NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 3 The Making of a Global World

Class 10 History Chapter 3 The Making of a Global World: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 3, "The Making of a Global World," explores the development of a globally interconnected world through historical trade, migration, labour movement, and capital flow. Globalisation refers to an economic system that enables the free exchange of goods, technology, ideas, and people worldwide. To understand complex topics such as globalisation, the Silk Routes, and technological influences, students can rely on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 3 for a comprehensive and structured understanding.
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Class 10 History Chapter 3 Questions and Answers
1. Give two examples of different types of global exchanges which took place in the seventeenth century, choosing one example from Asia and one from the Americas.
Solution: Here are some examples of cross-cultural exchanges between Asia and the Americas:
a. The Silk Route (Asia): The Silk Route exemplifies the extensive trade and cultural exchange that occurred between distant regions. Named for the Chinese silk that was transported westward, this route facilitated not only the movement of goods but also the exchange of ideas. Early Christian missionaries and later Muslim preachers likely travelled this route to reach Asia, contributing to its role in global cultural interactions.
b. Food from the Americas: Many foods that are now staples in our diets, such as potatoes, soya, groundnuts, maize, tomatoes, chillies, and sweet potatoes, were unknown to people before Christopher Columbus's accidental discovery of the Americas. These items only reached Europe and other parts of the world following this significant discovery.
Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 1
2. Explain how the global transfer of disease in the pre-modern world helped in the colonisation of the Americas.
Solutions: The global transfer of disease greatly aided the colonisation of the Americas in the following ways:
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Lack of Immunity: Native Americans had no immunity to diseases like smallpox and measles, which were common in Europe. The introduction of these diseases led to high mortality rates among native populations, weakening their societies and making them more susceptible to European control.
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Population Decline: The severe decline in Native American populations due to disease disrupted their communities and reduced their capacity to resist European colonisers, making it easier for Europeans to establish control.
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Biological Warfare: In some cases, European settlers deliberately spread disease by giving contaminated items, such as smallpox-infected blankets, to Native Americans. This tactic further diminished native resistance and facilitated European expansion.
Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 2
3. Write a note to explain the effect of the following:
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The British government’s decision to abolish the Corn Laws.
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The coming of rinderpest to Africa.
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The death of men of working age in Europe because of the World War.
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The Great Depression on the Indian economy.
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The decision of MNCs to relocate production to Asian countries.
Solution:
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The British government's decision to abolish the Corn Laws was influenced by dissatisfaction among landed groups over high food prices and the influx of cheaper agricultural products from Australia and America. This change led many English farmers to leave their profession, migrating to towns and cities or even moving abroad. This shift contributed to global agricultural changes and accelerated urbanisation, which was crucial for industrial development.
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In the late 1880s, rinderpest, a highly contagious cattle disease, arrived in Africa. It had a devastating impact on local economies and livelihoods, starting in East Africa and quickly spreading across the continent. By the early 1890s, it had reached the Cape of Good Hope, killing 90% of the cattle in the region. The disease spread through cattle infected in British Asia and imported to feed Italian soldiers in Eritrea. Colonial powers exploited this situation, using the cattle shortage to force Africans into the labour market. The loss of their cattle resources pushed many Africans into wage labour, benefiting the colonial powers.
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The First World War marked the first large-scale industrial conflict, featuring widespread use of machine guns, tanks, aircraft, and chemical weapons. To support the war effort, millions of soldiers were recruited globally and transported to the frontlines by ships and trains. The unprecedented scale of death and destruction resulted in a significant loss of working-age men, which sharply reduced the able-bodied workforce in Europe. This led to a decline in household incomes and a rise in women taking on roles previously held by men. The war thus increased the demand for gender equality and strengthened the feminist movement.
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In the 19th century, colonial India became a major exporter of agricultural products and an importer of manufactured goods. The Great Depression had a severe impact on India’s agriculture, highlighting the growing integration of the Indian economy into the global market. As international prices fell, Indian prices also dropped, with wheat prices plummeting by 50% between 1928 and 1934.
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Low wages in Asian countries like China made them attractive destinations for foreign multinational corporations seeking to dominate global markets. The relocation of industries to these low-wage countries boosted world trade and capital flow.
