Scribd
Upload
42 views2 pages

Detailed French Revolution Notes Class 9

The French Revolution, occurring from 1789 to 1799, ended absolute monarchy and introduced principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, influencing global democratic movements. Key factors included social inequality, economic crisis, and Enlightenment ideas, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and the storming of the Bastille. The revolution resulted in the execution of King Louis XVI, the establishment of a republic, and significant societal changes, including the abolition of slavery and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Uploaded by

vidhiingle28079
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
42 views2 pages

Detailed French Revolution Notes Class 9

The French Revolution, occurring from 1789 to 1799, ended absolute monarchy and introduced principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, influencing global democratic movements. Key factors included social inequality, economic crisis, and Enlightenment ideas, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and the storming of the Bastille. The revolution resulted in the execution of King Louis XVI, the establishment of a republic, and significant societal changes, including the abolition of slavery and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Uploaded by

vidhiingle28079
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Class 9 History – Detailed Notes on the

French Revolution
1. Introduction
The French Revolution was a major event in world history that began in 1789 and lasted
until 1799. It brought an end to absolute monarchy and introduced the ideas of liberty,
equality, and fraternity. The revolution laid the foundation for modern democracy in France
and inspired revolutions around the world.

2. French Society During the Late 18th Century


French society was divided into three estates:
1. First Estate: Clergy – owned 10% of the land, paid no taxes.
2. Second Estate: Nobility – held high posts in government and army, also exempted from
taxes.
3. Third Estate: Commoners – included peasants, artisans, merchants, and lawyers. They
paid all the taxes but had no privileges.

3. Causes of the Revolution


- **Social Inequality**: The rigid division of society created unrest among the Third Estate.
- **Economic Crisis**: France was in deep debt due to wars and lavish spending by the
monarchy.
- **Unfair Taxation**: Only the Third Estate paid taxes while the rich estates enjoyed
privileges.
- **Enlightenment Ideas**: Philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire questioned monarchy
and inspired people.
- **American Revolution**: The success of the American war of independence encouraged
the French to revolt.

4. The Outbreak of the Revolution


- In 1789, King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates General to discuss new taxes.
- The Third Estate broke away and formed the National Assembly, vowing not to disband
until a new constitution was made (Tennis Court Oath).
- On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison – a symbol of royal power.
- This marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
5. End of Monarchy and Declaration of Republic
- The king and queen were captured and tried for treason.
- In 1793, Louis XVI was executed by guillotine. Later, Queen Marie Antoinette was also
executed.
- France was declared a republic.
- The Jacobins, a radical group led by Robespierre, came to power.

6. The Reign of Terror (1793–1794)


- Robespierre ruled France as a dictator during this period.
- Anyone suspected of being against the revolution was arrested and executed.
- Around 16,000 people were guillotined, including former revolutionaries.
- The Reign of Terror ended with the execution of Robespierre himself.

7. Role of Women in the Revolution


- Women participated in protests and political clubs.
- Olympe de Gouges wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman.
- Women demanded equal rights, education, and the right to vote.
- Some improvements were made – education and divorce rights – but voting rights were
denied.

8. Abolition of Slavery
- France had colonies in the Caribbean that used slave labor.
- In 1794, the revolutionary government abolished slavery.
- Napoleon later reintroduced slavery in 1802.
- Finally, slavery was abolished permanently in 1848.

9. Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte


- In 1799, Napoleon took control of France through a coup.
- In 1804, he crowned himself Emperor.
- He introduced the Napoleonic Code: simplified laws, equality before law, and ended feudal
privileges.
- He expanded French territory but was eventually defeated at Waterloo in 1815.

10. Legacy of the French Revolution


- Ended monarchy and privileges based on birth.
- Spread the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Inspired future revolutions in Europe and Latin America.
- Laid the foundation for modern democratic governments.

You might also like