CBSE Class 8 History Our Pasts III: The Making of the National Movement (1870s–1947) NCERT Solutions

In the 1870s and 1880s, a significant level of dissatisfaction grew among the Indian populace regarding British rule. Several key factors contributed to this discontent:

1. A growing perception that the British were exploiting India's resources and exerting undue control over the lives of its people.
2. The enactment of the Arms Act in 1878, which prohibited Indians from possessing arms, was seen as a discriminatory measure that disarmed the native population while the rulers remained armed.

1. The Vernacular Press Act, also passed in 1878, was designed to suppress criticism of the government. This Act gave the authorities the power to confiscate the assets of newspapers, including their printing presses, if they published content considered objectionable by the government.
2. The controversy surrounding the Albert Bill further fueled resentment. This bill proposed that European or British individuals could be tried by Indian judges, aiming to establish equality within the judicial system. However, strong opposition from the European community forced the government to withdraw the bill, which was perceived by Indians as a clear instance of racial bias and inequality, intensifying their dissatisfaction.

The Indian National Congress was established with the fundamental aim of speaking for the collective good of all Indian countrymen. Its objective was to represent the interests of every Indian citizen, regardless of their background. The Congress sought to unite people across different classes, colours, castes, creeds, languages, and genders. It articulated that India, along with its resources and administrative systems, belonged not to any single class or community, but to all the diverse communities residing within the nation. As evidenced by reports from newspapers of the time, prominent figures like Badruddin Tyabji stated that the Congress was composed of representatives from all the different communities of India, underscoring its inclusive vision.

The First World War (1914-1918) had profound economic consequences for India, altering its financial landscape significantly. The major economic impacts included:

1. Rise in Defense Expenditure: The war effort necessitated a substantial increase in military spending by the Government of India, placing a heavy financial burden on the country.
2. Imposition of Heavy Taxes: To finance the escalating defense expenditures, the government resorted to increasing taxes. This included higher taxes on individual incomes and business profits, which particularly worsened the economic condition of farmers who often faced additional local levies.
3. Increase in Prices: The heightened military expenditure and the continuous demand for war supplies led to a sharp rise in the prices of essential goods and commodities. This inflation created considerable economic hardship and difficulties for the common people in their daily lives.
4. Profits for Certain Sectors: While many faced hardship, some industries and businesses involved in supplying war materials or benefiting from government contracts experienced increased profits during this period.