ISC Class 12th History Exam 2024 : Most Important Question with Solution for Last-Minute Revision

ISC Class 12 exams have started and you have very little time left for the History exam. Therefore, we are providing important multiple-choice questions in this article. You can study them well and score well in your exams.

To help you prepare effectively, we have prepared a list of important multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed explanations. This guide aims to make your exam preparation easier by providing information on these questions.

Multiple choice questions are a common format in competitive exams including ISC Class 12 History exam. By practicing MCQs, you not only reinforce your knowledge but also learn to apply it effectively.

These questions cover various topics from the History syllabus. Remember, it is important to understand the logic behind each answer to score well.

ISC Class 12th History Exam 2024 Most Important Question

Question 1

(i) The All India Kisan Sabha was formed by the Socialists and the Communists to fulfil their need for one central peasant organisation. State any other purpose for the formation of this organisation.

Ans: To advocate for farmers' rights and improve their livelihoods.

(ii) Give any one reason to show that the Cripps Mission challenged the idea of a single and indivisible nation.

Ans: The Cripps Mission offered provinces the right to secede, potentially fracturing national unity.

(iii) The paramilitary forces created in Hyderabad in 1946-47 were known as _________.

Ans: Razakars.

(iv) Identify the correct statement about the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) passed by the Indian Parliament in 1971.

(a) It was enacted to regulate the functioning of non-governmental organisations

(b) It allowed for the detention of individuals without a trial

(c) It was never repealed by any Indian government

(d) It was repealed later by the Janata government

Ans: (b) It allowed for the detention of individuals without a trial

(v) What was the primary reason for the rejection of imperialism and colonialism by the world leaders at the Belgrade Conference?

(a) To encourage the spread of democracy in the world

(b) To assert the right of self-determination for all nations

(c) To promote economic cooperation and trade among nations

(d) To establish a new world order under the leadership of non-aligned nations

Ans: (b) To assert the right of self-determination for all nations

(vi) Which one of the following describes the reason for the establishment of COMECON?

(a) It was Stalin’s plan to create an economic extension of the Warsaw Pact.

(b) It was a response to the formation of NATO and the threat it posed to Soviet security.

(c) To enable the Eastern European countries to gain access to Western markets.

(d) To increase the economic influence of the US in Eastern Europe.

Ans: (b) It was a response to the formation of NATO and the threat it posed to Soviet security.

(vii) Which one of the following was the impact of the policies of Glasnost and Perestroika?

(a) Anarchy

(b) Economic investment

(c) Demand for democracy

(d) Collapse of the aristocracy

Ans: (c) Demand for democracy

(viii) Assertion : Hitler’s invasion of Poland became a cause of worry for Britain and France.

Reason : The security of Poland’s borders were guaranteed by Britain and France.

(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.

(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

(d) Assertion is false and Reason is true

Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

(ix) Give any one reason to show how the Axis Powers were at a big disadvantage against the Allied Powers during the Second World War.

Ans: Inability to win major battles

(x) State any one effect of Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward Policy on China’s economy.

Ans: Mass starvation and famine

(xi) Give any one contribution of the Mahila Dakshita Samiti in promoting the rights of women.

Ans: Dowry Amendment Bill, Rape Bill, Prevention of Female Feticide, Domestic Violence Bill, Satti Prohibition Act, and now the demand for 33% Reservation for Women

(xii) State any one fact to highlight the significance of the General Election of 1967.

Ans: It ended the dominance of the Congress party for the first time since independence

(xiii) Why were the Historic Eight Documents significant in the Naxal Movement?

Ans: The significance of the Historic Eight Documents lies in the fact that these documents outline the ideological principles on which the Naxalite Communist movement in India was based.

(xiv) Mention any one similarity between Black Americans’ experiences before the emergence of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black South Africans’ experiences under Apartheid rule.

Ans: Systemic racial oppression limiting freedom.

(xv) Why was PLO critical of the Oslo Peace Accord 1993?

Ans: While the PLO signed the Oslo Accords, they faced criticism for not addressing core issues like full statehood and refugee rights.

(xvi) Mention any one effect of the first Arab-Israel war on the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.

Ans: Became refugees in neighbouring Arab countries

Question 2 Discuss Operation Polo with reference to the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union

Ans: Operation Polo: A Controversial Chapter in Hyderabad's Integration

Operation Polo, codenamed for its swiftness, was the Indian military action in September 1948 that secured Hyderabad's accession to the Indian Union. This event remains a contentious issue in the integration narrative of India.