4. Give two examples from history to show the impact of technology on food availability.
Solution:
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Enhanced Transportation Systems: Advances in transportation systems improved the timely and safe delivery of food to markets. Faster railways, lighter wagons, and larger ships made it possible to move food efficiently and cost-effectively from distant farms to final destinations.
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Refrigerated Ships: The introduction of refrigerated ships revolutionised the transport of perishable goods over long distances. In countries like America, Australia, and New Zealand, animals were slaughtered and frozen before being shipped to Europe. This method reduced shipping costs and lowered meat prices in Europe, allowing the poorer population to incorporate meat into their diet, which had previously been limited to bread and potatoes.
5. What is meant by the Bretton Woods Agreement?
Solution: To promote economic stability and full employment across the industrialised world, a new international economic framework was established after World War II. This framework was formalised during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference held at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in July 1944. The conference was a pivotal moment in shaping the post-war economic order.
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International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF was created to help member countries manage their external surpluses and shortages. It aimed to stabilize international exchange rates and facilitate the balanced growth of international trade. The IMF provided financial assistance to countries facing temporary balance of payments problems, ensuring that they could maintain economic stability without resorting to disruptive policies.
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International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank): The World Bank, established to support post-war reconstruction, began its financial operations in 1947. Its primary goal was to provide funding for rebuilding war-torn countries and supporting development projects in emerging economies. The World Bank aimed to reduce poverty and foster economic development through loans and grants.
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Gold-Linked Currencies: The Bretton Woods System fixed currencies to gold, with the US dollar acting as the primary reserve currency linked to the price of gold. This arrangement established a stable international monetary system, where currencies were pegged to a fixed rate in terms of gold, and countries could adjust their currencies within a narrow band.
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Decision-Making Authority: The Bretton Woods System granted substantial decision-making power to Western industrial powers, particularly the United States. The US had the authority to veto key decisions in both the IMF and the World Bank, reflecting its dominant economic position and influence in the international financial system.
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Impact on Trade and Economic Growth: The fixed exchange rate system of Bretton Woods fostered a period of remarkable economic growth and increased international trade. It provided a stable environment that facilitated cross-border investment and trade, contributing to the economic prosperity of Western nations and Japan. The system supported global economic recovery and expansion in the decades following World War II.
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The Making of Global World Summary
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Introduction to Globalisation: This chapter examines how globalisation developed, showing how our interconnected world has evolved through historical trade, migration, and capital flows.
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Historical Trade Routes: It discusses important trade routes, such as the Silk Roads, which connected different regions. These routes were not just for exchanging goods like silk and spices but also for sharing ideas and technologies between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
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Migration and Labour Movement: Migration has been a key factor in globalisation. The chapter looks at how people have moved across borders seeking better job opportunities, affecting both cultures and economies.
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The Role of Technology: Technological advancements, including improvements in shipping, railways, and communication, have been vital in shaping globalisation. These developments made long-distance trade and migration more manageable.
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Economic Integration: The chapter also explores how globalisation has led to the merging of markets and the growth of multinational companies. This shift has had a significant impact on economies and societies worldwide.
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Challenges and Criticisms: It also addresses some of the negative aspects of globalisation, such as economic inequality, loss of cultural diversity, and environmental issues.
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The Making of Global World FAQs
Q1. How did historical trade routes like the Silk Roads influence globalisation?
Ans. The Silk Roads facilitated the exchange of goods, such as silk and spices, and also allowed the flow of ideas and technologies between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, playing a crucial role in early globalisation.
Q2. What role did migration play in shaping the global economy?
Ans. Migration allowed people to seek better job opportunities and contributed to cultural and economic development across different regions, influencing the growth and spread of global trade and integration.
Q3. How did technological advancements impact globalisation?
Ans. Technological innovations, such as improved ships, railways, and communication systems, made long-distance trade and migration more feasible and efficient, driving the process of globalisation.
Q4. What are some examples of economic changes brought about by globalisation?
Ans. Examples include the integration of markets, the rise of multinational corporations, and the increased flow of capital and investments across borders.
Q5. What are the main challenges associated with globalisation?
Ans. Challenges include economic inequality, cultural homogenisation, and environmental concerns, which arise from the rapid spread and integration of global systems.

