History Notes Chapter 2 Europe and India Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8
1. Introduction

• Events in Europe during the modern period had a major impact on India.
• To understand modern Indian history, we must also study key developments in Europe.

2. The Renaissance (13th to 16th Century)

Meaning: “Renaissance” means “rebirth.” It was a period of new ideas in art, culture, and learning.

Key Features:

• Revival of Greek and Roman traditions in art, architecture, and philosophy.
• Focus on humanism – treating people with respect and dignity.
• Knowledge and science expanded during this period.

Important Figure:

• Leonardo da Vinci: A multi-talented personality known for his work in science and art. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.”

Printing Press: Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450, it helped spread new ideas to common people.

3. Religious Reform Movement

• This movement questioned the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
• People opposed the unnecessary rituals and corruption of priests.
• It promoted human freedom and rational thinking.

4. Geographical Discoveries

• In 1453, the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople (Istanbul), blocking the trade route between Europe and Asia.
• This led European countries to search for new sea routes to Asia.

Important Explorers:

• Bartolomeu Dias (1487): Reached the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope).
• Christopher Columbus (1492): Tried to reach India by sailing west but discovered America.
• Vasco da Gama (1498): Reached India (Calicut) by sailing around Africa.

5. Intellectual Revolution

• A time when people began to question old beliefs and customs.
• Led to scientific discoveries and a new way of thinking.

6. Political Revolutions

Age of Revolutions (18th and 19th Century): Many important political changes happened during this time.

1. American War of Independence (1775-1783)
   • England imposed heavy taxes on 13 American colonies.
   • Under George Washington’s leadership, the colonies fought and gained independence.
   • This led to the creation of the United States of America with a democratic government.
2. French Revolution (1789)
   • The people of France overthrew the monarchy and feudal system.
   • Introduced the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

7. Industrial Revolution (18th Century)

• Introduction of machines powered by steam.
• Shift from small cottage industries to large factories.
• Began in England, which became known as the “World Factory.”

8. Rise of Capitalism

• Discovery of new sea routes increased trade between Europe and Asia.
• Wealth from trade was invested in businesses, leading to a new economic system called Capitalism.

9. Colonialism and Imperialism

• Colonialism: When a powerful country takes control of another region for economic and political benefits.
• Imperialism: A stronger nation dominates and controls weaker nations through political, military, or economic means.

10. British Imperialism in India

British East India Company: Formed in 1600 to trade with India.

• Established a factory in Surat with permission from Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

British-French Conflict:

• England and France competed for trade in India.
• The Carnatic Wars were fought between them. England won the Third Carnatic War, eliminating French competition.

11. Foundation of British Rule in Bengal

Battle of Plassey (1757):

• Siraj-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Bengal) opposed the British.
• Robert Clive bribed Mir Jafar (Nawab’s commander) to betray Siraj-ud-Daulah.
• The British won and made Mir Jafar the Nawab of Bengal.

Battle of Buxar (1764):

• British defeated the combined forces of Mir Kasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Ayodhya), and Shah Alam (Mughal Emperor).
• Through the Treaty of Allahabad, the British got the right to collect revenue from Bengal.

12. British Expansion in India

Sindh (1843): The British captured Sindh to control the route to Afghanistan.

Punjab (1849): After defeating the Sikhs in two Anglo-Sikh wars, the British took over Punjab.

Mysore (1799): Tipu Sultan of Mysore fought against the British but was defeated and killed in the Battle of Srirangapatna.

13. Important Terms

• Colonialism: Taking control of another region for political and economic benefit.
• Imperialism: Expanding a country’s influence by controlling other territories.
• Capitalism: Economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
• Age of Renaissance: Period of cultural and intellectual growth in Europe between the 13th and 16th centuries.