[Synopsis] Day 7 – July 09, 2024-75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – WORLD HISTORY - INSIGHTS IAS

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – World History

World History

Q1. Discuss the contribution of Bismarck and Cavour to the unification of Germany and Italy respectively. (15 m)

Introduction

The Congress of Vienna in 1815 restructured Europe into distinct spheres of influence, resulting in the division of states. For instance, Prussia acquired smaller German states in the west, while Austria gained Venice and much of northern Italy. In this context, leaders like Camillo Cavour and Otto von Bismarck devised strategies to unify Italy and Germany, respectively.

Body:

Bismarck’s Role in the Unification of Germany:

The Congress of Vienna re-established the Germanic states into the German Confederation under the Austrian Empire’s leadership. Otto von Bismarck, as the Minister-President of Prussia (1862) and Chancellor of the German Confederation, pursued a policy of ‘Blood and Iron’ with three primary objectives:
1. Eliminate Austrian influence in Germany.
2. Enhance the economy while reducing the smaller states’ economic independence.
3. Fortify Germany against potential French aggression.
To achieve these goals, Bismarck undertook several key actions:
1. Zollverein: He, along with Friedrich von Motz, established the German customs union (Zollverein), creating a common market and ending tariffs between the German states, excluding Austria.
2. War with Denmark (1864): Bismarck allied with Austria to wage war against Denmark, annexing Schleswig and Holstein and incorporating them into the German Confederation.
3. Austro-Prussian War (1866): Bismarck allied with Italy to defeat Austria, removing Austrian influence from the German Confederation, which was subsequently dissolved.
4. North German Confederation: In 1867, Bismarck formed the North German Confederation, uniting 22 German states under Prussian leadership, with the Prussian king as the hereditary head of the German state. However, southern states like Bavaria remained independent and pro-Austria.
5. Ems Telegram: Bismarck manipulated a telegram from King Wilhelm I of Prussia to incite tensions between Prussia and France. The altered telegram led to the Franco-Prussian War (1870).
6. Franco-Prussian War (1870): The defeat of France in this war allowed Bismarck to unify the remaining German states (excluding Austria).
  1. The Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) granted Germany most parts of Alsace and some parts of Lorraine.

Cavour’s Role in the Unification of Italy:

The Italian unification process began with the 1848 Revolution, challenging the Congress of Vienna’s outcomes. Camillo Cavour, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, played a crucial role in this unification. His contributions included:

Crimean War (1853-56): Cavour sided with France and Britain to gain future allies and diminish foreign influence in Italian states. The Paris Peace Conference following the war provided a platform to promote the Italian unification cause.
Plombiéres Agreement (1858): Cavour secured a secret agreement with Napoleon III to free Italian regions from Austrian control and establish a political framework for Italian unification. Provocative military manoeuvres by Piedmont-Sardinia near the Austro-Piedmontese frontier led Austria to issue an ultimatum, resulting in the Second Italian War of Independence (1859). Austria ceded Lombardy to France, which then transferred it to Sardinia.
Northern Italian States: Inspired by Cavour’s success, northern Italian states held elections in 1859 and 1860, voting to join the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.
Garibaldi’s Influence: In southern Italy, Cavour leveraged Garibaldi’s influence and organized a plebiscite for peaceful unification, presenting it as a people’s revolution rather than territorial expansion by Piedmont.
Austro-Prussian War (1866): Cavour allied with Prussia and fought the Third Italian War of Independence against Austria. Austria’s defeat resulted in Venetia being ceded to Italy.
Papal States: After the Franco-Prussian War (1870), the Papal States were incorporated into Italy, culminating in the unification of Italy by 1871, with Rome as its capital.

Conclusion

Both Bismarck and Cavour conducted a realistic power analysis to pursue national interests, utilizing wars like the Crimean War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War to expand their territories and complete the unification of Germany and Italy.

Q2. Explain why England was the first country to experience the Industrial Revolution and analyse its impact on different aspects of English society in the 18th century. (15 m)

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution marked a significant period during which economies transitioned from agrarian and handicraft-based systems to those dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. This transformation began in Britain in the 18th century and subsequently spread worldwide.

Body:

Factors contributed to the emergence of the Industrial Revolution in England:

Political Stability: England experienced political stability since the seventeenth century, fostering an environment conducive to industrial development.
1. The government’s acceptance of laissez-faire capitalism also created a favourable policy climate for businesses.
Availability of Labour: The Agricultural Revolution in the 18th century led to the consolidation of land and the enclosure of village common lands by larger landlords.
1. This created a pool of landless farmers and individuals who relied on common lands for grazing, making them available for industrial jobs.
Ease of Goods Movement: England’s network of rivers and indented coastline facilitated the movement of goods between markets. Coastal shipping was also well-developed, aiding in transportation.
Robust Financial System: By the 1820s, England had over 600 banks in the provinces and more than 100 banks in London, supporting the financial needs for establishing and maintaining large industrial enterprises.
Abundant Raw Materials: England had plentiful coal, which served as a crucial raw material for steam engines. This coal was not only abundant but also easily accessible.
Extensive Colonial Network: Britain’s vast colonial empire provided access to cheaper raw material imports and extensive markets for their manufactured goods.

Intensification and Broader Connectivity

Formation of Praja Mandals: Praja Mandals were formed in various princely states to represent the interests of the people and demand greater political rights. These organizations often collaborated with the INC and other nationalist groups.
1. For example, the Saurashtra Praja Mandal in Gujarat played a key role in mobilizing the people of the Kathiawar region.
Integration with National Movements: The princely states’ political movements increasingly aligned with national campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and the Quit India Movement (1942).
1. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel actively supported and guided these movements, emphasizing the need for a united struggle against colonial rule.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on English Society:

Economic growth: Entrepreneurs who invested in industries saw substantial returns. Faster production spurred new innovations and labor-saving technologies.
Affordable goods: Mass production lowered the costs of essential items like shoes, clothes, and household goods, improving the quality of life for many.
Wealth accumulation: Cheaper products enabled the common man to build personal wealth. The rising middle class, with increased economic power, demanded societal reforms.
Specialization: Industrialization led to increased specialization, creating a demand for experts and additional teachers and trainers to impart specialized skills.