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan. Hyderabad, a Muslim-majority state ruled by a Hindu Nizam, aspired for independence. The Nizam's indecisiveness and alleged links with Pakistan heightened tensions with India.

India, fearing a domino effect on other princely states and a potential foothold for Pakistan in south India, launched Operation Polo. The five-day military campaign overwhelmed the Hyderabadi forces, forcing the Nizam's surrender. This swift action achieved India's objective but raised questions about the use of force and the true nature of the operation.

Arguments for Operation Polo:

• National Security: Proponents argue that Hyderabad's independent stance posed a security threat. The potential for a Hyderabad-Pakistan alliance and internal disturbances justified decisive action.
• Stalemate: After months of negotiations, the Nizam's indecisiveness left India with no choice but military intervention to prevent Hyderabad from falling into Pakistan's sphere.
• Swift Resolution: The swiftness of the operation minimized bloodshed and ensured a quicker integration of Hyderabad.

Criticisms of Operation Polo:

• Excessive Force: Critics argue that the use of military force against a princely state opting for independence was an overreach. Negotiations and diplomatic pressure could have been pursued further.
• Communal Tensions: The operation led to communal violence and loss of life, particularly amongst Muslims in Hyderabad. This violence cast a shadow on the integration process.
• Undermining Democracy: The forceful accession of Hyderabad is seen by some as a violation of the democratic principles upon which India was founded.

Question 4 How did the censorship of the Press from 1975-1977, violate the democratic rights of common people in India?

Ans: The press censorship during India's Emergency (1975-1977) severely undermined the democratic rights of ordinary citizens in several ways:

Curtailed Access to Information: A free press acts as a watchdog, holding the government accountable. Censorship meant citizens were fed only government-approved information. This deprived them of critical perspectives on policies, news of human rights violations, and alternative viewpoints. Without a free flow of information, people couldn't make informed decisions or effectively participate in democratic processes.

Silencing Dissent: The press is a crucial platform for public dissent and criticism of the government. Censorship stifled the voices of those who disagreed with Indira Gandhi's policies. Ordinary people couldn't express their concerns about forced sterilizations, suppression of opposition parties, or the erosion of civil liberties. This stifled public discourse and weakened democratic checks and balances.

Erosion of Trust: A censored press breeds distrust in the government. People couldn't be sure if the news they received was truthful or manipulated. This created a climate of fear and suspicion, making it difficult for citizens to trust the government and hold them accountable.

Weakened Political Participation: An informed citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy. By controlling the narrative, the government could manipulate public opinion and discourage political participation. People couldn't access information about opposition parties or hold informed discussions about policy alternatives. This weakened the democratic process and limited the ability of citizens to influence their government.

Suppression of Individual Rights: Freedom of speech and expression are fundamental rights in a democracy. Censorship directly violated these rights, preventing individuals from expressing their opinions freely. This stifled creativity, critical thinking, and diversity of thought, creating a climate of intellectual conformity.

Question 5 With reference to the image given below, explain how the fight against the dowry system took shape in various forms during 1970s and 1980s in India.

Ans: (i) The Progressive organisation of Women in Hyderabad organized new and fresh protests against dowry. In the late 1970s, Delhi became the focus of the movement against dowry and the violence inflicted on women in the marital home. Groups which took up the campaign included ‘Shree Sangharsh’ and ‘Mahila Dakshita Samiti’. Later, a joint front called the ‘Dahej Virodhi Chetna Mandal’ (organization for creating consciousness against dowry) was formed under whose umbrella a large number of organizations worked. The anti-dowry campaign attempted to bring social pressure to bear on offenders so that they would be isolated in the community in which they lived. Experience in the campaign revealed the need for counseling, legal aid and’ advice to women.

It was in response to this that legal aid and counseling centers were set up in different parts of the country. Women’s organizations also succeeded in getting the dowry law changed,

(ii) The battered women’s movement, as it was called, exposed the failures of the law, medicine and society at large in responding to the 2-4 million women who were beaten in their homes annually. A massive outpouring of feminist activism and service provision for battered women in the mid-1970s quickly caught the attention of Government officials, law enforcement, social workers and other non- explicitly feminist professionals. By the end of the decade, many groups took on the work of the battered women’s movement.

Question 5 One of the key reasons for the defeat of the Axis Powers in the Second World War was their inability to develop and implement a grand strategy. Evaluate any four tactical errors made by them in this war.

