The Origin of the World
Astronomers consider that the earth
appeared approximately 4500 million years
ago. The separated particles from the Sun
got compressed and turned into earth. In
the beginning, like the Sun, Earth was also
too hot. Then, the heat decreased. Rains
began to pour down on the Earth and
continued to be so for about 60,000 years.
Due to this torrential rain, the heat
decreased further and the earth became
cool. Oceans also came into being.
At that time, the earth’s land surface
was not divided into several continents, as
they exist now. It was only an unbroken
land surface, surrounded by oceans. Then
the land surface got broken and slowly
moved to become continents.
Living creatures appeared after 1,500
millions of years of the formation of the
earth. The first and foremost living
creature had appeared on the earth
considered to be the parasitic plant of the
sea.
2.5-1.5 Million 1.5 Million -
years ago 2,00,000 years ago
Then, (approximately 350 millions of
years ago) the creatures, which could crawl
on the earth appeared.
Archaeologists consider that the giant
sized lizards called Dinosaurs existed for
100 million years on the earth and they
were eliminated 6.5 crore years ago.
When did man appear?
The Holy Bible of the Christians says
that the human race appeared and grew
from through Adam and Eve, the pair
created by God.
“God created man as a full man,” says
the Islamic holy book.
The English Scientist Darwin conducted
various researches on human evolution and
released his findings in the year 1859.
According to his research, living organisms
started on earth nearly 45 crores of years
ago. Some animals with vertebrates and
some plants without leaves appeared.
1,20,000-30,000 From 15,000
years ago Years ago
4
Dinosaurs
Insects like spiders without wings also
appeared. In continuation of this, creatures
like crocodile, lizard, snake and tortoise
which, could crawl on the earth also
appeared. The animal species and the plant
species increased enormously. Animals,
which could eat flesh, appeared. From the
reptiles, mammals emerged. Some animals
which could crawl, developed wings and
became birds. The predecessors for animals
like elephants, rhinoceros, pig and cow
appeared. Monkeys without tail appeared.
A number of monkeys similar appearance
to man increased. Monkeys grew further
and they transformed themselves by
acquiring large brains, sharp eyes and
efficient hands. “Today’s men must have
evolved from these monkeys.” This is the
theory of Darwin.
But some scientists consider that man
could not have appeared from the monkeys
directly and they should have appeared from
a common ancestor.
Generally, ''Man is born from the
monkey" is an accepted theory throughout
the world. It is considered that the monkey’s
similarity with that of a man might have
appeared one crore years ago.
Stone Age
Man lived like a barbarian in the
beginning and searching for food was his
only activity.
Later, to protect himself from wild
animals and to kill animals for meat, he
made rough and coarse stone weapons. By
rubbing and dashing one stone against
another, he learnt to make fire. To heat
the flesh, and to protect himself from the
cold, he made use of fire.
He used bones as needles. He
converted the skin of animals into clothes
and covered his body. He wore barks and
leaves of trees as dress. To express his
thoughts, he used signs and sounds. Speech
was created in stages, gradually.
Then, there was development in the
Stone Age man. The period from 12,000
BC to 5,000 BC is called the “New Stone
 THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD 5

Age.” We can say that civilization started it was discovered in Cyprus Island and then
from this time onwards. in the peninsula of China.

Man learnt to live according to the For economic and security reasons
climatic changes. People settled down near people migrated to other places. The views
the banks of the river and started cultivation. about the usage of metals were exchanged
They made vessels out of heated clay to between people living in various places.
carry water. They also Metals like Gold, copper, and
started to tame bronze were used in the parts of Nile
animals like goats, delta, Egypt and Mesapatomia in 3000
dogs, horses and BC.
donkeys.
“The Metal Age Civilization”
Many people grew due to trade, war and mixing of
migrated to parts of races. Due to this, the digging of
west and North Africa.
Mines, development in transportation
Some people went to
of vehicles occurred. Trade improved.
parts of France, Spain,
Man learnt to cross the mountains,
Italy, and Germany in
oceans and rivers. Buildings,
Europe. Some others
went to parts of Pyramids, Houses, Temples, and
Mesopotamia (to day’s Tower like structures were built.
Iraq), Syria and Asia Sword, stick and knives were
Darvin
Minor. There were manufactured. Art began to flourish
migrations in North west Persia. and paintings were created.
During this time, there was clash
Iron was used by Egyptians in 3000 BC
between different races. In India, New
itself. But the Europeans came to know of
Stone Age people lived in South Tamilnadu,
its use only in 1000 BC. Its usage was
Mysore, Malabar and Cuddapah and such
there in India even earlier.
other places.
The “Metal Age” led to a change in the
Metal Age
world’s trend. Man’s life and civilization
After new stone age ended, Metal Age changed. We can say that civilization
started in 3000 BC. From Asia and Africa,
started to develop fast.
Metal Age spread to Europe.
Gold was first discovered and was used Evidences
to make ornaments. For day to day After digging in the earth and
requirements, like vessels, weapons and excavations made in some places, damaged
instruments, copper was discovered. First
cities and forts buried under the earth, were
6 WORLD HISTORY
found. In some places, pots and bowls
were found evidencing how man’s
civilization existed several thousand years
before.
Facts about human civilization have
come to light from the pyramids near Cairo
in Egypt and excavations conducted at
Mohenjadaro and Harappa in North India,
Kaveripattinam and Athichanallur in South
India (Tamilnadu).
Pyramids are considered to be one of
the wonders of the world. The bodies of
the ancient Egyptian kings have been
The Evolution of Languages
People who lived several thousand
years ago did not know "writing" since the
verbal letters were not formed.
They used to express their thoughts by
way of signs. Then they showed pictures.
For example, to give information about a
tiger, they drew the picture of a tiger and
showed it.
People of Egypt and Mesopotamia who
lived 5000 years ago did like this. The
pictures drawn by them were known as
“picture letters.”
These picture letters can be seen even
today in the Pyramids in Egypt.
As time passed on, from “picture
letters”, “sign letters” were born. To refer
preserved and burried inside the Pyramids
in good condition. Surprisingly, the Pyramids
still survive the ravages of time even after
4000 years of existence.
Inside these Pyramid towers, pictures
and designs have been painted. Details and
data have been recorded using pictorial
letters. Through these we can surmise the
functions of governments by kings in
succession who lived 5 thousand years ago.
These Pyramids stand ample testimony to
the fact that Egypt was highly civilized and
cultured even 5000 years ago.
about a tree, the tree was not drawn;
Instead, they used to write some signs. For
thousands of words in speech, thousands
of signs were written.
The sign letters written by Babylonians
and Azariahs looked like sculptured letters.
The Chinese language letters were sign
letters. There are more than 5,000 sign
letters in that language. It is not easy to
learn and write sign letters.
European Languages
In the west Phoenicians were the first
people who learnt to make use of verbal
letters. These people lived in Syria 4000
years ago. They did sea trading throughout
the world. From these people, the Greeks
 THE EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGES
learnt to write letters. The Greeks taught
these letters to the Romans. The Latin
letters of Romans are derived from the
Greeks. From these Latin letters, European
languages like English, French etc were
born.
Though there are less number of
alphabetic letters in European languages like
English, the pronunciation of letters and the
pronunciation of words with the creation of
those letters are different. Therefore, it is
difficult to learn the pronunciation of the
words in European languages.
Indian Languages
All the letters of the Indian languages
belong to two families of languages. One
is Aryan family whose original languages is
Sanskrit; the other family is Dravidian whose
origianl language is Tamil.
There are separate alphabets for Tamil
and Sanskrit. The shapes of these letters
are also different. Tamil letters were called
as “Round letters,” thousand years ago.
These letters were round in shape.
There are combined letters in
the languages like Sanskrit,
Kannada and Telugu. Two or
three letters were pronounced
jointly.
But, there are no combinations
of letters in Tamil. There are
grammatical rules in the ancient
grammar text by viz
“Tholkappiam” as to how the
sounds of Tamil letters are born and how
these letters join in the word.
Paper
The ancient people carved the letters
on granite rocks and the walls. Then, they
7
wrote on polished leather, wooden bark, clay
vessels and palm leaves.
Even five thousand years ago,the people
of Indus Valley wrote on clay. However,
one cannot identify the exact time when
people began to write in India.
Tamil is one of the ancient languages.
Even two thousand years ago, very good
literary works in Tamil began to appear.
Hence it can be inferred that the Tamil
People should have learnt the art of writing
several thousand years ago.
In the ancient times, Tamil books were
written on palm leaves. Even selecting
palm leaves and arranging them in an order
was considered as art in these days. The
orders of the kings were written on stone
walls and copper plates.
The ideas of foreign languages and
letters got mixed with Tamil. Therefore,
different changes took place in the way of
writing Tamil letters during the last two
thousand years. After the invention of
printing machines, the shape of the Tamil
letters remains unchanged from up to down.
T
India
One
of th
Many languages including Tamil and
English are written from left to right.
The Urdu and Arabic letters are written
from right to left. The people of China
write the letters from up and down.
8
The Ancient Empires
T here were often clashes between the
people, who lived happily near the river
banks. There were fights between one
race with the other race and also between
one set of people with other set of people.
There was no king and no laws in those
times. To protect themselves, from each
race and each set of people, it was
necessary for them to choose a leader. They
offered things, which were liked by him.
He safeguarded the interests of the people.
These leaders formulated certain rules and
regulations to develop unity among the
people.
There were wars between the races and
groups. Those who won in the wars,
annexed the empires of the defeated people.
The winners of the war became kings.
Like this, different empires emerged in
different parts of the world.
The Egyptian Empire
It is claimed that the Egyptian Empire
was the first empire to be formed in the
whole history of the world.
The Egyptians who inhabited on the river
banks of Nile river are known to be the
pioneers of world civilizations. Therefore,
there emerged an empire and the emperor’s
rule began. Memphis king established the
Egyptian empire. Memphis was his capital.
The kings who succeeded him were known
as belonging “Pyramid dynasties.” These
were the kings who built the pyramids
between 2900 BC and 2750 BC.
In the year 2160 BC, the Egyptian
empire was expanded. During the period
of King Aminatep III, a bridge across the
river Nile was constructed.
At that time, the rough nomads of the
Samati race invaded Egypt - who were
called "Hyksos". Unable to withstand their
attack, the Egyptians were subdued and
under their control of about 500 years.
The Egyptians who were suppressed like
slaves rose up under the leadership of Amos,
the king of Deeps and established the
Egyptian Empire after fighting and driving
away the Arabians.
Among the Egyptian kings Agnotton
(who ruled in 1375 BC to 1358 BC) had a
significant role to play. He drew away the
powerful priests and closed many temples
ordering that except Sun God, no other God
should be worshipped.
He insisted on virtues like peace,
honesty, simplicity and faithfulness. He
may be argued to be first king who followed
ethics.
Then, many kings ruled Egypt. The
prominence of Egypt got diminished by the
invasions of Assyrians, Persians and
Greeks. In the year 525 BC, Persians
 9

captured Egypt. Two

hundred years later,
Alexander the Great
captured Egypt.
With that, the
Egyptian Empire
came to an end.

Mesopotamian
Civilization
The ancient name
of Today’s Iraq was
Mesopotamia, which
means "country
between two rivers".
Euphrates and
Tigris are the two
rivers which flow
here and merge into
one before reaching
the sea.
The Romans erected Stadium (Capacity 45,000)
The valley
about 2,000 Years ago, still stand.
between these two
rivers is very fertile. Here, Sumerian,
hours (12 hours day + 12 hours night) and
Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations
one year consisted of 12 months. They
originated. Some archaeologists are of
made researches about solar and lunar
view that probably the ancient man was
eclipses. They believed that people’s lives,
born here.
were affected by the movement of the
The people who inhabited there from planets.
North West part of Mesopotamia are
Only these people invented wheels.
Sumerians. They were tribal people. They
They used chariots with wheels. They also
flattened the surface of the clay soil, dug
discovered bronze.
canals and did cultivation. They created
cities. During this period, small empires There are evidences to prove that there
come into being. were libraries in Sumaria as early as 2700
BC. Thirty thousand planks made of clay
The people of that period had beliefs in
were found in a library. Poems, folk songs
superstitions. There was scientific
and Epics were written on them. They
development in that period. It was they
wrote first from right to left and then from
who calculated that a day consisted of 24
left to right.
10 WORLD HISTORY

Babylonian civilization power, the Assyrians captured the rule.

They ruled in places like Syria, Babylon,
Babylonian civilization is the oldest of
Damascus and Sumeria.
Mesopotamian civilizations. Sumerians
established only small kingdoms. So, when Asur, which was situated 200 miles north
people from outside invaded, they were not of Babylon on the bank of river Tigris, was
able to protect themselves. their capital.
In the year 2900 BC, the Semitic race During their rule, infantry and cavalry
came and invaded them. They attacked existed. They had weapons made of iron,
and destroyed the Sumerians. The Semitic chariots and vehicles which were used to
race, who won,
established a
kingdom with
Babylon as the
capital and ruled
it.
One of the
important kings
who ruled
Babylonia was
Hammarubi
(1943-1905 BC).
During his period,
laws were
framed, cases
were examined
and punishments
were inflicted.
Welfare of the
people was
protected. In
Civilization of Egypt shows the pyramid today itself
schools, astronomy and medicine were break the forts.
taught.
During their period, huge beautiful
After the reputed rule of Hammurabi, buildings were built.
Babylonian reign began to decline. Assyrian
civilization is one of the Mesopotamian The Greek Civilization
civilizations. The Assyrians, who were The rocky peninsular islands, which
stationed at the bank of the river Tigris in penetrate and spread into the Mediterranean
the year 3500 BC, were controlled by the region in Europe are known as Greece.
Babylonians. When Babylonians lost their
 THE ANCIENT EMPIRES
The people of that land are called Greeks
and Hellers. They were settlers from
central, Southern and Eastern Europe.
Through the great Epics "Odyssey and
Illiad" in Homer, one could know about the
Greeks of those times. They were ruffians.
Unable to do agriculture, they became sea-
men. Though they belonged to various
races, they had common religion worship,
language and behaviour patterns.
The Greeks who settled in valleys
surrounded by mountains begin to build
palaces. Forts were also constructed for
protection.
In the beginning there were 150 city -
kingdoms. These small kingdoms used to
quarrel among themselves out of jealousy.
They took pride in winning over others.
Different types of rules like monarchy,
rule by lords and dictatorship existed in each
part of Greece.
In the beginning, in the great Athens of
Greece, monarchy was prevalent.
Gradually, the power was transmitted to the
Lords. There were many taxes imposed in
their rule and stringent laws were
formulated.
It can be said that Greece only created
a base for various types of rule.
Due to lack of unity and great wars, the
wealth of the country was destroyed. So,
the kingdoms of Greece started deteriorating
one after the other.
Pericles created golden age in the history
of Greece. He was a great scholar, orator,
and a politician. He was the captain of the
army and became the leader of the
Administrative Assembly.
11
He ruled efficiently after establishing
democracy. The Greeks had extraordinary
interest in literature. Great writers, dramatist
and orators were risen from Greece. There
were great Greek scientists also.
Archimedes was a great mathematician.
The world-renowned philosopher
Socrates is the gifted genius of Greece.
His disciple was Plato and Aristotle was
Plato's disciple.
The Roman Civilization
Roman civilization is one of the best
ancient civilizations. It can be called as the
continuation of the Greek civilization.
In the fertile region of the Italian
Peninsula, many people settled from the
parts of central Europe, Asia Minor and
Greece were inhabited. In the year 1000
BC, the Europeans came. They migrated
to central and south parts of Italy.
In the year 753 BC, the Roman empire
was created. As a part of expanding their
empire, the Romans invaded various regions.
They captured Italy, which was under the
control of Greece.
Since they were involved in various
wars, there was huge loss of men and
material. They roamed over as if war was
their only activity.
Slaves were brought from defeated
countries. Wealth prospered. Bribe and
corruption enormously increased. The need
for a powerful government was felt. During
this time, Julius Caesar came to power.
12
Socrates
(B.C. 470 - 400)
Socrates is the world famous Greek
Philosopher and scholar - who uprooted
superstitious beliefs - articulated the slogan
"know yourself" - He was poisoned to death
by incurring the displeasure of the rulers
and fell a prey to the punishment given by
them.
Nearly 500 years before the birth of
Christ - in the year 470 BC, Socrates was
born in Athens, the capital of Greece. His
father was a sculptor. His mother was a
mid-wife.
In those days, the education system was
not so systematic and full-fledged like how
it is now. So, Socrates developed his
knowledge by himself.
As he grew up, he realized the situation
of poverty of his family. So, he stopped
roaming around. He also stopped his
thinking process for sometime. He helped
his father in his profession of Sculpture.
But he could not get sufficient income out
of it.
Army
It was a compulsory rule that each
family should send a person for military
service in the city of Athens. So, the
parents of Socrates admitted him in the
army.
Socrates served in the army for some
time. After the completion of his army life,
he returned home. There after, he did not
do any particular profession. As he woke
up in the morning, he used to roam around
the city. He used to propogate rationalist
ideas when people assembled. The main
idea of his propaganda was this, “Do not
accept anything without asking questions.
Find out the truth by asking questions like
'Why' and 'How'”. This was the gist of his
rationalist propaganda which was
considered to be antisentiment.
His talented speech fascinated the
youngsters very much. The nobles and the
aristocrats after knowing about the talents
of Socrates sent their children to him for
learning.
The most important disciple among those
who learnt from him was Plato. He rose
as a great achiever in the later times. Only
through his books, we come to know about
Socrates fully.
Two wives
Socrates married twice. Merton was
his first wife. Two male children were
born to her. She had very good qualities.
She did not consider it wrong that her
husband was roaming around in the streets
and giving discourses for hours in front of
the mass. She was proud about her husband
and considered him as a great genius.
Suddenly one -day, she left for heavenly
 SOCRATES
abode. Socrates became very sad. He
remained sad for many days. To take care
of his children, he married a lady by name
Xanthibi.
She was exactly opposite to his first wife
with regard to qualities. She hated the
behavior of her husband. She thought that
his rationalist propaganda was a waste of
time.
She also gave birth to two children.
Rain poured
One day, Socrates was discussing the
principles of the power of discrimination
with his friend, in front of his house. At
that time, his wife called him. As he was
deeply involved in the talk, he did not hear
his wife’s call. He continued talking with
his friend. His wife grew angry. She chided
her husband like anything. Socrates did
not stop even then. His wife could not
control her anger and she poured water
from a vessel over his head.
He was shocked at this unexpected
event, but he did not become angry. He
slowly turned towards his friend and told
calmly,” All this time, there was lightning.
There was a splash of thunder also; and
now rain that started pouring. That is all.”
The fear of officers
The government officers grew angry at
the speech about rationalism by Socrates.
They feared that if the youngsters start
thinking, it would result in danger for them.
So, they met Socrates and said, "Stop
all your propagation about the rationalist
propaganda". But Socrates did not change
his manner of behaviour.
13
At the court
So, Socrates was imprisoned;
“He doesn’t believe in God; He
propagates atheist principles among the
youngsters and ruin their minds.” These
were the charges levelled against him and
he was made to appear in the Court of
Law. Socrates began to answer for the
charges framed against him.
The important portions of the historically
famous great argument of him at the court
are as follows:-
“My dear people of Athens!
The charges raised against me today
are not new. They are the outburst of
jealousy, expressed by the bubbling anger
of the officials and their outrageous
thoughts. They are branding me as an
Atheist and a person abusing God.
“Did I ever say that there is no God?
Or there is no super power like that. I do
not doubt the great super power which had
included and integrated natural forces into
it and activating the world activities. Can
anyone tell that I have abused these super
powers?
I do not believe in the imaginary stories,
non-acceptable arguments and unbelievable
stories about the origin of the incarnation
of God. People say it is an atheist principle.
How can a person who tells the aspects of
truth become an atheist?
Here, those who have framed charges
against me have failed in the arguments at
several public meetings. Scholars, poets
and genius people are queuing behind me
and so they are jealous. That is why they
have branded me as a culprit.
14
My dearest people! Suppose all the
people are there to channelise the activities
of the youngsters, how can you say that
youngsters would get deviated in the wrong
path by me alone? If not today, later on
one day, the human society would
understand me. My ideologies would take
deep roots and get established in the minds
of the people of Athens in the future.
Do not think that I would plead for
apology and ask you to release me. Give
the judgment according to your own thinking
and what you consider as Justice." Thus
roared socrates in the court of law.
Voting
After the enquiry, there was a voting in
the court to decide whether Socrates was
a culprit or not. 281 people voted him as
"Guilty" and 220 people voted that he was
"not Guilty". With the difference of 60 votes,
it was decided that Socrates was Guilty.
The ruling people told him, "Give us a
conditional statement that you will not
indulge in the propagation of rationalist
ideas. We would change your punishment."
But Socrates told, "I will be talking for
the people of Athens until my death. I am
here to teach them how to think analytically
and find out the truth".
Therefore, it was decided to punish
Socrates. First they thought they could
ex-communicate him. Then, "if he pays a
huge penalty, we would release him" said
the officials. But Socrates refused to accept
both the punishments.
So the government was angry and said
the “attitude of Socrates was to disrespect
the rulers.” Accordingly he was given death
sentence.
Poison
It was decided that Socrates should die
after consuming powerful poison. After
 ALEXANDER THE GREAT
hearing this, his wife shouted and screamed.
She pleaded her husband to accept the
charges of the government and tender
apology so that they would release him
finally.
His friends also tried their level best to
prevail upon him to apologies so that he
could be released. But Socrates did not
Alexander the Great
(B.C. 356- 323)
The Greek king Alexander is considered
to be one of the best warriors world has
15
accept these things. A powerful poison
called “Hemlock” was given to him in a
cup.
He bid farewell to his wife and friends
and drank the poison fearlessly. Then he
fell down on the floor and died. He was 70
years old at that time. This event happened
in the year 400 BC.
everknown. He became a king at the age
of 20 and captured many
countries before he was 32. He
has won a great place in the
annals of history.
Alexander was the son of
King Philip who ruled the country
of Macedonia in Greece. He
was born in the year 356 BC.
He was a great warrior at the
young age. He was considered
the best in horse riding.
The great analytical thinker in
Greece was Socrates. His
disciple was Plato; Aristotle who
was the disciple of Plato was
appointed as the teacher of
Alexander. So, Alexander grew
not only as a great warrior but
also as a great diplomat and
judge.
When King Philip was
engaged in a war, he was killed.
Alexander ascended the throne
as king. He was only 20 at that
time.
16 WORLD HISTORY
There were outbreak of riots in the
northern parts of the country. Alexander
crushed those riots. The whole of Greece
was brought under his rule.
Alexander wanted to spread Greek
civilization in foreign countries and so he
invaded Persia.
His army consisted of 20,000 infantry,
and 5,000 cavalry. In the war, the Persian
king was defeated. Alexander treated the
wife and mother of the defeated king in a
dignified manner.
Then, he captured countries like Syria
and Egypt. In Egypt, he created a city in
his name called “Alexandria”.
In all his conquered countries, he made
Greeks to migrate. He conducted the
marriages of several Greeks with Persian
girls. After capturing Afghanistan,
Alexander’s attention turned towards India.
At that time Indus valley was ruled by
small chieftains. Alexander crossed the
Indus River in the year 326 BC and entered
India. The King of Takshasheela knew
about the war talents of Alexander the
Great, and he welcomed him and became
Cleopatra
(B.C. 69-30)
In the year 57 BC, the country of Egypt
was ruled by a king by name Ptolemy
Ayolatus. His daughter was Cleopatra.
friendly with him.
But king Purushothaman (Porus) fought
against Alexander. On the banks of river
Jheelum, both the armies attacked each
other. In that war, as usual, Alexander
won.
Alexander looked at the defeated king
Purushothaman and asked him, “How
should I treat you?”.
“I want to be treated as a King,” replied
king Purushothaman boldly.
Appreciating his courage, Alexander
gave back the captured country to
Purushothaman.
Alexander wanted to conquer several
countries. But the soldiers got depressed
and worn out of war. They wanted to
return to their native land and started
indulging in riots.
So, Alexander had no other way except
to return to Greece. Some soldiers returned
to their country by land route and few others
went back by sea route.
When Alexander returned to his country
via land route, he was affected by a virus
fever and collapsed in the city of Babylon.
At that time, he was only 32 years old.
Before Ptolemy died, he announced that
both Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy VII
should get married and rule Egypt. (To

