1st PUC History Question and Answer – Beginning of Modern Age
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Karnataka 1st PUC History Textbook Answers—Reflections Chapter 7
Beginning of Modern Age Questions and Answers, Notes, and Summary
1st PUC History Chapter 7
Beginning of Modern Age

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I. Answer the following in 1 word or 1 sentence.
Question 1.
Who was called as the ‘Navigator’?
Answer:
Prince Henry of Portugal was called as the ‘Navigator’.
Question 2.
Who explored the main land of ‘South America’?
Answer:
Amerigo Vespucci explored the main land of South America.
Question 3.
What is the meaning of the word ‘Renaissance’?
Answer:
The word ‘Renaissance’ means ‘Rebirth’.
Question 4.
From which word is the term ‘Renaissance’ derived?
Answer:
The term ‘Renaissance’ is derived from the French word ‘Renaissance’.
Question 5.
Which country was called as the ‘Mother land of Renaissance’?
Answer:
Italy was called as the ‘Mother land of Renaissance’.
Question 6.
Who invented the printing press?
Answer:
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press.
Question 7.
Who was known as the ‘Father of Renaissance’?
Answer:
Francesco Petrarch was known as the ‘Father of Renaissance’.
Question 8.
Who was called the ‘Father of Humanism’?
Answer:
Francesco Petrarch was also called the ‘Father of Humanism’.
Question 9.
Who is the author of ‘Divine Comedy’?
Answer:
Dante Alighieri is the author of ‘Divine Comedy’.
Question 10.
Name the author of ‘Utopia’.
Answer:
Sir Thomas More is the author of ‘Utopia’.
Question 11.
Who wrote the book ‘Paradise Lost’?
Answer:
John Milton wrote the book ‘Paradise Lost’.
Question 12.
Who painted the ‘Mona Lisa’?
Answer:
Leonardo da Vinci painted the ‘Mona Lisa’.
Question 13.
Who propounded the ‘Law of Gravitation’?
Answer:
Sir Isaac Newton propounded the ‘Law of Gravitation’.
Question 14.
Who was the leader of the Reformation?
Answer:
Martin Luther was the leader of the Reformation.
Question 15.
Who Published the ’95 Theses’ against the Catholic Church?
Answer:
Martin Luther published the ’95 Theses’ against the Catholic Church.
Question 16.
Who is called the ‘Morning Star of Reformation’?
Answer:
John Wycliffe is called the ‘Morning Star of Reformation’.
Question 17.
What is ‘Counter Reformation’?
Answer:
The movement started by the Catholic Church to reform itself and oppose Protestantism is called ‘Counter Reformation’.
Question 18.
What is ‘Inquisition’?
Answer:
‘Inquisition’ was a Church court established to suppress heresy and punish those opposing Catholic beliefs.
Question 19.
Who founded the ‘Society of Jesus’?
Answer:
Ignatius Loyola founded the ‘Society of Jesus’.
Question 20.
Who was the Pope during the Reformation movement?
Answer:
Pope Leo X was the Pope during the Reformation movement.
Question 21.
What were ‘Indulgences’?
Answer:
‘Indulgences’ were certificates sold by the Catholic Church promising forgiveness of sins.
Question 22.
What were the followers of Ignatius Loyola called as?
Answer:
The followers of Ignatius Loyola were called ‘Jesuits’.
II. Answer the following in 2 words or 2 sentences.
Question 1.
Who occupied the city of Constantinople and when?
Answer:
The Turks occupied the city of Constantinople in 1453 A.D.
Question 2.
Why was Prince Henry called as the ‘Navigator’?
Answer:
Prince Henry was called the ‘Navigator’ because he encouraged sea voyages and established a school of navigation in Portugal.
Question 3.
Who discovered sea route to India and when?
Answer:
Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India in 1498 A.D.
Question 4.
Name any two ships of Magellan.
Answer:
Two ships of Magellan were Trinidad and Victoria.
Question 5.
Which was the first ship to circumnavigate the world and who led this?
Answer:
The first ship to circumnavigate the world was Victoria, led by Ferdinand Magellan.
Question 6.
Name any two Geographical Explorers.