Ans: The Axis Powers, despite early victories, ultimately crumbled due to a combination of factors. While a unified grand strategy was lacking, several tactical errors on the battlefield also significantly contributed to their defeat. Here are four such critical mistakes:

1. Invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa): Launched in June 1941, Hitler's gamble on a swift conquest backfired spectacularly. The vast distances, harsh Russian winter, and fierce Soviet resistance bled the German army dry. This two-front war (Eastern and Western) stretched German resources thin and proved a strategic blunder.

2. Underestimating American Industrial Power: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor aimed to cripple the US Pacific Fleet and deter American intervention. However, it underestimated America's industrial capacity and national resolve. The US quickly ramped up production, churning out vast quantities of ships, planes, and tanks, overwhelming the Japanese war machine.

3. Battle of Britain: Germany's attempt to gain air superiority over Britain in 1940 failed. The Luftwaffe's focus on bombing civilian targets (The Blitz) backfired, allowing the Royal Air Force time to regroup and inflict heavy losses. This failure to establish air supremacy hampered future German invasion plans.

4. Stalingrad: The brutal urban warfare in Stalingrad (August 1942 - February 1943) became a turning point on the Eastern Front. Hitler, fixated on capturing the city, refused to allow German troops to withdraw. This stubbornness resulted in immense casualties for both sides, but ultimately weakened the German army significantly.

Question 6 Explain any four initial challenges faced by the People’s Republic of China after its establishment in 1949.

Ans: Here are four challenges the People's Republic of China (PRC) faced after its establishment in 1949:

1. Rebuilding a Devastated Economy: Decades of civil war and Japanese occupation had left China's infrastructure in ruins. Transportation networks were destroyed, factories lay dormant, and agriculture was disrupted. The new government had to focus on rebuilding basic necessities and jumpstarting the economy.

2. Land Reform and Rural Unrest: The CCP had promised land redistribution to peasants during the revolution. Implementing this on a massive scale proved difficult. Balancing the needs of newly empowered peasants with ensuring food production remained a constant challenge. Discontent in rural areas simmered if land distribution wasn't seen as fair.

3. Industrialization and Urbanization: The CCP aimed to transform China from a primarily agrarian society into an industrial power. This required significant investment, skilled workers they lacked, and a shift in population from rural areas to cities. This rapid urbanization created new strains on housing, sanitation, and social services.

4. International Isolation and the Korean War: The Cold War context made international recognition crucial. The US backed the Nationalist government in Taiwan, leaving the PRC largely isolated. The Korean War (1950-1953) further strained relations with the West and forced China to prioritize military spending.

Question 7 Analyse the controversies that surrounded Jomo Kenyatta’s rule.

Ans: Controversies around Jomo Kenyatta's Rule (1963-1978)

Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of independent Kenya, remains a complex and controversial figure. While revered by many as the "Father of the Nation" for leading the country to independence, his rule was marred by several controversies:

1. Allegations of Mau Mau Involvement and Human Rights Abuses: Kenyatta was detained and accused of orchestrating the Mau Mau Uprising, an anti-colonial rebellion marked by violence on both sides. Though later historians generally consider him not directly responsible, his association with the uprising leaves a stain on his legacy. Additionally, his government's suppression of dissent and detention of political opponents without trial raised concerns about human rights abuses.

2. Ethnic Favoritism and Land Redistribution: Critics accused Kenyatta of favoring his own Kikuyu ethnic group in government appointments and land redistribution policies. While he advocated for African ownership of land previously controlled by white settlers, critics argued that the process disproportionately benefited his own group, fueling ethnic tensions and inequalities.

3. Consolidation of Power and Suppression of Opposition: Kenyatta progressively consolidated power, weakening democratic institutions and stifling political opposition. He declared Kenya a one-party state in 1964, effectively eliminating political competition. This move, while maintaining some stability, was seen by some as undermining the democratic ideals of a newly independent nation.

4. Accumulation of Wealth and Corruption: Kenyatta and his close associates were accused of accumulating significant wealth and engaging in corrupt practices. Despite leading an anti-colonial struggle based on equality, his government allegedly engaged in practices reminiscent of the very system they fought against, raising concerns about hypocrisy and a betrayal of revolutionary ideals.

