Topics
Towards Independence and Partition: The Last Phase(1935-1947)
- Role of M.N. Roy
- Role of Jawaharlal Nehru
- Role of Subhas Chandra Bose
- Congress Socialists
- Trade Union Activities
- Kisan Sabha Movement
- Growth of Communalism
- Provincial Autonomy under the 1935 Act
- The Congress Ministries
- Assessment of the Activities
- National Movements During the Second World War
- The August Offer of 1940
- Quit India Resolution
- Spread of the Movement
- Violent Public Reaction
- Important Storm Centres of the Movement
- Movement in Three Phases
- Causes of the Failure of the Movement
- Significance of the Movement
- Contribution of Subhas Chandra Bose along with the Objectives of the INA
- Significance of the INA Movement
- Transfer of Power (1945-1947)
- Reaction against the Cabinet Mission Plan
- Communal Riots in different parts of the Country
- Formation of the Interim Government
- Attlee's Declaration of 1947
- The Mountbatten Plan
- The Indian Independence Act, 1947
- Execution of the Mountbatten Plan
- Overview of Towards Independence and Partition: The Last Phase(1935-1947)
Indian History
World History
Establishment and Development of Indian Democracy (1947-1966)
- Post-Partition Issues between India and Pakistan
- Transfer of Assets
- River Water Dispute
- Kashmir Issue and Integration of Princely States
- The Foundation of Indian Democracy
- The Linguistic Reorganisation of States
- Overview of Establishment and Development of Indian Democracy (1947-1966)
Challenges to Indian Democracy (1964-1977)
- Period: (1964 to 1977)
- Naxal Movement
- Main Leaders of the Movement
- J P Movement (1974-75)
- Course of the Movement
- Emergency (1975–1976)
- Suspension of Democratic Organs
- Criticism of the Emergency Era May Be Grouped As
- Revocation of Emergency and Announcement of Elections (1977)
- Overview of Challenges to Indian Democracy (1964-1977)
Changing Face of the Indian Democracy (1977-1986)
- The Janata Government (1977–1979)
- Return of Congress to Power (1979–1986)
- Autonomy Demands and Centre’s Response in North-East India (1947–1985)
- Assam
- Nagaland's Demand for Autonomy
- Mizoram
- Overview of Changing Face of the Indian Democracy (1977-1986)
India's Foreign Policy
- Concept of Non-Alignment Movement
- Bandung Conference
- Belgrade Conference
- Cold War and NAM
- Review of Panchsheel
- Pakistan (1948–49, 1965, 1971)
- Sino-Indian War
- Overview of India's Foreign Policy
Movements for Women's Rights
- Women’s Status in India
- Anti-Dowry Movement and Struggle Against Domestic Violence
- Overview of Movements for Women's Rights
World War-II
- Factors Leading to the World War II
- Aggressive Policy of Germany
- Aggressive Policy of Italy
- Aggressive Policy of Japan
- Anglo-french Appeasement Policies
- War in Europe
- War in Africa
- Attack on Russia
- Fall of Italy
- Fall of Germany
- Fall of Japan
- American Entry and Contribution to the Victory
- Reasons for the Defeat of the Axis Powers
- Overview of World War-II
De-Colonisation in Asia (China) and Africa (Ghana and Kenya)
- Decolonisation in Asia (China)
- The Revolution of 1911
- Formation of the People’s Republic and Early Challenges
- Political Movements and Reforms under Mao Zedong
- Political Transition in Ghana (1957–1969)
- Kenya: Conflict and Independence
- Overview of De-Colonisation in Asia (China) and Africa (Ghana and Kenya)
Cold War 1945-1991 : Origin, Course, End and Impact
- Cold War (1945-1991)
- Truman Doctrine (1947)
- Marshall Aid (1947)
- The Communist Takeover of Czechoslovakia (1948)
- The Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)
- The First Phase of the Vietnam War (1946-54)
- The Second Phase of the Vietnam War (1954-75)
- The Berlin Wall (August 1961)
- Easing of Tension and Detente
- Disintegration of the USSR and Political Shifts in Eastern Europe
- Overview of Cold War 1945-1991 : Origin, Course, End and Impact
Protest Movements (Civil Rights Movement, Anti-Apartheid Movement and Feminist Movement)
- Civil Rights Movement and Racial Equality in the USA
- End of Apartheid and the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa
- Feminist Movement and Legal Reforms in the USA
- Role of National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Equal Rights Amendment Campaign
