NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 8 – The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

Making of the National Movement 1870s–1947 Overview

The chapter traces the rise of Indian nationalism from the 1870s to Independence in 1947. Students learn why many Indians became unhappy with British rule, how early leaders raised political demands, and how the freedom movement changed over time. It moves from moderate politics to mass struggles led by ordinary people and national leaders. 

It also covers major milestones such as the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, the Partition of Bengal, the Swadeshi movement, Gandhiji’s role, and the developments that finally led to Partition and Independence. This is why the chapter is important for concept-building as well as exam preparation. 

NCERT Solutions for The National Movement 1870s–1947 Class 8 

 Go through the making of the national movement 1870s–1947 class 8 NCERT solutions to better understand the chapter. 

Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?

Many Indians were unhappy because British policies were unfair and insulting. The Arms Act of 1878 stopped Indians from keeping arms, while the Vernacular Press Act curbed the freedom of Indian-language newspapers. The Ilbert Bill controversy also showed that the British did not treat Indians as equals. 

Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?

The Indian National Congress wanted to speak for all Indians, no matter which region, class, religion, or language they belonged to. It tried to present itself as a common political platform for the country. That idea became important in building a wider sense of national unity. 

What economic impact did the First World War have on India?

The First World War increased government spending, and to meet those costs, taxes were raised. Prices also went up, which created hardship for common people. At the same time, some Indian businesses benefited because war needs increased the demand for goods produced in India. 

What did the Muslim League resolution of 1940 ask for?

In 1940, the Muslim League passed a resolution demanding independent states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern parts of India. This resolution later became closely linked with the demand for Pakistan. It marked a major turning point in late colonial politics. 

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Short Notes for Class 8 Chapter 8 

The early Congress leaders are often called Moderates. They believed in speeches, meetings, petitions, newspaper writing, and constitutional methods. They hoped that if British injustice was exposed clearly, reforms would eventually follow. Their methods were slow, but they laid the foundation of organised political action in India. 

The Radicals, however, were not satisfied with this pace. They believed that Indians should depend on their own strength and work actively for swaraj. This difference in outlook changed the tone of the national movement and brought stronger political energy into public life. 

The Swadeshi movement, which grew after the Partition of Bengal in 1905, asked people to boycott foreign goods and support Indian-made products. It was not just an economic movement. It also became a powerful expression of self-respect, unity, and national feeling among Indians. 

Important Events in The Making of the National Movement 

Non-Cooperation Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921 and 1922 took different forms across India. Students left government schools, lawyers gave up practice, foreign cloth was boycotted, and titles were surrendered. In many places, local grievances mixed with Gandhiji’s message, so the movement looked different from region to region. 

Why did Gandhiji break the salt law?

Gandhiji chose salt because it was used by everyone, rich and poor alike. The British monopoly and tax on salt were seen as deeply unfair. By breaking the salt law through the Dandi March, he turned a daily necessity into a symbol of resistance and collective courage. 

Developments from 1937 to 1947

The years from 1937 to 1947 saw growing tension between the Congress and the Muslim League. Elections, failed negotiations, the demand for Pakistan, Direct Action Day, and rising communal violence all pushed events toward Partition. These developments are central to understanding the end of British rule in India. 

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Words and Meanings from National Movement 1870s–1947 

Moderate

A Congress leader who believed in peaceful and constitutional methods.

Radical

A leader who wanted stronger action and greater self-reliance in the struggle.

Swadeshi

The idea of using goods made in one’s own country instead of foreign goods.

Satyagraha

A method of non-violent resistance based on truth and moral force.

Partition

The division of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947.

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The Making of the National Movement 1870s–1947 Class 8 Question Answer

 Here are some more class 8 history chapter 8 NCERT solutions:

1. Why is the formation of the Indian National Congress important?

It is important because it gave Indians a common political platform. It helped leaders from different parts of the country come together, discuss public issues, and gradually build a national movement. In this way, it became one of the earliest organised voices of Indian nationalism. 

2. How did ordinary people join the freedom struggle?

Ordinary people joined through protests, boycotts, marches, local satyagrahas, and participation in public campaigns. Students, peasants, workers, tribals, and women all became part of the larger movement. Their participation changed the struggle from an elite political effort into a mass national movement. 

3. Why is this chapter important for exam revision?

This chapter connects many major events in modern Indian history in one place. It helps students revise the rise of nationalism, Gandhian movements, and the road to Independence. That is why the making of the national movement 1870s–1947 class 8 history question answer set is useful for both school tests and annual exams.

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