Class 9 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 1. The French Revolution

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On June 16, 2025

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, marked a turning point in European history and inspired revolutions across the world. This chapter explores the events, ideas, and impact of the French Revolution, its causes, the role of the people, the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of new political ideas, and its long-lasting legacy.

Background and Causes of the Revolution
In the late 18th century, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under King Louis XVI. The French society was divided into three estates:

First Estate: Clergy – enjoyed many privileges, paid no taxes.
Second Estate: Nobility – also exempted from taxes, held high positions in court and government.
Third Estate: Common people – included peasants, artisans, workers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class). This estate formed about 98% of the population but bore the burden of all taxes.

Major Causes:
Social Inequality: The division of society into unequal estates created widespread resentment among the Third Estate.
Economic Crisis: France was facing a severe financial crisis due to years of war (especially the American Revolution), royal extravagance, and an inefficient tax system. Food prices rose, leading to starvation and unrest.

Political Conflict: The monarchy’s refusal to share power or reform the tax structure angered the common people.
Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity. These ideas challenged the divine right of kings.
Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI was indecisive and failed to manage the crisis effectively.

The Outbreak of the Revolution (1789)
Due to the financial crisis, the king called a meeting of the Estates General on 5 May 1789. This was a body representing the three estates. Traditionally, each estate had one vote, but the Third Estate demanded voting by head, which was denied. As a result, the Third Estate walked out and declared themselves the National Assembly, led by Mirabeau and Abbé Sieyès.

Tennis Court Oath: On 20 June 1789, members of the Third Estate gathered in a tennis court and swore not to disperse until a constitution was framed.
Storming of the Bastille (14 July 1789): The Bastille, a fortress-prison and symbol of royal tyranny, was stormed by angry citizens in Paris. This event became a symbol of the Revolution and is now celebrated as Bastille Day in France.

Reforms by the National Assembly
In August 1789, the National Assembly abolished feudal privileges and issued the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which proclaimed:
All men are born free and equal
Sovereignty belongs to the people
Freedom of speech, press, and religion
Law is the expression of the general will
The church’s land was confiscated, and the clergy had to pledge loyalty to the nation. A constitutional monarchy was established, limiting the king’s power.

France Becomes a Republic
By 1791, France had its first written constitution. However, the situation remained unstable. Many nobles fled the country and sought foreign support. The king tried to flee but was caught and brought back. This eroded trust further.

War and Internal Threats: Revolutionary France declared war on Austria and Prussia, fearing a counter-revolution. At home, food shortages and inflation caused unrest. The revolution became more radical.
In 1792, the monarchy was abolished and France was declared a Republic. King Louis XVI was tried and executed in January 1793, followed by Queen Marie Antoinette.

The Reign of Terror (1793–94)
After the king’s execution, France faced both internal revolt and foreign invasion. The Jacobins, led by Maximilien Robespierre, took control. They believed in using force to protect the revolution.

Under Robespierre’s rule:
Suspected enemies were arrested, tried quickly, and often executed.
About 17,000 people were guillotined, including former allies.
This period is known as the Reign of Terror.
Eventually, Robespierre’s excesses led to his downfall and execution in 1794. The Reign of Terror ended.

The Rise of the Directory and Napoleon
After Robespierre, a new constitution was introduced in 1795. Executive power was given to a committee called the Directory (five members). However, the Directory was weak and corrupt.

In this situation of instability, Napoleon Bonaparte, a successful military general, seized power in 1799 through a coup and later declared himself Emperor of France. Though he brought administrative reforms, he also ended the democratic phase of the Revolution.

Impact of the French Revolution
End of Monarchy and Feudalism: The Revolution abolished monarchy, feudal privileges, and aristocratic titles.
Promotion of Equality and Liberty: Revolutionary ideas spread across Europe and later influenced other countries.

Growth of Nationalism: The Revolution inspired feelings of unity and pride in the French nation, sowing seeds of nationalism.
Rise of Middle Class: The bourgeoisie gained prominence and pushed for capitalist and merit-based societies.

Women’s Role: Women actively participated in protests, political clubs, and demands for rights. Though they didn’t gain equal rights then, their voices were heard.
Global Influence: The Revolution influenced the Haitian Revolution, Latin American movements, and the 1848 revolutions across Europe.