- Overview of Protest Movements (Civil Rights Movement, Anti-Apartheid Movement and Feminist Movement)
Middle East : Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916-1993)
- Post-War Conflict in Palestine and the Formation of Israel
- World Zionist Movement
- Arab-Israeli Wars and the Camp David Accord (1948–1979)
- The Suez Issue (1956)
- Causes of the Arab-Israel War
- The Six Day War (1967)
- The Yom Kippur War (1973)
- Camp David and the Egyptian-Israeli Peace (1978-79)
- Israel PLO OSLO Peace Accord (1993)
- Overview of Middle East : Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916-1993)
Estimated time: 110 minutes
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Aggressive Policy of Germany
- The Weimar Republic collapsed due to political and economic instability.
- Adolf Hitler rose to power and established a dictatorship in Germany.
- Germany adopted an aggressive and militaristic foreign policy.
- Nazi ideology promoted extreme nationalism and expansionism.
- Germany’s aggressive actions destabilized peace in Europe.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Objectives of Hitler’s Aggressive Foreign Policy
- To destroy the Treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany.
- To rebuild and strengthen the German armed forces.
- To recover lost German territories such as the Saar and Polish Corridor.
- To unite all Germans under one Reich.
- To expand German territory and make Germany a great power again.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Steps/Actions taken under Hitler’s Aggressive Foreign Policy (1932–1939)
| No. | Step/Event | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boycott of Disarmament Conference (1932) | Germany withdrew from the Disarmament Conference and later from the League of Nations, rejecting arms restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. |
| 2. | German–Polish Pact (1934) | Hitler signed a ten-year non-aggression pact with Poland to isolate France and create a neutral buffer state. |
| 3. | Plebiscite in Saar & Rhineland (1935–36) | Saar was reunited with Germany through plebiscite and Rhineland was remilitarised, openly violating international treaties. |
| 4. | Alliances & Intervention (1936–37) | Germany intervened in the Spanish Civil War and formed the Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis, strengthening ties with Italy and Japan. |
| 5. | Territorial Expansion and War (1938–39) | Germany annexed Austria, occupied Czechoslovakia and finally attacked Poland in 1939, leading to the outbreak of the Second World War. |
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Aggressive Policy of Italy
- Italy was dissatisfied with the territorial settlements after the First World War.
- Mussolini came to power and adopted an aggressive foreign policy.
- The main aim was territorial expansion and enhancement of Italy’s prestige.
- Italy justified expansion on the grounds of population pressure and national glory.
- Italy gradually shifted from an anti-German to a pro-German policy after 1934.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Steps/Actions taken under Aggressive Policy of Italy
| No. | Step/Event | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Corfu Incident (1923) | Italy occupied Corfu Island after the killing of an Italian general, forcing Greece to pay compensation and enhancing Italy’s prestige. |
| 2. | Acquisition of Fiume (1924) | Italy acquired Fiume through an agreement with Yugoslavia, fulfilling one of its post-war territorial demands. |
| 3. | Annexation of Abyssinia (1935–36) | Italy invaded Abyssinia to avenge past defeat, gain colonies, raw materials and enhance Mussolini’s popularity; League of Nations failed to stop Italy. |
| 4. | Participation in Spanish Civil War (1936–39) | Italy supported General Franco to curb communism and expand its influence in the Mediterranean region. |
| 5. | Annexation of Albania (1939) | Italy supported General Franco to curb communism and expand its influence in the Mediterranean region. |
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Aggressive Policy of Japan
- Japan emerged as the first major aggressor by invading Manchuria.
