NCERT Solutions Class 11 History Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation

Paths to Modernisation – Class 11 NCERT Solution discusses the modernization processes that took place in Japan and China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The chapter examines the historical conditions that led these two countries to adopt different paths to modernization and the outcomes of these processes. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by our Top Social Science Experts to take care of all Important Topics that might be asked in the upcoming examination 2024-2025. So, Students can refer to these solutions for their final Examination preparation.

These Class 11 Social Science Chapter 7 Paths to Modernisation NCERT Solutions are carefully developed using easy-to-understand language while adhering to the guidelines for solving NCERT Solutions for Class 11. Working through these solutions can be highly beneficial for students in their board exams, as well as in preparing for future competitive Exams.

NCERT Solutions Class 11 Social Science Chapter 7 – Paths to Modernisation

Exercise Page No 158 (Activity 1)

Q. Contrast the encounter of the Japanese and the Aztecs with the Europeans.

Answer:

The encounters of the Japanese and the Aztecs with Europeans differed significantly. The Japanese initially welcomed European traders and engaged in limited trade, while the Aztecs viewed the Spanish invaders as gods until they realized their true intentions and resisted conquest. The impact of these encounters led to different outcomes: Japan adopted some European influences but maintained sovereignty, while the Aztec Empire was conquered and colonized by the Spanish.

Exercise Page No 164 (Activity 2)

Q. Would you agree with Nishitani’s definition of ‘modern’?

Answer:

According to philosopher Nishi Tani, the term “Modern” includes the ideas of the Protestant Reformation, the Renaissance, and the emergence of natural sciences in Western philosophy. That scholar was all true, from my perspective. In reality, it was an attempt to bring together science and faith. These two things are as necessary and inevitable as the relationship between the soul (emotions, impulses, temperament, and discretion) and the body (a crystal composed of substances, such as solid, liquid, and gas).

Depending on how it is applied, science may be both a blessing and a curse. This is only possible if one is knowledgeable about biology, botany, the environment, ethics, how humans interact with the environment, etc. Science can bring people comfort and convenience, but it can also spread destruction—for example, when it is used to make nuclear bombs or hydrogen gas. It was therefore important to note and draw comparisons between the conditions that existed in Japan and the effects of the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformations, and the scientific contribution to them.

Exercise Page No 166 (Activity 3)

Q. Does this painting give you a clear sense of the significance of the Opium War?

Answer:

This is an image-based activity and the students must attempt this question themselves.

Exercise Page No 169 (Activity 4)

Q. How does a sense of discrimination unite people?

Answer:

A sense of discrimination can unite people by promoting solidarity and shared experiences in the face of injustice. When individuals or groups perceive themselves as targets of discrimination, they may form bonds based on empathy, mutual support, and a common desire for equality and dignity. Discrimination can serve as a catalyst for collective action, as marginalized communities come together to support their rights, challenge oppressive systems, and create positive change. In this way, a shared sense of discrimination can inspire unity, resilience, and collective empowerment among those who have been marginalized or oppressed.

Exercise Page No 181

Q1. What were the major developments before the Meiji restoration that made it possible for Japan to modernise rapidly?

Answer:

Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan underwent significant developments that facilitated rapid modernization:

• Opening up to the world allowed Japan to access Western ideas, technology, and trade.
• Interaction with Western powers introduced Japan to modern science, industry, and political systems.
• Issued in 1868, it signified a commitment to modernization and national unity.
• The feudal system was dismantled, centralizing power and paving the way for modern governance.
• The government invested in infrastructure, factories, and technology to kickstart industrial growth.
• Educational reforms promoted literacy, modern knowledge, and a skilled workforce.
• Japan adopted Western military tactics and weaponry to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Q2. Discuss how daily life was transformed as Japan developed.

Answer:

During Japan’s development in the Meiji era, daily life underwent major changes. Urbanization intensified as people migrated to cities for employment in industries. Modern infrastructure like railways and telegraph lines enhanced connectivity. Traditional agricultural and artisanal practices gave way to industrial jobs. Education became more widespread, leading to higher literacy rates. Westernization influenced clothing and customs, while social hierarchies shifted, and women’s roles evolved. Healthcare and sanitation improved, contributing to better public health. Overall, these transformations reflected Japan’s rapid modernization from a feudal society to a modern industrial nation, shaping the fabric of daily life for its citizens.

Q3. How did the Qing dynasty try and meet the challenge posed by the Western powers?

Answer:

The Qing dynasty attempted to address the challenge posed by Western powers through various measures:

• The Qing court engaged in diplomatic negotiations and treaties with Western powers to establish diplomatic relations and regulate trade.
• Recognizing the technological superiority of Western nations, the Qing government embarked on modernization initiatives, including industrialization, military reforms, and infrastructure development such as railways and telegraph lines.
• The Self-Strengthening Movement promoted the adoption of Western military technology, education systems, and industrial practices while preserving traditional Chinese culture and governance structures.
• The Qing government established treaty ports where foreign powers enjoyed extraterritorial rights, allowing them to operate under their own laws and jurisdiction within Chinese territory.
• Efforts were made to modernize the military through the acquisition of Western weaponry, training of soldiers by foreign military advisors, and the establishment of modern arsenals and naval fleets.
• The Qing government implemented economic reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, including the promotion of trade, investment in infrastructure, and the development of modern banking and financial systems.
• Educational reforms were introduced to modernize the Chinese education system, with an emphasis on science, technology, and Western languages to facilitate communication with foreign powers.

