened and could have stayed neutral.
  • High Human Cost: Millions of lives were lost. The British economy was badly damaged.
  • Propaganda Misled People: Anti-German propaganda caused hate and made people support war without understanding the full truth.
  • Neglect of Colonies: Colonies were dragged into a European war. They fought and died for a cause that wasn’t theirs.
Conclusion

In my view, the British policy in the First World War was mostly justified. Germany’s aggressive moves, especially invading Belgium, gave Britain a clear reason to act. The war was not just about defending friends — it was about defending Britain’s own interests and values. However, the way the war was fought, the propaganda used, and the high human cost do raise questions. So, while entering the war may have been the right decision, the way it was handled could have been better.

Question 6

Produce an analytical essay on the causes, major developments, and aftermath of the Second World War.

Introduction

The Second World War (1939–1945) was a global conflict that involved most of the world’s nations. It was even more destructive than the First World War. The war changed the world’s political, social, and economic systems. In this answer, I will explain the causes, important events during the war, and what happened after it ended.

Causes of the Second World War
  1. Treaty of Versailles (1919):
    The treaty punished Germany harshly after WWI. Heavy reparations, loss of territory, and military restrictions created anger and humiliation in Germany.
  2. Rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism:
    Hitler came to power in 1933. He rejected the Versailles Treaty, started rearming Germany, and promoted ideas of racial superiority and expansion.
  3. Failure of the League of Nations:
    The League couldn’t stop aggression from countries like Japan (Manchuria), Italy (Ethiopia), and Germany (Rhineland). This showed it was weak.
  4. Policy of Appeasement:
    Britain and France allowed Hitler to take over Austria and Czechoslovakia without war, hoping it would satisfy him. But it only made him more confident.
  5. Invasion of Poland (1939):
    Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939. Britain and France had promised to protect Poland, so they declared war on Germany. This started World War II.
Major Developments During the War
  1. Fall of France (1940):
    Germany quickly defeated France using the Blitzkrieg tactic. France surrendered in June 1940, and Germany occupied northern France.
  2. Battle of Britain (1940):
    Germany bombed British cities, but the Royal Air Force successfully defended the skies. This was Hitler’s first defeat.
  3. Operation Barbarossa (1941):
    Germany invaded the Soviet Union, breaking their non-aggression pact. It became one of the largest military operations in history.
  4. Pearl Harbor and U.S. Entry (1941):
    Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. This led the U.S. to enter the war on the side of the Allies.
  5. D-Day Invasion (1944):
    Allied forces landed in Normandy, France. This was the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.
  6. Fall of Berlin and Hitler’s Death (1945):
    Soviet troops reached Berlin. Hitler committed suicide, and Germany surrendered in May 1945.
  7. Atomic Bomb on Japan (1945):
    The U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrendered in August 1945, ending the war.
Aftermath of the War
  1. Human and Material Losses:
    Around 70–85 million people died. Cities were destroyed, especially in Europe and Asia.
  2. Division of Germany:
    Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the U.S., UK, USSR, and France. This later led to the Cold War.
  3. United Nations Formed (1945):
    The UN was created to replace the League of Nations and prevent future wars.
  4. Cold War Begins:
    Tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union started after the war. The world was divided into two blocs: capitalist and communist.
  5. Decolonization:
    The war weakened European powers. After 1945, many colonies in Asia and Africa started gaining independence.
  6. Economic Changes:
    The U.S. became the strongest economic power. Europe needed rebuilding, which led to the Marshall Plan.
Conclusion

The Second World War was a result of past mistakes and unchecked aggression. It brought massive destruction but also shaped the modern world. New organizations, alliances, and political systems came into place. It taught the world the importance of peace, cooperation, and standing up to aggression before it’s too late.

Question 7

“We will find those who did it, we will smoke them out of their holes, we will get them running and we will bring them to justice”. In the context of this remark, present a balanced critique about the War on Terror with special emphasis on the role of Great Britain.

Introduction

The quote was said by U.S. President George W. Bush after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. These attacks shocked the world and led to a global campaign known as the “War on Terror.” The main aim was to eliminate terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and later ISIS. Great Britain played a major role in this war, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq. But the War on Terror became controversial because of its long duration, civilian deaths, and its political and economic effects.