Legacy of the Revolution
The French Revolution introduced the modern ideas of democracy, secularism, and the rights of citizens. Though the period of democracy was brief and ended with Napoleon, the revolutionary ideals lived on.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen remains a foundational document.

The ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to inspire democratic struggles across the world.
The French Revolution questioned the legitimacy of kingship and the Church’s control over politics.

Symbols of the French Revolution
Several symbols were associated with the revolution:
The Broken Chain: Freedom from oppression
The Red Phrygian Cap: Symbol of liberty
The Guillotine: Instrument of revolutionary justice
Tricolour Flag: Blue, white, and red symbolizing the nation
La Marseillaise: Patriotic song, now France’s national anthem

Conclusion
The French Revolution was more than an uprising against a king. It was a revolution of ideas — challenging centuries-old inequalities and ushering in a new era of political thought. Though the path was violent and often chaotic, the revolution laid the foundation for modern democracies. It was a powerful example of how ordinary people, driven by ideas and collective will, could change the course of history.
The lesson encourages students not only to understand the events but also to reflect on justice, rights, and the responsibilities of citizenship — issues that remain relevant even today.

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TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Question 1
Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Answer:
The outbreak of revolutionary protest in France was caused by multiple interconnected factors:
Financial Crisis: When Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774, he found an empty treasury. Long years of war had drained France’s financial resources, and the cost of maintaining an extravagant court at Versailles further worsened the situation. France’s support for the American colonies’ independence from Britain added more than a billion livres to an already massive debt of over 2 billion livres.
Social Inequality: French society was divided into three estates under the Old Regime. The First Estate (clergy) and Second Estate (nobility) enjoyed privileges by birth and were exempt from paying taxes, while the Third Estate (comprising about 95% of the population) bore the entire tax burden.
Economic Hardship: The population of France rose from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789, leading to increased demand for food grains. However, production could not keep pace, causing bread prices to rise rapidly while wages remained stagnant. This created a subsistence crisis that frequently occurred during the Old Regime.
Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophers like John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu promoted ideas of equality, liberty, and division of power. These ideas spread through salons, coffee houses, books, and newspapers, creating awareness about the need for political reform.
Immediate Triggers: The calling of the Estates-General in May 1789 after 175 years exposed the deep-rooted inequalities in the voting system. When the Third Estate demanded voting by head instead of by estate, and the king rejected this proposal, they broke away to form the National Assembly.

Question 2
Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?
Answer:
Groups that Benefited:
Third Estate: The common people who comprised 95% of the population benefited significantly. This included peasants (who formed the largest section), artisans, workers, and the middle class.
Peasants: The destruction of feudalism freed them from feudal obligations and taxes. All feudal dues were abolished, and they gained ownership of confiscated Church lands.
Middle Class: Professionals like lawyers, doctors, judges, teachers, and civil servants gained political power and opportunities for advancement based on merit rather than birth.
Merchants and Manufacturers: The new capitalist class emerged as very powerful, replacing the feudal economic system.
Groups Forced to Relinquish Power:
Nobility: The Second Estate lost all their privileges, had their lands confiscated, and many fled to neighboring countries. The feudal system that gave them power over peasants was completely abolished.
Clergy: The First Estate was forced to give up their privileges, tithes were abolished, and Church lands worth at least 2 billion livres were confiscated by the government.
Monarchy: The absolute monarchy was eventually abolished, and King Louis XVI was executed in 1793.
Groups that would have been Disappointed:
Women: Despite their active participation in the revolution, women were classified as “passive citizens” and denied political rights like voting and holding office. The Constitution of 1791 did not grant them equal political rights.
Working Classes: Though they gained some rights initially, the later constitutions (like the Directory) denied voting rights to non-propertied sections of society.
Small Artisans and Urban Poor: While they participated actively in the revolution, the ultimate political power was seized by the wealthier middle classes.