Answer:
Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama were two geographical explorers.
Question 7.
Name any two Humanists of the Renaissance.
Answer:
Francesco Petrarch and Erasmus were two humanists of the Renaissance.
Question 8.
Mention any two works of William Shakespeare.
Answer:
Two works of William Shakespeare are Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
Question 9.
Name any two painters of Renaissance.
Answer:
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were two painters of the Renaissance.
Question 10.
Name any two paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.
Answer:
Two paintings of Leonardo da Vinci are Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
Question 11.
Name any two paintings of Michelangelo.
Answer:
Two paintings of Michelangelo are The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam.
Question 12.
Name any two Scientists of the Renaissance.
Answer:
Copernicus and Galileo were two scientists of the Renaissance.
Question 13.
Where and in which year was Martin Luther born?
Answer:
Martin Luther was born in Germany in 1483 A.D.
Question 14.
Who was John Wycliffe and to which country did he belong?
Answer:
John Wycliffe was a reformer and he belonged to England.
Question 15.
Name the two sects of Christianity.
Answer:
The two sects of Christianity are Catholicism and Protestantism.
Question 16.
Who led the Counter Reformation? Name the organisation he founded.
Answer:
Ignatius Loyola led the Counter Reformation and he founded the Society of Jesus.
III Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences.
Question 1.
What was the role of Columbus and Vasco da Gama in Geographical explorations?
Answer:
Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama played a crucial role in the Age of Geographical Discoveries. Columbus, an Italian sailor, believed the Earth was round and wanted to reach India by sailing west. In 1492, with the support of Spain, he discovered the islands of the West Indies, which later led to the discovery of America. Though he thought he had reached India, he had actually discovered a “New World.” This discovery opened up trade, colonization, and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Americas.
Vasco da Gama, on the other hand, sailed eastward. In 1498, he discovered the sea route to India by rounding the Cape of Good Hope and reaching Calicut. His discovery established direct trade between Europe and India. It opened the way for the Portuguese to build their colonial empire in Asia. Thus, Columbus connected Europe with America while Vasco da Gama connected Europe with Asia. Both changed world history through their voyages.
Question 2.
What were the causes for Renaissance?
Answer:
The Renaissance was caused by several social, economic, and cultural factors. First, the fall of Constantinople in 1453 led to the migration of Greek scholars to Europe, bringing with them ancient manuscripts. This revived interest in Greek and Roman knowledge. Second, the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg helped spread new ideas widely. Third, the growth of trade and commerce created wealthy merchants who became patrons of art and learning.
Fourth, the decline of feudalism and the rise of strong monarchies provided political stability. Fifth, humanism emphasized individual talent, critical thinking, and dignity of man. Sixth, geographical discoveries expanded horizons and curiosity about the world. Seventh, universities and schools promoted new learning. Eighth, people became dissatisfied with the corruption of the Church and wanted new reforms. All these causes together paved the way for the Renaissance in Europe.
Question 3.
What were the contributions of Renaissance to literature?
Answer:
The Renaissance made remarkable contributions to world literature. Humanism became the guiding principle of Renaissance literature, focusing on man and nature. Writers began to use vernacular languages instead of only Latin, making literature accessible to common people. Dante wrote Divine Comedy, which expressed human feelings and religious ideas. Petrarch, known as the Father of Humanism, wrote beautiful sonnets. Boccaccio wrote The Decameron, a collection of tales reflecting human life.
Erasmus criticized the corruption of the Church through his work In Praise of Folly. Sir Thomas More of England wrote Utopia, which described an ideal society. William Shakespeare emerged as the greatest dramatist of the Renaissance. His plays like Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth highlighted human emotions and social issues. Milton’s Paradise Lost glorified human freedom and moral struggle. Thus, Renaissance literature reflected humanism, realism, and deep knowledge of human life.
Question 4.
What were the Contributions of Renaissance to Art and Architecture?
Answer:
The Renaissance contributed greatly to art and architecture. Artists began to focus on realism, perspective, and human emotions. Painting and sculpture reached new heights. Leonardo da Vinci painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, which became masterpieces of world art. Michelangelo created sculptures like David and Moses and painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Raphael painted School of Athens, which symbolized knowledge and learning.