However, rapid industrialization also had various negative repercussions:

Urban Degradation: Cities were ill-prepared for the massive influx of migrants, leading to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and poor sanitation. This created conditions ripe for epidemics.
Environmental Pollution: Industrial processes relied heavily on natural resources, and their indiscriminate use led to significant pollution and environmental degradation.
Poor Working Conditions: Factory workers faced appalling conditions as factory owners prioritized production and profit over worker well-being. Workers had little bargaining power and were often exploited.
Impact on Women and Children: Women and children, working to supplement inadequate family incomes, faced harsh conditions, including exploitation and unsafe work environments like mines.
Family Strain: Long working hours strained family relationships. Additionally, poverty and poor living conditions often led to relationships being assessed in economic terms.

Conclusion

The adverse effects on workers’ lives spurred various protest movements, eventually leading to improved wage protection and social security measures.

ETHICS

Q3. What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three with suitable examples. [10M, 150 words]

Introduction:

In a democracy, the core principle is that power originates from the people, meaning all public servants act as trustees. With government playing an increasingly impactful role in people’s lives, officials are entrusted to use their authority for the public good or in the “public interest,” maintaining a relationship of trust and responsibility with the populace.

Body:

The Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life outline fundamental ethical standards for individuals in public office or engaged in public service.

Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support the principles of public life by leadership and example. Leaders should be optimistic and empathetic in nature.
- g.: Ukraine leader Zelensky’s heroic defence against Russia’s aggression.
Selflessness: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
- g.: the World Food Program working for food security in worn torn nations.
Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
- Eg: Finland PM undergoes Drug test after party bash case.

Other important principles are:

Honesty: Public officeholders should be truthful.
Openness: Public officeholders should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions too.
Objectivity: Making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, decisions should be based on merit.
Integrity: Public officeholders should avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Conclusion:

These principles were originally set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life in the United Kingdom to ensure high standards of conduct in public office and promote trust and confidence in public institutions.

Q4. Naveen is an IAS official currently serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner. Amit is his close friend. Both have had a strong bond since childhood. Naveen, who was super smart, cracked UPSC and became an IAS officer. On the other hand, Amit was an average student, but due to his hard luck, he hasn’t cleared any government competitive exams so far. Naveen suddenly got a call from Amit and learned that Amit’s father had expired. Now Amit is the breadwinner of the house and has to look after his mother and his two little sisters. In order to land a job, Amit enrolled himself in the IBPS clerk exam, but soon he realized that the exam was not as easy as he expected. Amit one day asked Naveen to write an exam in his name. Naveen, who had a soft corner for his best friend, agreed to it, and Naveen took the exam in lieu of Amit. Weeks later, a paper leak fraud case was exposed in IBPS exams. The investigation case also unveiled the malpractice conduct of both Amit and Naveen. Both were taken into custody, and an FIR was filed against them. [20marks]

1. What are the ethical principles that Naveen should have adhered to?
2. How can individuals resolve the conflict between ethics in private and public relationships?
3. If you were Naveen, what would you have done when Amit asked you to take an exam in his name?

Introduction:

This case study highlights complex ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in public service, the conflicting demands between personal loyalty and professional integrity, and the severe consequences of compromising ethical standards in public life.

Body:

Naveen, as an IAS official and public servant, should have adhered to several ethical principles in both his professional and personal life. These principles include:
1. Integrity: Upholding honesty and truthfulness to his official post and office.

1. Conflict of Interest: Avoiding situations where personal, financial, or other interests conflict with his duties as a public servant.
2. Lawfulness: Adhering strictly to the laws and regulations governing his position and responsibilities.
3. Public Interest: Acting in the best interests of the public and avoiding actions that could harm public trust in government institutions.

In order to resolve the conflict between ethics in private and public relationships individuals can use these:
1. Separation of Roles: Clearly distinguish between personal relationships and professional responsibilities. Understand that public service requires adherence to higher ethical standards due to the impact on the public interest.
2. Refusal of Unethical Requests: If faced with a request that compromises ethical standards, such as the one made by Amit, the individual should firmly refuse to engage in any illegal or unethical activity.
3. Seek Guidance: Consult with ethics advisors or senior colleagues within the organization to discuss ethical dilemmas and seek guidance on appropriate courses of action.
4. Consider Consequences: Evaluate the potential consequences of actions on both personal and professional fronts. Recognize that unethical behaviour can lead to severe legal, disciplinary, and reputational consequences.

If I were in Naveen’s position then,
1. Refusal: I would firmly refuse Amit’s request to take the exam in his name, explaining the ethical and legal implications of such actions.
2. Support in Legal Ways: Instead, I would offer to support Amit in legal ways, such as helping him prepare for the exam, providing guidance on study materials, or offering moral support during a challenging time.
3. Encourage Honest Efforts: Encourage Amit to pursue other legitimate avenues for employment and support him in finding opportunities that align with his skills and qualifications.
4. Report the Request: Depending on the severity of the request and the potential consequences, consider reporting the incident to appropriate authorities within the organization to prevent any wrongdoing.

Conclusion:

Resolving conflicts between private and public ethics involves prioritizing public service obligations over personal relationships and refusing to engage in unethical activities, even under pressure from friends or acquaintances.