Class 10 History Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Notes, Summary & PYQs | Toppers Hub

Introduction

Class 10 History (India and the Contemporary World – II) begins with a very significant chapter: “The Rise of Nationalism in Europe.” This chapter helps students understand how the ideas of nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, and nation-states emerged in 19th-century Europe, which later influenced political movements in India and across the world.

In this blog, you will find:

Detailed summary of the chapter in simple language
Key concepts and important terms explained clearly
MCQs and Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to strengthen exam preparation
Short and long answer questions for practice

This post is structured to serve as a complete Class 10 History Chapter 1 Notes, keeping CBSE exam needs in mind.

Chapter Summary

1. French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation

In 1789, the French Revolution introduced the idea of nation-states.
The revolutionaries declared that sovereignty should rest with the people.
National symbols like the French tricolour, the national anthem, and slogans of liberty, equality, fraternity became important.
Napoleon later spread these ideas across Europe, but his wars also created opposition.

2. The Making of Nationalism in Europe

Europe was divided into many kingdoms and empires.
Example: The Austrian Empire ruled over multiple groups – Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, etc.
Nationalism meant the feeling of unity among people sharing a common culture, language, and history.

3. Liberal Nationalism in the 19th Century

Liberalism = freedom for the individual and equality before the law.
Middle-class people (industrialists, businessmen, professionals) demanded freedom of markets, end of tariffs, and political rights.
In 1815, the Congress of Vienna restored monarchies after Napoleon’s defeat.

4. The Age of Revolutions (1830–1848)

1830: Revolution in France led to Louis Philippe becoming king.
Greek War of Independence (1821–29): Greeks fought against Ottoman Empire with support from Europeans.
1848 Revolution: Led by middle class and workers demanding constitutional rights, but monarchies suppressed them.

5. Unification of Italy and Germany

Italy:

Divided into many kingdoms (Sardinia-Piedmont, Lombardy, Venetia, Papal States, Naples).
Leaders like Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi played key roles.
Italy unified in 1861, completed in 1870.

Germany:

Unified under Prussia led by Otto von Bismarck using policy of “blood and iron.”
In 1871, Germany was declared a united nation under Kaiser William I.

6. Nationalism and Imperialism

By the late 19th century, nationalism turned into aggressive imperialism.
Example: Rivalries among European powers led to World War I.

Key Concepts & Vocabulary

Term	Meaning
Nation-State	A state in which the majority of its citizens share a sense of common identity.
Liberalism	A political philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, equality before law, and representative government.
Conservatism	Political belief in maintaining old traditions and opposing rapid change.
Zollverein	Customs union formed in 1834 to promote free trade among German states.
Nationalism	A sense of belonging and unity among people with shared culture, history, and goals.

Important Points for Exams

French Revolution (1789): Birth of nationalism.
Congress of Vienna (1815): Restored monarchies.
1830 & 1848 Revolutions: Rise of liberal movements in Europe.
Unification of Italy (1861–70).
Unification of Germany (1871).
Nationalism turned into Imperialism in the late 19th century.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

1. Very Short Answer (1 mark)

Q.1. What is meant by liberalism?
Ans. Liberalism refers to the freedom of individuals, equality before the law, and freedom of markets without state-imposed restrictions.

Q.2. Who was the architect of German unification?
Ans. Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Prussia.

2. Short Answer (3 marks)

Q.1. Describe the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the unification of Italy. (CBSE 2020)
Ans.

Mazzini was an Italian revolutionary who founded secret societies like Young Italy.
He inspired youth with ideas of nationalism.
His writings and movements laid the foundation for Italian unification.

3. Long Answer (5 marks)

Q.1. Explain the events that led to the unification of Italy. (CBSE 2019)
Ans.

Italy was divided into several states under foreign rule.
Mazzini spread nationalist ideas.
Cavour, Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, diplomatically allied with France to defeat Austria.
Garibaldi led armed volunteers called Red Shirts and freed southern Italy.
In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king. In 1870, Rome became part of Italy, completing unification.

MCQs for Practice

Q.1. Who was proclaimed the emperor of unified Germany in 1871?
a) Louis Philippe
b) Kaiser William I
c) Napoleon III
d) Victor Emmanuel II
Answer: b) Kaiser William I

Q.2. Zollverein was a customs union formed in:
a) 1821
b) 1834
c) 1848
d) 1871
Answer: b) 1834

Q.3. Which event is known as the first expression of nationalism in Europe?
a) Unification of Italy
b) French Revolution of 1789
c) Greek War of Independence
d) German unification
Answer: b) French Revolution of 1789

Q.4. Who was the chief architect of the unification of Germany?
a) Cavour
b) Mazzini
c) Garibaldi
d) Bismarck
Answer: d) Bismarck

Conclusion

The first chapter of Class 10 History, The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, is crucial because it connects the history of European nation-building with the broader concept of nationalism that later shaped India’s struggle for independence. Students must focus on key terms, important leaders, major revolutions, and unification processes of Germany and Italy.