Solutions-Class 8-History-Chapter-2-Europe and India-Maharashtra Board

(b) Constantinople

(a) England

(b) Mir Kasim

• Colonialism means one country exploiting another country by making it into a colony.
• A powerful country on the basis of economic and military strength occupies another region and establishes its political Supremacy.
• Many European nations established their colonies in various parts of the continents of America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
• They grabbed the power by using force to exploit the colonies systematically.
• This tendency of Colonialism led to rise of imperialism among the Europeans

• Imperialism means a system in which a powerful country controls other countries by establishing its overall domination and establishing many colonies.
• Many Asian and African countries fell victim to the imperialist ambitions of the powerful military-powered European nations.
• Imperialism gained momentum after industrial revolution and come to an end in twentieth century.

• The term "renaissance" literally means "rebirth" or "revival." Reformation, religious reform movements, and geographical discoveries gained popularity in late mediaeval Europe.
• It was a broad movement that impacted every part of human life. In the Renaissance period, the Greek and Roman traditions in art, architecture, and philosophy were revived.
• Humanitarianism received a significant boost.
• The Renaissance encouraged all-around improvement and marked a new period in world history.
• This developments took place from 13th century to l6‘h century in Europe. This period is known as the Age of Renaissance.

• With the discovery of new sea routes, began a new era of trade between Europe and Asia.
• Many traders came forward to trade with Eastern countries through the sea route.
• As it was not possible to carry out trade single-handedly, it was decided by the traders to pool their resources to raise capital for trade.
• Many trading companies like the East India Company were formed.
• Trade with Oriental countries was very profitable and responsible for economic prosperity.
• The ruling powers gave protection and trade concessions to these companies.
• This led to the accumulation of wealth in Europe.
• This property was used in the form of capital for trade and Commerce which led to rise of capitalist economic system in Europe.

• The officers of the British East India Company misused the trade concessions and built fortification around the factory in Kolkata.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah captured the factory at Kolkata.
• This created discontent in England.
• Robert Clive bribed Mir Jafar, Commander in Chief of the Nawab's troops, with the prospect of becoming him Nawab of Bengal.
• As a result, the Army of Siraj-ud-Daulah, led by Mir Kasim, did not participate in the battle against the British at Plassey in 1757 AD.
• As a result, the British won the battle of Plassey via treachery and deception.

• In 1453 AD, the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) which was the capital of Byzantine Empire.
• The overland trade routes joining Asia and Europe went through this city.
• Since the Turks blocked this route, the European countries felt the necessity of finding new sea routes to Asia.

• With the discovery of new sea routes to the east, trade with oriental countries became very profitable. Thus, the European trade prospered.
• Competition for trade began among many European nations.
• The traders pooled their resources and formed trading companies like the East India Company.
• As this trade brought economic prosperity, the European rulers started giving military protection and trade concessions to these trading companies.