avoid mixture of other dynasties, in those
days, these types of marriages occurred.)
According to her father’s wish,
Cleopatra married her brother and took over
the responsibility of ruling Egypt. Cleopatra
was only 16 at that time. Her brother turned
husband was only 10 years old.
The ministers and the nobles made
Ptolemy their puppet. At their instigation,
Ptolemy drove away Cleopatra and captured
the rule.
Cleopatra escaped and ran to Syria. To
capture the rule of Egypt again, she
gathered the army and came back.
At that time, Julius Caesar (BC 63 to
BC 14) who ruled Rome invaded Egypt.
Cleopatra met him and asked for his
support.
Caesar was very much impressed by
17
her beauty, and promised her to give his
support.
In the war that took place between
Ptolemy and Caesar, Ptolemy died. Caesar
after making Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt,
began to live with her. A son was born to
them and his name was Caesarian. After
sometime, Caesar proceeded to Rome with
his wife Cleopatra and his son.
Brutus, the friend of Caesar, joined hands
with some conspirants and brutally killed
Caesar with a cruel weapon. Caesar
shouted, “You too Brutus?” and died.
Caesar was 49 years old at that time.
At the parliament house of Rome, this
cruel assassination occurred.
Cleopatra got very much depressed at
this sudden demise of Caesar, returned to
to Egypt and took over the responsibility of
18 WORLD HISTORY

ruling Egypt.
born to them.
Caesar’s beloved army chief by name
At this juncture, Antony established his
Antony, drove away the conspirators with
kingship in Egypt. He announced that he
the support of the public. At that time, the
would hand over the rights of ruling Asian
foster son of Caesar, the 19 year young
countries to the children born to him and
boy by name Octavius came to Rome. Both
Cleopatra and also to Caesarian, the child
of them together ruled Rome.
of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.
After killing Caesar, Brutus along with
This announcement of Antony created
his friend Casius conducted a war in the
a big tension at Rome. The Romans
city of Philippi and in this war, Antony and
considered that Antony was trying to create
Octavius won. Brutus and Casius
an Egyptian empire along with Cleopatra
committed suicide.
and this would bring a great disaster to
Antony went to Egypt which was kept Rome.
under the control of Rome. For the first
Following of this, in the year 31BC,
time, Antony and Cleopatra met each other.
Octavius waged war against Egypt. In the
They became lovers at sight. Antony
place called Ocadium, the naval forces of
became a slave to the beauty of Cleopatra
Octavius and Antony fought against each
and started living with her at Alexandria,
other. The forces of Antony got defeated.
the capital of Egypt.
At the time of making a peaceful agreement
The news of Antony’s joyous life spread with Octavius, there was a rumour among
to Rome. The people, who heard about the people of Rome that Cleopatra committed
this, started hating Antony. The popularity suicide.
of Octavius began to gain ground in Rome.
Antony considered the rumour to be true
Antony came to know about the critical and he screamed, and said, ”Why should I
situation at Rome, and returned to Rome. live without my dear Cleopatra?” Then, he
He renewed his friendship with Octavius. killed himself with a sharp weapon piercing
To make sure about the friendship, he his chest.
married the cousin of Octavius, by name
Hearing about the death news of Antony,
Octavus.
Cleopatra was very much upset. She too
But even then, Antony was depressed. did not like to live without Antony.
On seeing the growing popularity of
She decorated herself as a queen and
Octavius, he returned to Egypt. His joyous
ordered to bring venomous snakes. She
life with his beloved lover Cleopatra
made the snakes spread over her body and
renewed. Due to this, the enmity between
bite her. The poison got mixed in her blood,
Antony and Octavius became fully ripened.
and struggled to death inch by inch.
Though Cleopatra lived with Julius
Her body was also buried next to
Caesar before, she was much delighted to
Antony’s. Cleopatra was 39 at the time of
lead a happy life with Antony. They both
her death.
loved each other deeply. Two children were
 19

Jesus Christ
Jews were nomads. They lived under the
The emergence of Christianity is a
leadership of Abraham, Isaac and Yacob.
significant event in the history of the world.
Then, in the year 222 BC, they reached
Within a short span of time, this religion
Palestine. They drove away the tribes in
spread all over the world.
that place and migrated to a place called
Jesus Christ who was born as a Jew Israel.
founded the religion of
After the continuous attacks of
Christianity.
Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks,
P e o p l e
Syrians and Romans and also due to acute
belonging to
famine, they migrated to various places.
J e w i s h
They had to face many problems. In the
country are
year 330 BC, Alexander attacked them and
called
won over them. The Romans also attacked
J e w s .
T h e y and drove away the Jews.
were also So, the Jews had to roam around without
c a l l e d any proper state.
“Hebrews”
(Only after the First World War, the
T h e Jews captured their mother country
Israel)
20 WORLD HISTORY
Old Testament, New Testament
The holy book of Bible has been
classified into two parts as “Old Testament”
and “New Testament.”
The “Old Testament” is about the
events, which happened before the birth of
Jesus Christ. It contains the detailed
versions of the prophets, who had predicted
the birth of Christ in the future, his life and
about his crucification on the Cross.
The “New Testament” is about the life
of Jesus Christ right from his birth. All the
predictions recorded in the Old Testament,
happened exactly as predicted.
The birth of Jesus Christ
It was the time when the Romans kept
the Jews under their fold. The community
of Jews, which was crushed, was longing
to attain freedom.
At that juncture, the messenger of God
appeared before virgin Mary and said,
"Don’t be afraid; By the grace of God, you
will become pregnant and give birth to a
child. Name that child as Jesus Christ".
Marriage was arranged for Mary. The
bridegroom’s name was Joseph. He was a
carpenter. "How could I become a
pregnant woman before the marriage?
How is it possible?" asked Mary with fear.
“The spirit of the purified Soul would fall
on you. Through that you will become
pregnant.” So, said the Messenger and left
the place.
The messenger of God informed Joseph
also about the fact that God‘s child would
be born to Mary.
The Roman emperor who was the then
ruler, ordered that the census must be
done immediately. The people who wanted
to register themselves, as citizens should
go to their native places. So, accordingly
Mary and Joseph went to their native place
called Bethlehem. (This Bethlehem is now
in Palestine at a distance of 6 miles from
Jerusalem.)
A lot of people gathered in Bethlehem.
As there was no place for them to stay,
Mary and Joseph stayed in a cow shed in
a rest house. There, a beautiful male baby
was born to Mary. They named the child
as Jesus.
After that, one sees Jesus as a thirty
years old man, in the Bible. Over these
thirty years, many events had happened in
the Jews society. Instead of Agasthuraya,
Diberiyuraya occupied the Roman throne.
Bilathu was the Governor of Udeya
country, which was a part of Palestine.
Jesus Christ roamed around the city
along with his disciples. He preached ethics
and values to be acquired by the people.
These pieces of advice are guidelines to
people and to the human community as a
whole, beyond the limits of the Religion.
“God is one; people who love him will
 JESUS CHRIST
be safeguarded. Love others as you love
yourself. Pray for those who are harmful
to you. If you are slapped on one cheek,
show your next cheek also. A person, who
repents for his misdeeds, would receive
blessings from God' - These are the
significant preaching’s of Jesus Christ.
Apart from preaching’s, he also cured
various sick people. He cured a person
who was bed-ridden for over 28 years and
made him walk. He brought vision to the
blind people. He made the deaf to hear and
the dumb to speak.
THE JEALOUSY OF THE JEWS
The Jews had the belief that a person
by name Messiah, who could fight and win
over Romans, would appear among them.
So, they refused to accept Jesus Christ as
the Son of God. The rulers grew jealous of
the fame acquired by Jesus among the
public. Their anger augmented when Jesus
pointed out the demerits of the ruling people.
The rulers conspired against Jesus. They
were expecting a right time to murder him.
One of the disciples by name Judas
Iscariot betrayed Jesus by showing his
whereabouts for the sake of just 30 silver
coins. With his help, the rulers arrested
Jesus in a garden outside the city.
Jesus was taken to the palace of Pilate,
the army chief. They manipulated false
21
witnesses against Jesus Christ. They
insisted on capital punishment for Jesus
Christ.
Though he knew that Jesus Christ was
not a criminal, but for fear of Jews, and
also to safeguard his post, Pilate announced
capital punishment for Jesus. King Galileo,
who was the king of Arode, also confirmed
the capital punishment for Jesus.
The crucification of Jesus
It was a practice in those days that the
people who were punished for death
sentence, were hit with stones. However it
was ordered to kill Jesus Christ by
crucifying him on the Cross.
Jesus Christ was laid on the wood of
the Cross. They plugged the nails on his
hands and feet along the wooden cross and
straightened him.
Jesus Christ prayed for the people who
did harm to him. When Jesus asked for
water to quench his thirst, they gave him
the gruel.
It was mid-noon when Jesus was
crucified. At that time, the Sun disappeared
and darkness discended. The astronomers
had recorded that even in China and Egypt,
it grew dark.
After his soul left for heavenly abode,
they buried him in the nearby cemetery.
22 WORLD HISTORY
Resurrection
On the third day, Jesus emerged out of
the cemetery. Nearly for 40 days, he gave
his appearance for his friends and others.
Then, he took his disciples and went to
the top of the mountain. “I will come again”.
Jesus said and went for the heavenly abode.
Some archaeologists consider that Jesus
came to India after his resurrection. But
there are no evidences to prove this view.
Judas, who betrayed Jesus Christ to the
Jews, for the sake of 30 silver coins, threw
them in the church and committed suicide
in a cruel way.
The spread of Christianity
The news about the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ spread to nooks and corners of the
world. Therefore, Christian religion started
spreading in the whole world.
There were 12 disciples for Jesus. The
sacred Jew by name Powell was a
significant person. When he was crossing
through a forest, he lost his eyesight due to
a miraculous light. Then, again he regained
his power of vision. He took efforts to
spread the popularity of Jesus and about
the religion at places like Macedonia,
Greece and Rome. He converted many
people to Christianity. He refused to obey
the then emperor of Rome and so he was
mercilessly killed by him.
Instead of the practice of worshipping
the Roman emperor, the Christians started
worshipping God and Jesus. So many
Christians were treated cruelly. And many
were murdered.
As the Christians offered their blood,
the religion also spread very fast.
Though the early kings hated Christianity
and destroyed the Christians, king
Constantine who came to power later,
started accepting the religion of Christianity.
th
After 15 century, Christianity developed
fast and spread to various countries. Pope
became its leader. Rome became the capital
city of the Christianity.
The first church was constructed in
Jerusalem. Then, churches were built in
cities like Alexandria and Rome. Bishops
and Arch Bishops came into existence. In
Rome, Patriarch became all- powerful Pope
with significant rights and he became the
leader of the Catholic Christians.
Bible was written. The system of
Baptism emerged. The methods of
religious conversion were created.
At the Christian conference held in the
year 326 AD, Constantine participated.
Bible was translated into different
languages all over the world.
In the year 2000 AD, the religion, which
is embraced by the largest number of people
(approximately 175 crores) in the world, is
Christianity.

The crusades
I n the medieval period, in Europe, the
numerical strength of the Christians was
more. The places connected with Jesus
were considered to be sacred. To go to
those places, on a pilgrimage, was
considered to be a sacred duty of the
Christians. In the year 637AD, Jerusalem
was captured, by the Muslims. But the
caliphs had religious tolerance and they
behaved with a friendly attitude towards
the others. So, there were no serious
problems for the Christians. When Jerusalem
got into the hands of Seljuk Turks in the
year 1086 AD, trouble started. The
Christians who went to the sacred places
were humiliated. The churches were
transformed into horse’s stables.
So, the Christians decided to join together
to wage a war to recover the sacred places
of Christians. The Christians in Europe, the
church people, the kings and the religious
heads participated in the wars. As they
wore the sacred cross and fought, these
wars are called “Wars of Crusade”
The first crusade
This war broke out in the year 1097
AD. Nearly 40,000 people got involved in
it. They were not trained properly. But
still, they captured Jerusalem. For nearly
80 years, Jerusalem was under the control
of the Christians.
23
The second crusade
In the year 1101, as the king of
Jerusalem died, chaos broke out all over.
In the war between the Christians and the
Muslims, the Muslims won the war. In the
year 1187, a soldier by name Saladin
captured Jerusalem. He became the Sultan
and was responsible for ruling it. For nearly
50 years, Jerusalem was under the
domination of the Muslims.
The Third crusade
(1189 AD to 1192) - In this war, many
European kings joined. But the Christians
faced defeat. But even then, it was agreed
that the Christians could go to Jerusalem
which was adjacent to the seashore of
Syria. But after 100 years, the Christians
were driven away from Palestine and Syria.
The Fourth crusade
(1203 AD) The Christians captured
Constantinople (the old name of Istanbul
which is in Turkey) but the Muslims
recovered it in the year 1453 AD.
In the year 1212 AD, a Roman
Shephered boy by name Stephen claimed,
“I am the person sent by God to destroy
the Turkish people.” He organized an army
consisting of 30,000 boys and girls. This
army started on its voyage in two ships.
But both the ships got drowned in to the
sea. Those who survived and reached the
24 WORLD HISTORY
shore by swimming were also sold as
slaves. This event is noted as “children’s
Holy Cross War” in the History of the
World.
The last crusade
(1683 AD) Pope Pious V started this
war. He joined hands with Spain and Venice
Prophet Mohamed
The religion of Islam is one of the
world’s significant religions.
Prophet Mohamed, who was the founder
of the religion called Islam, was born on
th
20 April, in the year 571 AD in the city of
Mecca in the Arab country. His father was
Abdullah and his mother was Amena.
Some days before the birth of Prophet
Mohamed, his father expired. After some
years, his mother also passed away. So he
was brought up by his grand father Mutalif
and his paternal uncle by name Abudalib.
Though he did not have the privilege of
acquiring a systematic education, he had
good qualities and commendable behavior.
He experienced different kinds of
misfortunes in his early life. As he travelled
to different parts of the country for trading
purposes, he experienced very many events
in life. He did charities for the public.
At the age of 25, he married a 40year
old widow by name Katheeja. Then, he
and gathered the supporters. In the place
called Leppanto Guda, the naval force of
the Muslims was defeated. Pope Pious
conducted war for 16 years with the help
of Venice, Poland, Austria, Russia and
France and drove away the Turkish people.
Through this, pope acquired greater
command.
was pre-occupied with the activities of
serving the society and philosophical
thoughts. Often he went to the Heera
Mountain and plunged into meditation. He
acquired the philosophical sense.
“God (Allah) is one. There is no equal
to him. He should be worshipped.” He
preached this doctrine. The Muslim people
in those days worshipped different idols as
Gods. As Prophet Mohamed expressed a
different view, people started opposing and
attacking him. When he started explaining
his views, people hit him with stones.
In the year 622 AD, Prophet Mohamed
went to Satrap along with his supporters.
This journey is called as “Hegira.” The
people of Satrap welcomed Prophet
Mohamed.
People changed the name of the city of
Satrap as “Mathinathunabi” (the city of
Prophet). Later it became “Mathina”
But, opposition started there also. The
 PROPHET MOHAMED 25
king sent the army to murder him. Prophet penance and Haj. To have strong faith as
Mohamed defeated that army. God is one, to do prayers five times a day,
Then, he went to the city of Mecca. to offer Zakat (two and a half percent poor
There he preached his doctrines. The people charity tax), to observe penance throughout
accepted his preachings. the month of Ramzon, to go to Mecca and
After acquiring victory in Mecca, he lived do the Hajj are the five important duties of
in Mathina. the Islam
Islam began to religion.
spread very fast. W h e n
Again Prophet P r o p h e t
Mohamed set on Mohamed was
a Hajj journey to living, his
Mecca. He speech and his
passed away on way of life style
th
8 June in the were recorded.
year 632 AD.
It is called as
The Arabic “Hadith” (the
word “Islam” golden words of
means “to P r o p h e t
worship God and Mohammad)
attain peace.”
The people who He was not
follow Islam are only a religious
called as head but also a
Muslims. The political head.
word Muslim In this world,
means, “One who many people
obeys God.” appeared in the
Koran is fields of religion
nothing but a and politics. But
book containing P r o p h e t
the God’s Mohamed had
messages offered a huge society
by God, sent Kaaba, the most holy ahrine in mecca. of followers in
through Angel his life. Just in
Gabriel to the God’s messenger, Prophet 24 years of his preachings and this greatest
Mohamed.
achievement is solely attributed to him.
Islam is a palace raised with the five
pillars viz. Belief in God, worship, Zakat,
26

Palestine
There existed a long time enmity The birth place of Jesus Christ,
between the Jews and the Arabs regarding Bethlehem was situated in the south of
the historically important place called Jerusalem, and on the west of Jordan River
Palestine. in Palestine. Now, Bethlehem remains a
The history of Palestine starts thousand small city where 20,000 people are living.
years before the birth of the Jesus Christ. The Jews who lived in Palestine wanted
It was notified as to free themselves
“Kelan” in the Holy from the rule of
Bible of the Christians, Romans, revolted
and is situated in the many times. But
edge of Mediterranean those riots were
Sea in West Asia. crushed. The
After the rule of Christians considered
the emperor Solomon, Palestine as their
Palestine was divided sacred place.
th
into two countries From 7 century
namely Israel and AD onwards, the
Judah. These countries middle eastern
were destroyed by the countries were
empires which existed dominated by the
in Mesopotamia which Muslim rule. In the
extended during 750 year 640 AD, Caliph
BC to 550 BC. Omar captured
th
In the 4 century Palestine. In the year
th
B.C, Alexander 9 centuary A.D,
invaded and captured Egyptians captured
Palestine. Thereafter, palestine. At that
Palestine was under the time, some kings
rule of the Greeks for Yasir Arafat demolished some
three years. churches in Palestine.