- The League of Nations failed to control Japan’s expansionist policy.
- Japan carried out a full-scale invasion of China after 1937.
- Relations between Japan and the USA deteriorated due to Japanese aggression.
- Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour (1941) brought the United States into the Second World War.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Anglo-French Appeasement Policies (Meaning)
- Appeasement was a diplomatic policy of making political or material concessions to aggressive powers to avoid war.
- The policy was first followed by Great Britain and later by France.
- It aimed to avoid war with Germany, Italy and Japan by accepting their demands.
- Britain and France had the power and resources to check aggression but failed to act.
- Anglo-French appeasement largely contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Policy of Appeasement followed by Great Britain and France
| Aspect | Great Britain | France |
|---|---|---|
| Fear factor | Feared spread of Communism from Soviet Russia and saw Axis Powers as a check. | Feared renewed German aggression and spread of Communism. |
| War policy | Tried to maintain balance of power but avoided direct war with Germany, Italy and Japan. | Strongly peace-oriented due to fear of another war. |
| Military position | Suffered from economic and military weakness after WWI and the Great Depression. | Army was weak and poorly prepared with outdated military ideas. |
| Diplomatic issues | Differences with France on collective security, reparations and disarmament weakened unity. | Anglo-American security guarantee proved ineffective in practice. |
| Leadership approach | Chamberlain misjudged Hitler, believing his demands would end once grievances were settled. | Heavy human losses in First World War made France reluctant to resist aggression. |
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Second World War > Phases of Anglo-French Appeasement Policy
| Phase | Time Period | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| First Phase | Mid-1920s to 1937 | Appeasement seen through Dawes Plan and Young Plan; hope that war could be avoided by concessions. Germany gradually violated Treaty of Versailles and Locarno Pact without resistance. League of Nations proved weak and ineffective. |
| Second Phase | 1937 onwards | Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister of Britain. Appeasement became deliberate and personal through negotiations with Hitler. Britain and France tolerated acts like Anschluss and German expansion. |
| Result | — | Appeasement encouraged Hitler’s aggression and disturbed the balance of power in Europe. |
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Courses of the War > War In Europe
| No. | Heading | Date/Year | Main Events | Result/Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Invasion of Poland | September 1939 | Germany invaded Poland after signing a non-aggression pact with USSR | Beginning of the Second World War |
| 2. | Attack on Denmark & Norway | April 1940 | Germany occupied Denmark and Norwegian ports | Secured supply of Swedish iron ore |
| 3. | Attack on Holland and Belgium | May 1940 | Heavy bombing: Holland and Belgium surrendered | Opened way for German advance |
| 4. | Dunkirk Incident | May 1940 | Allied troops evacuated under Operation Dynamo | Over 338,226 troops rescued |
| 5. | Attack on France | June 1940 | Paris captured; France surrendered | Northern France occupied by Germany |
| 6. | Battle of Britain | 12 Aug – 30 Sept 1940 | Heavy German air raids on Britain | Britain resisted German attack |
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Importance of the Battle of Britain
- The Battle of Britain was the first major turning point of the Second World War.
- For the first time, the German army and air force were decisively checked.
- It proved that Germany was not invincible, shattering the myth of Nazi superiority.
- Hitler’s failure in this battle prevented the invasion of Britain.
- Germany’s defeat in the Battle of Britain became one of the major causes of the ultimate German defeat.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Courses of the War > War in Africa
- The African campaign decided control over Egypt and the Suez Canal.
- Allied victory prevented Axis expansion into the Middle East.
- The defeat of Rommel weakened the Axis position in the Mediterranean.
- It boosted Allied morale and strengthened their strategic position.
