Key Points: Why Did the French Revolution Take Place?
1. Social Inequality:
- French society was divided into three estates: Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners.
- The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges, especially exemption from taxes.
- The Third Estate (peasants, artisans, bourgeoisie) bore the burden of taxation but had no political ri
2. Economic Crisis:
- France faced severe debt due to costly wars, including support for the American Revolution.
- Poor harvests and soaring food prices led to widespread hunger and hardship.
- The Third Estate faced the highest taxes despite being the most economically vulnerable.
3. Political Conflict with the Monarchy:
- Absolute monarchy and lack of reforms angered the people.
- The Estates-General meeting of May 1789 revealed deep divisions in society.
- Formation of the National Assembly marked the start of the Revolution.
The French Revolution - Class 9 NCERT Notes
Topic-wise NCERT Summaries
French Society During the Late 18th Century
French society was divided into three estates: Clergy (First Estate), Nobility (Second Estate), and
Commoners (Third Estate). The first two estates enjoyed privileges like exemption from taxes. The Third
Estate included peasants, artisans, and the bourgeoisie, and bore the burden of taxation, leading to
resentment.
The Outbreak of the Revolution
Economic crisis due to war debts, poor harvests, and high food prices led to unrest. The Estates-General
meeting of May 1789 turned into a power struggle when the Third Estate formed the National Assembly,
marking the start of the Revolution. The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the fall of
tyranny.
France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
In 1791, a constitution limited the powers of the king. Due to war with Austria and Prussia and internal
rebellion, monarchy was abolished in 1792 and France became a republic. King Louis XVI was executed in
1793.
The Reign of Terror
From 179394, Robespierre led the Jacobins and imposed strict control and punishment. Nobles and even
revolutionaries were executed. After his fall in 1794, a more moderate government called the Directory took
over.
A Directory Rules France
The Directory (179599), a five-member executive, was weak and corrupt. Political instability paved the way
for Napoleon Bonaparte's coup in 1799, ending the revolution and beginning a new phase of French rule.
Did Women Have a Revolution?
Women actively participated by demanding equal rights, education, and freedom. However, they were largely
excluded from political power. Womens clubs and journals emerged, but voting rights came only much later.
The Abolition of Slavery
The French colonies used slave labour for plantation work. The revolution abolished slavery in 1794, though
it was reinstated by Napoleon and finally abolished in 1848.
The Revolution and Everyday Life
Revolutionary ideas impacted daily life censorship was lifted, new calendars and symbols introduced, and
the metric system implemented. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity became the basis of modern citizenship.
Key Points
1. Old Regime:
- Society divided into three estates: Clergy (1st), Nobility (2nd), Commoners (3rd).
- Third Estate heavily taxed and had no political rights.
2. Causes of the Revolution:
- Social Inequality, Economic Crisis (debt, food shortage), Political conflict with monarchy.
3. Important Events:
- May 5, 1789: Estates-General called by Louis XVI.
- June 1789: National Assembly formed by 3rd Estate.
- July 14, 1789: Storming of Bastille.
- Aug 4, 1789: Abolition of feudal privileges.
- Aug 27, 1789: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
4. Constitutional Monarchy:
- 1791: New Constitution limits monarchy.
- Oct 1789: Womens March forces royal family to Paris.
5. The Republic and Reign of Terror:
- Sept 22, 1792: Monarchy abolished, Republic declared.
- Jan 21, 1793: King Louis XVI executed.
- 179394: Reign of Terror under Robespierre.
6. Rise of Napoleon:
- Nov 9, 1799: Napoleon's coup (18 Brumaire).
- 1804: Napoleon becomes Emperor.
7. Legacy:
- Spread of ideas: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
- Inspired democratic revolutions and nationalism worldwide.
Timeline of Key Events
1774 - Louis XVI becomes king.
May 5, 1789 - Estates-General convened.
June 1789 - National Assembly formed.
July 14, 1789 - Storming of Bastille.
Aug 4, 1789 - Feudal privileges abolished.
Aug 27, 1789 - Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.
Oct 1789 - Women's March to Versailles.
Sept 1792 - France becomes a Republic.
Jan 21, 1793 - King executed.
17931794 - Reign of Terror.
1795 - Directory established.
Nov 9, 1799 - Napoleon seizes power.
1804 - Napoleon crowned Emperor.
1815 - Napoleon defeated at Waterloo.
Important Exam Questions
Q1. What were the main causes of the French Revolution?
Ans: Social inequality, economic crisis, and political conflict with monarchy.
Q2. What is the significance of the Storming of the Bastille?
Ans: Symbol of the end of tyranny and beginning of revolution.
Q3. What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
Ans: A document that guaranteed liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Q4. What was the Reign of Terror?
Ans: Period (179394) under Robespierre when thousands were executed.
Q5. How did Napoleon rise to power?
Ans: Took power through coup in 1799 due to weak Directory rule.
Q6. What is the legacy of the French Revolution?
Ans: Spread of democratic ideas, end of feudalism, growth of nationalism.