At the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, Therefore, European Christians got
Palestine was under the domination of the angry with the Muslims and waged the
Romans. crusades.

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasir Arafat agreed
to palestinian self-rule in Gaza Jericho. In centre American President Clinton.
The rule of the English people
At the time of the First World War (1914
- 1918), the English people captured
Palestine from the Turkish people.
In Palestine, a special situation arose
that both the Jews and the Muslims jointly
had to live there. But there was no unity
among them and so uninterrupted riots
occurred.
From 1933 onwards, the Jews started
migrating to Palestine. At that time, in
Germany, Hitler came to power. Because
27
of his cruel rule, the Jews from Germany
also started inhabiting Palestine.
The British Government considered
dividing Palestine between Arabs and the
Jews. This suggestion was accepted by the
Jews. The Arabs did not accept this. The
Second World War broke out in September
in the year 1939 and so the clash between
the Jews and Arabs stopped temporarily.
Separate Country
After the world war was over, in the
month of November 1947, the members of
28 WORLD HISTORY
the UNO met and decided to render a
separate country to the Jews by name
“Israel”, taken from one part of Palestine.
th
From 15 May, 1948, Israel country with
its capital Jerusalem came into being.
Among the population of Israel, one sixth
of them are Arabians. Though Israel was
separated, the clash between the Jews and
the Arabs did not come to an end. Several
times, wars took place between Israel and
the adjacent Arab countries.
In the six day war of 1967, Israel
captured the western part of Jordan River,
Gaza, and the Sinai Peninsula. Then, as
per the Peace Treaty, in April 1982, Israel
came out of the Sinai Peninsula.
Joan of Arc
(A.D. 1413 - 1431)
In the beginning of the 15th
century, in
the war that broke out between France and
the Britain, France was defeated. France
came under the domination of the British
empire. In the slave country of France, in
th
the city of Tam Remy, on January 6 , 1412,
the brave lady Joan was born.
A person by name Jetty-Arc was her
father. He did cultivation as his profession.
Isabella Roomy was her mother. She was
very pious. Joan had three brothers and
two sisters.
The Independent Palestine
To fight for an independent Palestinian
country for the Arabs, the people of the
freedom movement of Palestine under the
leadership Palestine Liberation Organisation
(PLO) conducted Guerilla wars.
In November, 1988, Independent
Palestine consisting of Gaza, the western
part of the Jordan River was established
and this historically significant announcement
was made by Yaser Arafat. It was
recognized by 80 countries including India.
Gradually, Israel also came down from its
stand and agreed to recognise for the
independent Palestine in the year 1993.
Yaser Arafat was elected as the President
th
of Palestine on 12 February, 1996.
She used to drive away the cattle to the
forest and her main activity was to tame
these animals till she attained 16 years of
age.
She used to get dejected about the plight
of France, which was dominated by the
British. She wanted to relieve her
motherland from the British rule.
She thought that she could drive away
the British forces from her country. At
that time, she could hear a heavenly voice
which said, “You can do it!” She believed
it to be the voice of God.
 JONE OF ARC 29

She met the king. She told him about view, she marched towards Paris along with
the heavenly voice and asked him, "Give 500 soldiers, without the orders of the
me the army. I shall defeat the British French Government.
army. After that, you could ascend the
When she was fighting against the
throne.” The king and the army chief
British, due to the conspiracy of the
believed that “Joan is
Burgundy state,
a god-gifted girl.”
she was
When the French imprisoned by the
army with 12,000 English people. In
warriors was handed the Fort of
over to her, She took Roosoul, she was
the lead of the army kept as a prisoner
and started to wage and the English
war against the people caused
British. great suffering to
her.
She wrote a letter
to the British, asking The chief priest
them to vacate the of Rome by name
Forts which the Pyorekishon was
British had built a puppet of the
adjacent to the British and so he
riverbed La Ar. But rendered the
they didn’t agree to judgment in favour
it. So, she started of the British
attacking them on government.
th
28 April 1429. She “Only through the
recovered many priests, God will
cities, which were speak. He will not
under the control of speak through an
the British. ordinary girl like
you. You are a
She defeated the
witch. The voice
British in the war,
you heard is of
which took place only
Satan. So, suddenly you waged war against
for seven days. She also captured the forts
the British and for that you are given death
called Shale and Mustio.
sentence.” This way he gave the judgment.
Her plan was to send the British away
“I executed the wish of God and I heard
from France completely. With this end in
His voice only. There is nothing wrong in
30 WORLD HISTORY

my deed.” Joan told the British. But the
English government did not accept this. The
French king Charles VII also did not come
to her rescue.
th
On 30 May 1431, in front of a church,
the brave lady Joan was tied in the street,
before the general public and was burnt
alive.

Columbus
(A.D. 1451 - 1506)

Columbus renowned in history, tried to His first sea voyage

find a sea route to India but discovered In those times, the popularity of India
America. had spread worldwide. Columbus thought
It is a generally accepted view that that he would reach India by sailing on the
C o l u m b u s sea towards west. He
discovered requested the King and
America but the queen of Spain to help him
fact remains that in his sea voyage. They
he discovered only also came forward to help
a few islands. But him.
as he discovered He began his sea
these islands, it rd
voyage on 3 August, 1492.
was made possible Columbus set on the sea
for many people to voyage, along with 120
migrate to sailors from the Port of
America. Palace, which was in the
Columbus south east of Spain. They
belonged to Italy started their voyage in three
and he was born in ships namely Nina, Pinto
1451. At a very and Santa Maria.
young age, he These three ships started their voyage
undertook sea voyages. towards west, in the Atlantic Sea. Two
months after starting his voyage, he
 COLUMBUS
discovered some islands. One of the islands
is “Jeevana.” (Now it is called as “Cuba”.)
The letter
After he landed on the island, he went
around it. He wrote a letter to the Finance
Minister of Spain about his experiences.
The important aspects of that letter are as
follows :
rd
“On 33 day of my voyage from Spain,
I found out a few islands. People live in
those islands. I have released an
announcement that those islands have come
under the rule of the Spanish King. I have
flown the national flag of Spain also there.
One of these islands is “Jeevana”. I
went along the coastal side of the seashore
towards west for a small distance. It was
not known as to where it ended as I went
slowly. It was such a big Island. I don’t
think it is a small island but it is a very big
Chinese country.
There are very broad ports here. Big
rivers flow here. High mountains are seen
here. I could see seven different kinds of
coconut trees. The beauty of their height
cannot be explained! Spices like cardamom,
clove and metals like gold are available here.
The gents and ladies in these islands
are roaming around naked. Some ladies
wear leaves and small cloth as their clothes.
They started running on seeing us. Only
after they come to know, that there is no
harm by us, they behaved in a normal way.
They offered precious things owned by
them, in return for our ordinary things. So,
I have ordered our people not to cheat them
31
by giving glasses, plates and key chains.
People who live in this island get satisfied
with only one wife. I come to know that
only the males in the king’s family are
allowed to have upto 20 wives”.
Hand Cuff
Columbus set on sea voyages 4 times.
In his second voyage, (in September, 1493)
he discovered West Indian Islands.
When he undertook the sea voyage for
the third time in 1498, there was a clash
with the Governor of the island. He
handcuffed Columbus and sent him back to
Spain.
The Spanish king and queen were so
much in love with Columbus, that they
arranged for a Fourth sea voyage to him.
He discovered the Gulf of Mexico in his
Fourth Voyage.
Poverty
He became sick when he returned to
Spain from his fourth sea voyage in 1504.
The Spanish king did not help him as he
had promised him. So, Columbus struggled
th
in poverty and died on 20 May 1506 at
the age of 55.
The drowned ship of Columbus
When Columbus went with three ships
in his first voyage, the ship by name Santa
Maria got broken and drowned into the sea.
This ship, which was drowned into the
sea in 1492, was later found out after 476
years in the year 1968, by the Sea
Researchers.
32

Napoleon
(A.D. 1769 - 1821 )

Napoleon of France has got a specific he gained the respect of the government.
place in the history of the world among the
In 1796, he was sent to Austria, to
warriors who had great achievements to
capture the parts of Italy, which were under
the credit.
its possession. He was crowned with
In the year 1769, Napoleon was born as
success wherever he went, due to his
a son of a lawyer in the island Corsica.
bravery, political diplomacy and new war
He joined the school of army.
techniques. Austria submitted itself to the
He had a short figure, with small eyes authority of French rule. The French people
and disproportionately large ears. In a class, got impressed by the deeds of Napoleon.
which consisted of 58 students, he was the
nd Napoleon turned his attention towards
42 student.

After completing his education, he joined

the army. In 1785, he became the Deputy
leader of the Army.

When there were riots in the

state, he showed his talents
in crushing them. So,
 NAPOLEON
England. In order to curtail the trading
contacts of England with the eastern
countries, he waged war against Egypt. But
the Navy chief of the British, Nelson
defeated the armies of Napoleon on the
banks of the river Nile, in the year 1798.
So, Napoleon’s attempt to capture the
eastern countries ended in failure.
Emperor
In the meanwhile, there was political
chaos in France. Napoleon went through
and dissolved the existing rule, and created
a new rule. Napoleon acquired many
powers with the title of “Consul.” Though
there were group of advisors and the
establishment of assemblies, the real powers
vested with Napoleon.
The French people were already
exhausted due to the French revolution.
Therefore, they thought that Napoleon
would offer a good government and
supported him. With the support of the
people, Napoleon became the emperor of
France in 1804.
From that time onwards, till 1815, we
can say that the history of Europe was
moulded by Napoleon. He made a lot of
reforms in the administration. The laws,
which were so confusing earlier, became
clear.
Not only France, but other European
countries also got benefited due to the
administrative reforms of Napoleon.
33
But Napoleon wanted to expand his
empire more and more. He was particular
to bring Britain under his control.
Britain knew about the plans of
Napoleon and so it strengthened its stand
with the support of the countries like Austria,
Prussia and Russia.
Invasion
In 1805, Napoleon invaded Britain with
the assistance of Spain. But in the war that
took place in Trafalgar, British Navy chief
Nelson defeated the armies of Napoleon.
But Napoleon captured the allied
countries of England such as Austria,
Prussia and Russia.
Napoleon dazzled as an unequalled and
unparalleled emperor in the year 1806.
But he lost his sleep because of his inner
urge to defeat Britain. He ordered that
those countries, which were under his
control, should not have trade relationship
with Britain. Due to this order, other
European countries suffered. But Britain
was not affected.
The attempts of Napoleon to bring
countries like Spain and Portugal under the
French regime, created protest against
Napoleon in those countries. In some parts
of Spain, the armies of Napoleon were
defeated. In the year 1812, Napoleon
invaded Russia. Due to the beginning of
winter season in that country, the armies of
Napoleon faced great troubles.
34 WORLD HISTORY

Out of 4 ½ lakhs French warriors who narrowed. So, Napoleon resigned and left
went to Russia, only 20,000 persons the government. A new administration was
survived and returned to France. set up under the leadership of a person by
name Posidy.
This great defeat made Napoleon’s rule
to suffer a set back. Many European Some people suggested that Napoleon
countries decided to combat Napoleon. could escape to USA in disguise. But
Napoleon declined to do so.
Defeat
But some how, the newly appointed ruler
Countries like Posidy planned to
England, Austria, drive away Napoleon
Russia and Prussia from France.
started a war against According to his plan,
France. In the war, Napoleon started his
which took place in voyage in a ship.
1814, Napoleon was When the ship reached
defeated and exiled the port called
to the Island of Elba. Plymouth, the British
But within some army arrested him.
days, he escaped The English
from that place, government was in a
gathered the army dilemma as to whether
and got ready for give him death
war. sentence or keep him
Waterloo battle in prison for his
lifetime. Finally, it
Finally, in 1815 Josephine
Napoleon was decided to imprison
him in an island called “Helena” which was
defeated by the British general, Arthur
Wellesley at Waterloo in Belgium. 10,000 kilometers away from Europe.
th
Due to the delay in the arrival of the On August 9 , 1815, Napoleon was
Deputy Chief along with his army, Napoleon taken to the Island of Helena in the ship. It
faced failure. was a small island, which extended for 15
kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in
Napoleon went to the city of Paris and breadth. There, he was imprisoned in a
held discussions with the governing group. small house.
Some people expressed their view that
Napoleon should step down from power so He passed his time by reading books.
that the anger of the British could be He used to take his food in a gold plate but
then, he ate his food in a ceramic plate.

Battle of waterloo.
In the beginning, the facilities presented
to him were limited. His room was not
hygienic. There were lot of rats and so he
suffered without sleep in the nights.
Day by day, his health deteriorated. He
knew that he was nearing death, and wrote
his Death Declaration. “After my death,
my body should be buried near the river
Seine. My wife and children are to be
safeguarded from the clutches of the
enemies. Help should be extended to the
families of those friends who died and for
the friends who are alive.” This was his
Death Declaration.
Death
The condition of Napoleon’s health
became worse. On May15th, 1821, he
collapsed. He was 52 years old at the time
of his death. In the island of Helena itself,
35
his body was buried with the guard of honor.
There are different news prevailing,
regarding the cause of the death of
Napoleon.
It was believed that he died of stomach
cancer as per the report of the doctors.
But some researchers are of the view that
he could have been killed by slow poisoning.
Love
His wife’s name was Josephine. Her
first husband was Alexander Bokarne.
When she lived with her first husband, two
children were born to Josephine.
At the time of French revolution,
Bokarne passed away. Then, Napolean
loved and married her. Napoleon was very
fond of her. He used to write letters to her
without fail even from the warfront.
Though he loved her too much, he
36 WORLD HISTORY
divorced her because she did not give birth
to a child. But he gave her a fortress and
set her to live there.
Re-marriage
As he wanted a heir, he married Mary
Theresa, the daughter of Austrian king in
April,1810. A male child was born to them.
Though he divorced Josephine, he had
intense love for her. At the time of his last
Nero, the Atrocious
One of the most brutal kings, the world
has ever seen is Nero. (37 AD to 68 AD)
It was an unexpected event that he became
breath also, his lips murmured only France
and Josephine.
There were some unusual capabilities in
Napoleon. In the night, he used to sleep
only for a few minutes. In the daytime, he
used to sleep for a short time. Though he
used to sleep during horse riding, he was
very alert.
the king of the Roman Empire. When his
widowed mother married King Claudius, he
accepted Nero as his son.
 NERO, THE ATROCIOUS
Nero’s mother was also very cruel. She
gave poison to the king and killed him. She
made her son as the king. Nero was only
17 at that time.
As days departed, Nero became a cruel
monarch and was obsessed with sex. He
violently killed the son of his step mother,
who was supposed to acquire the throne.
Besides, he also killed his own mother
at the instance of his lover. Then, he
assassinated his wife Octavia and married
his friend’s wife Pappiah Sabena. Rome
was set in flame and huge part of it was
destroyed. Even then, he was deeply
involved in the entertainments like dance
and music. This led to notorious statement
"when Rome was burning, Nero was playing
History of England
How much amazing it is to note that
such a small country like England which
had the area of only 94,247 sq. km captured
countries like India, Burma, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, and Cyprus, various countries in
Africa and ruled over them two hundred
years before!
Why to talk so much about that? Even
the super power of today, America also,
was dominated some years back.
Britain consists of four islands such as
England, Wales, Scotland, and North Ireland.
37
on the fiddle.” He revamped the city of
Rome, after its destruction and constructed
a big palace and lived luxuriously.
The wicked Nero kicked his pregnant
wife and killed her. He wanted to marry
Antonio, the daughter of king Claudius. In
the year 68 AD, there were rebellions
against his rule. Nero was declared to the
enemy of the country. The senate framed
charges against him. He escaped, for fear
of punishment and as there was no other
go, he committed suicide. He was 31 years
at that time.
The people became furious and disliked
Nero. His name was removed from
documents records of the government and
the monuments were smashed.
The ancient Britain
In the history of the world, England
th
occupies a significant place. In 20 century
BC, there existed stone age and the Metal
age. At the time of 100 BC, most of the
people who lived there were engaged in
cultivation.
th
In the year 6 century BC, from central
Europe a race by name, “Celtic” migrated
to England. They were of the white race.
They were the best warriors. The language
spoken by them was “Welsh.” From this,
languages such as Karnish and Irish
38 WORLD HISTORY
nd
language were born. In the 2 century BC The Romans ruled England nearly for
itself, Gilts used gold coins for trading 400 years. In the year 287 AD, from Rome,
purposes. Karasius was sent to England to safeguard
But, though they were God fearing, it it but he did not honor the order of Rome
was their custom to offer “human sacrifice”. but captured Britain and set up his rule.
After killing him, a person by name Alex
The invasion of Julius Caesar set up a tyrannical rule.
In the year 55BC, At this time, the
the Roman Emperor
tribal people of
Julius Caesar waged
England attacked the
war on England. The
Romans and drove
tribal people of England
them away. There
were confronting Julius
was a major set back
Caesar who moved
forward to England in 80 to the Roman Empire
ships along with the in the year 410 AD.
soldiers. In the battle At that time, the then
that took place between Roman emperor
the two parties, Caesar Honorias sent an
won. announcement. “You
In England, Roman rule yourself”.
settlements were set up. In the year 429
But due to the severe AD, a person by
turbulent waves in the name St.Germanus
sea, many ships of Julius built a Christian
King Edward II church in south
Caesar got damaged.
Therefore, Caesar had to return to Rome. Britain. Christian
religion started spreading in Britain. Different
But later, after some months, again kings came to the throne in Britain. England
Caesar invaded England with 25,000 has become so vast that the English people
warriors in 800 ships. Caesar gained a proudly claimed that “The sun never sets
great victory in this war. In many places in in this country”. England became very
England, the colonies of Rome were popular and its reputation spread through
established. out the world.
Following the invasion of Caesar, many The queen who killed the king
people were taken from England to Rome Edward II took charge as the English
as slaves. They were sold in the streets of
king in 1307. His wife’s name was Isabella.
Rome. These slaves were used for difficult
She was the sister of the French king
labour.
 HISTORY OF ENGLAND
Charles IV. There existed a love affair
between Isabella and the noble by name
Roger Mortimer. Both of them conspired
to kill the king. Some enemies betrayed him
to the queen.
In 1325, Queen Isabella went to France,
stating that she wanted to see her brother.
Both of them secretly gathered an army
with the help of some of the English nobles.
Then in order to attack Edward, they
proceeded to London in a ship.
There was no one to come to the rescue
of Edward. So, he escaped to South Wales.
There, some enemies showed him to the
queen. As per the order of the queen
Isabella, Edward was put in the prison.
Both Isabella and her lover Mortimer
issued an order to kill the King Edward in
the Prison. Thus, Edward II was
st
assassinated on 21 September, 1327.
The Hundred year war
From 1337 to 1452, nearly for 116 years,
there were frequent wars between England
and France. This is described in history as
the “Hundred year war”.
During this time, the Kings like Edward
III, Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and
Henry VI ruled over England. In France
also, five kings conducted the rule. The
hundred year war witnessed both defeat
and victory.
39
English Flourished
Before the advent of the hundred year
war, in England, Kings and nobles used to
speak and write French. The governmental
machinery also used French language for
its operations.
During the hundred year war, due to the
enmity with the country of France, the kings
and the common people developed hatred
towards the French language. The ruling
class and the general public started speaking
and writing in English. Books were written
in English. English language started to
foster with vigor.
Plaque Disease
The dangerous plague disease, which
attacked central Asia and several other
countries in Europe also took deep roots in
England during 1348 – 49. Lakhs of people
lost their lives.
According to one census, nearly 40%
of the English population succumbed to the
plague disease. It took nearly 100 years for
England to touch its old population (before
the attack of plague disease) which prevailed
in the year 1398.
The majority of people who died of
plague were farmers. Due to this large
areas of land remained uncultivated. The
production of food grains was greatly
affected.
40