5. Legacy of Economic Inequality: While Kenya experienced economic growth during Kenyatta's rule, critics argue that this growth was not equally distributed. The land redistribution policies, combined with alleged corruption, are seen by some as contributing to the persistence of economic inequalities in Kenya.

Question 8 (i) In the context of the anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa, discuss any four contributions of the person shown in the image given below.

Ans: 

South African postage stamp featuring Nelson Mandela. Here are four of his contributions to the anti-Apartheid movement:

• He was a co-founder of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). The MK engaged in sabotage against the apartheid government in the early 1960s. Mandela was arrested and imprisoned for his role in the MK in 1962.
• He became an international symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. While imprisoned on Robben Island, Mandela became an international symbol of the struggle against apartheid. His image was seen on posters and protests around the world, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
• He helped to negotiate an end to apartheid. After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela began negotiations with the South African government to end apartheid. These negotiations led to the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994, in which Mandela was elected president.
• He promoted racial reconciliation after the end of apartheid. As president, Mandela worked to promote racial reconciliation in South Africa. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights abuses committed under apartheid. He also introduced a number of policies aimed at improving the lives of black South Africans.

(ii) Refer to the image given below and describe the key events that led to the Feminist Movement in the 1960s.

Ans: A specific event but rather uses the slogan “Don’t be a Dolly. The time is now. Take women seriously” to promote gender equality.

The phrase “Don’t be a Dolly” is a reference to the stereotypical image of a “dumb blonde” and is meant to challenge the idea that women are not intelligent or capable. The image does reference the wider feminist movement of the 1960s, but it does not depict a specific event.

The 1960s saw a resurgence of the feminist movement, also known as the second wave of feminism. This era of feminism focused on a wider range of issues than the first wave, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and domestic violence. Some of the key events of the 1960s feminist movement include:

• The publication of Betty Friedan’s book “The Feminine Mystique” in 1963, which is considered a key text of the second wave of feminism.
• The passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in terms of wages or salaries for equal work on jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility.
• The founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.
• The Miss America protest of 1968, in which feminists crowned a “sheep” as the “Miss America of Dishonesty” to protest against the pageant’s beauty standards and its treatment of women.

Question 9

(i) Analyse the circumstances that led the British government to send the Cabinet Mission to India.

Ans: The Brewing Storm: Circumstances Behind the Cabinet Mission to India (1946)

The Cabinet Mission, dispatched to India in 1946, marked a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement. Understanding the circumstances that led to this mission requires examining the confluence of factors pressuring the British government.

1. Rising Nationalism and the End of Empire: Following World War II, Britain's global dominance was waning. The war had been a financial and manpower drain, and the rise of anti-colonial movements across the empire challenged British control. In India, decades of nationalist agitation led by the Indian National Congress (INC) had created a strong demand for self-rule. The Quit India Movement of 1942, though ultimately suppressed, showcased widespread discontent. The British recognized the need for a new approach.

2. Deepening Communal Divide: The rise of the Muslim League, demanding a separate Muslim homeland (Pakistan), further complicated the situation. The League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, gained traction among Muslims fearing marginalization in a Hindu-majority independent India. This growing communal divide threatened a violent struggle, a prospect the British were desperate to avoid.

3. Strategic Concerns: The Cold War's shadow loomed large. The British desired a stable and strategically aligned post-colonial India. A united India, they believed, would be a stronger bulwark against communism compared to a fragmented subcontinent.

4. Labor Party's Shift: The 1945 British general election brought the Labour Party to power. Unlike the Conservatives, Labour was more sympathetic to Indian aspirations. Prime Minister Clement Attlee favoured a swift transfer of power, hoping for a continued, albeit less direct, British influence in a self-governing India.

The Mission's Goal: The Cabinet Mission, with its high-level representation, aimed to achieve a delicate balance. It sought to negotiate a transfer of power while preserving a united India, with some degree of provincial autonomy to address Muslim concerns. The mission hoped to find a peaceful solution that would safeguard British strategic interests in the region.

(ii) State any four key proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946.

Ans: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 was a proposal for the transfer of power from the British government to the Indian leadership, with the aim of creating independent dominions of India and Pakistan. Here are four key proposals of the plan:

1. Union of India: The plan proposed the creation of a united India comprising both Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority provinces, with an interim government representing all communities.

2. Grouping of Provinces: The plan suggested the grouping of provinces into three sections: Section A for Hindu-majority provinces, Section B for Muslim-majority provinces, and Section C for Bengal and Assam.