Background of the War on Terror
  • 9/11 Attacks (2001):
    On 11 September 2001, Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the United States, killing around 3,000 people. These attacks triggered the global War on Terror.
  • Immediate Response:
    The U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to remove the Taliban, who were giving shelter to Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
  • UK’s Support:
    Britain stood beside the U.S. from the beginning. Prime Minister Tony Blair fully supported military action in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Role of Great Britain
  1. Military Involvement:
    • British forces were sent to Afghanistan in 2001 and to Iraq in 2003.
    • They helped in removing the Taliban and later Saddam Hussein.
    • The UK became the second-largest contributor to both wars after the U.S.
  2. Political Support:
    • Tony Blair strongly backed George W. Bush.
    • Blair’s government claimed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which later proved false.
  3. Intelligence and Surveillance:
    • British intelligence worked closely with the U.S. to track down terror networks.
    • But there were also controversies about torture, secret prisons, and violation of human rights.
  4. Home Security Measures:
    • Britain passed laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act 2001.
    • Airport security, internet surveillance, and police powers were increased.
Criticism of the War on Terror
  1. No Clear Victory:
    • Even after 20+ years, terrorism hasn’t ended.
    • The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 after U.S. and UK troops left.
  2. Civilian Casualties:
    • Thousands of innocent people died in airstrikes and ground fighting.
    • This created anger and hatred towards Western powers.
  3. Cost and Waste:
    • The UK spent billions of pounds on the war.
    • The money could have been used for health, education, or development.
  4. Loss of Soldiers:
    • Many British soldiers lost their lives or got injured.
    • Families suffered and questioned whether the war was worth it.
  5. Political Damage:
    • Tony Blair’s image was badly damaged.
    • The Iraq War, especially, caused protests and public anger in the UK.
Some Positive Outcomes
  1. Elimination of Top Terrorists:
    • Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011.
    • Many terrorist training camps were destroyed.
  2. International Cooperation:
    • Countries started sharing intelligence more actively.
    • UN and NATO also became more focused on global terrorism.
  3. Improved Security Awareness:
    • Governments and citizens became more alert about security risks.
    • Cyber security and airport checks were strengthened.
Conclusion

The War on Terror was launched with good intentions — to protect innocent lives and stop terrorism. Britain played a loyal and active role. However, the war turned into a long and costly struggle, with many mistakes along the way. In my opinion, while some goals were achieved, the overall strategy lacked proper planning and long-term vision. It’s a reminder that military force alone cannot solve complex global problems like terrorism. Dialogue, development, and justice must also be part of the solution.

Question 8

How did the global financial crisis plunge Britain into recession in the 21st century and how did it respond?

Introduction

The global financial crisis of 2007–2008 was one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression. It started in the United States but soon spread across the world, including to the United Kingdom. The British economy entered a deep recession, with falling growth, rising unemployment, and collapsing banks. In this answer, I’ll explain how the crisis affected Britain and how the government responded to save the economy.

Causes of the Global Financial Crisis
  1. Housing Bubble and Subprime Loans (U.S.):
    • The crisis began in the U.S. housing market.
    • Banks gave risky loans (called subprime mortgages) to people who couldn’t repay them.
    • These loans were sold worldwide as “safe” investments.
  2. Bank Failures:
    • When borrowers in the U.S. started defaulting, banks around the world, including in the UK, faced huge losses.
    • British banks like Northern Rock, RBS, and Lloyds were heavily affected.
  3. Globalisation of Banking:
    • British banks had invested in U.S. mortgage-backed assets.
    • When the American market collapsed, UK banks lost billions.
  4. Lack of Regulation:
    • Banks were not properly regulated.
    • They were giving out risky loans and making big bets in the financial markets.
How the Crisis Plunged Britain into Recession?
  1. Banking Crisis:
    • In 2007, Northern Rock was the first British bank to collapse and needed a government bailout.
    • In 2008, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds also nearly collapsed and were partly nationalised.
  2. Economic Recession:
    • Britain officially entered recession in early 2008.
    • GDP fell, and the economy shrank by around 6%.
  3. Unemployment Rise:
    • Businesses closed or reduced staff due to low demand.
    • Unemployment rose above 2.5 million by 2010.
  4. Fall in Consumer Confidence:
    • People were afraid to spend or invest.
    • Housing prices dropped, and people lost savings and pensions.
British Government’s Response to the Crisis
  1. Bank Bailouts:
    • The Labour government under Gordon Brown took over failing banks like RBS and Northern Rock.
    • Around £137 billion was used to rescue banks and protect the financial system.
  2. Quantitative Easing (QE):
    • The Bank of England started printing money to increase cash flow in the economy.
    • It lowered interest rates to historic lows (0.5%) to make borrowing easier.
  3. Fiscal Stimulus:
    • Government invested in public projects and cut VAT from 17.5% to 15% to boost spending.
    • This helped avoid complete economic collapse.
  4. Regulation Reform:
    • After the crisis, the UK improved banking regulations.
    • The Financial Services Authority (FSA) was replaced by stronger bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
  5. Austerity (After 2010):
    • The Conservative-led government introduced austerity policies to reduce the deficit.
    • Government spending was cut on public services like education, welfare, and police.
    • This policy was highly debated — some say it slowed recovery.
Long-Term Effects
  1. Public Debt Increased:
    • Due to bailouts and spending, UK debt rose above 80% of GDP.
  2. Wages and Living Standards Fell:
    • Real wages dropped, and cost of living increased, especially for the middle and working class.
  3. Trust in Banks and Government Declined:
    • People blamed bankers and politicians for the crisis.
    • It led to public anger and political changes like the rise of populism and Brexit.
Conclusion

The global financial crisis was a huge shock for Britain. It exposed weaknesses in the banking system and hurt millions of ordinary people. While the government’s fast actions — like bank bailouts and stimulus — stopped the economy from total collapse, the long-term damage was serious. Recovery took years, and even now, some effects like low wages and weak public services are still felt. The crisis taught an important lesson: economies must be better regulated, and banks must be held accountable.

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