The first chapter of History, ‘The Rise of Nationalism in Europe,’ is a must-know for every Class 10 board student.
It covers how Europe moved from kingdoms to powerful nation-states like Italy and Germany — all because of one strong feeling: Nationalism.
Let’s go deep and practice as possible assertion and reason questions which can be asked in your exams.
Must practice these Assertion/Reason questions
Q.1 Assertion (A): Frédéric Sorrieu’s print of 1848 shows shattered symbols of absolutist institutions on the ground.
Reason (R): Sorrieu imagined a world where monarchy would be strengthened through national unity.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: c) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: Sorrieu’s print depicts the destruction of symbols of absolutism, representing the defeat of monarchist rule in favor of democratic ideals. His vision was not about strengthening monarchy, but about establishing democratic republics.
Q.2 Assertion (A): The tricolour flag of France in Sorrieu’s print symbolises the revolution and liberal nationalism.
Reason (R): The tricolour became a symbol of monarchist restoration in Europe after 1815.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: c) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: The tricolour flag in Sorrieu’s print represents revolutionary and liberal ideals, not monarchist restoration. After 1815, the tricolour was associated with the ideals of the French Revolution.
Q.3 Assertion (A): Ernst Renan believed that a nation is a large-scale solidarity built through shared past sacrifices.
Reason (R): According to Renan, a nation is formed mainly through common race, religion, and language.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: c) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: Renan argued that a nation is formed through shared history, struggles, and a collective will, not by race, religion, or language. His theory emphasizes solidarity built from a common past, not fixed characteristics.
Q.4 Assertion (A): In Sorrieu’s utopian vision, each group is identified by distinct national costumes and flags.
Reason (R): The use of such symbols reflected the growing idea of unity among diverse cultural groups.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Sorrieu used distinct national symbols to emphasize unity in diversity. These symbols reflect how national identities were being formed and consolidated through the shared aspirations of different peoples.
Q.5 Assertion (A): Andreas Rebmann’s almanac cover of 1798 depicted the storming of the Bastille alongside a fortress in Kassel.
Reason (R): Rebmann aimed to inspire German people to fight against despotic rule, just like the French revolutionaries.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In 1798, Andreas Rebmann, a German Jacobin, designed an almanac cover showing:
- The French storming Bastille (symbol of tyranny).
- A similar fortress in Kassel (symbol of German despotism).
He used the slogan: “The people must seize their own freedom!”
Purpose: To motivate Germans to rise against autocratic rulers — just like the French had done.
Q.6 Assertion (A): Napoleon introduced revolutionary administrative reforms in the territories he conquered.
Reason (R): The Napoleonic Code abolished feudal privileges, established equality before the law, and secured the right to property.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The Assertion says Napoleon introduced revolutionary reforms. The Reason explains that the Napoleonic Code was one of these reforms, which removed old privileges, made everyone equal before the law, and protected property rights. These changes were part of what made Napoleon’s reforms revolutionary.
