The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947 – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8 — Social Science (History)
Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947
NCERT-alignedShort Answer Q&A
Prepared for
CBSE Class VIII
CBSE Board Examinations — Systematic order
- Section A: Objective & Short Answer — test factual understanding and core concepts.
- Section B: Long Answer — analyse causes, compare movements and discuss legacy.
- Tip: Use dates, names, methods and brief examples in short answers for maximum marks.
Content Bank — Chapter 8
Key topics: Origins of nationalism, Indian National Congress, Moderates vs Extremists, Swadeshi & Boycott, Gandhi’s Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, role of peasants/workers/women, print, symbols and timeline (1885–1947).
Topic 1: Origins of Nationalism
1. Why did the English-educated Indians form the basis of early nationalism?
Because English education introduced liberal ideas and created a class of professionals who could read, organise and articulate political demands.
2. Give one economic cause of nationalist sentiment.
Deindustrialisation and decline of handicrafts caused unemployment and resentment against British economic policies.
3. How did print media contribute to nationalism?
Newspapers and pamphlets spread news, criticised colonial policies and created public debate across regions.
4. Name one organisation that preceded the INC.
The Indian Association (founded in 1876) organised regional opinion and petitions.
5. What was the role of economic grievances in forming national opinion?
High taxes, famines and disruptions to traditional livelihoods increased public anger and demand for change.
Topic 2: Indian National Congress, Moderates & Extremists
6. When was the Indian National Congress founded?
In 1885.
7. Who were the Moderates?
Leaders who believed in petitions, dialogue and legislative reforms (e.g., Gopal Krishna Gokhale).
8. Who were the Extremists?
Leaders advocating mass agitation and stronger demands for self-rule (e.g., Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Pal).
9. What event intensified Extremist politics?
The Partition of Bengal (1905) sparked Swadeshi and boycott movements increasing mass mobilisation.
10. Name one method used by Moderates to press for change.
Petitions to the colonial government and presentations of grievances in legislative councils.
Topic 3: Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
11. What did 'Swadeshi' advocate?
Promotion of indigenous goods and boycott of British products.
12. Which year is associated with the Swadeshi movement?
1905, after the Partition of Bengal.
13. How did Swadeshi affect Indian industry?
It encouraged local industries and increased use of handmade goods, though impact varied regionally.
14. Give one limitation of the Swadeshi movement.
It was stronger in urban centres and among the literate, so rural reach was limited initially.
15. Name a tactic used by Swadeshi activists.
Boycotting foreign cloth and promoting khadi and local crafts.
Topic 4: Gandhi and Non-Cooperation Movement
16. When did Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
1915.
17. Define 'Satyagraha'.
Satyagraha is nonviolent resistance based on truth and moral persuasion, promoted by Gandhi.
18. What triggered the Non-Cooperation Movement?
The Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Khilafat concerns inspired mass non-cooperation (1920–22).
19. List two methods used during Non-Cooperation.
Boycott of government schools and courts, resignation from government jobs, and wearing khadi.
20. Why was the movement called off in 1922?
It was suspended by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident where protest turned violent.
Topic 5: Civil Disobedience Movement
21. What was the Salt March?
A 1930 march led by Gandhi to the sea at Dandi to protest the salt tax and produce salt as civil disobedience.
22. Which law did the Salt March primarily challenge?
The British monopoly on salt and related taxes.
23. Name one tactic used during Civil Disobedience.
Refusal to pay certain taxes, boycotts of courts and picketing of liquor shops.
24. How did Civil Disobedience expand political participation?
It engaged rural populations and diverse social groups, broadening the base of the movement.
25. What was a common colonial response to Civil Disobedience?
Mass arrests of leaders and activists and repression of protests.
Topic 6: Quit India Movement & WWII
26. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
1942.
27. What was the main demand of Quit India?
Immediate British withdrawal from India and an end to colonial rule.
28. How did the British react to Quit India?
They arrested leaders, banned the movement and used strict repression to suppress protests.
29. How did World War II affect Indian demands for freedom?
The war weakened British resources and increased political bargaining, intensifying nationalist demands.
30. What underground activities took place during Quit India?
Secret protests, underground publications and covert organisation to continue resistance despite bans.
Topic 7: Peasants, Workers, Women and Students
31. Why did peasants join nationalist struggles?
Because of land revenue burdens, exploitative landlords and economic grievances that overlapped with nationalist goals.
32. Where did early industrial strikes commonly occur?
In industrial towns like Bombay and Kolkata, where workers organised for better wages and conditions.
33. How did women contribute to the movement?
Women participated in protests, picketing, making khadi and leading local campaigns, expanding mobilization.
34. What role did students play?
Students organised boycotts, spread literature and stirred public opinion through protests and demonstrations.
35. Give an example of a regional peasant agitation tied to the nationalist era.
Various tenant and peasant movements (e.g., Eka Movement, Bardoli Satyagraha) highlighted rural grievances and connected with wider politics.
Topic 8: Methods, Print and Symbols
36. Name two core methods used in the national movement.
Non-violence (Satyagraha) and boycott/Swadeshi were core methods used widely.
37. What symbol became associated with Gandhi’s movement?
The spinning wheel (charkha) symbolised self-reliance and khadi production.
38. How did songs and slogans help the movement?
They unified crowds emotionally, spread messages quickly and increased morale among activists.
39. Why was nonviolence effective politically?
It gained moral legitimacy, attracted mass support and made British repression appear unjust to wider audiences.
40. How did print media assist nationalist mobilisation?
By reporting events, publishing editorials and distributing pamphlets that educated readers and coordinated actions.
Topic 9: Outcomes, Legacy and Independence
41. When did India achieve independence?
In 1947.
42. Name one political outcome of the national movement.
The INC became the principal political organisation representing Indian interests and negotiating independence.
43. What does 'mixed legacy' of the movement mean?
It refers to institutional gains and national identity formation alongside continued social problems like communalism and inequality.
44. How did the movement change Indian political culture?
It popularised mass politics, public protests and the idea of rights-based mobilisation across classes.
45. Give one institutional legacy of the freedom struggle.
Growth of political parties, unions and civil society organisations that shaped post-independence governance.
Topic 10: Quick Facts & Revision
46. Year of Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
1919.
47. Year of the Salt March?
1930.
48. Period of Non-Cooperation Movement?
1920–1922.
49. Year of Quit India Movement?
1942.
50. One exam tip for this chapter?
Always include dates, leaders, methods and a short example (regional or local) to make answers precise and examiner-friendly.