Question 3
Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Answer:
The French Revolution left a profound and lasting legacy that shaped the modern world:
Political Legacy:
Democracy and Republicanism: The revolution established the principle that sovereignty belongs to the people, not to monarchs. This inspired democratic movements worldwide and led to the establishment of republics in many countries.
Constitutional Government: The idea of limiting governmental power through constitutions and the separation of powers (legislative, executive, and judiciary) became a model for many nations.
Social and Ideological Impact:
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity: These revolutionary ideals became the foundation of modern democratic thought. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established fundamental human rights that influenced similar declarations worldwide.
Nationalism: The revolution gave the term “nation” its modern meaning – not just territory, but the people themselves. This concept inspired nationalist movements across Europe and the colonies.
International Influence:
Revolutionary Movements: The French Revolution inspired revolutionary movements in almost every country of Europe and in South and Central America. It became the classic example of how people could overthrow oppressive governments.
Anti-Colonial Movements: The ideas of freedom and equality were adapted by anti-colonial movements in India, China, Africa, and South America. Leaders like Tipu Sultan and Ram Mohan Roy in India were influenced by French revolutionary ideas.
Long-term Consequences:
End of Feudalism: The revolution accelerated the abolition of feudal systems across Europe.
Modern Political Language: Concepts like citizen rights, popular sovereignty, and national self-determination became part of political discourse worldwide.
Women’s Rights Movement: Though the revolution initially failed to grant women equal rights, it provided inspiration for later women’s suffrage movements.

Question 4
Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Answer:
The following democratic rights that we enjoy today can be traced back to the French Revolution:
Fundamental Rights:
Right to Equality: All citizens are equal before the law, regardless of birth, caste, or social status.
Right to Liberty: Freedom of speech, expression, and opinion.
Right to Life: The basic right to life and personal security.
Right to Property: Protection of private property with due process of law.
Political Rights:
Right to Vote: Universal adult suffrage, though initially limited in the French Revolution.
Right to Participate in Government: Citizens’ right to participate in forming laws either personally or through representatives.
Right to Elect Representatives: The principle of elected government rather than hereditary rule.
Civil Rights:
Freedom of Religion: The right to practice one’s religion freely.
Due Process of Law: No person can be accused, arrested, or detained except according to law.
Freedom of Press: The right to speak, write, and print freely.
Legal Rights:
Right to Fair Trial: Equal treatment before courts and proper legal procedures.
Constitutional Remedies: The right to approach courts for protection of fundamental rights.
Economic Rights:
Right against Exploitation: Protection from forced labor and unfair economic practices.
Right to Fair Taxation: Taxes should be assessed equally on all citizens in proportion to their means.
These rights were first articulated in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789) and have since become the foundation of democratic constitutions worldwide.

Question 5
Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Answer:
Yes, I agree that the message of universal rights was beset with several contradictions. The French Revolution, while proclaiming universal equality and freedom, failed to extend these principles to all members of society:
Gender Contradictions:
The most glaring contradiction was the exclusion of women from political rights. Despite women’s active participation in revolutionary activities, they were classified as “passive citizens” and denied the right to vote, hold office, or participate in political decision-making. Even revolutionary leaders like Olympe de Gouges, who wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen, were executed for demanding equal rights.
Economic Contradictions:
The Constitution of 1791 restricted voting rights to men who paid taxes equal to at least three days of a laborer’s wage. This meant that despite proclaiming equality, the revolution actually created a system where political rights were based on wealth rather than being truly universal. As revolutionary journalist Jean-Paul Marat observed, “The task of representing the people has been given to the rich”.
Colonial Contradictions:
While France proclaimed liberty and equality at home, it continued to maintain colonies and slavery in its overseas territories. The revolutionary ideals were not extended to enslaved people in French colonies, revealing the limited scope of “universal” rights.
Social Contradictions:
The revolution, while abolishing feudalism, did not address all forms of social inequality. The wealthier middle classes ultimately seized power, and the Directory’s constitution later denied voting rights to non-propertied sections of society.
Practical Implementation:
The gap between revolutionary rhetoric and practice was evident in the Reign of Terror, where the government violated many of the very rights it had proclaimed. The suppression of women’s clubs and political activities during this period contradicted the principles of freedom and equality.
International Contradictions:
Many countries that embraced French revolutionary ideals continued to deny full freedom to their colonial subjects. The imperial powers selectively applied these principles, extending them to their own citizens while denying them to colonized peoples.
These contradictions demonstrate that while the French Revolution established important principles of human rights, their implementation was limited by the social, economic, and political prejudices of the time.

