The Making of the National Movement: 1870s - 1947 Class 8 Extra Questions and Answers Free PDF Download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science The Making of the National Movement: 1870s - 1947 - 2025-26
1. What were the key factors that led to the rise of nationalism in India after the 1870s, as per the CBSE Class 8 syllabus?
Several factors contributed to the rise of nationalism in India. Key among them were:
Political and Administrative Unification: British rule brought the entire country under a single administration, which created a sense of oneness.
Economic Exploitation: British policies drained India's wealth, leading to widespread discontent among peasants, artisans, and the working class.
Introduction of Western Education: Access to Western ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy inspired Indian intellectuals to demand self-rule.
Controversial Laws: The implementation of repressive laws like the Arms Act (1878) and the Vernacular Press Act (1878) created a strong feeling of being oppressed and united people against the British.
2. Who were the 'Moderates' in the early phase of the Indian National Congress? What kind of methods did they use to struggle against British rule?
The 'Moderates' were the early leaders of the Indian National Congress during its first twenty years (1885-1905). Prominent leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Surendranath Banerjea. Their method of struggle was non-confrontational and often called 'petition politics'. They believed in demanding reforms through:
Writing articles and speeches to raise public awareness about the unjust nature of British rule.
Sending petitions and resolutions to the British government, hoping to persuade them to introduce reforms.
Demanding greater representation for Indians in the legislative councils and civil services.
3. How were the methods of the 'Radicals' different from the 'Moderates'? Why is this an important question for exams?
The methods of the 'Radicals' (or Extremists) were fundamentally different from the Moderates. This is a frequently asked comparative question in exams. The key differences are:
Goal: While Moderates aimed for gradual reforms within the British framework, Radicals, led by figures like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal, demanded 'Swaraj' or complete self-rule.
Method: Instead of petitions, Radicals advocated for mass mobilisation, strikes, and the boycott of British institutions and goods.
Philosophy: Radicals emphasised self-reliance, national pride, and constructive work, a contrast to the Moderates' faith in British justice. Understanding this contrast is crucial for long-answer questions.
4. What was the significance of the Partition of Bengal in 1905 for the national movement?
The Partition of Bengal in 1905, ordered by Viceroy Curzon, was a major turning point in the Indian national movement. Its significance lies in the fact that it sparked widespread protests and led to the Swadeshi Movement. The official reason given was administrative convenience, but the real motive was to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the nationalist hub of Bengal. This act enraged Indians and led to the adoption of radical methods like boycott and mass protests on a large scale for the first time.
5. What were the main objectives of the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements?
The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements (1920-22) were combined under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership with twin objectives. This is an important topic for 3-mark questions. The goals were:
Khilafat Issue: To protest against the harsh treaty imposed on the Turkish Sultan (or Khalifa), who was considered the spiritual head of Muslims worldwide, after World War I.
Indian Issues: To protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the repressive Rowlatt Act, and to work towards achieving Swaraj (self-rule).
The movement aimed to boycott all British goods, institutions, and government posts to bring the administration to a halt.
6. Beyond just breaking the salt law, what was the symbolic importance of the Dandi March (1930)?
The Dandi March was symbolically powerful and went far beyond the act of illegally making salt. Its deeper importance, a key concept for HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions, was:
Challenge to British Authority: Salt was a basic necessity, and the state monopoly over it showed the most oppressive face of British rule. By breaking the salt law, Gandhiji challenged the legitimacy of the entire British government in a simple, relatable way.
Mass Mobilisation: It was a universally understandable issue that united people from all classes, religions, and regions, including a large number of women, in a common cause.
Global Attention: The march drew significant international media attention, highlighting the non-violent nature of India's freedom struggle to the world.
7. What was the 'Quit India Movement' and why is it considered a decisive phase of the freedom struggle?
Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942, the Quit India Movement was a mass civil disobedience movement demanding an end to British rule in India. Gandhi gave the famous call of 'Do or Die'. It is considered a decisive phase because:
It was a spontaneous mass uprising where people themselves took the lead after all major Congress leaders were arrested.
The movement severely weakened the British administration and made it clear that they could not govern India without the consent of its people.
It laid the final groundwork for India's independence, as the British realised their hold on India was no longer tenable after World War II.
8. For the 2025-26 exams, what types of important questions can be expected from the topic of 'The Advent of Mahatma Gandhi' in this chapter?
From the section on the advent and impact of Mahatma Gandhi, students should prepare for various question types for the 2025-26 exams:
1-Mark Questions (MCQ/Fill-ups): The year Gandhi returned to India (1915), the location of his first Satyagraha movements (Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad).
3-Mark Questions (Short Answer): Explain the cause and consequence of the Rowlatt Satyagraha. Why was the Khilafat Movement started?
5-Mark Questions (Long Answer): Describe the causes, methods, and impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement. Analyse the role of Gandhi in transforming the national movement into a mass struggle.






