- The failure of the African campaign led to the downfall of Mussolini.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Significance of the Battle of El Alamein
- The victory stalled the Axis advance and ended the Axis threat to Egypt and the Suez Canal.
- It prevented Axis access to the Persian oil fields through North Africa.
- The possibility of union between the Axis forces in the Middle East and those in Ukraine was prevented.
- The victory at El Alamein completed the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa.
- From a psychological point of view, it revived Allied morale as the first major offensive victory against the Axis in the European war.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Causes of Hitler’s Attack on Russia
- Hitler hated Russia for the introduction of Communist rule (he hated Communism deeply).
- Hitler feared Russia might attack Germany while Germany was preoccupied in the West.
- Hitler believed Japan would attack Russia from the Far East.
- Above all, Hitler’s strong hatred for Communism and desire for Lebensraum (living space).
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Causes of Failure of Operation Barbarossa
- German army officers severely underestimated Russian strength and resistance.
- Faulty planning and poor logistics made sustained warfare impossible for Germany.
- German soldiers were ill-prepared for the harsh Russian winter and extreme climate.
- Inadequate supply of winter clothing and equipment weakened German forces.
- The campaign turned into an ideological war, provoking fierce Russian resistance.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Significance/Importance of Operation Barbarossa
- It opened the Eastern Front, turning the war into a two-front war for Germany.
- Heavy German losses at Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad weakened Nazi military power.
- The failure of the campaign shattered the myth of German invincibility.
- Russian counter-offensives marked the beginning of Germany’s retreat in Europe.
- The defeat proved to be a major turning point leading to the eventual fall of Nazi Germany.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Fall of Italy
- Allied forces landed in North Africa, Sicily and advanced into mainland Italy.
- Mussolini was removed from power and arrested in 1943.
- Italy surrendered unconditionally to the Allied Powers.
- Germany continued resistance in Italy for a few months.
- The fall of Italy weakened the Axis Powers and marked Mussolini’s end.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Allied Invasion of France (Operation Overlord)
- Allied forces invaded France on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) at Normandy beaches.
- Over three million Allied troops landed by sea and air.
- Strong German resistance was overcome within weeks.
- Paris and Northern France were liberated from German control.
- The invasion opened the Western Front and hastened Germany’s defeat.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Fall of Germany
- Germany faced attacks from both East (Russia) and West (Allied forces).
- The Battle of the Bulge caused heavy German losses.
- Berlin was captured by Soviet forces in April 1945.
- Adolf Hitler committed suicide on 7 May 1945.
- Germany surrendered unconditionally, ending the war in Europe.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: War with Japan in the Far East
- Japan expanded rapidly after attacking Pearl Harbour (1941).
- The Battle of Midway became a major turning point in the Pacific War.
- The USA followed the strategy of Island Hopping under General MacArthur.
- Japan suffered heavy losses in ships, aircraft and manpower.
- Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945) forced Japan to surrender.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: American Entry and Contribution for Victory (Europe and Pacific)
- The USA entered the war after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour.
- Through the Lend-Lease Act, the USA supplied arms and resources to Allies.
- America followed the “Europe First” strategy to defeat Germany.
- US forces played a decisive role in Normandy and Pacific battles.
- American military and economic power ensured Allied victory in Second World War.
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Reasons for the Defeat of the Axis Powers
- Allied Superiority: The USA, USSR and Britain had greater industrial, air and naval power than the Axis Powers.
- Shortage of Raw Materials: The Axis Powers suffered from lack of oil, rubber, cotton and other essential resources.
- Strategic Mistakes: Hitler underestimated the USSR and fought on many fronts; Japan misjudged naval warfare.
- Major Allied Victories: Defeats in the Battle of Britain, El Alamein, Normandy and the Pacific weakened the Axis.
- Over-Expansion: Germany and Japan overstretched their limited resources by expanding the war too widely.
