NCERT Class 11 History Themes in World History: Chapter 6 — Displacing Indigenous Peoples
This chapter, 'Towards Modernisation,' from NCERT's Class 11 History textbook 'Themes in World History,' explores the crucial developments that shaped the modern world, particularly from the mid-fifteenth century onwards. It delves into the Industrial Revolution and significant political revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, which transformed subjects into citizens. The chapter highlights that industrialisation, exemplified by Britain as the first industrial nation, did not follow a single model. Instead, countries like Russia, industrializing later, integrated railways and heavy industry from the outset. It also notes the varying roles of the state and banks in this process, emphasizing that nations drew upon diverse international experiences rather than strictly replicating a British model. This chapter provides a foundation for understanding the complex origins of modernity.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in World History |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Displacing Indigenous Peoples |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 292 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the key developments leading to the modern world from the mid-fifteenth century.
- Analyze the significance of the Industrial Revolution and political revolutions.
- Compare different paths to industrialisation in various countries.
- Recognize the evolving role of citizens and the state in historical transformations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Modernisation | The process of adapting to modern ways of life, technology, and social structures. |
| Industrial Revolution | A period of major industrialisation and innovation that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s. |
| Feudalism | A social system in medieval Europe where lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service. |
| Renaissance | A period in European history, marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and covering the 15th and 16th centuries. |
| Citizens | A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized. |
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Practice questions
- What were the two major developments discussed that created a context for 'modernisation'? Answer: The Industrial Revolution and a series of political revolutions.
- Which country is identified as the world's first industrial nation? Answer: Britain.
- How did industrialisation in Russia differ from that in Britain? Answer: In Russia, railways and heavy industry emerged in the initial phase, unlike Britain where they developed later.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a crucial development contributing to the modern world?
Explanation: The text mentions Feudalism, the Renaissance, and Political Revolutions as key developments. The Printing Press is not explicitly listed in this introductory section.
Q2. The American Revolution is dated to which period?
Explanation: The text explicitly states the American Revolution occurred from 1776-81.
Q3. According to the text, Britain was the world's first:
Explanation: The chapter identifies Britain as the world's first industrial nation.
Q4. In which country did railways and heavy industry emerge in the initial phase of industrialisation?
Explanation: The text contrasts Britain's industrialisation with Russia's, noting that Russia industrialized later and began with railways and heavy industry.
Q5. The chapter suggests that industrialisation in different countries:
Explanation: Historians now question the idea of a single model, suggesting countries drew upon varied experiences without necessarily reproducing any specific model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 12 in 'Themes in World History'?
The chapter focuses on the key developments, particularly the Industrial Revolution and political revolutions, that led to the 'modernisation' of the world.
When did the process of modernisation begin to accelerate according to the chapter?
The chapter suggests that phenomena contributing to the modern world evolved from the medieval and early modern periods, especially from the mid-fifteenth century onwards.
What historical events are cited as examples of political revolutions that transformed subjects into citizens?
The American Revolution (1776-81) and the French Revolution (1789-94) are cited as the beginning of this transformation.
Did all countries industrialise in the same way?
No, the chapter indicates that industrialisation varied significantly between countries, with no single model being universally followed.
What role did Charles Lindbergh play in the context of this chapter?
Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight in 1927 is mentioned as an example of technological advancement that 'linked the world,' relevant to the broader theme of progress.
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NCERT Class 11 History — Themes in World History — Chapter 6 — Displacing Indigenous Peoples. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.