The queen who killed the queen

accordingly. So she has been recorded as
One of the important queens who ruled a “Spinster queen” by the historians.
England was Elizabeth I (1533 AD to 1603
Queen Mary of Scotland
th
AD) In London, on September 7 1533,
Elizabeth was born. Her father was Henry During this period Scotland remained as
VIII. a separate country. The scotland king by
name James V was killed in the war of
Her mother Anne Boleyn was beautiful,
1542 and his daughter Mary came to the
intelligent and talented. Elizabeth learnt throne.
th
several languages. On January 15 1558,
At that time Mary was only a 7 day old
Elizabeth became the queen of England at
child! So she was made to stay in France
the age of 26. (At the time of Elizabeth’s and she was bestowed education. After she
rule in England, the English dramatic writer acquired education, on becoming a young
Shakespeare lived in England. The great lady married the French King Francis II.
Indian ruler Akbar was her contemporary.)
But within few years after the marriage,
During the
rule of Elizabeth,
E n g l a n d
developed in
several fields.
Several times, the
parliament asked
her to get
married. Many
kings and princes
liked to marry her.
But Elizabeth
did not like to get
married. She
announced that,
“I will live like a
spinster; and die
as a spinster” and
she lived Elizabeth - I
 THE QUEEN WHO KILLED THE QUEEN 41

the king passed away. At the age of 19, the nobles of Scotland. Mary was arrested.
she was a widow and went back to They made the Proclamation saying that
Scotland and took over the charge of the James VI was the Scotland King. Mary
rule. She was forced by many people to escaped from the prison and ran to England.
give her consent for the re-marriage. In
the beginning Mary declined to marry for
The problem brought by the destiny
the second time, but later married her There was a reason behind Mary
relative Tornley Noble. returning to England.
For sometime, they both led a happy The queen of England Elizabeth was the
married life. But Mary started moving cousin of Mary. After the period of
closely with her Elizabeth, Mary had the
secretary Rijoh. right to become the
This created queen of England. So,
suspicion in the mind Mary thought that
of Tornley. In the Elizabeth would help her
presence of Mary, he in this regard.
killed Rijoh. It was a period when
Because of this, there was chronic
Mary had extreme hostility between the
dislike towards her catholic Christians and
husband Tornley. the Protestant Christians.
She started living The English queen
away from her Elizabeth was a
husband. Protestant. But Mary
One day the was a Catholic Christian.
palace, where Already the Catholic
Tornley was staying priests developed hatred
was bomb blasted. towards Elizabeth. They
When he tried to planned to overthrow the
escape, he was rule of Elizabeth and
crushed in his neck make Mary as the queen
and killed. of England. Elizabeth
According to came to know of this
After nearly twenty years of imprisonment,
h i s t o r i c a l plan and imprisoned
Mary was executed in 1587.
researchers, that Mary in a palace in
Mary had a hand in this murder. This view North England.
gets confirmed by the fact that she married Pope Pious V expected that Elizabeth
a noble by name Par well within three would become a Catholic. But instead of
months of the murder. that, she issued various orders to take
This marriage of Mary was not liked by revenge against the Catholics. Therefore,
42 WORLD HISTORY

the Catholics planned several conspiracies rules of the parliament, and conducted
to kill Elizabeth and to announce Mary as himself in his own style, death sentence
their queen. was given.
Elizabeth crushed all these conspiracies
at the budding stage itself. Death sentence It was Charles I who had such a
was given to more than 200 Catholics. punishment. During his rule, (1642 AD),
he imposed taxes according to his own
The crushing of head whims and fancies without respecting the
At this juncture, in the conspiracies of parliament. Day by day, these types of
the Catholics, Mary also had a part. To clashes increased and there broke out an
prove this, some internal war
evidences in the form between the
of letters were found king and the
out by Elizabeth. parliament.
She thought that This internal
till Mary lives, there war lasted
is threat for her life. for six years.
Immediately, she K i n g
ordered for an Charles
enquiry against Mary. escaped and
Mary, who was ran to
suffering in the prison Scotland.
for 19 years, was But, he was
brought before the imprisoned
Court of Law. The and brought
charge was framed to London.
against her which, A case was
stated that Mary was King Charles I was beheaded in 1649. put against
involved in the conspiracy to kill Elizabeth. him as he did not respect the parliament
Elizabeth announced that Mary was a and he was made responsible for the internal
criminal and issued the order of death war. The judgment found Charles guilty.
th
sentence for her. As per the order, Mary’s Charles was beheaded publicly on 30
th
head was severed on 8 February1587 and January, 1649.
thereby fulfilling the death sentence. At that
The annexure of Scotland
time, Mary’s age was 45.
In 1707, when Ane was the queen of
The death sentence for the king
England, Scotland was annexed to England.
Though monarchy was prevalent in A law enforcing this came into being on 1
st

England, it has been a tradition there that

May1707. From that time onwards, Britain
the kings should abide by the parliamentary
is called as “United Kingdom”.
rules. For a king who did not abide by the
 FROM VICTORIA TO ELIZABETH 43

From Victoria to Elizabeth

Empress Victoria held the post as the government. The period of Victoria’s rule
Empress of England for many years (64 can be called as “the golden age” in the
years.) history of England.
When the English king William IV died During her rule, many countries including
without heir, his brother’s daughter Victoria India were kept under the British Empire.
th
became the queen on 20 June1837. At In short, she was the empress for the
that time, she was only quarter portion of the world.
18; (Date of birth – England emerged as a force
24-5-1819)
to reckon with. Only during
Three years after her rule, invention of Cinema,
she came to power, Cycle and sewing machine
she got married. Her were made. England became
husband’s name was very strong in education.
Albert.
Darwin, the researcher
They both loved who belonged to England,
each other deeply and developed the theory of
they had 9 children. In
evolution That, “Man is
1861, Albert died. At
descended from the monkey”.
that time Victoria was
41 years old. The whole world praised
Victoria as the great Empress.
The death of her
husband agitated her She left for heavenly abode
nd
very badly. She at the age of 82, on 22
remained very sad for January1901.
sometime. She did not Empress Victoria After her death, her eldest
take care of the son Edward VII became the king. He
proceedings of the government for long time. was 59 at that time. Like his mother,
The members of the parliament met Edward was a good man who liked only
Victoria and said,“ Forget all your worries peace. He tried his best to establish peace
and get yourself involved in the proceedings in the whole of Europe.
of the government. Otherwise, make a th
On 6 May, 1910, due to the attack of
proclamation that England is a democratic
pneumonia fever, he collapsed.The next day,
country.”
his son George V took charge as the king.
After that, she cheered up her mind and
started looking into the proceedings of the From 1910 to 1936, George V ruled over
44 WORLD HISTORY

England. During his

rule, First World War
took place and ended.

The emperor
who gave up
the throne
th
On January 20 ,
1936, George V died.
The next day, his son
Edward VIII, became
the king. He was the
only king who
abandoned his throne,
for the sake of love.
Already there Edward VIII Wallis
existed love between
an American girl
Wallis Simpson and the King. Wallis had two times, she cannot attain the status of
already married a naval officer by name the queen. The child born to her cannot
Spencer and divorced him. Then, later she become the king after your period.” Prime
married a wealthy person by name Minister Baldwin expressed his perspective
Simpson. The family of Simpson owned a in the manner. The Christian church also
very big ship company. opposed the love marriage of the king.
In a feast, Prince Edward met Wallis. But Edward was firm in his decision
He fell in love at first sight. Both of them and announced that, “For me love is more
met each other often. One day Edward important. I don’t need the crown.”
told Wallis, “I love you whole heartedly. I th
Accordingly, on 10 December, 1936, he
cannot live without you.” Wallis understood
abdicated.
that Prince Edward had true love for her.
She decided to divorce Simpson and marry In his place, his brother, George VI
Edward. (father of the present Elizabeth) was made
the king. (The marriage of Edward and
At that time only, George V died and
Wallis took place in June, 1937. Edward
Edward became the king. After some days,
was 42 years of age at that time. The age
Edward announced that he wanted to marry
of Wallis was 40. Both of them lived happily
Wallis. On hearing this, the royal family
for 35 years. In the year 1972, at the age
people and the Prime Minister were
of 77, he passed away. 14 years later,
shocked. “If marry a lady who had divorced
Wallis also left for in heavenly abode)
 FROM VICTORIA TO ELIZABETH
George VI
As Edward VIII abandoned the crown,
George VI who came to power all of a
sudden governed in a splendid manner.
When he came to power, he was 41. During
his rule, the Second World War took place
and ended. India attained independence.
King George VI suffered from cancer. In
1951, he underwent an operation and one
of his lungs was removed. After the surgery,
he lived for five months. At the age of 57,
th
on 6 February, 1952, he died.
Queen Elizabeth II
There was no male issue for George
VI. He had two daughters by names
Alexandra Mary and Margaret.
His eldest daughter Mary, as “Elizabeth
II” became the queen of England after the
death of George VI. The crowning
ceremony was conducted in a very grand
nd
manner on 2 June, 1953. Many world
leaders participated in that function. The
then Indian Prime Minister Nehru also took
The story of the
origin of English
T he English Language originated from
England and spread to other countries like
America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
It is the mother tongue of the people of
these countries. The English language
which has spread throughout the world is
spoken by 510 million people. Next to the
Chinese language (1070 million), English is
45
part in that function and paid tributes to
queen Elizabeth.
st
Elizabeth was born on 21 April, 1926
in London. In 1947, her marriage took
place. The bridegroom Philip has been
called “Duke of Edinburgh” after the
marriage. Like Queen Victoria, Queen
Elizabeth is also ruling for a long time in an
efficient manner.
For the couple queen Elizabeth and Duke
of Edinburgh, there are three male children
namely, Charles, Andrew, and Edward, and
a daughter by name Anne.
Prince Charle`s married the beautiful girl
Diana. But then, they divorced. Diana died
in a car accident which occurred in Paris
st
on 31 August, 1997.
Richest Woman
Queen Elizabeth is probably the world’s
richest woman. The value of her wealth is
5 billion Pounds. The mother of Elizabeth
were also named Elizabeth. She was called
as “queen mother". She lived up to 101
years and died on 30-3-2002.
the most widely spoken language of many
people.
In Britain, till the fifth century, the tribal
people called “Celts” lived. They spoke
Gaelic language. The words which are in
vogue in English language to day are derived
from that language.
46 WORLD HISTORY
The Romans defeated these tribal people
and later left this country. From Germany,
the English people, Saxons, and Jutes
migrated to Britain. They named the
migrated land as “England” and their
language as “Englick”. This language is also
called as “Anglo-Saxon.”
They followed the grammar structure
of the Germans. After the spreading of
Christianity in England, the script of Romans
came to be used.
In the usage of grammar of those days,
they portrayed “hand” as feminine gender
and “leg” as the masculine gender. In the
beginning, there was no fusion of other
languages in English. After the propagation
of Christianity, some Latin words based on
the religion were mingled into the English
language.
At the end of the Eighth century, the
sea-shores of England were harassed by
the Scandinavians often. In the next
century, they started migrating there itself.
So, the Scandinavian words got assimilated
into the old English language to a large
extent.
After the period of King Albert, many
books were written. In those days, they
were using a particular style called poetic
style. There were exceptional words meant
to use in the poems alone.
In the year 1066 AD, the Prince of
Normandy (known as William) who
belonged to France, captured England. From
that time onwards, French language became
the official language and it was spoken by
the royal family and the nobles for nearly
300 years. But the common people used
Anglo-Saxon in their day to day life. During
that time, it remained only a spoken
language.
th
In the 13 century, three languages were
prevalent in England. Among the general
public, Anglo-Saxon, among the nobles -
the French language, and among the
educated people - Latin language were in
vogue.
Due to the domination of French, literary
advancement of the old language was
struck. So, in each part of the country,
great languages came into being. In the
northern part of England, the domination of
French was less and so, the language well-
known there, slowly conquered the shape
of the English language step by step.
The universities of Cambridge and
Oxford were located in the central part of
London and many people came to the city
of London. So, the growth of the English
language was extraordinary in that region.
The poet by name Chaucer, who lived
th
in 14 century, composed his poems in the
course language of the central part. We
can call him as the “Launching composer”
of English language.
After one more century, William Coxton
inaugurated the art of Printing in England.
After this, the words of other directions
prevailing in other parts vanished. Many
changes occurred in English Grammar and
the pronunciation of words and gradually
the present day English was formed.
The dramas of Shakespeare which were
published in 1623 cannot be understood by
the people of today. The reason is that
English language has been altered into that
stage now.
 THE STORY OF THE ORIGIN OF ENGLISH
After the invention of the art of Printing,
the words from all parts of the world got
mixed up into the English language. The
Latin words and the Greek words got mixed
into it to a great extent.
During the period of Elizabeth, there
arose two movements in England. The first
movement aimed at making the English
language as more of Latin based and the
second movement which was against the
first one wanted to maintain the English
language as natural without any mixture of
other languages. These two movements
did not succeed. But, for the blossoming
of English language, these two movements
facilitated a lot.
The French Revolution
(A.D.1789 – 1799)
T he French Revolution is a striking
event in the history of the world. It sowed
the seeds of many transformations that took
place in the European countries.
King Louis XVI was the ruler of France
at the time of the French revolution.
Right from the period of the previous
kings, the revolutionary storm started
gathering in the minds of the people. The
main reason for that was that the minority
population of the nobles and upper class
(constituting 1% of the population) crushed
the 99% of the common and lower class
people.
The major part of lands were in the
possessions of Upper class of people. They
lived luxuriously in huge palaces. The
47
The words of the other European
languages also got mixed into the English
language. Due to the trade development,
the English people went to various places
in the world and transported the existing
words in those parts and supplemented them
into their language.
By this progression, English language
was treated as a blossoming language. It
spread to the whole world.
English has acquired the status of
superiority as it is spoken by the length and
breadth of the whole world.
farmers who worked hard in the green
fields, had nothing to eat When the
American people revolted against the British
rule, France, the enemy country of Britain,
gave assistance to the Americans. So, there
was financial calamity in the French
economy. Hatred developed among the
general public due to the levy of new heavy
taxes by the government.
The French soldiers participated in the
American war of Independence, returned
to France and spread the revolutionary
principles among the people. The French
writers who lived before the revolution
namely Voltaire and Rousseau, wrote many
revolutionary books. The urge for freedom
arose, in the minds of the people who read
those books.
48 WORLD HISTORY

Due to the extravagant expenditure, King
Louis XVI faced great financial trouble and
to gather funds, he sought the permission
of the parliament. As the parliament
refused, he got angry and dissolved the
parliament.
Revolution broke out
th
July 14 , 1789, is a red letter day in the
history of the world. It was only on that
day, French revolution broke out.
The king came to know of the huge
procession planned by the people from Paris
towards the city of Versailles and he set up
the armies around the cities of Paris and
Versailles. The people became angry and
engaged in riots.
The king ordered the army to crush the
revolts. But, the army was not able to
sustain peace by crushing the people’s
revolt. As there was no other go, the army
also joined hands with the people.
th
On July 14 , 1789, the people’s army
attacked the fort of the king. The prisoners
were kept in a prison without enquiry in the
fort called “Bastille”. The fort, which
consisted of eight floors, was captured by
the people’s army.
The king got back the army. But the
royal family compelled the king to crush
the revolt with firm hands. The king
accepted this demand and arranged for the
arrival of the armies from other countries.
The people of France became furious
and intensified the revolt further.
The National Assembly created a new
constitution in September1791. According
to this constitution, the powers of the
monarch were reduced. The king lost the

The execution by guillotine of Louis XV1

 FRENCH REVOLUTION
power of using the Treasury of the country
according to his wish.
Escape of the king
The king did not like the new constitution.
After losing his powers, he left France with
his family in disguise.
But at the frontier of the country, the
security guards captured him. He was
brought back to France.
The people decided to abolish the system
of monarchy and bring the Democratic
system into existence. Thus, “Democratic
Party” was born.
The European kings feared about the
French revolution. To support the king,
Austria and Prussia sent the armed forces.
The army of the people was defeated by
these armed forces.
The revolutionaries felt that the king
Louis XVI was responsible for this defeat.
All over the country, revolts began against
the king.
In the war that broke out in valmi hill,
th
on 20 September, 1792, the revolutionary
army defeated the armies of the outside
countries. So the armies of the
revolutionaries gained an upper hand.
The death sentence for the king
The National Assembly (which consisted
of the revolutionaries) of France gathered
and evaluated the political situation.
49
The king’s rule was abolished and there
was a proclamation stating that France was
an autonomous state.
It was decided by the majority of the
members of the National Assembly that
King Louis XVI was an offender. A voting
took place as to decide whether to discharge
death sentence as punishment for the king.
With a difference of one vote, the decision
to fulfill the death sentence was passed.
st
Accordingly, on 21 January, 1793, by
the Guillotine (the machine to cut the head
neatly), the King Louis XVI was beheaded.
After some months, his wife (who was
imprisoned) was also guillotined.
The Tyrannical rule
The Assembly, which consisted of three
people by names Robespierre, Kadhan, St.
Just took charge of the rule. Severe
autocratic rule prevailed. Nearly 40,000
people, who were caught under suspicion,
were brutally killed.
People opposed their tyrannical rule. In
July 1794, Robespierre was arrested. A
th
death sentence was passed on him. On 28
July, his head was slashed by Guillotine.
After this, the tyrannical rule came to an
end. Many changes were made in the rules
of administration.
A new political constitution came into
th
being on 26 October, 1795. The
responsibility of the law was handed over
to a new group by name “Directory”. This
new set of governing body was popular
only for 4 years. In 1799, Napoleon
captured the power of ruling the
government.
50
American History
America is described as the “New
world” and it consists of two continents.
The super power “United States of
America” is there in the North American
continent. If 'America', is mentioned, it
refers to this only.
South America
comprises of several
countries.
These two continents
are joined by a narrow
land surface (Panama
Canal)
The ancient
America
In ancient times,
nobody lived in the
George Washington
American continents.
In 1492, when Columbus began to hit
upon a new sea route to India, he
discovered some islands adjoining to the
eastern coast of America. He thought that
the land he reached was India. So, he
named the people there as “Indians”.
But they are not Indians. They were
the tribes of America. As he named them
as Indians, even today they are called as
“Red Indians.”
It is considered that these Red Indians
(the tribal people of America) had migrated
to America from Asian continent several
centuries before. There are different views
about their entry into America.
The “Atlantic ocean” of today was once
the land surface by name “Atlantis” as told
by the Greek scholar, Plato. So,
some people are of the view that
the Asian people came to Africa
and then migrated to South
America through this “Atlantis”
land surface route.
It is considered that roughly
20,000 years passed since the
migration of the people in
America. In the beginning they
wore the dress made out of the
skin of the animals. They used
the weapons made out of stones.
In North America, there are
big rivers flowing in the central part and so
the people who lived there preferred
“fishing” as their main profession.
Even today, in some parts of America,
the tribal people are living. More than 200
languages are spoken among the people.
Migration
As America was so fertile, and as there
th
was less density of population, in 17
century, the English, the French, Spanish
and the Dutch people migrated there. When
migrations began, the tribal people (the Red
Indians) resisted the entry of the foreigners.

Signing the Declaration of Independence 1776.
But even then, migrations continued to take
place.
The people, who migrated there, toiled
hard and converted the lands into cultivable
lands in North America which was enriched
with forests.
The migrated English people and the
Dutch lived in neighbourhood and so there
were frequent clashes between them. By
the agreement which was signed between
them in the year 1667, the three places
namely New Amsterdam, New Jersey and
Delver were seized by the English people.
In 1681, in Pennsylvania, the English
people set up their colony. A Governor
was appointed for that region.
At the time of these migrations, they
looked upon England for their support and
security. As America was thousands of
miles away from England, in those days, it
took 3 months for communication. For each
51
and every aspect, to
seek England’s help
was not feasible. So
the migrated people
took care of their
problems themselves.
But trade and the
political domination
remained with the
English government.
The suppressive
measures
In the meanwhile,
the laws, which could
suppress the colonies were the people
settled migrated, were enacted by the
English government. According to a law,
which was enacted in 1664, the people who
migrated to America could have trade
contacts only with England. They were
not permitted to trade with any other
countries.
At that time, in North America, a war
broke out between the armies of England
and the armies of the French. This war
lasted for 7 years. At the end of this war,
the domination of the French in America
was brought to an end.
Due to this war, England faced the
problem of huge liability. So, it ordered the
migrated countries to share the burden of
debts.
The English government levied the tax
of one lakh pounds and also decided to
establish and maintain an army for security
purposes in North America.
52 WORLD HISTORY
The Americans raised their voices
against this. In places like Boston, and
New York big rebellions broke out. The
English materials including the stamp papers
of England were burnt.
The Boston Tea Party
In 1770, the British Prime Minister North
Noble, who came to power, abolished all
the taxes of the migrated countries.
However as a sign of the domination power
of Britain over America, he did not eliminate
the tax on tea.
The Americans revolted, opposing this
act of England. The English officials
crushed the revolts with the brutal power
and many people were killed.
In 1772, the British war ship by name,
“Kaspi” reached the shore of America.
The Americans burnt this ship.
In 1773, ships from England arrived in
America with the tea boxes. The
Americans opposed the tax on tea and
refused to take the tea boxes. In Boston,
some Americans got into the ship and threw
the tea boxes into the sea which were worth
of 18 thousands pounds. (This event has
been described as the “Boston Tea Party”
by historians.)
The English men got enraged about this
and decided to close the port of Boston
and to set up the armies in migrated
countries.
The proclamation of
Independence
The colonial people thought that their
freedom had been snatched away by the
British and they rose up with utmost anger.
They framed decisions against the British.
Big clashes broke out between the
colonies (America) and the British. The
Americans started their trading activities
with all the countries as against the law of
England.
Apart from this, the Colonial countries
released the, “Proclamation of
th
Independence” on 4 July, 1776. George
Washington, who belonged to Virginia, took
charge as the captain of the American
armed forces.
Many wars occurred in several parts of
America from 1775 onwards between the
British and the Americans. The Americans
gained upper hand in all these wars. The
British armies faced many failures.
The birth of the Independent
Country
At the end, in November, 1782, there
was a peace agreement between the
American colonies and England. As a result
of this, the domination of England in
America came to an end.
All the colonial countries jointly created
a democratic country by name, “United
States of America”. In 1789, a big
democratic country without the king was
born in the world for the first time. George
Washington was selected as the First
President of America.
In the beginning, America had 13 States.
Now, there are 50 States. America
continues to exist as the World’s greatest
super power.

