Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

The Greek war of independence (beginning 1821) stirred nationalist feelings across Europe in the following ways:

1. Historical background: Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since the fifteenth century. Revolutionary nationalism in Europe inspired the Greeks to begin their struggle for independence in 1821.

1. Support from Greeks in exile: Nationalists in Greece received encouragement and support from Greeks living abroad, strengthening the movement.

1. Sympathy of West Europeans: Many West Europeans sympathised with Greece because poets and artists portrayed it as the cradle of European civilisation, thus arousing public opinion in its favour.

1. Role of Romantic artists: Painters like Delacroix depicted Greek suffering (e.g., Massacre at Chios, 1824), appealing to people's emotions and building solidarity.

1. Lord Byron's contribution: The English poet Lord Byron organised funds and personally went to fight for Greek independence; he died of fever in 1824, becoming a symbol of the cause.

1. Outcome: The Treaty of Constantinople (1832) finally recognised Greece as an independent nation, inspiring nationalist movements elsewhere in Europe.

Source: Chapter 1 – Nationalism in Europe, Section on Greek war of independence

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark answer — each point earns 1 mark.
• Mention the 1821 start, Ottoman context, West European sympathy, Romantic artists/Delacroix, Lord Byron, and the 1832 Treaty — these are the textbook-specific details that score marks.
• Avoid vague statements; name specific people, events, and dates from the passage.
• The phrase "cradle of European civilisation" is a textbook phrase — use it directly.