NCERT Solutions For Class 11 History Chapter 7 Paths to Modernisation - 2025-26

1. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

1. Why did China and Japan react differently to Western penetration in the 19th century?

Answer: China tried to resist Western penetration, clinging to traditional ways and suffered colonisation and humiliation, while Japan quickly adapted, modernized its institutions, embraced Western technology, and emerged as an economic and military power.

2. What were the major consequences of the Meiji Restoration in Japan?

Answer: The Meiji Restoration led to the end of feudalism, rapid industrialisation, formation of a new army, education reforms, a centralized government, and the rise of Japan as a modern nation-state.

3. What steps did the Chinese government take to modernise itself in the late 19th and 20th centuries?

Answer: China attempted self-strengthening through reforms in administration, education, military, and industry, initiated the 'Hundred Days Reforms,' abolished the examination system, and later adopted Soviet-style industrialisation and collectivisation after 1949.

2. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

1. Discuss the role of Mao Zedong in the history of modern China.

Answer: Mao Zedong was a central figure in the Chinese Communist Party and played a vital role in transforming China. He led the communist revolution, established the People's Republic of China in 1949, and initiated various political and economic policies, including land reforms, collectivisation, and the Cultural Revolution. Although his radical approach led to significant social and economic changes, it also caused immense hardship, especially during the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's legacy is complex, but he remains a pivotal figure in shaping modern China's path towards modernisation, unity, and independence.

2. How did industrialisation affect the environment in Japan?

Answer: Industrialisation in Japan brought rapid economic growth and urbanization but also caused significant environmental issues. Natural resources were exploited, forests cleared for industries, and pollution levels increased due to factory emissions and waste. Rivers and air quality deteriorated, creating health hazards. However, in the late 20th century, Japan adopted measures to address environmental concerns, introducing strict laws and promoting sustainable industrial development. The environmental challenges Japan faced highlighted the need for balancing development with ecological preservation.

3. Compare the political changes that took place in China and Japan during their modernisation process.

Answer: Japan abolished feudalism, centralized power under the emperor, and established a constitutional monarchy with the Meiji government. It built a modern bureaucracy, military, and parliament (Diet) but political power remained restricted to elites. China, after the fall of Qing dynasty, experienced a long period of instability, with the Republic of China and later the Communist regime under Mao. While both modernised, Japan prioritised stability and gradual reform, whereas China experienced revolutions, a civil war, and radical restructuring of society and politics to achieve modernisation.

3. Passage Based Questions

Passage 1:

In The Encouragement to Learning (Gakumon no susume, 1872-76) Fukuzawa Yukichi was very critical of Japanese knowledge: ‘All that Japan has to be proud of is its scenery.’ He advocated not just modern factories and institutions but the cultural essence of the West—the spirit of civilisation. With this spirit it would be possible to build a new citizen. His principle was: ‘Heaven did not create men above men, nor set men below men.’

Questions:

• He advocated the adoption of the spirit of western civilization. It would help Japan to build a new citizen. He also advocated that God has not created superior or inferior men. All are equal before Him.
• In ‘The Encouragement to Learning’ Fukuzawa Yukichi was critical of the Japanese language.

Passage 2:

• The right to choose their husbands and living their lives depict the freedom of women.
• Murasaki Shikibu.

Passage 3:

• The system of examination was abolished in 1905 because it was based on skills in classical Chinese learning, which was not relevant in the modern world. This system acted as a barrier to the development of scientific knowledge and technology.
• Before 1850, there were about 526,869 civil and 212,330 military provincial degree holders in the whole country.

4. Map Skills

• Japan’s first railway line, between Tokyo and the Port of Yokohama, was built in 1870–72.
• Heavy industries were encouraged in urban centers.
• Land surveys and new administrative units were created for effective governance.
• The silk industry was developed at Nishijin, Kyoto.

NCERT Solutions Class 11 History Chapter 7 Paths To Modernisation

Understanding Paths to Modernisation is crucial for Class 11 students. This chapter explores how China and Japan adopted modern systems. Reviewing the latest NCERT Solutions (2025-26) helps you grasp historical transformations for exam success.

By focusing on key reforms, social changes, and the impact of westernisation, learners gain a thorough understanding of modernisation's effects. Practice is key—regularly review the main events and personalities to build strong conceptual clarity.

Make concise notes, solve textbook exercises, and highlight important developments from the chapter. These strategies make revision easy and boost confidence before exams, ensuring high scores in Class 11 History.