Abraham Lincoln
(A.D. 1809-1865)
A braham Lincoln was one of the
famous American Presidents, and he
abolished the system of Slavery. He was
shot dead at the age of 56.
th
On 12 Feb, 1809, Abraham Lincoln
was born as the son of a carpenter by
name Thomas Lincoln.
He went to school for
one year only. Then he
used to help his father and
learnt to write and read
during his leisure timings.
Then he studied law and
acquired the Degree. In
1836, he became a lawyer.
Before he became a
lawyer, he worked in a
provision store. Then, he
served in the army also. In
1842, he got married and
his wife’s name was Mary
Todd.
He saw the sufferings
of the slaves and he struggled hard to
abolish the system of slavery. The speeches
he rendered, on the subject made him
famous.
In March, 1861 Lincoln was elected as
the President of America on behalf of the
Republican Party.
The southern states vehemently opposed
the abolition of slavery. They announced
that they are going to withdraw from the
53
United States of America. In January1861,
the state of South Carolina withdrew from
the United States of America. In the next
month, the other states like Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Luciana and
Texas followed suit.
The civil war
So, a war broke out
between the states of North
and South America. Lincoln
tried his level best to curtail
the outbreak of war but it was
thrust on him with force. He
thought that he should protect
the unity among the states of
America. Therefore, he
gathered an army of “Service
Men” which consisted of
75,000 people and ordered
them to seize the ports of the
states of South America.
th
For four years, till 9
April, 1865 the civil war extended. The
States of South America met with failure.
Many people were killed in this war. Many
cities got burnt. But the possibility of USA,
being divided into pieces was prevented
through this war.
Lincoln, who achieved victory in the war,
did not want to take revenge on the states
of South America but he behaved with
graciousness. Excepting a few, the people
54 WORLD HISTORY

of South America
were given the general
amnesty.
Gettysburg
address
For those people
who had a brave death
in the internal war, a
monument was
constructed in the city
of Gettysburg. Lincoln
officially opened it on
th
19 November1863.
At that time, he
rendered the praise- Lincoln was shot dead in a theatre by an actor.
worthy historical
“Gettysburg address.” The gist of his It was 10 0' clock at night. After
lecture was that the government elected shooting Lincoln, Booth screamed, "I have
for the people, and by the people would taken revenge on him." He belonged to
never get shattered. the South region and got angry at the
In the Presidential election which was abolition of the system of Slavery.
th
held on 7 June, 1864, Lincoln contested The critically injured Lincoln was taken
again and was elected as the President of to the hotel immediately, opposite to the
America for the second time. theatre. He was given emergency
In the address he delivered after his treatment.
victory in the election, he emphasized the But even then, in the early hours of the
following, “Never have feeling of dislike next day, Lincoln collapsed.
towards anyone. Show extreme love to
everyone.” Three more Presidents
Shot dead The first American President who was
Lincoln held the post of President of shot dead while in power was Abraham
America for the second time only for 10 Lincoln.
months. When Lincoln was witnessing a Later the following Presidents were also
drama with his wife in a theatre at assassinated:-
th
Washington, on 14 April, 1865, an actor nd
1. Garfield - July 2 , 1881
by name John Wilkes Booth came behind th
him and shot him dead. The bullet pierced 2. McCauley - September 14 , 1901.
through the back of his head. 3. Kennedy -
nd
November 22 , 1963.
 55

The Assasination of Kennedy

(22-11-1963)
J ohn F. Kennedy was This incident occurred
popular not only among the in the fraction of a second.
Americans but the people of Many people among the
the whole world. He was public could not realize as
handsome and had the talent to what happened before
of oratory. them.
During his tenure of office, The security guards in
America progressed fast in the car drove the car
the field of space research. towards the hospital. A
He was elected as the surgery was performed;
President of America on the doctors struggled hard
behalf of the Democratic to save his life, but in vain.
Party in 1960. He planned to Half an hour after his
contest in the Presidential Elections in 1964. admission into the hospital,
he passed away.
At this juncture, he went to the city of
Dallas in the state of Texas on 22
nd
The arrest of a mysterious man
November, 1963. As he was going with After a few hours of the assassination
his wife in a car in the procession, a huge of Kennedy, a young man (age 24) by name
crowd gathered on both
the sides of the road and
welcomed him. He was
waving his hand at the
people and was
proceeding in the car.
All of a sudden, he
was shot from the sixth
floor of the building.
Three bullets pierced
through his head and
neck. Immediately, he
fell down in the car. His
wife Jacqueline
screamed holding him in
her hand.
Oswald was shot dead by Jack Ruby.
56 WORLD HISTORY
Oswald was arrested. He had served in
the Navy earlier.
th
To produce him before the court on 24
Nov. 1963, the police brought him outside
the prison.
There was a large gathering before the
prison. A person by name Jack Ruby (age
42) who stood among the crowd shot
Oswald from very close range. The bullet
which was aimed perfectly, pierced through
the chest of Oswald. Oswald fell down
and died on the spot.
As Oswald was shot dead, till today it
From Johnson to
George W. Bush
After the assassination of Kennedy on
nd
22 November, 1963, the Vice President,
Lyndon B.Johnson became the President
of America.
According to the American Law, it was
after the death of the President, the Vice-
President should take charge as President.
So, when Kennedy’s body was taken in the
Air-Force flight to Washington, in the flying
aircraft itself, Johnson took charge of the
Presidentship.
is a mystery as to why he killed Kennedy,
what was the background and who
instigated him to kill Kennedy.
Death sentence for Ruby
The police arrested Ruby immediately,
who shot Oswald dead. He was the owner
of a “night club”.
A case was filed against him. He was
th
given death sentence on 14 March, 1964.
As the doctors certified that he was an
insane person, he was not hanged to death.
but kept in prison. He died in the prison
rd
itself on 3 January, 1967.
When Kennedy was alive, he enacted a
law, which provided equal rights for the
Negros blades. Johnson took great steps
to pass this law in the parliament and
succeeded.
He acquired great fame among the
public. He contested in the Presidential
Elections which was held in 1964. On
behalf of the Republican Party, Gold Water
contested, opposing him. Johnson gained 4
crore and 30 lakhs votes and won the

Johnson
elections. Gold Water got only 2 crore and
70 lakhs votes. In American History,
Johnson was the President who won the
victory with a larger margin of votes in the
Elections than any other president.
Nixon
In the Presidential elections of 1968, fifty
five year old Nixon (Republican Party) won
the elections. He defeated the contestant
of the Democratic Party, Mr. Humphrey,
with a meagre difference. In the
Presidential elections of 1972, again he
contested and won the elections.
During the period of Nixon, a solution
was arrived at for the Vietnam problem.
During his rule, the American astronauts
Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the Moon
walked and performed a great achievement.
This brought glory to America in the world.
57
Bill Clinton George W. Bush
But Nixon was trapped in an unexpected
problem.
In the palace where the head office of
the Democratic Party carried on its
activities, Nixon was accused of having
installed bugging machines which he denied.
But the news papers made investigations
on this and proved Nixon guilty. A resolution
was brought for the impeachment of Nixon.
Anticipating the outcome, Nixon resigned.
Ford, who was Vice-President then, took
charge as the President.
“Even if Nixon had committed any
wrong, the American government forgives
him.” This was the announcement released,
by the President Ford. So, no action was
taken against Nixon.
It is important to note that President
58 WORLD HISTORY
Nixon was the only person who resigned
from power in America.
When Ford took over charge as the
President, the financial position was not
good in America. He undertook serious
steps to set the economic situation right.
But even then, he was not popular among
the people of America.
In the Presidential elections which were
held at the end of 1976, he contested and
got defeated. Jimmy Carter, who belonged
to the Democratic Party, won the elections.
Ford, who faced failure in the elections,
retired from politics. Jimmy Carter held
the post as the President of America during
th
the period in between 20 January 1977 to
th
20 January 1981.
Reagon
In the Presidential Elections which was
held at the end of 1980, Carter contested
again. The cine actor and the contestant
of the Republican Party Mr. Reagon
defeated him.
Reagon secured 4 crore and 39 lakhs
votes whereas Carter obtained 3 crore and
54 lakh votes.
th
On January 20 , 1981, Reagon took over
charge as the President. He was 65 years
of age then.
In cinema, he used to play the characters
of brave and magnanimous characters. He
was an expert in horse riding.
As he was popular among the general
public, he contested in the Presidential
Elections of 1984 again and won. He got
1 crore and 70 lakh votes more than his
opponent, Mr. Mondale, who belonged to
the Democratic Party and was crowned
with success.
George Bush
In Presidential elections held at the end
of 1988, the then Vice-President, George
Bush contested and won the elections. The
Democratic Party contestant, Mr. Michael
Dukakis who opposed him met with a
severe failure. In the total number of 50
states, Bush secured the support of 40
states.
He took charge as the President of
th
America on 20 January, 1989 and he
remained in power till 1992.
Clinton
th
In the Presidential elections held on 4
November, 1992, Bush was defeated. He
faced the defeat at the hands of the
Democratic Party contestant, Bill Clinton.
Bill Clinton became the President of
America at the age of 46 and he brought
various schemes for the Progress of
America and he was also responsible for
the fulfillment of those schemes. Therefore,
he attained prominence among the public.
At this juncture, a sex scandal involving
 FROM JOHNSON TO GEORGE W. BUSH
Clinton and Monica Levinsky arose and
this had its echo in the parliaments. A
resolution of impeachment was brought.
Clinton pleaded for amnesty. Clinton
escaped the danger of being removed from
office.
th
Clinton was born on 19 August, in 1946
in the city of Hope in Argansas State in
America. His original name was William
Jefferson Pleeth. Four months before he
was born, his father was killed in a car
accident. Therefore, his mother had to run
the family by working in a school.
She became a widow at a very young
age and married three times. She named
her son as Bill Clinton with the addition of
her second husband’s name.
When he studied in school and college,
he shined as the First Rank student. After
he completed his collegiate studies, he
studied law.
When he was a student, he had the
opportunity to meet the American President,
Kennedy. So, he developed an interest
towards politics. He joined the Democratic
Party. Step by Step, he rose to the high
59
position.
He was elected as the American
President in 1992, and remained in Power
th
till 20 January, 2001.
George W. Bush
The Presidential Elections which was
th
held on 7 November, 2000 occupied an
important place in the History.
In this election, on behalf of Democratic
Party, Vice President Al Gore and the
Republic party candidate George W. Bush
contested.
As there was very little difference in
the votes between the two, there was a tie
in deciding about the victory for the two.
So such situation unprecedented in the
Presidential Elections in America.
As per the request of Al Gore, the votes
were counted manually once again. In this,
with a very small difference of votes, Bush
obtained the victory. Al Gore accepted his
defeat.
th
On January 20 , 2001 George Bush took
charge as the President of America.
60
The Chinese History
China was a much civilized country even
7000 years ago.
In those days in China, the emperor was
the supreme person with high powers. He
was considered as the representative of God.
The right of heir acquiring the throne
hereditarily, was in practice.
There were classifications
such as Nobles and the poor
people. The Nobles led a
luxurious life without
working hard. The poor
people lived in huts and they
struggled for existence.
The important food grains
were rice, wheat, jowar, and
pulses. The practice of
drinking liquor existed.
Vessels made out of gold,
silver, iron and copper were
used. Confucius between 551 BC to 478 BC was a great
Mirror was manufactured in the year 200
BC.
Traders, farmers and musicians got
married among their own sects. Inter-caste
marriage was not allowed. From the ancient
period itself, in China, beautiful ceramic
utensils were manufactured. They were
exported to foreign countries.
The Chinese were proficient in the art
of printing. The arts like sculpture and
painting also flourished.
The Chinese invented the things like silk,
glass, tea, printing ink and paper.
The Mariner’s compass, an instrument
to find out the directions while going in a
ship, was also invented by the Chinese.
Various types of Ships were built.
There were trading contacts with other
countries.
Things like silk, iron, ceramic utensils,
glass and salt were exported to
Asia, Babylonia, Rome, Egypt,
Siam, Indonesia and European
countries.
They worshipped nature. They
had belief in the heaven, spirit,
devil, and evil spirits.
Confuciusm and Buddhism
were the ancient religions of
China.
Confucius
The Chinese philosopher
Confucius who lived in China in
genius.
His doctrines originated from
philosophical base. But, the Chinese
transformed them into a religion.
Confucius tried to propagate discipline
and good qualities among people. He did
not believe in evil spirits. Nor did he
approve of epics. He pleaded that
community service should get the priority.
People should understand life rather than
worry about death.
After his death, he was worshipped as
God.
Trade
From ancient time onwards, China had
trade contacts with the Asian and the
 THE CHINESE HISTORY 61

European countries. The Chinese silk and Opium trade

tea impressed the Europeans. Though the Europeans did not like the
In 1511 AD, the Portuguese sailor conditions imposed on them, they tolerated
Vasco-da-cama landed on the south part of them because they gained so much with
China. But the Chinese did not like the the trading activity with China.
arrival of Portuguese. The reason is that To set the trading relationship with
the Portuguese did not respect the Asians China right, Britain sent some groups. In
and spoke ill of them. Because of this, the 1816, a messenger by name Amherst
Portuguese could not have trade contacts Noble demanded the Honour rendered to
with the Chinese permanently. the British Empire. It was a usual practice
There was good trade relationship of that those who wanted to meet the Chinese
Chinese with the countries like Britain and king should bow down before king or
Russia. Like other countries, America also before the picture of the king. But Amherst
wanted to Noble refused to obey this convention.
strengthen its Therefore the king
trading relationship refused to meet
with China and him and asked him
sent its first ship to to move out of the
China in 1784. country.
The Europeans, After this, the
who came to trade t r a d i n g
with the relationship
Chinese, started between the
interfering in the British and the
internal politics of Chinese was
China. So, the affected. There
Chinese king was much demand
brought some for the Chinese
conditions for the products in
foreign traders. Europe. But the
Chinese did not
It was ordered like to buy the
that foreign ships E u r o p e a n
should do their products.
business in certain
specific places and So, the
The emperor, Huang-Ti, organized the Europeans
should sell their
commodities to building of the Great Wall of China, analyzed as to
some specific between 218 and 204 B.C. When which product
traders. could be sold and
liked by the
The Chinese Chinese.
government appointed 13 traders for trading
with the foreigners. They are named as The product which struck their mind
“Ko-hong.” was opium.
62 WORLD HISTORY

th
Right from 17 century onwards, the permission for the English Government to
practice of Opium consumption existed in wage war against China.
China. So, the British exported opium in
In the same year, in June, the English
large quantities to China. The Chinese
army in 16 ships from England proceeded
became Opium addicts.
towards China. The Chinese ships in canton
In 1800, four thousand boxes of Opium port were shattered by the English army.
were exported to China from Europe. The forts in the port were also demolished.
Gradually, in few years, the export of opium
The Chinese army faced severe loss.
raised to the quantity of 30,000 boxes.
Following this, there was a peace
In return of opium, the English people
keeping talk between China and England.
obtained silver coins from China. Because
An agreement was arrived at stating that
of this,the Chinese economy collapsed
the city of Hong Kong to be handed over
drastically.
to England, the port of Canton to be opened
The Chinese king condemned the people for the trading purpose of English people,
of China for becoming Opium addicts. But and to give compensation for snatching away
the attitude of the people did not change. of the opium.
Due to the habit of intake of opium, the
But the Chinese government refused to
health of the Chinese was affected.
accept this agreement. The chief officer
Violence increased. The economy got
who participated in the peace talks was
shattered and the people suffered in poverty.
dismissed by the Chinese government.
So the Chinese king prohibited the sale
So, in 1841, once again, England waged
of Opium. But even then, through
a war against China. Even in the second
smuggling, the sale of opium continued.
war, China was defeated. England captured
In 1839, the Chinese Government took the places of China like Canton, Shanghai,
severe measures to abolish the sale of Amai, and Ningpo.
Opium. It was ordered that all the foreign
Finally, China surrendered to England.
traders should submit their possession of th
On August 9 , 1842, at the city of Nanking,
opium to the Chinese government and they
the Peace Treaty was signed.
should sign a bond that they would not sell
opium in future. According to the Peace Treaty, Island
of Hong kong and other ports were handed
The English people and the Americans
over to England. The Chinese government
submitted 20,000 boxes of Opium to the
agreed that the English people could carry
Government. But the English people
out the trading activities in 5 ports inclusive
refused to sign a bond stating that they
of Canton, and Shanghai.
would not sell Opium in future. The
Americans signed a bond that they would It was decided that China should give a
not sell opium in future. huge amount as compensation to the British
government.
“Opium War”
By signing of this Peace Treaty, “Opium
The enmity between the Chinese and
war” between China and England came to
the English people increased.
an end.
In 1840, the Parliament granted
 63

Democratic Rule in China

It was Sun-yat-Sen who was
the un-recovered States of the South (that
responsible for the establishment of
is the whole of China) and make it into a
Democratic rule in China, after the abolition
democratic Country. He placed Yuan shih-
of monarchy. He
k’ai as the President.
has been praised
as the “Father of Yuan Shih k’ai who came to power on
th
the modern 11 March, 1912 showed his real colour.
China.” He vigorously engaged himself in crushing
the revolutionaries completely. So, to
The people
recover the country from the hands of
under the
Yuang shikai, Sun-yat-Sen started a party
leadership of Sun-
by name “Guomindang.” The co-brother
y a t - s e n ,
of Sun-yat-Sen, Chiang Kai-shek was
conducted revolts.
involved in this party. In 1916, Yuan Shih-
It was k’ai died. Immediately, a person by name
popularly known Lee-yuangsuang became the governor of
as “Taiping the States of the North.
5 Year old Pu-Yi, the
revolution” and it
last Emperor of In the meanwhile, under the leadership
took place in
China, with his of Mao-tse-Tung, the communist party
1911. The name
father and brother. took deep roots in the country and started
of the then king
progressing well. 2 ½ lakh members
was Pu-Yi. He
joined that party.
was only 5 years old and he belonged to
T h e
Manchu dynasty.
“Guomindang”
The lady by name Ekonala, who ruled party of Sun-
on behalf of the small boy, announced that yat-Sen joined
the king abandoned the crown. Accordingly hands with the
the king discarded it. communist party
and worked
The greedy Yuan shih-k’ai, who was also
together.
the army chief of the government, sent a
word to Dr.Sun-yat-sen that he would like In 1925, Dr.
to team up with him. Sun-yat-Sen
expired. After
Out of the 28 States, only 14 States
that, Chiang kai-
were recovered by the revolutionary armies.
shek took over
Sun-yat-Sen wanted to unite all the un-
the responsibility Pu-Yi, at the age 27.
recovered 14 States of the North and all
64

