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French Revolution Detailed Notes Class9 (1)

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, marked a significant shift towards democracy and the end of monarchy in France, driven by social, political, and economic factors. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the formation of the National Assembly, and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, leading to the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The Revolution also included the Reign of Terror, a period of mass executions, and ultimately paved the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power.

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French Revolution Detailed Notes Class9 (1)

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, marked a significant shift towards democracy and the end of monarchy in France, driven by social, political, and economic factors. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the formation of the National Assembly, and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, leading to the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The Revolution also included the Reign of Terror, a period of mass executions, and ultimately paved the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power.

Uploaded by

mahbubhussainlaskar4
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class 9 - History - Chapter 1: The French Revolution

Detailed Learning Notes - Beautifully Explained

Chapter Summary:

The French Revolution was a major event in world history that began in 1789 and ended in the late

1790s. It led to the rise of democracy and the end of monarchy in France. The Revolution started

due to various political, social, and economic reasons. The French society was divided into three

estates: the First Estate (Clergy), the Second Estate (Nobility), and the Third Estate (common

people including peasants, artisans, and the middle class). The First and Second Estates enjoyed

privileges while the Third Estate bore the burden of taxes.

France was also facing an economic crisis due to years of war, poor harvests, and the extravagant

spending of the monarchy. The Enlightenment philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and

Montesquieu spread ideas of equality and liberty which inspired the people. The American

Revolution also encouraged the French to fight for their rights.

On 14th July 1789, the revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison, which became a symbol of the

Revolution. The National Assembly was formed, and in August 1789, the Declaration of the Rights

of Man and Citizen was adopted. It stated that all men are born free and equal in rights. The

monarchy was abolished, and France was declared a republic. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie

Antoinette were executed by guillotine.

The Revolution went through various phases including the Reign of Terror led by Robespierre,

during which thousands were executed. Eventually, the revolution ended and paved the way for

Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power.


Key Terms Explained:
Old Regime:

The political and social system in France before the Revolution, where society was divided into three

unequal estates.

Estates:

The three social classes in France before the Revolution: Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners.

Tithe:

A tax paid to the Church, usually one-tenth of a person's produce or income.

Subsidy:

Financial aid provided by the government to support industries or individuals.

Guillotine:

A machine used to execute people by beheading during the French Revolution.

Bastille:

A prison in Paris that was stormed by revolutionaries on July 14, 1789.

Reign of Terror:

A period during the Revolution when Robespierre ruled and thousands were executed.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:

A document stating that all men are equal and have rights to liberty, property, security, and

resistance to oppression.

Important Questions and Answers:


Q1: What were the social causes of the French Revolution?

Ans: French society was divided into three estates. The First and Second Estates enjoyed

privileges, while the Third Estate bore the burden of taxes and had no political rights. This inequality

caused resentment among the common people.

Q2: How did economic problems contribute to the French Revolution?

Ans: France faced financial crises due to war expenses, debt, poor harvests, and the lavish lifestyle
of the monarchy. The common people suffered from high prices and food shortages.

Q3: What role did Enlightenment thinkers play in the Revolution?

Ans: Thinkers like Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire spread ideas of liberty, equality, and

democracy. These ideas influenced the people to demand change.

Q4: Why is the storming of the Bastille significant?

Ans: The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution. It was a symbol of

the end of monarchy and the people's fight against oppression.

Q5: What was the Reign of Terror?

Ans: The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) was a violent period led by Robespierre where thousands of

'enemies of the revolution' were executed by guillotine.

Q6: What were the major achievements of the French Revolution?

Ans: The Revolution ended monarchy, abolished feudal privileges, introduced democratic ideals,

and gave rights and freedoms to citizens through the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.

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