Renaissance art emphasized proportion, anatomy, and perspective, making paintings lifelike. In architecture, symmetry and classical styles of Greece and Rome were revived. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome became a model of Renaissance architecture. Brunelleschi built the dome of Florence Cathedral, which inspired later architects. Palaces, cathedrals, and public buildings were designed with beauty and grandeur. Thus, Renaissance art and architecture reflected beauty, harmony, and human creativity.
Question 5.
Give an account to the Scientific Progress during the Renaissance.
Answer:
The Renaissance was a period of great scientific progress. Scholars began to question old beliefs and use observation, experimentation, and reasoning. Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory, stating that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Galileo Galilei supported Copernicus and improved the telescope to study the heavens. He discovered moons of Jupiter and proved Earth’s rotation. Johannes Kepler formulated the laws of planetary motion. Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravitation and explained the motion of planets.
In medicine, Vesalius studied human anatomy and William Harvey discovered blood circulation. Francis Bacon emphasized scientific method and experimentation. Paracelsus advanced chemistry and medicines. Inventions like the printing press, compass, and gunpowder transformed society. Scientific discoveries weakened blind faith and promoted rational thinking. Thus, Renaissance science laid the foundation for the modern scientific age.
Question 6.
Describe the results of the Renaissance.
Answer:
The Renaissance produced far-reaching results in Europe and the world. First, it revived classical knowledge and humanism, placing man at the center of thought. Second, literature flourished in vernacular languages, making it accessible to common people. Third, art and architecture reached new heights of realism and beauty. Fourth, science progressed with discoveries of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, leading to the Scientific Revolution. Fifth, printing press helped spread education and literacy widely.
Sixth, it weakened the authority of the Catholic Church and prepared the ground for the Reformation. Seventh, people developed a questioning spirit and rational outlook. Eighth, new geographical discoveries opened trade and colonial expansion. Ninth, monarchies became stronger and feudalism declined. Lastly, the Renaissance laid the foundation for the modern age by encouraging freedom of thought, creativity, and progress.
Question 7.
Write about Counter Reformation.
Answer:
The Counter Reformation was the movement launched by the Catholic Church to reform itself and counter the spread of Protestantism. It began in the 16th century after Martin Luther’s Reformation weakened the Church’s authority. The Pope took steps to remove corruption and improve discipline among priests. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) redefined Catholic doctrines and condemned Protestant beliefs. The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1540 to defend Catholic faith. Jesuits spread education, established schools, and converted people in Asia, Africa, and America.
The Inquisition was strengthened to punish heretics and enforce Catholic orthodoxy. Religious orders like Carmelites and Capuchins also promoted piety and discipline. The Counter Reformation revived spirituality, improved Church administration, and regained some lost influence. It also led to religious conflicts in Europe. However, it reformed the Catholic Church and gave it new strength.

IV. Answer the following in 30 to 40 sentences.
Question 1.
Describe the causes and results of Geographical explorations.
Answer:
- The period between the 15th and 17th centuries witnessed the great geographical explorations, which changed the history of the world. Several causes led to these explorations.
- One important cause was the fall of Constantinople in 1453 A.D. to the Turks, which cut off the land trade route between Europe and Asia. Europeans were forced to search for new sea routes to reach India and the East for spices, silk, and precious goods.
- Another cause was the demand for Eastern commodities like silk, pepper, sugar, and perfumes, which were in great need in Europe. The heavy taxes levied by Turks on goods passing through Constantinople made them costly.
- The spirit of adventure and curiosity, which developed during the Renaissance, inspired sailors to explore new lands. The invention of the mariner’s compass, astrolabe, and better ships helped navigators to undertake long sea voyages.
- Religious zeal was also an important cause. European kings and missionaries wanted to spread Christianity in other parts of the world. Rulers like Prince Henry of Portugal supported sea voyages for this purpose.
- Some important explorers were Christopher Columbus, who discovered America in 1492, and Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India in 1498. Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition completed the first circumnavigation of the globe.
- The results of these explorations were remarkable. They established direct contact between Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. New lands, peoples, and cultures were discovered. It increased trade and commerce on a large scale.
