Class 9 SST - History Chapter 1: The French Revolution
1. Introduction
Date: 14 July 1789 - Storming of the Bastille Prison.
Significance: Symbol of the king's autocracy, beginning of the French Revolution.
France: Ruled by King Louis XVI of the Bourbon family.
2. French Society During the Late 18th Century
Three Estates:
1st Estate: Clergy - no taxes, collected tithes.
2nd Estate: Nobility - no taxes, collected feudal dues.
3rd Estate: Common people - paid all taxes, no privileges.
Tithes: Tax to Church.
Taille: Direct tax to state.
3. The Struggle to Survive
Population increase = food demand rise = food price rise.
Poor harvests = famine.
Unemployment and hunger led to unrest.
4. Role of Philosophers
John Locke - natural rights.
Rousseau - social contract.
Montesquieu - separation of powers.
Their ideas inspired people to question monarchy and inequality.
5. Immediate Causes
Economic crisis due to war debt.
Royal extravagance.
King Louis XVI imposed new taxes.
Class 9 SST - History Chapter 1: The French Revolution
6. The Outbreak of the Revolution
Estates-General Meeting (May 1789): 3rd Estate protested 1 vote policy.
Tennis Court Oath (June 1789): National Assembly formed.
Fall of Bastille (14 July 1789): Symbol of revolution.
7. France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
Constitution of 1791:
- Limited monarchy.
- Separation of powers.
- Only active (tax-paying) male citizens could vote.
- Women excluded from politics.
8. The Reign of Terror (1793-94)
Robespierre's rule.
Committee of Public Safety executed thousands using the guillotine.
After his fall, the Directory (5-member government) was formed.
9. The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
Came to power in 1799.
Emperor in 1804.
Napoleonic Code introduced reforms.
Defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
10. Impact of the French Revolution
End of monarchy, rise of democracy and nationalism.
Inspired revolutions worldwide.
Spread ideas: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
Class 9 SST - History Chapter 1: The French Revolution
Important Keywords
Guillotine - execution device.
Tithe - church tax.
Taille - state tax.
Directory - 5-member executive body.
Bourgeoisie - middle class.
Map Practice
Mark and label: Paris, Versailles, Bastille, Bordeaux, Marseilles.
Summary
The French Revolution was a major turning point. It ended monarchy, introduced democracy, and inspired
global change with ideas of equality and liberty.