of ruling the government. He

wanted to implement the American
way of Democratic rule in China.
But Mao-Tse-Tung wanted to set
up the communist rule in China.
A clash started between Mao-Tse-
Tung and Shiankeshek.
Mao-Tse-Tung gathered the
“Red Army” to fight against the
armies of Chiang kai-shek. Soode
was the chief of this army.
From 1927 onwards, for 10
years, both the armies fought
against each other. In the
meanwhile, Japan waged a war
against China. In 1932, Japan
captured Manchuria and set up a
puppet government there. Sun-Yat-Sen with his wife.
Chiang kai-shek agreed for signing th
peace agreement with Japan and he was On October 16 , 1934, Chiang Kai-shek
concentrating only on opposing the “Red sent a huge army to encircle the boundaries
Army.” and seize the capital state, Jiangxi
of the Red army and capture
In the meanwhile, one them. But the daring soldiers of
part of the Guomindang the Red Army did not surrender
party, did not like the to them and started walking from
approach of Chiang Kai- Jiangxi. Nearly 10,000 soldiers
shek and merged with participated in it.
“Red Army.”
They crossed the forests,
The lengthy mountains and rivers and fought
journey by walk with the rivals in different sides.
They covered 12,500 Kilometers
Chiang kai-shek tried distance in 368 days and reached
th
to crush the Red Army in the city of Shanxi on 20 October
a crucial manner. His 1935.
efforts did not fetch him
On the way, many soldiers
any desired result. At this
died becoming prey to wild
juncture, Mao-Tse-Tung Mao-Tse-Tung animals. Many soldiers were
undertook a, "Long
washed away by the flow of rivers
March," along with the soldiers of the Red
and many soldiers fell down from the slopes
Army and it became historically significant.
 DEMOCRATIC RULE IN CHINA
of the mountains. Some people died of
disease and starvation. Among the soldiers
with stern determination, women also were
included in this historically famous Red
Army march which, lasted for 368 days.
Japan’s Invasion Again
In 1937, Shiankeshek made peace
agreement with the communists and
established a United Front. Japan became
enraged at this and with the plan of
capturing China, invaded war against China
th
on 7 July. Before the world war could
take place, the China-Japanese war began.
When world war occurred, simultaneously,
China-Japanese war also was going on.
In 1945, after Japan surrendered to
America, the war came to an end in China
also.
At this time, Chiang Kai-shek’s
relationship with America became Chou.
He started opposing the communists.
Again, an civil war broke out between
the armies of Chiang kai-shek and the
communist armies. On both sides, many
people lost their lives.
The Chinese supported only the
communists. Chiang kai-shek who lost the
support of the people, escaped from China
The Russian History
R ussia, one of the world’s foremost
countries, rose up as a super power in the
th
name of “Soviet Union” in 20 Century
and disintegrated into small pieces at the
65
and ran to the island of Formosa in January,
1949. There, with the support of Americans,
established a puppet rule in the name of
“Nationalist Chinese Government claiming”
"I am the real ruler of China” for several
days.
The blossom of Democratic
Rule
st
But, on 1 October, 1949 in China, the
Democratic Rule emerged. Mao-Tse-tung
became the head of the Chinese
Democratic rule.
The small boy, Pu-yi, who came to power
at the age of 2, abandoned his crown and
ran to Japan. In 1934, in Manchuria a
dummy rule was set up by Japan. Pu-yi
was announced as the king of this rule.
In 1945, when Manchuria was captured
by Russia, Pu-yi was arrested and he spent
his time in the prison. When he returned
to China in 1950, again he was arrested
and imprisoned. In 1959, he was set free.
Later, he lived as an ordinary citizen, as a
gardener. He had 4 wives. In 1967, he
died of cancer. His life history has
appeared in the film by name “The Last
emperor.”
end of the same century.
There are several views regarding the
origin of the Russians. But it is a generally
66 WORLD HISTORY
accepted fact that they belong to the, “Slave
race.”
Like other countries, in Russia also, in
the beginning monarchy
existed. But they had to face
various invasions.
Russian revolution
In 1917, there arose a
revolution in Russia which
transformed the destiny of it
and paved the way for its
rise as a super power.
Lenin, who is also called
as the, “Father of modern
Russia” was responsible for
this revolution. Rasputin
Lenin was born on
22.04.1870, as the son of an Inspector of
Schools.
When Lenin was 16 years old, his father
passed away. The elder brother of Lenin
was Alexander. He was hanged to death
as he got involved himself in the
revolutionary movement.
After completing his school education,
Lenin joined the college and studied law.
He passed out in flying colours with a first
class. At that time itself, he had deep
passion for politics. He was fascinated by
the economic notions of Karl Marx.
At that time, Russia was ruled by the
Czar King Nicholas II. The government
received information that Lenin joining with
the communists, planned for a conspiracy
against the government. So, Lenin was ex-
communicated to the country of Siberia.
He married a girl by name “Gurbaskaya.”
Rasputin
The Czar King, without
knowing the pulse of the
masses, ruled the country
according to his own whims
and fancies. He was merely
a puppet in the hands of the
queen and acted according to
her wishes.
While the king was a slave
to his wife, the queen was a
doll in the hands of a fake
saint called Rasputin.
In his youth age Rasputin
used to rob and sell the horses
for his livelihood. Then, to
cheat the public, he posed as a saint. With
his long hair, and attractive speech, he
propagated among the public that he had
miraculous powers. So, the news of his
fame reached the ears of the Czar.
At that time, the only son of the Czar
was lying ill. There was no development in
the field of medicine during that period. It
was believed that the sickness of the Prince
could not be cured by anyone. But,
Rasputin who was brought to the palace
somehow managed to restore his health
back.
From that time onwards, in the palace
of Russia, Rasputin’s words became the
law.
At this juncture, the First World War
broke out. In 1915, there was a ruthless
war between the Russian armies and the
 THE RUSSIAN HISTORY
German armies. In the place called
“Donenturg” the Russian armies were
defeated. Several thousands of people and
soldiers were massacred. So, the people
developed aversion towards the Czar.
Shot Dead
The queen was under the command of
Rasputin and this was disliked by the royal
family itself. The royal family people and
the officers planned a conspiracy to
massacre Rasputin. They tried to kill him
by offering him poison. But luckily, Rasputin
escaped from it.
So, they shot him dead and threw his
th
dead body into a river on 29 December,
1916.
Even after the assassination of Rasputin,
the king did not bother to correct his
mistakes. His autocratic rule lasted for some
more years.
Due to the outbreak of the war, there
was acute famine in Russia. In front of
the bread shops, people used to stand in
the queues for hours together. But even
then, many people were deprived of bread.
For the army people also, adequate food
or remuneration was not provided. This
was a great set back for the army.
th
On 8 March, 1917, the women
population conducted a big revolution
against the Czar rule. This agitation took
place in the city of “Petrograd”, (The old
St.Petersburg city became “Petrograd” and
now it is called as “Leningrad.”)
In the procession, men also participated.
67
There was no work at the industries.
Everywhere there was chaos and a situation
of distress also prevailed.
To force down the labourers, the
government ordered the army to act.
Already the army men were angry with
the government and instead of attacking
the labourers, they joined hands with the
labourers.
The Police men conducted bombardment
at some places to control the revolts. The
public got wild at the act of the police men
and attacked them with stones and sticks.
th
From 8 March the riots lasted for five
days.
The termination order
As the government was unable to control
the internal revolts, the Russian parliament
(Duma) started its session.
It was decided that Czar should
renounce his crown, and all his powers
should be given to the parliament.
This decision of the Parliament was
accepted by the army chiefs also.
As there was no other alternative, on
th
16 March,1917 the Czar stepped down
from his post. He crowned his brother
Michael.
But Michael could not be in power even
for a day. The same day itself, the people
overthrew him.
A committee was set up to look after
the administration of the government. The
committee was termed as “Temporary
government.”
68 WORLD HISTORY

After some days, there arose clashes
between the parliament and the temporary
government.
The arrival of Lenin
At this juncture, Lenin who was in
Switzerland returned to Russia in April,
1917. His friend, Trotsky also accompanied
him to Russia from America.
In the meanwhile, under the leadership
of Alexander Kerensky, a coalition
government was set up with the merger of
the terrorists and the moderates. Kerensky
was a lawyer with the best oratorical skills.
He gained popularity among the labourers.
He did not like the growth of the Bolsvik
party of Lenin. He ordered for the arrest
of Lenin and other important leaders.

Lenin analyzed the situation in Russia. Immediately, leaders like Lenin, Trotsky
His plan was to capture the rule by getting and Stalin began to hide themselves.
the support of the labourers who were Kerensky grew outrageous at the escape
responsible for the revolution. of Lenin and ordered to crush the party

Czar with his wife and their children.

 THE RUSSIAN HISTORY
members of Lenin. Authoritarian
procedures became the order of the day.
The people started to develop hatred
towards the temporary government.
The unexpected revolution of
Lenin
Lenin’s popularity began to grow in the
whole of Russia in a speedy manner. The
Russian people of the industrial sector
believed that Russia could be saved from
the hands of the backward thinking class
only with the assistance of Lenin.
Lenin was eagerly waiting for an
appropriate time to capture the rule of
Russia with the support of the masses and
got materialised one day.
th
On 7 November, 1917, Lenin made
secret arrangements for the conference of
the Soviet Congress at Petrograd. The
conference took place as per schedule.
Totally 650 representatives participated. In
that, 350 people belonged to Lenin’s party.
(That is Bolsheviks)
All these days Lenin was in exile. But
he attended the conference. He announced
that his goal was to achieve that the
administration of the Russian government
should be handed over to the Russian
people.
As per his plan, the Bolshevik soldiers
should capture the post and telegraph
offices, and the Governmental offices. The
ministers and the higher officials were to
be arrested.
Kerensky, who was committing atrocities
69
as the Prime Minister till then, recognized
that it was unsafe for him to stay in Russia
anymore. So, he escaped in the disguise of
a woman.
All these events happened in a lightning
speed at the Soviet Congress Conference
which was held at the city of Petrograd
under the leadership of Lenin. The
Ministers and the higher officials were
arrested. The Prime Minister escaped.
Under the leadership of Lenin, a new
Cabinet of Ministers was set up with
Trotsky and Stalin.
Lenin who came to power through the
Revolution of 1917 remained as the leader
of the Soviet Union till 1924 and paved the
way for Soviet Russia to become a Super
power.
The massacre of the Czar along
with his family
The Czar, who abandoned his crown,
was arrested along with his family members
and kept in prison till March, 1917.
Later they were taken to a place called
Yekaterinburg and kept in prison.
The supporters of the Czar considered
setting the king free but the local communist
council decided to put an end to the lives of
the king and his family members.
th
Accordingly on 16 July, 1918 the Czar, his
wife, his five children and his 4 servants
were taken to the underground prison and
shot dead.
70
From Lenin to Gorbachev
Lenin, who could secure freedom for
Russia, fell ill in the year 1921.
So, gradually he retired from politics.
He started evaluating as to who might be
capable for the post of leadership of Russia
after him.
Next to Lenin, the eminent leader was
Stalin. The persons like Trotsky, Genevieve
and Kamnev were also commanding.
Trotsky held the posts as the head of
the Army of revolutionary Council and the
Minister of war. Stalin was the General
Secretary of the Russian Communist party.
In January 1923, the health condition of
Lenin became worse. So he laid down a
Lawmaking Charter stating as to how the
government should get moulded after his
death. He notified in that there should be
united leadership and the powers should be
shared between Trotsky and Stalin.
“Stalin is a tough person. A country’s
leader should not have this flaw. It is
Lenin Stalin
doubtful as to whether he would use his
excessive powers carefully. Trotsky is the
excellent and capable person.” This was
the evaluation given by Lenin.
The death of Lenin
st
Lenin passed away on 21 January,
1924. Lakhs of people paid the homage to
him. The body of Lenin was preserved and
kept permanently in a common place for
the public to pay their tributes.
As per the Charter of Lenin, Stalin did
not like to have a joint leadership. He
desired to make Russia a super power. He
thought that this could happen only if he
acquires all the powers. He gave a terrible
blow to all his challengers. He imprisoned
several people and excommunicated many
people.
To crush the rivals, he established a
police force under the leadership of Beria.
Khrushchev
 FROM LENIN TO GORBARCHEV
This secretive police force was given
powers to arrest anyone under suspicion,
and imprison without any enquiry, send them
out of the country and shoot them also.
These suppressive measures taken by
Stalin are described as, "the great purge."
The massacre of Trotsky
Stalin considered that Trotsky might
compete with him and so he seized away
the expelled him from the Soviet Union.
While he was in foreign country, Trotsky
wrote several books against Stalin. Trotsky,
who was a good writer, orator and an
administrator was assassinated in Mexico
st
city by a supporter of Stalin on 21 August,
1940.
The Iron Curtain
Though Stalin was a dictator, due to his
stern measures, Russia progressed. The
people performed their functions with
structured behaviour. Russia developed
economically and emerged as a super
power challenging the status of America.
Stalin created a situation that the foreign
countries were kept in the dark, not knowing
as to what happened in Russia. The British
Prime Minister described it as the “Iron
Curtain.” After that Russia was called as,
“Iron Curtain country.”
In Soviet Union, several democratic
countries and independent countries jointly
existed. People of different races, who
spoke 130 languages lived with great co-
operation, accepting the leadership of Stalin.
In the Second World War, Hitler attacked
Russia and this was ably slashed by Stalin.
The pride of safeguarding Russia by Stalin
71
was sincerely appreciated.
When Stalin was at the peak of
prominence, he breathed his last at the age
th
of 73 on 5 March, 1953. In order to pay
tributes to him, people stood as 16 people
in each row, in long queues of 10 miles
length.
Khrushchev
After Stalin, Malenkov came to power.
Later, Khrushchev became the Prime
Minister of Russia in June, 1958 and he
also took charge as the General Secretary
of the Russian communist party.
He could capture power by overthrowing
the persons like Molotov and Bulganin who
acquired the power, after Stalin.
He brought some astonishing changes
in the rules and regulations of Russia. He
explicitly rendered speeches opposing Stalin.
This created a great sensation in the whole
world.
Like the body of Lenin, Stalin’s body
was also preserved. Khrushchev removed
the body and buried it.
His attitude created a big opposition
within the party. Many people criticized
th
him as a, “Clown.” On 15 October, 1964,
Khruschev was terminated from his power.
Brezhnev became the General Secretary
of Russian Communist party. Kosygin
became the Prime Minister. Russian
government started functioning under the
joint leadership of these two along with
some other leaders.
In May 1970, Brezhnev took charge as
the Russian President. After that, he
functioned as a powerful ruler of Russia.
72 WORLD HISTORY

He used to signed a treaty calling for the elimination

meet the of intermediate-range missiles.
leaders of the
He reduced the power of the Russian
f o r e i g n
army. The complete Russian armies which
countries and
were set up in Afghanistan were restored
enhanced the
back in 1989.
relationship of
Russia with Step by step, Gorbachev brought Russia
the other to the Democratic path from the
countries. communist path. He attained world
reputation through his performance. He
Brezhnev
secured the “Nobel Prize” for peace in
passed away
th 1990.
on 10
November In Russia, due to the severe changes
1982. brought out by Gorbachev, there arose
Gorbachev opposition within the party.
Andropov,
who came to In August1991 a revolution broke out
power after him also died in February1984. against him. Gorbachev was imprisoned in
In continuation of that Chernengo, who took his house. But the army and President
charge as the Prime Boris Yeltsin were not in favor of this and
Minister remained in power so the revolution miserably failed
only for a year. He too within three days.
died in March, 1985. The revolutionaries were
arrested and Gorbachev was set
Gorbachev free.
The 54 year old Mikhail
Gorbachev assumed the The disintegrated Soviet
Prime-ministership of Union
Russia in March 1985. He
When Lenin was the leader
desired that Russia should
of Russia in December, 1922
slacken its communist
several countries including
ideologies and should have
Armenia, Azerbaijan,
close relationship with the
Khajakasthan and Tajikistan
western countries. He also
were annexed to Russia. Then,
wished for reducing the Yeltsin Russia with the combined set up
arms and ammunitions.
of other countries was called as “Soviet
In November 1985 at Geneva, he met Union.”
and spoke to the American President
The countries annexed to Russia wished
Reagan. Again, in October 1986 and in
to become independent states and get
December 1987 also, he met him. He
 FROM LENIN TO GORBARCHEV 73

separated from the Soviet Union. The
attempts for peace agreement by Gorbachev
proved to be a failure. First, Lithuania set
itself free from the clutches of Russia and
released the Proclamation that it became
an independent country. Then the countries
like Estonia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Georgia
and Khirkistan released the independent
proclamation themselves and got separated
from the control of Russia.
Due to this, a situation arose as
Gorbachev could not remain in power. On
th
25 December, 1991 he resigned. Yeltsin
took charge as the ruler of Russia.
“Soviet Union” which was moulded as
a strong power during the period of Lenin,
rose to the position of a Super power under
the leadership of Stalin, got disintegrated
into pieces during the term of Gorbachev.

The Japanese History

The country of Japan comprises of four large extent. Different kings of royal
big islands and more than thousand small dynasties ruled
islands. over Japan.
The ancient First, in
history of 1543 AD, the
Japanese people western people
is not known to came to Japan.
a great extent. In the same
From the year, the
archeological
Portuguese
researches
t r a d e r s Emperor Hirohito
conducted here,
introduced
it is believed
that people from Emperor Meiji modern war weapons like the guns to Japan.
East Asia and In 1549, the Christian religious Priest St.
south seashore migrated here. The people Francis Xavier and the Spanish people
who came from Central Asia, Korea, and came to Japan.
south countries expelled those people who
settled already there. Due to the arrival of the people from
western countries, in Japan, many drastic
In 538 AD, Buddhism spread here
changes occurred in the fields of army,
through China. Then, later the Japanese
religion, politics, and culture. In
pursued the Chinese politics and art to a
74 WORLD HISTORY
th
the 19 century, various foreign countries
wished to have contacts with Japan. In
1853, from America a person by name
Commodore Perry came to Japan and
signed a Peace agreement with Japan.
Following this, the countries like Russia,
Britain, Netherlands and France also entered
into Peace agreement and trade agreements
with Japan.
In 1867, when King Meiji came to power,
he brought out some changes in the
Japanese administrative system. The name
of the capital city of Japan was, “Edo” and
it was changed as “Tokyo.” A central
government was established there. During
his period, the army and the Navy were
strengthened. He brought the compulsory
system of Primary Education. Industries
and banks were launched. Many ships were
built and the sea trade increased enormously.
The political parties and Industrial unions
emerged. Slowly, democracy progressed
well. Many Europeans were brought to
Japan. With their proposals, changes were
made in the fields of railways, post and
telegraph, agriculture, army, education,
medicine and law. In Japan, the western
First World War
(A.D. 1914-1918)
Several wars occurred during the Epic
and the historical periods.
But the countries of the world got
divided into two blocs and got involved in
the First World War making use of the air
culture took deep roots from that time
onwards.
Japan acquired dynamism in the fields
of economy and army. Following this, when
China tried to capture Korea in 1894-95, a
war broke between Japan and China. In
this war, Japan came out successful.
Then, to capture Manchuria, a war
started between Japan and Russia in 1904-
05. Even in that war, Japan succeeded.
After that, Korea, Formosa and Manchuria
got annexed with Japan.
Then, Japan entered with peace
agreements with Britain, America and
Russia.
When the First World War was in
progress, Japan did not got involved in that
war. But it joined with the allies and
unexpectedly fought with Germany. In that
war, Japan came out victorious. As a result
of this, Japan could obtain a few islands in
the Pacific Ocean. After this, the mighty
power of Japan was known to the whole
world.
In 1926, when the king Tysha died, his
son Herohitto became the monarch. During
his rule, Japan stepped forward to an
enormous extent.
crafts, war-ships and modern weapons and
it took place from 1914 to 1918.
The reason for the War
The Austrian Prince Francis Ferdinand
 FIRST WORLD WAR
th
and his wife were shot dead on 28 June,
1914 when they were travelling in a car.
The person who shot them dead belonged
to Serberia. Therefore, Austria waged war
against Serberia.
Germany was greedy to capture many
countries and so it also stepped into the
war in support of Austria.
Countries like Hungary,
Turkey, and Bulgaria also
joined the war along with
Germany.
To defend Serberia, the
countries like Britain, France,
Russia, Italy, Japan and
China also engaged
themselves in the war.
The First World War
th
broke out on 4 August,
1914. In the beginning
America maintained the
status of neutrality. But
even then, it helped the
countries like France and
Britain. So, Germany
became furious and threw
the bombs on the American
ships. The ships got sunk Ferdinand
into the sea. Due to this, to
oppose Germany, America also entered into
the war.
Terrible wars occurred between the two
blocs both on land and in sea. Germany
made use of the submarine ships and war
aircrafts to a greater extent and brought
enormous calamities to the allies.
The allied countries utilized tanker armies
in the larger scale.
75
The withdrawal of Russia
When the War was going on, the Russia
revolution broke out and the world’s first
communist government emerged under the
leadership of Lenin. The Lenin government
signed the peace treaty with Germany in
the later part of the year 1917 and withdrew
itself from the war.
In this war, the German
armies used the poisonous gas.
The German warriors wore the
face masks when they came to
the battlefield. In the horse-carts,
that followed them, they brought
cylinders filled up with the
poisonous gas. When they
approached the enemy troops, the
mouth of the cylinders would be
opened out. The poisonous gas
would emerge out from the gas
cylinders and the people of the
enemy troops would breathe it
and fall fainted and became dead.
All the countries agreed not
to use the poisonous gas in the
war. But Germany alone violated
it and started using the poisonous
gas.
In the beginning, Germany obtained
victory. But at the end of the war, the
armies of Britain, France, and America
approached towards Germany. Due to this,
the German people got alarmed and they
revolted against the King Kaiser William.
To suppress the revolts, the king ordered
the armies to crush them.
The German armies who were involved
in the World War were forced to kill their
own people.
76
The Emperor Kaiser William abandoned his kingdom and escaped with his wife.
The surrender of
Germany
The armies of the allied
countries entered into the
capital of Germany, Berlin on
th
11 November, 1918. The
German army could not
withstand the terrible attack
of the allies. Within a short
time, Germany succumbed to
the combined fight of the
allies and surrendered to
them.
The emperor Kaiser
William abandoned his
kingdom. He handed over
the rule to the representatives
of the people and escaped
from the country.
First World War
Casuality
Country Killed
German ...........17,70,000
Turkey ............... 3,30,000
Russia ............. 17,00,000
Bulgaria ............ 2,40,000
France ............. 13,60,000
Cherbia ............. 1,90,000
Autralia ............. 6,00,000
Angery .............. 6,00,000
Belgium ............... 60,000
Britaain ............. 9,10,000
America ................ 50,000
Italy ..................... 6,50,00
Portugal ............... 13,000
Rumenia ........... 4,50,000
The calamity
In this war, which lasted
for 1,561 days, 20 million
people lost their lives. After
this war, there was an
outbreak of a virus fever
throughout the world and due
to that 20 million people
collapsed. The assets worth
of 40 lakhs crore dollars got
ruined.
Compensation
There emerged an
agreement among the
countries who got involved in
th
the war on 28 June 1919.
According to it, Germany lost
the privilege of gathering the
army. It was decided that
Germany should pay huge
 FIRST WORLD WAR
compensation to those allied countries who
participated in the war.
A few fertile regions of Germany were
captured by France.
Disintegration
The inhabitants of Austria were of
several races. After the war, the country
of Austria got disintegrated into pieces.
The Second World War
(A.D. 1939-1945)
Hitler was merely a soldier in the
German army during the First World War.
He had high ambitions in life. He wanted
to become the leader of Germany and also
the world emperor by capturing the world
countries. He systematically planned for it
and began to execute those plans also.
As a first step of his plan, he joined the
“National Socialist German Laborer’s party”
and progressed speedily by his oratorical
skills and became it's leader in 1921. He
strengthened the party and won the general
elections, which was held in 1932. He
became the Prime Minister of Germany on
th
30 January, 1933.
In 1934, the President of Germany
passed away. Following this, Hitler got hold
of the post of President also. He shattered
all the antagonists and turned out to be a
dictator.
77
New countries like Yugoslavia, Poland and
Czechoslovakia emerged.
Countries of the world thought that there
should not be an outburst of the World War
in future. So, a world organisation called
"Leage of Nations” was set up. Many
countries became members of this.
America procured great efforts to bring this
union but it did not opt to join the leage of
nations.
The act of revenge
He planned to take revenge on countries
like Britain and France who were
responsible for the defeat of Germany in
the First World War. He created a strong
army. The infantry, Navy and Air force of
Germany emerged as the best defence
force of the world.
st
On 1 September, 1939, without prior
proclamation of War, Hitler waged war
against Poland. Britain and France opposed
it. Though they released a proclamation
about the War, they did not enter into the
war openly.
So the army of Germany captured
Poland within two weeks.
At this juncture, Mussolini, the dictator
of Italy got acquainted with Hitler. A few
countries inclusive of Japan also joined
hands with Germany.
78 WORLD HISTORY
The three countries namely Germany,
Italy and Japan entered into a secret pact.
As per the Secret Pact, it was agreed
that Japan should attack and capture parts
of Asia, Italy should capture Africa and
similarly the European territories be
captured by Germany.
The surrender of France
th
On 10 May, 1940 Hitler invaded
France. British troops were sent in support
of France.
But even then, the British and the French
armies struggled to resist the tank and air
force of Germany.
Though there were 51 lakhs soldiers in
the French army and 7 lakh British soldiers
in support France, it was of no use. The
four thousand aircrafts of Germany exploded
Mussolini with Hitler.
bombs on France. At the same time, the
infantry of Germany speedily approached
towards Paris, the capital city of France.
In the mid part of June 1940, the German
armies could seize around the city of Paris.
In that war, 5 lakhs French soldiers lost
their lives and 10 lakhs soldiers were
captured as prisoners.
“If you do not surrender immediately, I
would burn the city of Paris into ashes.”
roared Hitler.
th
As a result of this, on 14 June, 1940
France surrendered to Germany.
Hitler directly proceeded to the city of
Paris and got the surrender document signed
by the Prime Minister and the army
General.
Air raid on London
In the meantime, the countries like