Q4. What were Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles?

Answer:

Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles, also known as the Three Principles of the People, were foundational to his vision for modernizing China:

• Nationalism: The principle of nationalism, or minzu, emphasized the importance of liberating China from foreign domination and unifying the Chinese people under a strong, independent nation-state. It called for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of a republican government based on the sovereignty of the people.
• Democracy: The principle of democracy, or minquan, advocated for a government that derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Sun Yat-sen envisioned a democratic system with elections, a separation of powers, and guarantees of individual rights and freedoms, aimed at ensuring the participation and representation of all citizens in the political process.
• Livelihood: The principle of livelihood, or minsheng, focused on improving the economic well-being and social welfare of the Chinese people. It called for economic reforms to address poverty, inequality, and exploitation, as well as the development of education, healthcare, and social services to uplift the standard of living for all citizens.

Q5. How did Korea deal with the foreign currency crisis in 1997?

Answer:

In response to the foreign currency crisis in 1997, known as the Asian Financial Crisis, Korea implemented several measures to stabilize its economy:

• Korea sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and secured a $57 billion bailout package to address its financial difficulties and restore investor confidence.
• The Korean government implemented reforms to strengthen the financial sector, including restructuring and recapitalizing banks, improving transparency and corporate governance, and enhancing regulatory oversight.
• Korea pursued fiscal discipline measures to reduce government spending, control budget deficits, and stabilize public finances.
• The government encouraged corporate restructuring and consolidation to address overcapacity and inefficiencies in industries such as manufacturing and construction.

Q6. Did Japan’s policy of rapid industrialisation lead to wars with its neighbours and destruction of the environment?

Answer:

Japan’s policy of rapid industrialization did contribute to tensions with its neighbors and environmental degradation, but it’s not the sole cause of wars or environmental destruction:

• Tensions with Neighbors: Japan’s rapid industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to territorial expansion and conflicts with neighboring countries. The pursuit of resources and markets fueled Japan’s imperial ambitions, leading to wars such as the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), and World War II (1939-1945).
• Environmental Degradation: Industrialization brought significant environmental challenges to Japan, including pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth led to air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources.

Q7. Do you think that Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China were successful in liberating China and laying the basis for its current success?

Answer:

Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China successfully liberated China from decades of civil war and foreign occupation, establishing the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Their efforts aimed at social and economic transformation, including land reform and socialist policies, reshaped Chinese society. However, Mao’s initiatives, such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, led to significant human suffering and economic setbacks. While Mao’s leadership laid the groundwork for China’s modernization and rise as a global power, his legacy remains controversial due to the mixed outcomes of his policies and the major impact they had on Chinese society and economy.

Q8. Did economic growth in South Korea contribute to its democratisation?

Answer:

Economic growth in South Korea played an important role in its democratization process. The rise of a prosperous middle class, fueled by industrialization and urbanization, led to increased demands for political rights and freedoms. Labor movements emerged, supporting better working conditions and challenging authoritarian rule. Internationally, South Korea’s economic success attracted attention and pressure for democratic reforms.

Moreover, economic development exposed the limitations and deficiencies of the authoritarian regime, promoting a crisis of legitimacy. Civil society organizations and activism flourished, contributing to calls for political liberalization. While economic growth alone did not directly cause democratization, it created conditions conducive to political change by empowering citizens, promoting social mobilization, and increasing pressure for political reform both domestically and internationally.

Summary – NCERT Solutions History Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation

The NCERT Solutions History Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation begins by discussing the concept of modernisation, and the different ways in which it can be defined. It then goes on to examine the factors that led Japan and China to embark on their modernisation processes. These factors included the threat of Western imperialism, the desire to develop their economies, and the need to reform their political and social systems. The chapter concludes by examining the outcomes of the modernisation processes in Japan and China. Japan was successful in becoming a modern, industrialised nation, and was able to avoid Western colonisation. China, on the other hand, was less successful in its modernisation efforts, and was eventually colonised by Western powers.

NCERT Solutions History Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation- FAQs

What were the key principles of Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People?

Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles were nationalism, democracy, and livelihood.

How did Japan’s policy of rapid industrialization affect its relations with neighboring countries?

Japan’s industrialization fueled territorial expansion and conflicts with neighboring countries, leading to tensions and wars.

What were the major developments that paved the way for Japan’s rapid modernization before the Meiji Restoration?

Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan experienced reforms such as the end of feudalism, adoption of Western technology, and establishment of a centralized government.

What were the economic consequences of South Korea’s rapid economic growth?

South Korea’s economic growth led to the emergence of a middle class, labor movements, and increased pressure for political liberalization.

How did Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China contribute to China’s modernization efforts?

Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China contributed to China’s modernization through land reforms, socialist policies, and industrialization initiatives.