The French Revolution - Social Science - English - History - Class 9 - Cbse & Ncert

Summary

The 18th-century French society was divided into three estates, with the third estate bearing the tax burden. Economic crises and social discontent led to the French Revolution, which abolished the monarchy and established a republic. The Reign of Terror saw extreme measures under Robespierre, followed by the Directory's rule. Women fought for rights, leading to eventual suffrage in 1946. Slavery was abolished in 1794, reinstated by Napoleon, and finally ended in 1848. The revolution influenced Europe and promoted the ideals of liberty and democracy.

Takeaways

• 👑 The 18th century French society was structured into three estates, with the third estate bearing the tax burden.
• 📉 Economic hardship, food scarcity, and a widening wealth gap led to discontent among the French populace.
• 🌾 The feudal system was abolished on August 4, 1789, marking a significant shift towards constitutional monarchy.
• 🗳️ The Estates General's refusal to accept the traditional voting structure sparked the formation of the National Assembly.
• 🏰 The French Revolution led to the monarchy's abolition and the establishment of the First French Republic in September 1792.
• ⚖️ The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) was characterized by strict control, harsh punishments, and the execution of perceived enemies.
• 📜 The Directory's rule attempted to prevent the concentration of power by establishing a bicameral legislature and an executive committee.
• 🚺 Despite active participation in the revolution, women's rights were largely overlooked, leading to their own struggle for recognition and suffrage.
• 🌍 The abolition and subsequent reintroduction of slavery in French colonies highlighted the moral and economic complexities of the era.
• 📚 The revolution brought about significant cultural changes, including freedom of speech and expression, and the spread of revolutionary ideas.
• 🏆 Napoleon Bonaparte's rise and fall had a profound impact on France and Europe, with his rule ending the revolutionary period and establishing the French Empire.

Q & A

What were the three estates in 18th century French society?

The three estates in 18th century French society were: the First Estate, comprising the clergy; the Second Estate, comprising the nobility; and the Third Estate, which was further divided into three categories: big businessmen, merchants, court officials, peasants and artisans, and landless peasants, laborers, and servants.

What were the privileges enjoyed by the First and Second Estates?

The First and Second Estates enjoyed many privileges, including exemption from taxes, which were only paid by the Third Estate.

What were the main causes of discontent in 18th century French society?

The main causes of discontent included food scarcity due to a growing population, rising prices, especially of bread, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor, which was worsened by severe droughts or hail that reduced harvests.

What was the Estates General and why was it called in 1789?

The Estates General was a political body to which the three estates sent their representatives. It was called in 1789 by King Louis XVI to propose an increase in taxes.

How did France become a constitutional monarchy?

France became a constitutional monarchy after the National Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes on the night of 4th August 1789.

What significant event occurred on 21st September 1792?

On 21st September 1792, the newly elected assembly, called the Convention, abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic.

Who was Maximilian Robespierre and what was his role during the Reign of Terror?

Maximilian Robespierre was a leading member of the Jacobin club. During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), he followed a policy of strict control and harsh punishments, executing anyone he considered an enemy.

What was the Reign of Terror and when did it occur?

The Reign of Terror was a period from 1793 to 1794 where the government, under Robespierre, arrested and executed many perceived enemies, including clergymen, ex-nobles, and members of other political parties.

How did the French Revolution impact women?

Women participated actively in the revolution but initially were not granted political rights. They started their own clubs, demanded the right to vote, and to hold political office. Over time, they gained more rights, including the right to education, the ability to work in various jobs, and the right to divorce.

What was the role of slavery in the French economy and how was it eventually abolished?

Slavery played a significant role in the French economy, particularly in the Caribbean colonies where there were large plantations. Slavery was abolished by the Convention in 1794 under Jacobin control, but reintroduced by Napoleon. It was finally abolished in all French colonies in 1848.

How did Napoleon Bonaparte rise to power and what were the consequences of his rule?

Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power after the fall of the Jacobin government and the Directory. He crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. His rule initially saw him as a liberator in conquered countries, but later he was viewed as an invader. Despite being defeated at Waterloo in 1815, his reforms had a lasting impact on Europe.