3. Constitutional Framework: It proposed a three-tiered structure for the central government, with a Union government handling foreign affairs, defense, and communications, and provinces having autonomy in all other matters.

4. Interim Government: The plan proposed the formation of an interim government at the center, based on the composition of the existing central executive council, until a permanent constitution could be drafted.

Question 10 The JP Movement (1974-75) was primarily a protest against the authoritarianism of the Prime Minister and the corruption of the government in power at that time. In the light of the above statement, give an account of the Movement’s progress till the arrest of its leader.

Ans: The Simmering Discontent: The JP Movement's Rise (1974):-

The JP Movement, also known as the Bihar Movement or the Sampoorna Kranti (Total Revolution) Movement, was a significant chapter in Indian political history. Though the 1974-75 timeframe marks its peak, the seeds of discontent were sown much earlier. Here's a glimpse into the movement's progress until the arrest of its leader, Jayaprakash Narayan (JP).

The Spark in Bihar:

The immediate trigger for the movement lay in the deteriorating conditions in the state of Bihar. Rampant corruption, rising inflation, and unemployment plagued the state government. In 1974, student protests erupted in Patna, highlighting these issues. This resonated with JP, a veteran Gandhian socialist who had long advocated for social justice. He saw the students' agitation as an opportunity to address deeper national problems.

JP's Call for Total Revolution:

JP joined the student movement, lending it national weight. He called for a "Sampoorna Kranti" (Total Revolution) – a transformative change encompassing not just a change in government but a reform of the entire social, political, and economic structure. He advocated for decentralization of power, strengthening village communities, and upholding Gandhian ideals.

The Movement Gains Momentum:

JP's call resonated with various sections of society. Students, youth, activists, workers, and even professionals like doctors, lawyers, and teachers joined the movement. Sarvodaya workers, inspired by Gandhian principles of non-violence and social service, actively participated. The movement transcended party lines, attracting individuals disillusioned with the ruling Congress party.

Strategies of Protest:

The movement employed peaceful methods of protest. There were mass rallies, demonstrations, and hunger strikes. JP undertook nationwide tours, mobilizing public support. Students boycotted schools and colleges. Workers organized strikes, disrupting daily life. The movement's strength lay in its peaceful yet determined approach, attracting widespread media attention.

Challenges and Divisions:

Despite its popularity, the movement faced challenges. The nature of "Total Revolution" remained ambiguous, leading to internal debates. Some advocated for a complete overhaul of the political system, while others focused on electoral reforms. Furthermore, the movement's association with certain opposition parties strained relations with other political groups.

Mounting Pressure on Indira Gandhi:

The movement posed a significant challenge to the authority of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Congress party, having ruled for decades, faced growing public criticism. The movement's success in mobilizing masses and highlighting popular discontent threatened her hold on power.

The Turning Point:

The year 1974 witnessed a crucial escalation. On March 18th, protestors stormed the Bihar Legislative Assembly, highlighting the simmering frustration. This incident further pressurized the government. Meanwhile, JP continued his nationwide tours, galvanizing public support.

Towards Confrontation:

By mid-1974, the movement had reached a critical juncture. The government, under pressure, made some concessions, including dismissing a corrupt minister. However, JP remained unconvinced, calling for more fundamental reforms. As the movement gained momentum, a confrontation with the central government seemed inevitable.

The Arrest of JP (June 1975):

On June 25th, 1975, in a dramatic move, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India. Civil liberties were suspended, opposition leaders were arrested, and press censorship was imposed. This included the arrest of JP, effectively dismantling the movement's leadership.

Question 11 The crisis of 1948 in Czechoslovakia, a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe, led to the completion of the Iron Curtain. Discuss.

Ans: The 1948 Czechoslovak Coup and the Solidification of the Iron Curtain:-

The crisis of 1948 in Czechoslovakia, often referred to as the "Prague Coup," was a pivotal moment in the escalating Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the West. It marked the consolidation of communist power in Czechoslovakia and served as a significant stepping stone in the creation of the Iron Curtain, the division of Europe into opposing spheres of influence. While the coup was not the sole event responsible for the Iron Curtain, it played a crucial role in solidifying its physical and ideological boundaries.

The Precarious Position of Czechoslovakia:

Following the devastation of World War II, Czechoslovakia found itself in a precarious position. The country had a strong democratic tradition, yet it also had a large communist party with significant popular support due to its role in the fight against Nazi occupation. This created a tension within the newly formed coalition government led by President Edvard Beneš.

