Maharashtra State Board Class 12 History Solutions Chapter 2 European Colonialism
1A. Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the statement.
1B. Find the incorrect pair from group ‘B’ and write the corrected one.
Group ‘A’ | Group ‘B’ |
1. Togoland | German colony |
2. Egypt | British colony |
3. Orange Free State | Dutch colony |
4. Ivory Coast | Portuguese colony |
Ivory Coast – French colony
2A. Write the names of historical places/persons/events.
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
The region from Florida to California on the southern coast of America was under the control of-
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Spain
Question 2
Maharashtra Board Solution
The sea voyages for exploration were encouraged in the reign of-
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Queen Elizabeth I
2B. Choose the correct reason from those given below and complete the sentence.
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
The British wanted to gain control over Myanmar because __________ (a) they wanted to expand their empire (b) it was very important to control the natural resources and the market in Myanmar (c) they wanted to be at the forefront of the colonial competition amongst the European nations (d) they wanted to teach a lesson to King Thibaw of Myanmar
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(b) it was very important to control the natural resources and the market in Myanmar
3. Complete the following concept map.
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
4. Write short notes.
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
Nature of Colonialism.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 2
Maharashtra Board Solution
American War of Independence.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
The colonies got into several battles with the British army even after gaining independence. The colonies finally at Saratoga got a decisive victory over the British army. This victory proved to be a turning point for the colonies as the French agreed to support them in their conflict against the British. Eventually, Spain also joined the conflicts in their struggle for independence.
On 7th October 1780, George Washington defeated the British army. On 19th October, British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered and America became independent. The American revolt for independence is also known as the ‘American Revolution’. America proved to the world that the subjects have a right to fight their rulers who deny them their natural rights. 5. Explain the following statements with reasons.
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
The industrial revolution gave momentum to colonialism.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Colonialism was a result of the industrial revolution. Production increased enormously because of the new machines. However, the rate of local consumption was much less compared to the surplus rate of production. Hence, the immediate need of the Europeans was to find new markets for selling their products. It was also necessary that these markets be dependable and easy to dominate.
Question 2
Maharashtra Board Solution
European nations established colonies in America.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
The stronger European nations dominated the weaker countries by establishing colonies there and pushed them to subjection. The lands of the original inhabitants in America were seized by the Europeans and were also massacred. The original inhabitants were forced into slavery. The Europeans discovered gold mines and the Spanish colonizers brought African slaves to work in sugarcane and tobacco fields. Farming and mining earned them enormous wealth. Essential raw materials were exported to Spain and the finished goods used to be imported for sale in the local markets for the colonies. The trade of gold and silver also earned huge profits for the king. Witnessing Spain’s prosperity England, Holland and France also began to establish colonies in America.
Class 12 History Chapter 2 European Colonialism Intext Questions and Answers Try to do this. (Textbook Page No. 11) Locate the following regions under British domination on the map: Gibraltar, Malta in the Mediterranean Sea; British Guyana, British Honduras, British West Indies, Bermuda and Falkland islands in the Western Hemisphere; Aden, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Hongkong, India; also, the countries in Africa.
Project (Textbook Page No. 18)
Question 1
Maharashtra Board Solution
Collect information about the biodiversity and sources of minerals in the African continent.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
1. Meaning of Biodiversity: Biodiversity consists of two words ‘Biological’ and ‘Diversity’. It refers to all the variety of life that can be found on earth (plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms) as well as to the communities that they form and the habitats in which they live.
2. Biodiversity in Africa: 3. Minerals in Africa: |


