End of Bi-Polarity -Chapter 1 - Class 12 NCERT Solutions

 End of Bi-Polarity Class 12 NCERT Solutions

For comprehensive Class 12 NCERT Solutions on the topic "End of Bi-Polarity," explore our website. Our detailed solutions provide clarity on complex concepts, ensuring thorough understanding. With step-by-step explanations and in-depth analysis, students can ace exams and gain a deeper insight into this pivotal period in world history/International Politics.

1. Which among the following statements that describe the nature

of Soviet economy is wrong?

a. Socialism was the dominant ideology

b. State ownership/control existed over the factors of production

c. People enjoyed economic freedom

d. Every aspect of the economy was planned and controlled by

the State

Ans: c

2. Arrange the following in chronological order:

a. Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

b. Fall of the Berlin Wall

c. Disintegration of the Soviet Union

d. Russian Revolution

Ans: I - d, II - a, III - b, IV - c

3. Which among the following is NOT an outcome of the disintegration

of the USSR?

a. End of the ideological war between the US and USSR

b. Birth of CIS

c. Change in the balance of power in the world order

d. Crises in the Middle East

Ans: d

4. Match the following:

i. Mikhail Gorbachev a. Successor of USSR

ii. Shock Therapy b. Military pact

iii. Russia c. Introduced reforms

iv. Boris Yeltsin d. Economic model

v. Warsaw e. President of Russia

Ans: i - c, ii - d, iii - a, iv - e, v - b

5. Fill in the blanks.

a. The Soviet political system was based on ___________________

ideology.

Ans: (a) socialist 

b. _________________ was the military alliance started by the USSR.

Ans: (b) Warsaw Pact

c. ____________________ party dominated the Soviet Union’s

political system.

Ans: (c) Communist

d. ______________________ initiated the reforms in the USSR in 1985.

Ans: (d) Gorbachev

e. The fall of the ____________________ symbolised the end of the

Cold War.

Ans: (e) Berlin wall

6. Mention any three features that distinguish the Soviet economy

from that of a capitalist country like the US.

Ans:

Features Distinguishing the Soviet Economy from Capitalist Countries:

1. Complex Communication Network and Efficient Transport:

• The Soviet economy boasted a sophisticated communication network and a well-developed transport sector.
• These facilitated connectivity across vast territories, including remote areas.

2. Self-Sufficiency in Production:

• Soviet industries manufactured a wide range of goods, from pins to automobiles.
• The quality of these products often fell short of Western standards due to differences in technology.

3. Minimum Standard of Living:

• The Soviet government ensured a basic standard of living for all citizens.
• Basic necessities like healthcare, education, and welfare schemes were subsidized by the government.

4. Absence of Unemployment:

• Unlike capitalist economies, the Soviet Union had no unemployment.
• The state guaranteed employment to its citizens.

5. State Ownership of Land and Productive Assets:

• Land and productive assets in the Soviet Union were owned exclusively by the state.
• Private ownership of these resources was not permitted.

7. What were the factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms

in the USSR?

Ans: Reasons for Mikhail Gorbachev's Reforms in the USSR:

1. Keeping Pace with Western Technological Advancements: Gorbachev aimed to modernize the USSR to match the West's progress in information and technology.

2. Normalization of Relations with the West: Another goal was to improve relations with Western countries, which were strained at the time.

3. Democratization of the Soviet System: Gorbachev sought to introduce elements of democracy into the Soviet political system, allowing for more citizen participation.

4. Reducing Administrative Privileges: He aimed to reduce the administrative burden and privileges that separated ordinary people from the ruling elite.

8. What were the major consequences of the disintegration of the

Soviet Union for countries like India?

Ans:  Consequences of the Soviet Union's Disintegration for Countries like India:

1. End of Cold War Confrontations: The disintegration of the Soviet Union brought an end to the Cold War confrontations and ideological disputes between superpowers.

2. Shift Towards World Peace and Security: Military alliances dissolved, leading to a global demand for peace and security.

3. Emergence of a Multipolar System: 

• The disintegration surpassed the existing multipolar system, allowing for more diverse power dynamics.
• Countries like India, part of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), gained prominence in world politics.

4. Rise of the US as Sole Superpower:

• The US emerged as the sole superpower, with capitalist economies dominating the international stage.
• Institutions like the World Bank and IMF gained influence as advisors during the transitional period.

5. Promotion of Liberal Democracy: The disintegration led to the promotion of liberal democracy as a political organizing principle.

6. Formation of New Independent Countries: Several new countries emerged with independent aspirations and choices.

7. Regional Alliances and Ties: 

• Baltic and East European states sought to join the European Union and NATO.
• Central Asian countries took advantage of their geographical location to maintain close ties with Russia, the West, China, others.

9. What was Shock Therapy? Was this the best way to make a transition

from communism to capitalism?

Ans: Drawbacks of Shock Therapy in Transitioning from Communism to Capitalism:

1. Massive Loss of Industries:

• Russia's state-controlled industrial complex lost about 90% of its industries through sales to private entities.
• This led to the virtual disappearance of entire industries as restructuring was driven by market forces rather than government policies.

2. Undervaluation of Industries: The transition created "the largest garage sale in history," resulting in industries being undervalued and sold at very low prices.

3. Destruction of Social Welfare System: The old system of social welfare was systematically dismantled, leaving many without essential services.

4. Currency and GDP Decline:

• The value of the Russian ruble declined dramatically due to high inflation.
• Russia's real GDP also declined between 1989 and 1999.

5. Increased Poverty: Withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of society into poverty.

6. Rise of Mafia Control: The economic turmoil led to the emergence of mafia groups controlling many economic activities.

7. Growing Economic Inequality: Privatization led to new disparities, dividing Russia between the rich and poor and creating economic inequality.

8. Overall Economic Ruin: Shock Therapy resulted in economic ruin and disaster for the people of the entire region, highlighting its shortcomings as a transiti

stratony

10. Write an essay for or against the following proposition: “With the

disintegration of the second world, India should change its foreign

policy and focus more on friendship with the US rather than with

traditional friends like Russia”.

Ans: Importance of Maintaining Healthy Relations with Russia for India:

1. Shared Vision of Multipolar World Order: Both countries advocate for a multipolar world order, emphasizing co-existence of several world powers, collective security, and decision-making through bodies like the UN.

2. Extensive Bilateral Agreements: Over 80 bilateral agreements exist between India and Russia under the Indo-Russia Strategic Agreement of 2001.

3. Beneficial Cooperation on Various Issues:

• Russia has supported India on crucial matters like Kashmir, energy supplies, combating international terrorism, and providing access to Central Asia.
• It helps India balance its relations with China.

4. Support in Nuclear Energy and Space Industry:

• Russia assists India in its nuclear energy plans.
• It has provided cryogenic rocket technology to India for its space industry.

5. Partnership in Oil Fields: India benefits from partnerships and investments in oil fields in collaboration with Russia and its republics like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

6. Significant Arms Market: India is the second-largest arms market for Russia, with the Indian military sourcing most of its hardware from Russia.

7. Collaboration in Scientific Projects: Both countries have collaborated on various scientific projects, showcasing a strong bond beyond just strategic and economic ties.