The Communist Power Grab:

In February 1948, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ), led by Klement Gottwald, orchestrated a series of political maneuvers to seize control of the government. This involved exploiting existing anxieties about Western influences and leveraging the support of the Soviet Union. The KSČ strategically resigned key government positions, forcing President Beneš, fearing Soviet military intervention, to accept a cabinet dominated by communists. This act effectively sidelined other political parties and established one-party communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

The Impact on the Iron Curtain:

The 1948 Czechoslovak coup had several crucial impacts on the formation of the Iron Curtain:

• Solidified Soviet Dominance: The communist takeover in Czechoslovakia solidified Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe. It served as a signal to other Eastern European countries that the Soviet Union would not tolerate deviations from its ideological line. This emboldened the Soviets to exert further control over the region, establishing puppet governments and repressing dissent.
• Westward Expansion of Communism: The coup fueled Western anxieties about Soviet expansionism. It was perceived as a further advancement of communist ideology towards Western Europe, particularly given Czechoslovakia's historical and cultural ties to the West. This perception strengthened the resolve of Western nations to counter Soviet influence and contain the spread of communism.
• Symbol of the Cold War Divide: The Czechoslovak coup became a potent symbol of the ideological divisions and growing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. It marked a shift from the wartime alliance to a period of mutual distrust and suspicion, solidifying the ideological and political division of Europe.

Beyond the Coup: The Broader Context:

While the 1948 Czechoslovak coup played a significant role in solidifying the Iron Curtain, it's important to acknowledge the broader context of this historical event:

• Pre-existing Tensions: The Cold War tensions had been brewing since the end of World War II, fueled by ideological differences, competing economic systems, and disagreements over the postwar order. The Czechoslovak coup was a product of these pre-existing tensions rather than the sole cause.
• Internal Factors: Internal factors within Czechoslovakia, such as the popularity of the communist party and the political maneuvering of the KSČ, also played a crucial role in the events of 1948. These internal dynamics cannot be overlooked when examining the coup's significance.
• Limited Western Response: The West's response to the Czechoslovak coup was primarily rhetorical, lacking any significant military or diplomatic intervention. This limited response allowed the Soviet Union to solidify its control over Czechoslovakia without facing major challenges.

Question 12 (i) Discuss the causes and the results of the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-49.

Ans: The Arab-Israeli War of 1948-49, also known as the Israeli War of Independence or the Nakba (Catastrophe) in Arab countries, was a significant conflict that shaped the Middle East. It stemmed from a complex web of historical, political, and territorial factors. This essay will discuss the causes and results of this war.

Causes:

1. Partition Plan of 1947: The United Nations proposed a partition plan for British Mandate Palestine, which would create separate Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab states and Palestinian Arabs, leading to tensions.

2. Nationalism and Identity: Both Jews and Arabs in Palestine had strong nationalist aspirations. Jews sought to establish a Jewish state in their ancestral homeland, while Arabs resisted what they saw as the imposition of a foreign entity.

3. Territorial Disputes: Both sides claimed ownership over the land, leading to clashes over territory and resources. Arabs feared the loss of their land and livelihoods, while Jews sought to establish a secure homeland.

4. External Influences: Arab states, particularly Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Transjordan, were influenced by pan-Arab nationalism and sought to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state. They also saw an opportunity to expand their own territories.

5. Violence and Tensions: The period leading up to the war was marked by increasing violence and tensions between Jewish and Arab communities. Attacks and reprisals on both sides exacerbated the conflict.

Results:

1. Establishment of Israel: The war resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. This marked the culmination of Zionist aspirations for a Jewish homeland.

2. Palestinian Exodus: The war led to a mass exodus of Palestinian Arabs from their homes, either voluntarily or forcibly. This resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who became refugees in neighboring Arab countries.

3. Armistice Agreements: The war ended with armistice agreements between Israel and the Arab states, but no formal peace treaties were signed. This left unresolved the core issues of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees.

4. Territorial Changes: As a result of the war, Israel expanded its territory beyond the boundaries proposed in the UN partition plan. It gained control over areas allocated to the Arab state, including parts of Jerusalem.

5. Regional Impact: The war had a profound impact on the region, shaping the geopolitical landscape for decades to come. It fueled Arab-Israeli tensions and set the stage for future conflicts, including the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Six-Day War of 1967.

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ISC Class 12 Study Material