The 'Big Three' war leaders Churchill, president Roosevelt and Stalin
at the conference at Yalta in 1945.
Belgium, Poland, Norway, Holland,
Denmark, Sweden and Yugoslavia were
conquered by Germany.
Then, Hitler aimed at Britain. He
warned Britain to surrender or face the
consequences. Britain did not surrender, but
th
offered a stiff fight on July 10 , 1940 Hitler
prompted a war air-craft against Britain.
The German war aircrafts flew in rows
and bombarded heavily on Britain. Before
th
July 28 , the violent attacks of the German
army were conducted for 7,500 times. Air
raid was carried on London city also.
The British war aircrafts carried out the
retort attack on Germany. 575 German
79
war aircrafts were shot down whereas
Britain lost only 100 aircrafts.
The attack of war aircraft of Germany
lasted for 6 months. But, Britain stiffly
resisted the attacks of Germany and was
not stunned from its position. The people
of Britain, under the leadership of Churchill
were united and could resist boldly all the
attacks of Germany.
Hitler thought that he could make Britain
surrender to him but it was a terrible blow
to him. He stopped his air attack on Britain
and he turned his attention towards Russia.
He thought that if he could capture Russia,
Britain would automatically submit to him.
80 WORLD HISTORY
The Rise of Russia
In the First World War, Russia was
defeated by Germany and it entered into
Peace agreement with it. In violation of
this agreement, Germany started a war on
nd
Russia on 22 June, 1941.
The German armies were
grouped into three and entered
into Russia. The Russian
people were very much
offended over this unexpected
attack of Germany but the
then leader of Russia, Stalin
with a determination of iron
will, faced the attack of
Germany.
The plan of Hitler was to
th
capture Russia before 7 Japan Prime Minister ,Tojo formed one group and
November which was the day
th
of revolution of Russia. On 14 October,
the German armies approached Moscow
and there were only 50 miles to reach
Moscow.
All the people thought that Moscow
would collapse instantly.
But the Russian people courageously
battled against the German armies. The
Russian peasants went in crowds and
conducted aggressive attacks on the
German armies.
So, the onward march of the German
armies was thwarted and it was also slowly
withdrawn.
America in War
At this juncture, there occurred an
important turning point. Japan, the ally of
Germany attacked the Pearl harbour in
th
Hawaii Island on 7 December, 1941, which
was under the possession of America.
8 American war ships and 200 aircrafts
which were kept in the Port were shattered
by the attack of war
aircrafts of Japan. Three
thousand American soldiers
were also killed.
America which did not
participate in the war till
then, launched its warfare
finally. The American
President Roosevelt
declared war on Japan and
Germany. Through this
proclamation, America,
Britain, France and Russia
carried out attacks on
Germany and Japan.
Hitler thought that he would capture
Russia but he was defeated. Mussolini,
the friend of Hitler and the Italian dictator,
who wanted to bring Africa under his control
also met with a defeat. The 2 lakhs German
soldiers who went to help him also
surrendered to the combined fight of the
enemies.
To recover the Russian territories which
were captured by Germany, the Russian
armies hit back a heavy blow to the German
armies. During this war one lakh German
soldiers were massacred.
Large amount of tankers, cannons and
aircrafts of Germany were crushed. In the
wars which continued, German armies faced
 THE SECOND WORLD WAR 81

misfortunes one after another. Surrender

The siege of Berlin Hitler realized that he could not escape.
th
He committed suicide on 30 April along
America along with its allies, planned
with his wife.
for various blockades to crush Germans.
After the death of Hitler, the Generals
To recover the countries like Rumania,
of the German armies decided that there
Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland which
was no other way but to surrender to the
were captured by Germany, the armies of th
allies. On 8 May, 1945 Germany
the allied countries under the leadership of
surrendered. The commanders of the
Eisenhower (who became the President of
German armies signed a surrender
America later) went and fought
document and handed over it to the army
courageously.
chief Mc Arthur of the allies.
Simultaneously, both Russia and America
The war should have ended by then.
launched air attack on Berlin, the capital
But Japan declined to discontinue the war.
city of Germany.
The Japanese aircrafts bombarded on
At the end of April, 1945 the Russian
the American war ship which was sailing
armies seized the city of Berlin where Hitler
took shelter.

Hiroshima after the blast of Atom lomb.

82
Second Atom bomb destroyed Nagasaki City.
on the Pacific Ocean. The ship caught fire
and burnt. 343 people lost their lives.
Truman
The American President Roosevelt, who
was conducting the war till 27 days before
th
the surrender of Germany, died on 12 April,
1945 at the age of 63. The then Vice-
President, Truman suceeded him as the new
President of America.
Truman was a courageous and
diplomatic man. He used to take a right
decision at the right moment. Roosevelt took
important decisions only after consulting
Truman.
After the surrender of Germany, the
American President Truman, the British
Prime Minister Churchill and the Russian
leader Stalin met at Potsdam in Germany.
th
This meeting took place on 17 July 1945.
“Surrender immediately; otherwise we
would destroy Japan completely”, the three
leaders warned and forwarded a joint
ultimatum to Japan.
Japan did not pay heed to this ultimatum.
It continued to be active in the war.
Atom bomb
Truman thought that if the war continued
for some more days, it would be disastrous
for all. He came to the conclusion that there
was no other go but to drop atom bombs
on Japan. He ordered the war aircrafts to
conduct bombardment on Japan.
th
On 6 August, 1945 at 8.00 AM of
Japanese time, an American war aircraft
by name, “Enola Gay,” dropped the first
atom bomb of the world on Hiroshima, the
city in Japan. The name of the bomb was
“Little Boy” with a weight of 9,000 lb!
 THE SECOND WORLD WAR
60% of the regions of the city of Hiroshima
got sunk under the sand within a fraction
of a second. About 80,000 people were
killed. Several thousands of people were
injured cruelly.
The second atom bomb
Even, after the destruction of Hiroshima,
Japan refused to surrender to the allies.
th
So, three days later, on 9 August,
America threw its second atom bomb on
another city of Japan by name Nagasaki.
Due to this, the major portion of the city
got shattered. 40,000 people were
slaughtered. Several thousands of people
got wounded severely.
After the overthrow of the second atom
bomb, American President Truman
delivered a speech over the radio. “If Japan
did not surrender immediately, we would
wipe out Japan totally.” He gave a final
warning to Japan.
Herohito was the Emperor of Japan at
the time of war. He was not interested in
war, but without consulting him, the Prime
Minister Tojo bombed on the Pearl Harbour
of America and compulsorily dragged
America into the war. It was he who was
responsible for Japan to get involved in the
war.
In the war, when Japan was acquiring
success continuously, the people of Japan
applauded him a lot. But when Japan faced
a defeat, the people developed hatred
towards him.
The emperor of Japan got very much
distressed on seeing the attack of atom
th
bombs on the cities of Japan. On 9 August,
83
1945 he openly announced the surrender of
Japan to the allies over the broadcast of
Japan. It was for the first time in his life,
the Japanese emperor spoke over the radio.
Not only that, he met Mc Arthur, the
commander of the army of the allies who
conducted the war and told, “I hold myself
totally responsible for the war.”
The hanging of the
Prime Minister
But, the allies knew that it was the Prime
Minister Tojo who was responsible for the
war. When the commanders went to arrest
him, he tried to commit suicide. But his
attempt was futile. He was imprisoned by
the armies of the allies.
At the time of enquiry, he expressed
that he was responsible for the war; the
emperor was innocent.
It was decided that Tojo was a war
criminal and a death sentence was conferred
rd
on him. On 23 December, 1948 Tojo along
with some other Japanese army officers
were executed by way of hanging.
How much calamity?
It was difficult for anyone to calculate
the exact amount of calamity resulting from
the Second World War. It is estimated that
more than 5 crore people and soldiers lost
their lives.
Several thousands of war ships and war
aircrafts got shattered. There is no proper
figure for the destruction of cities.
It is believed that the number of deaths
due to atom bomb blast would be more
than the official announcement. Because,
84 WORLD HISTORY
many people who got injured severely
passed away after some days. At the
cemeteries of Hiroshima, the names of 1,
38,890 people who died were engraved.
Mussolini
M ussolini was one of the most
powerful dictators, next to Hitler who
threatened the whole world.
He remained as a nightmarish dictator
of Italy for 21 years starting from 1922
onwards and he was a close associate of
Hitler also.
Two days before Hitler committed
suicide, Mussolini was assassinated by the
revolutionaries. The manner of the
massacre was not normal. The dictator,
who was a feared by everyday, was shot
dead along with his lover. The
revolutionaries hanged the dead bodies in a
topsy turvy manner from a lamp post.
Labourer’s son
th
Mussolini was born on 29 July 1883, as
the son of a blacksmith who owned a
workshop. His mother was a school teacher.
In Italy monarchy was prevalent at that
time. Mussolini’s father was of the view
that monarchy should be abolished and the
democratic rule should thrive in Italy. He
used to discuss politics with all the people
who came to his workshop.
Many people lost their eyesight due to
the rays of bomb blast’s effect. Several
lakh people got severe burn injuries. They
were bed ridden for whole life
So, Mussolini also developed a passion
for politics right from his childhood. After
completing his school education, he served
as a teacher for sometime. He learnt many
languages like Latin, French, German,
Spanish and English and he was a good
orator and writer too.
He left his teaching profession and
served in the army for sometime. Then, he
became the Editor of a communist
magazine. The articles written by him in
that magazine created a great impact among
the public. He was imprisoned for one
year for an article.
When he was released from the prison,
several thousands of young people
welcomed him at the entrance of the prison.
The next day he took charge as the
Editor of a revolutionary magazine.
First World War
At this juncture, the First World War
broke out in the year 1914. Mussolini joined
the army. (It should be noted that in the
same year Hitler also joined the army of
Germany.)
 MUSSOLINI 85

Mussolini got severely injured in the war
and returned to his country.
In 1919, the war came to an end. In
the war, 6 lakh and 50 thousand people lost
their lives in Italy alone. In addition to that,
10 lakh people got severely injured. The
economy of Italy was shattered and there
was famine and starvation everywhere.
There was outbreaks of riots
everywhere in the country.
fascinated by his speeches and he created
unruly scenes in each state and ordered his
party men to capture the government
offices.
According to the order, his party men
with the help of the anti-social elements
and the general public attacked the
government offices with dreadful weapons.
They drove away the staff and captured
the offices and the treasuries.

At this juncture, Mussolini started In October, 1922 “the black shirt army
“Fascist party” in 1920. In
the election which was held
in 1921, though the party of
Mussolini could not capture
the power it was able to grab
30 places. Mussolini obtained
victory with a huge margin of
votes.
As an opposition leader,
Mussolini made courageous
speeches in the Parliament
and it created fear among the
ruling party men. Mussolini
created chaos in the
Parliament and prevented the
smooth running of it.
Besides, he toured city
after city and conducted
public meetings where he
spoke ill of the ruling party
with emotional zest and
instigated the people against
the Government.

The over ruling of the

rebellious elements
Mussolini came to know
that the people were
Musolini with Hitler
86

The end of Fascism: the bodies of Mussolini and his mistress Clara,
hanging upside down.

of Mussolini” gathered and went to capture
the capital city of Italy.
As the situation grew beyond control,
the king ordered for the resignation of the
cabinet ministers. When the ministers
withdrew from their posts, the king offered
the responsibility of ruling the country to
Mussolini.
The authoritarian measures
After acquiring power, Mussolini banned
the political parties.
 MUSSOLINI
He prohibited the opposition parties. He
crushed the freedom of the press. He
expelled the people from the country who
revolted against him.
Not only that, he ordered for the
“beheading” of his enemies.(to chop their
heads) In three years the number of people
who got beheaded exceeded more than 10
thousand.
Mussolini who committed dreadful
activities like this implemented some plans
to attract the people. He quered ploughing
machines for the farmers. So, the production
of food grains increased.
To eradicate the unemployment problem,
several measures were taken. Taxes were
reduced. Medical facilities were enhanced.
So, people started supporting Mussolini.
As the situation was favourable for him,
he conducted the general elections. In that,
his party achieve of exemplary victory.
After that, he got hold of the powers of
parliament himself.
From 1922 onwards, Mussolini became
the supreme dictator of Italy.
In 1933 Hitler captured the rule of
Germany and he became the comrade of
Mussolini. In 1934, Hitler went to the city
of Venice and had discussions with
Mussolini.
Pursuant to it, Hitler helped in building
up the army of Italy and also the
establishment of industries.
87
Love affair with a
beautiful lady
At this juncture, Mussolini met a
beautiful lady by name Clara. She was a
divorcee. Mussolini conquerred her by his
attractive speeches. Though he was a
married man, he determined to get hold of
Clara also.
Clara married an air-force officer and
got the divorce. She lived separately for
two years.
Mussolini fascinated her with his
delightful speech and set her as his
concubine.
“Generally, Mussolini used to behave
rudely with women, but he conducted
himself with extreme love towards Clara.
He was in real love with her in the true
sense of the term.” This is how the
historical writers describe character of
Mussolini, on this score.
Second World War
In 1939, Second World War broke out.
Hitler and Mussolini joined together and
resisted the allied countries.
In the beginning, victory was the order
of the day for them. Later the trend of the
war changed and met with failure Mussolini
and Hitler.
So, Mussolini lost his image among the
people of Italy. The higher authorities of
the Fascist party removed him from his post
and kept him under house arrest.
88 WORLD HISTORY
With the intention of helping Mussolini,
Hitler sent his army of spies. They
recovered Mussolini.
In North Italy, Mussolini enjoyed some
support. So, he went there with his wife
and lover Clara and established a “Puppet
government.”
The revolutionary movement
At that time, a revolutionary movement
by name “Italian revolutionary movement”
emerged. The revolutionaries engaged in
revolts in the whole of Italy.
Mussolini realized that he might be
threatened by the revolutionaries and so
decided to escape to Switzerland, the
neighbouring country.
He took his two families in two army
trucks and began his journey.
Cold blooded massacre
But on the way the trucks were blocked
by the revolutionaries and they arrested
Mussolini.
On seeing this, Clara, the lover of
Mussolini, jumped out of the truck,
screaming. She was also captured by the
revolutionaries.
The wife of Mussolini hide inside the
truck and was not visible to the
revolutionaries.
th
This incident occurred on 27 April,
1945. That day, in the city of Tonga, in a
room, Mussolini and Clara were imprisoned.
The next day, the revolutionaries took them
in a car.
They stopped the car, when they came
down from the mountain. They made
Mussolini and Clara get down from the car.
After they alighted from the car, they
made them to stand on the road. Knowing
that they were going to shoot them, Clara
stood in front of Mussolini and said,” Shoot
at me first.”
The revolutionaries shot them dead with
rifle guns incessantly. Pierced by the bullets,
both their bodies fell down on the ground in
a pool of blood.
They also shot some of the people who
were supporters of Mussolini. They took
the dead bodies of Mussolini and others to
the city of Milan. Where, the dead bodies
were hung upside down.
In the same evening, the bodies were
brought down and buried in strange places
beyond identification.
Before his body was buried, the crime
branch research experts broke open the
head of Mussolini and snatched away his
brain for the purpose of research!

Hitler
H itler, the dictator of Germany was
responsible for the outbreak of the Second
World War and for the death of 5 crore
people due to the war. His life history
contained various turning
points and shocking events.
The son of an officer
th
Hitler was born on 20
April, 1889 in the city of
Pranav in north Austria. The
name of his father was
Allays Shackle Groper Hitler.
He served as an officer of
the Central Excise. He had
three wives. Hitler was the
fourth son of his third wife.
Right from his birth, Hitler was very
weak and puny. Often he suffered from
fever. Nearly after one year, his health
improved.
As his father was an officer of the
Central Excise, he used to go on tours to
various states.
Hitler was a pampered child of his
mother. He had much devotion and love
towards his mother.
First student
When he was studying in school, Hitler
was the first rank holder.
Later he lost interest in studies and he
89
was much delighted to draw pictures. Very
quickly, he obtained the skill of drawing
beautiful pictures.
During the period of his
student life itself, he read
several novels. He had a great
passion for the stories based
on wars.
In the year 1903, Hitler’s
father left for his heavenly
abode. He grew as a son
without the control of the
father and so he became
unruly. Apart from fighting
with students, he used to
oppose the teachers also.
The Vow
He got through his examination in the
school finals at the age of 17. He obtained
a certificate for that and on the way drank
liquor along with his friends and tore down
his certificate.
The teacher, who came to know of this
incident, condemned him. Hitler took a vow,
never to take liquor or smoke cigarette in
the future.
In 1907, he tried to join an art school,
but he did not get admission. At the end
of that year, Hitler’s mother passed away.
Thereafter, he earned his livelihood by
90 WORLD HISTORY

manufacturing and
designing cards. Even
at night, he used to draw
pictures under the light
of the kerosene lamp.
The pictures drawn
by Hitler keeping as
models of beautiful girls
were sold at fancy
prices. So, he established
an art centre.