- Precious metals like gold and silver from the New World enriched European nations. It led to the rise of colonial empires, especially Spain, Portugal, England, and France.
- However, it also had negative results. Many native civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas were destroyed. The slave trade increased. Yet, overall, the geographical discoveries opened a new era of progress, cultural exchange, and globalization in world history.
Question 2.
Describe the Cultural Contributions of Renaissance.
Answer:
- The Renaissance was a great cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread to other parts of Europe. It marked a rebirth of knowledge, learning, and creativity.
- One of the major contributions was in Writers like Dante, author of Divine Comedy, and Petrarch, known as the Father of Humanism, revived classical learning. Boccaccio wrote The Decameron. Later, Erasmus and Thomas More enriched European thought, while William Shakespeare contributed timeless plays like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
- In art and painting, Renaissance artists emphasized realism, perspective, and human emotions. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling and sculpted David and Moses.
- In architecture, Renaissance buildings replaced Gothic style with domes, columns, and arches. Brunelleschi designed the dome of Florence Cathedral, and Peter’s Basilica in Rome became a model of Renaissance architecture.
- The Renaissance also encouraged scientific progress. Copernicus put forward the heliocentric theory, Galileo invented the telescope, and Newton discovered the law of gravitation. These contributions laid the foundation for modern science.
- The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg was another milestone. It spread knowledge quickly, reduced the cost of books, and encouraged education.
- Philosophy also developed with the spirit of humanism, which emphasized human dignity, reason, and individual freedom.
- Thus, the Renaissance contributed to literature, art, architecture, science, and humanism, leading Europe from the medieval age into the modern world.
Question 3.
Explain the Causes and results of Reformation.
Answer:
- The Reformation was a great religious movement of the 16th century that brought major changes in Christianity.
- The causes were many. The corruption in the Catholic Church was the main cause. The sale of indulgences (pardons for sins) angered many believers. The luxurious lifestyle of the Popes and clergy also led to discontent.
- The spread of Renaissance spirit made people question blind faith and encouraged critical thinking. The invention of the printing press helped in spreading new ideas quickly.
- The teachings of early reformers like John Wycliffe of England and Jan Huss of Bohemia also inspired the Reformation.
- The immediate cause was Martin Luther’s protest. In 1517, he published his 95 Theses against indulgences at Wittenberg in Germany. He argued that salvation could be obtained only through faith in God, not by indulgences or rituals.
- The results of the Reformation were far-reaching. It led to the division of Christianity into Catholic and Protestant sects. Lutheranism spread in Germany, Calvinism in Switzerland, and Anglicanism in England.
- It reduced the power of the Pope and increased the power of kings and princes. It encouraged the growth of nationalism in Europe.
- It also spread education, as Protestants emphasized reading the Bible in the local language. The Catholic Church responded with the Counter Reformation led by Ignatius Loyola and the Jesuits.
- Thus, the Reformation broke the religious unity of Europe but gave rise to new ideas of faith, liberty, and progress.
Question 4.
Describe the role of Martin Luther in the Reformation Movement.
Answer:
- Martin Luther played a central role in the Reformation and is considered its greatest leader.
- He was born in Germany in 1483 and became a monk. He studied theology deeply and felt that salvation could be obtained only through faith in God and not by rituals or indulgences.
- In 1517, Pope Leo X announced the sale of indulgences to raise money for the construction of St. Peter’s Church in Rome. This angered Luther greatly.
- On 31st October 1517, Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenberg. These strongly criticized indulgences and the corruption of the Church.
- Luther’s writings spread widely due to the invention of the printing press. He gained many followers in Germany.
- In 1520, Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther, but he did not give up. In 1521, he was called before the Diet of Worms, where he refused to withdraw his teachings. His words, “Here I stand, I can do no other,” became famous.
- Luther translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to common people. His ideas formed the basis of Lutheranism, one of the main Protestant sects.
- His movement weakened the authority of the Pope and gave support to rulers who wanted independence from the Church.
- Thus, Martin Luther’s courage, writings, and leadership brought about the Reformation, which permanently changed the religious and political history of Europe.