Explain the ways in which nationalist feelings were kept alive in Poland in the 18th and 19th centuries.

OR

Critically examine the events leading to the division of Vietnam into North and South Vietnam. Why did this lead to a Civil War in Vietnam?

People of Poland kept the nationalist feelings alive during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

1. Emphasis was laid on collecting old folklore that could revive the traditions and inculcate the spirit of nationalism in the minds of illiterate masses.

2. Music was used as a medium to keep the spirits alive. Karol Kurpinski turned folk dances and mazurka into nationalist symbols and carried on the struggle through his music.

3. The use of Polish, the vernacular language played an important role in arousing nationalist feelings. Polish was used in churches and gatherings as a result of which many bishops were imprisoned. This was because they refused to preach in Russian.

Thus, nationalist feelings were kept alive across the country even though Poland did not exist as an independent country after the partition in the 18^th century.

OR

Vietnam was divided into North and South Vietnam. The following are the circumstances which led to its division.

1. Viet Minh was formed to fight against the Japanese when Japan occupied Vietnam in 1940.

2. Ho Chi Minh became the Chairman of Viet Minh which recaptured Hanoi in the year 1945.

3. The Viet Minh had to retreat to the hills when the French tried to regain control with their puppet emperor Bao Dai.

4. This became a cold war between the Soviet Union and the United States.

5. The French supported Britain and the United States whereas Ho Chi Minh was supported by China and the Soviet Union.

6. About sixteen thousand French troops faced a big defeat at Dien Bien Phu against the Viet Minh in the year 1954.

7. The French Government negotiated with the Republic of Vietnam.

8. Vietnam was divided into North and South Vietnam as per the provisions of The Geneva Agreement of 21^st July 1954.

Thus, the establishment of the Viet Minh and the victory against the French troops led to the division of Vietnam. The division of Vietnam set in motion a series of events which made the country into a battlefield.