Love failure Hitler's Father & Mother

At that time, he loved
a girl by name Cyndhia. When he failed in
love, he joined the army.
During the First World War which lasted
for 4 years from 1914 to 1918, Hitler joined
and served the army of Germany.
In 1918, Germany was defeated in the
war. Hitler thought that the democratic
people and Jews were responsible for the
defeat in the war. He vowed that he would
bring the whole world under the control of
Germany.”
Imprisonment
Hitler possessed oratorical skills. He
became a member of National Socialist
German Labourer’s party. He rose to the
position of a leader by his oratorical talents.
He propagated that there was famine
and unemployment only because of the
incompetent administration of the
government. He instigated the people
against the government and tried to capture
power. But he failed in his attempts. The
government arrested and imprisoned him.
First it was ordered that he should be
imprisoned for 5 years. Later it was
reduced to one year.
When he was in prison, he wrote a book
called, “ Mein Kempf” (Which means "My
struggle'') as his autobiography. This is an
exceptional book of the world.
In the general elections which were held
in 1928, Hitler’s party was defeated. But
Hitler did not lose his heart. He changed
the name of his party as,”Nazi party” and
got involved in extremist activities
throughout the country. He paved the way
for the people’s revolution against the
government.
Became the Prime Minister
Because of his incessant efforts,
oratorical skills and diplomacy he emerged
victorious. People revolted against the
government and got involved in huge
revolution. The Parliament building was

Hitler and Eva Braun.
reduced to ashes.
The President Hindenburg surrendered
th
to the revolutionary mass. On 30 January,
1933 he invited Hitler and appointed him as
the Chancellor.
From that time onwards, it was a
promising period for Hitler. After 1½ of
years of Hitler’s acquisition of power,
President Hindenburg passed away and
Hitler captured the post of President also
and becomed the dictator of Germany.
He dissolved the Parliament. He took
charge of the Defence department and
secured the post of a General in the Army
himself. He banned all the political parties.
91
He imprisoned all his opponents.
“Hereafter, there is no place for Democracy
in Germany” – He announced.
He decided to destroy the Jews and
arrested them. He made them starve in
prison. Many people were kept in dark
rooms and put to death by insertion of
poisonous gas. On an average, every day 6
thousand to 10 thousand people were
massacred the use of poisonous gas.
The number of Jews killed by Hitler was
approximately 60 lakh.
Hitler wanted to bring the entire world
under his domination. In 1939, he captured
countries like Albania and Czechoslovakia
92 WORLD HISTORY
and invaded Poland.
Due to this, the Second World War broke
out.
The turning point in the war
In the beginning, Hitler’s position in the
war was in sucess. But the situation
changed when America and Russia plunged
into the war.
He constructed an underground palace
in Berlin, the capital city of Germany and
stayed there. The roof of the underground
room was strongly built with 16 feet thick
iron and cement by which it could not be
destroyed by the bomb blast easily. Hitler’s
office room and bed room were located in
the underground.
Hitler’s room was 15 feet in length and
10 feet in width. The bathroom was also
attached to it.
th
Hitler started living here from 16
January, 1945.
He possessed a chair used by the great
warrior Napoleon in the year 1804. He sat
on that chair and put across the orders for
the army.
At the end of April, 1945 the Russian
aircrafts bombarded the city of Berlin. The
bombs also fell near the underground palace
where Hitler was residing.
Lover
From 1930 onwards, a lady by name
Eva Braun was Hitler’s fascinating lover.
A friend of Hitler owned a photo studio
and Eva Braun served as an assistant there.
Hitler used to visit his friend’s studio
quite often. So, a sort of relationship began
between him and Eva Braun and later it
blossomed into love.
Eva Braun also loved him deeply in her
hearts of hearts. Though she did not acquire
the status of his wife, she started living
with him.
th
On 25 April, 1945 the Russian armies
blockaded the city of Berlin. The aircrafts
continuously bombarded the city. The
situation arose that anytime the Russian
armies might enter into the city of Berlin.
Hitler realized as to what would happen
to him if he was caught as a hostage at the
hands of the enemies.
He came to a conclusion that it would
be better if he commited suicide instead of
getting caught as a hostage at the hands of
the opponents.
He told his decision to his lover, Eva
Braun
Marriage, before Suicide!
Eva Braun was not astonished on hearing
the decision of Hitler.
Braun also offered to die with him, which
impressed Hitler. He asked her for her last
wish. Braun wanted to die as his wife. Hitler
conceded her request.
th
On 27 April, there was a banquet in
the underground room on account of the
birth day of Hitler. The army captains and
the close friend of Hitler by name Goebbels
attended the feast. Eva Braun sang the
birthday greeting song for Hitler.
 HITLER
The next day, the marriage of Hitler and
Eva Braun was conducted.
Hitler ordered his assistants to beautify
his room in the morning. Accordingly, the
room was decorated. To register the
marriage legally, the city corporation officer
was called upon.
Hitler and Eva Brown signed in the
Marriage Register Document. Goebbels
and one more person also signed as
witnesses.
Then, the feast was conducted. His
friends drank liquor. Hitler took a cup of
tea. They knew that their lives would end
within some days and so to wipe of their
worries, they danced and sang songs. The
whole night, entertainments were going on.
Both Hitler and Eva Braun went to bed
only by 6.00 AM in the morning.
Will
Hitler told his wife to write his Will at
11.00 AM. As he told, Eva wrote the
following will:-
“All through my life, Eva Braun
participated in all the events either happiness
or sorrow and ups and downs of my life
and so I decided to marry her at least at
the end of my life and offer her honour.
Accordingly, I married her.
After our death, I want both myself and
Eva should be cremated in Germany itself
where we toiled hard for 12 long years.
This is my ultimate desire.
All my assets should be transferred to
my party after my demise. If the party gets
disintegrated, let it go to the country.” This
93
is the will written by Hitler.
The conference of the
Army Generals
Hitler convened the meeting of the Army
Generals, Ministers and Personal
Secretaries in the same evening.
The following is the excerpts from the
speech rendered by him at the conference:
“I don’t have the conception that the
people of Germany should struggle always.
I desire only for peace. I am not responsible
for the war. Only the Jews instigated the
war.
This war is a great testimony for the
courageousness and patriotism of the
German people. If not today, Germany
would emerge victorious tomorrow.
I would welcome death delightfully if I
happen to die in this war. I would not fall
as a captive at the hands of my rivals.
This is my firm conviction.”
The Final Declaration
Later, as a leader of the country, he
wrote a final declaration for the people.
The Declaration is as follows:-
“I participated in the First World War as
an ordinary soldier. Thirty years are over
now. It is my stern love for the land of
Germany and its people which guided me
all through these days.
I have been utilizing my power for the
progress of my country for the past 30
years.
Nobody should think that I am solely
94 WORLD HISTORY

responsible for the war. Anyone should not together. After our death, our dead bodies
have wild passion for war. That is the might be rolled in a blanket and might be
reason why, I have emphasized for the policy burnt to ashes by pouring petrol over them.
of minimizing the war weapons. Please gather all the things like letters,
diaries, my dresses, my pen and mirror and
I never thought that this Second World
set on fire.” He uttered these words and
War could burst out after the First World
took his wife to his room.
War. Somehow, the war began.
The door of the room was shut, even
As a result of this war, the major
after a long time, the door was not opened.
calamities faced by our country, the
The people who stood outside did not know
shattered tall buildings and the monuments
as to what happened to Hitler and Eva
which were crushed to nothing would bear
Brown.
a testimony to the massive attacks meted
out by the world countries on us. This The Ministers and the Army Generals,
would make our future generation to realize who stood outside for a long time, opened
all these things. the door and entered the room.
Each and every German would have The scene they witnessed there:
emotional uprising when they happen to see
On one sofa, Hitler’s dead body was
the people who were responsible for the
seen in the sitting posture.
war". Hitler wrote this final declaration and
th
signed it, at Night 9‘clock on 30 April. Under his feet, there was a rifle. As
smoke was emitting from it, it was supposed
“This evening by 4” clock, the Italian
that only few minutes before, Hitler might
dictator Mussolini and his wife were shot
have shot himself dead. Beneath his right
dead by the opponents.” The radio of
ear, there was a hole of ½ an inch and
Sweden announced.
blood was oozing out from it.
Hitler directly heard the radio news. The
The Army Generals thought that Hitler
death of Mussolini created a deep agony in
might have kept the edge of the gun into
him. With utmost sorrow he was totally
his mouth and shot himself and so the bullet
disheartened.
might have pierced close to his ear.
That night at 12”o clock, Hitler received
Hitler ’s right hand embraced a
the news that the city of Berlin was totally
photograph around his chest. That
encircled by the Russian troops and that
photograph was his mother’s photo. His
the underground palace might be hit anytime.
friends plunged into tears realizing his love
Hitler’s face turned dark. He stood and affection for his mother.
silently and shook hands with his friends.
On the sofa, Hitler’s wife Eva also was
Then he called his Personal Secretary and
laying dead leaning on Hitler’s body. She
told, "Myself and Eva are going to die
was wearing a maxi of dark blue colour
 HITLER
with white dots on it. Her body was bluish.
So, it could be realised that she might have
consumed cyanide poison.
The assistants of Hitler rolled the dead
bodies of Hitler and his wife Eva Brown in
a blanket. Then, they took the bodies to
the Secretariat’s head office garden from
that room.
There, they burnt the bodies into ashes
with the help of petrol and burning gas.
The famous wars of the
20th century
A part from the two World Wars,
th
several other wars also occurred in the 20
century.
Korean War
At the time of the Second World War,
Japan captured Korea. When it was
defeated, Korea was divided into two parts.
The northern part was annexed to
Russia and the southern part was taken
over by America. Both America and
Russia did not agree for integrating the two
parts and make it into one country.
In North Korea under the leadership of
the Russian supporter Kim-il-sung and in
South Korea under the leadership of
Syngman-Rhee governments were
95
The Russian troops who came after a few
hours later got astonished, as they could
not see Hitler. Later they came to know
that Hitler committed suicide and his body
was burnt to ashes.
The other side of Hitler
Though Hitler was an autocratic ruler
without any sympathy in his heart, he also
possessed some good qualities. Hitler was
very fond of children and the animals. He
never consumed flesh of the animals. He
also did not have the habit of smoking.
established.
There were frontier clashes between the
two countries. They became violent and
th
on 25 June, 1950, a war broke out. The
North Korean forces, with the help of
Russia and China attacked South Korea.
The South Korean armies could not
withstand the stiff fight by the North Korean
troops who attacked with modern weapons.
The South Korean armies began retracing
steps.
The North Korean troops approached
Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
America raised this problem in the
United Nations Organizations. To save
South Korea, it was decided to send the
UN troops. The UN troops consisted of
Americans in large numbers. The Army
96 WORLD HISTORY

General of America, Mc Arthur, who away from Korea. Otherwise, we would

performed wonderful heroic deeds in the throw bombs on them.” Mc Arthur warned.
Second World War, took charge as the
The whole World condemned and raised
Army Chief of the UN forces.
voice against this act. So, Mc Arthur was
th
On 15 September, the UN troops terminated from his post of Army General.
landed in South Korea. In the meantime, Instead of him, Mathew Ridgeway took
the North Korean troops were capturing charge as the army chief.
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. The
The war lasted for some more time
UN troops battled in a tough manner with
between the two forces. Victory and
the North Korean forces.
defeat occurred for both, one behind the
th
On 28 September, the UN troops other.
recovered Seoul, the capital city of South
The war which started at the end of
Korea. The UN troops went behind the
June 1950 was extended for the whole year
North Korean troops who started their
st of 1951also and continued in 1952 too.
retracing steps and on 1 October, the UN
troops also entered into North Korea. On In the Presidential elections which were
th
19 , they captured Pyongyang, the capital held in 1952 in America, Eisenhower was
city of North Korea. victorious. In the Korean War, more than
one lakh American soldiers were killed. At
The northern frontier of North Korea
the time of election propaganda, Eisenhower
had a close proximity to China. The UN
assured that he would make attempts to
troops started progressing towards the
prevent the sacrifice of the American
frontier of China.
victims in the foreign land.
“The UN troops should vacate from
As per the promise, he undertook
North Korea immediately. Otherwise, the
efforts to put an end to the war. His
Chinese workers forces would get involved th
attempts were successful and on 27 July,
in the war.” China warned.
1953 the war was over once for all and
Mc Arthur did not adhere to this serenity was restored.
warning. The UN forces approached the
In the Korean War, totally 20 lakh people
frontier of China. Therefore, the “Workers
lost their lives.
forces” of China entered into Korea and

battled against the UN troops. The UN
troops could not resist the stiff fight of the
Chinese forces and started withdrawing.
The Chinese troops began to step forward.
th
On January 4 , 1951 the North Korean
troops (with the help of China) captured
Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
“The Chinese workers forces should get
Vietnam War
In the poor country of Vietnam, war
lasted for 30 years. In that War, the world’s
super power America could not achieve
success and it was torn down by the
unanimous criticism by the people of the
world and so it had to withdraw from
Vietnam.
 THE FAMOUS WARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
After the Second World War, in the year
1945 the country of Vietnam was divided
into North Vietnam and South Vietnam and
Ho-Chi-Minh, the
father of Vietnam.
turned out to be two independent countries.
Soviet Russia defended North Vietnam.
France extended its support for the puppet
government in South Vietnam.
France wished to bring North Vietnam
under its domination. So, it waged war
against North Vietnam.
The soldiers of North Vietnam were
97
known as;”Vietcong” The number of
Vietcong soldiers were 20,000 Added to
that, they did not possess modern artillery.
In the French army there were one lakh
soldiers. They possessed 400 tankers, 1000
cannons and 100 war aircrafts.
The Vietcong soldiers resisted and
tumbled down bravely all these powerful
troops with the help of outdated cannons
and ordinary rifles.
The French soldiers disregarded their
duties and started going to Saigon, the
capital city of South Vietnam everyday for
engaging themselves in the night
entertainments. The Vietcong soldiers
thought that it was the right time to attack
the French army godowns and began
capturing the artilleries.
In the war that took place between1946
to 1954, atrocities similar to both the blocs
were committed. In the war that took place
in March, 1954, the Vietcong troops
suppressed the French armies and also
captured the weapons.
At this juncture, there occurred an
unexpected turning point. The leader of
South Vietnam, Baodai turned out to be a
puppet in the hands of America but all along
he acted according to the whims and fancies
of the French. Thousands of American
soldiers were sent to safeguard South
Vietnam.
The people of South Vietnam did not
relish the domination of the Americans in
the land of South Vietnam. They also
fought against the American troops. The
98 WORLD HISTORY
ladies working in the fields, and the small
boys also threw bombs over the American
aircrafts which flew very low. In this way,
innumerable American aircrafts fell down
by the bombing of common farmers.
In the meanwhile, the leader of North
Vietnam Ho-chi-minh passed away in the
year 1969. Leduan took over charge as
the new leader.
In April 1970, the Vietnam War got
intensified. The North Vietnam troops
participated in the war directly. In one
month, 20,000 American warriors lost their
lives. In one year, the number of American
soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the
Vietnam War was one lakh.
“The number of American soldiers who
lost their lives in Vietnam War was more
The war conducted by
Sadam Hussein
On nd
August 2 , 1990 Iraq leader
Saddam Hussein suddenly waged war
against the country of Kuwait and captured
it. The king of Kuwait, Alsaba along with
his family escaped to abroad.
Sadam Hussein declared that Kuwait got
th
annexed to the country of Iraq as the 19
region.
than the number of soldiers who sacrificed
in the Second World War.” This statistical
data was published in the American News
papers and the people of America got
amazed at this devastating news. There was
a strong demand from the public that the
American troops should evacuate the
country of Vietnam.
Due to this, America decided to stop
the Vietnam War and to get out of the
country. The American President Nixon
ordered for the stopping of bombardment
th
over North Vietnam on 15 January1973.
The Vietnam Peace Agreement was
th
signed in the city of Paris on 27
January1973.
The Vietnam War was over. The United
Vietnam Republic emerged.
All the countries of the world
unanimously condemned this attitude of
Sadam Hussein. The United Nations
Organizations implemented a resolution
stating that Iraq armies should move away
from Kuwait immediately.
Sadam Hussein did not pay heed to this
warning and with an aim of capturing Saudi
 THE WAR CONDUCTED BY SADAM HUSSIEN 99

Arabia; he established his troops on the
frontiers of that country.
The government of Saudi Arabia
requested America to help them.
As Iraq faced disaster, Sadam Hussein
announced that he would like to put an end
th
to the war. So, on 28 February, America
ceased its' operations.

The American In this 5 days war,

President George Bush the loss of lives for
decided to teach a lesson American troops was
to Sadam Hussein. Two only 250.
lakh American soldiers But it was
with modern artilleries estimated that the
were sent to the gulf casualites in the Iraq
area. The British troops side would be
also proceeded there to somewhere between
assist them. 35,000 to 1,00,000.
The United Nations Kuwait remained
gave an ''ultimatum” to under the domination
Sadam Hussein to of Iraq for 7 months.
evacuate Kuwait before In these 7 months, the
th
15 January, 1991. But resources of Kuwait
Sadam did not heed to it. were robbed. The
A war broke out Sadam Hussein people were put to
between the two blocs on various types of
th
24 February. In the beginning, Iraq’s harassments. The oil wells which earned
stance was defiant respect to the missile foreign exchange for the country were set
attacks. But later, Iraq troops were ablaze.
thoroughly defeated by the vigorous attacks After the Iraq troops moved out of
of the Americans. Kuwait, the King of Kuwait and his family
Within three days, Kuwait was members returned to their motherland.
recovered.
100
The Egyptian Revolution
On 23 rd
July, 1952 there burst out a
revolution opposing the rule of the King in
the ancient and famous country
of Egypt. The king Farooq who
lived luxuriously indulging in the
comforts of life was overthrown.
General Neguib became the
Prime Minister and Nasser, the
Deputy Prime Minister.
Though Neguib was the
Prime Minister, all the powers
were vested in the hands of
th
Nasser only. On 18 April, 1954
Nasar
Nasser captured the post of
Prime Minister from Nequib.
Then, he announced Egypt as a Republic in
1955. The reputation of Nasser, spread
throughout the world.
America and England lent a
hand to build a dam in Egypt.
When the assistance was
stopped, Nasser decided to
retaliate. He nationalized the
th
Suez Canal on 26 July, 1956
which was a blow to Britain.
Suez served as a main source
of transportation for the western
countries. Britain and France
grew furious as it was
nationalized by Egypt. They Sadad
severely cautioned that serious
repercussions would follow if
Nasser did not withdraw his decision.
Then, this problem was taken to the
United Nations by Britain and France.
th
On 29 October there was an arrangement
to conduct the peace talks in the city of
Geneva.
The attack of Israel
Israel set its on eye on the
peninsula of Sinai and found the
situation as appropriate on the
th
day of 29 October, while peace
talks were going on and started
attacking Egypt by air. After two
days, even the British aircraft
conducted missile attacks on
Egypt. France also plunged into
the war in support of Britain.
As the situation grew worse, Russia
declared a, “final warning” for Britain and
France. If they did not stop the war
immediately, it announced that they would
also indulge themselves into the
war. America also condemned
the act of Britain and France.
So, Israel, Britain and France
put an end to the war
immediately. Suez Canal became
the possession of Egypt from then
onwards. The reputation of
Nasser got strengthened.
War again
Though the war stopped
between Israel and Egypt
temporarily, the hostility between the two
countries was increasing day by day. With
the help of the western countries, Israel
started strengthening its armed forces.
 THE EGYPTIAN REVOLUTION
th
On 5 June, 1967 Israel suddenly waged
war against the peninsula of Sinoi of Egypt.
The army general Mose Dayan, who was
a one-eyed person took the lead in
conducting the war. Syria and Jordan who
had got annexed to Egypt also entered the
war.
In the war which lasted for 6 days,
Egypt and the other Arabian countries were
crushed drastically. Israel captured a
portion of Sinoi peninsula and countries like
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
The Egyptian ships which were stationed
at the Suez port were sunk. The oil tanks
were smashed.
The defeat in the war affected the
reputation and health of Nasser to a great
extent. He expired in the year 1970.
Anwar Sadat
Anwar Sadat, who took over charge as
the leader of the Democratic country of
Egypt, planned to take revenge for the
defeat in the war of 1967. He enhanced
the Defence strength of Egypt. He also
assisted the strengthening of the army of
the allied country Syria.
th
On 6 October, 1973 Egypt and Syria
suddenly attacked Israel. The Israel troops
could not withstand this unforeseen attack
and withdrew.
In the war which lasted for 14 days,
Egypt recovered the lost territories in the
previous war. Apart from that, it also sent
troops towards the capital city of Israel.
So, America also had to jump into the
war. Sadath did not like to widen the war
101
and so he agreed to put an end to the war.
He also agreed for the regulation that the
troops would be withdrawn to the old
th
position as it was on 13 October, 1973.
The official ending of war came into force
th
on 19 October.
In the war which lasted for 6 days in
1967, Israel could win a decisive victory
but it was drastically crushed in this war.
The assassination of Sadat
Sadat could wipe out the disastrous
defeat of Egypt in the war of 1967 and
reestablished the reputation of Egypt in
1973. Later, agreed to have a peace
agreement with Israel. In 1977, he went to
Israel, met the Prime Minister Menachem
Begin and entered into a Peace agreement.
In 1978, these two received the Nobel Prize
for their enforcement of peace.
The leaders of the Muslim countries
became furious at this act of Sadat’s peace
agreement with Israel. They started
developing hatred towards him.
th
On 6 October, 1981 when Sadat was
inspecting a military parade, the Muslim
extremists encircled him and shot him
incessantly. They even threw the bombs.
Due to this, Sadat and 7 other persons were
killed.
Arabian countries like Iraq, Libya, Syria
and the members of the Palestinian
Liberation movement outwardly expressed
their delight for this brutal assassination of
Sadat.