Question 6
How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
Answer:
The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte can be explained through the political instability and circumstances that followed the French Revolution:
Fall of the Jacobin Government:
After Robespierre’s execution in 1794, the Jacobin government collapsed, ending the Reign of Terror. This created a power vacuum that allowed the wealthier middle classes to seize control of the government.
Establishment of the Directory:
A new constitution was introduced that denied voting rights to non-propertied sections of society and established the Directory – an executive body of five members. This system was designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single person, learning from the experience of Robespierre’s dictatorship.
Political Instability:
The Directory faced constant political turmoil. The Directors frequently clashed with the two elected legislative councils, leading to attempts to dismiss each other. This ongoing conflict created governmental paralysis and made effective governance impossible.
Economic and Social Problems:
The Directory failed to address the economic difficulties facing France, including ongoing wars, financial problems, and social unrest. The government’s inability to provide stable leadership or solve pressing problems created widespread dissatisfaction.
Military Success:
During this period of political chaos, Napoleon emerged as a successful military commander. His victories in various campaigns made him popular among the French people and gave him the support of the army.
Opportunistic Seizure of Power:
Napoleon took advantage of the Directory’s weakness and political instability to stage a coup in 1799. His military success and the government’s failures provided him with the opportunity to present himself as the strong leader France needed.
Popular Support:
Many French citizens, exhausted by years of political turmoil and economic hardship, welcomed Napoleon’s promise of stability and order. His military victories had made him a national hero, and people saw him as someone who could restore France’s glory.
Culmination in Empire:
Napoleon’s rise was completed when he crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. He then set out to conquer neighboring European countries, spreading French revolutionary ideals while establishing his own empire.
Napoleon’s rise demonstrates how political instability and the failure of democratic institutions can create opportunities for military dictators to seize power.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

Multiple Choice Questions (Q1–Q10)
Q1. When did the French Revolution begin?
(a) 14 July 1789
(b) 26 January 1789
(c) 1 May 1789
(d) 15 August 1789
Answer: (a) 14 July 1789

Q2. What was the name of the fortress prison stormed by revolutionaries?
(a) Versailles
(b) Bastille
(c) Louvre
(d) Paris Fort
Answer: (b) Bastille

Q3. Who wrote the influential pamphlet ‘What is the Third Estate?’
(a) Rousseau
(b) Mirabeau
(c) Abbe Sieyès
(d) Voltaire
Answer: (c) Abbe Sieyès

Q4. Which estate paid all the taxes in the French society?
(a) First Estate
(b) Second Estate
(c) Third Estate
(d) Nobility
Answer: (c) Third Estate

Q5. Which document declared that ‘men are born free and equal in rights’?
(a) The Civil Code
(b) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
(c) The Napoleonic Code
(d) Constitution of 1791
Answer: (b) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Q6. What was the immediate cause of the French Revolution?
(a) American Revolution
(b) Rising food prices and economic crisis
(c) War with Britain
(d) Birth of a new king
Answer: (b) Rising food prices and economic crisis

Q7. Who was the ruler of France at the time of the revolution?
(a) Louis XIV
(b) Napoleon
(c) Louis XVI
(d) Charles X
Answer: (c) Louis XVI

Q8. What was Taille in pre-revolutionary France?
(a) A type of bread
(b) A tax paid to the Church
(c) A direct tax on land and property
(d) A military post
Answer: (c) A direct tax on land and property

Q9. Who formed the Jacobin Club?
(a) Robespierre
(b) Danton
(c) Louis XVI
(d) Lafayette
Answer: (a) Robespierre

Q10. What was the most important legacy of the French Revolution?
(a) Expansion of French colonies
(b) End of monarchy in Europe
(c) Idea of democratic rights
(d) Rise of Napoleon
Answer: (c) Idea of democratic rights

Short Answer Questions (Q11–Q15)
Q11. Name the three estates into which French society was divided before the Revolution.
Answer:
First Estate – Clergy
Second Estate – Nobility
Third Estate – Common people (peasants, workers, bourgeoisie)

Q12. What was the Estates General?
Answer:
The Estates General was a political body to which the three estates sent their representatives. It was last convened in 1614 and again in 1789 to deal with the financial crisis.

Q13. What was the role of women in the French Revolution?
Answer:
Women participated in marches (like the march to Versailles), formed political clubs, demanded the right to vote, and raised issues of education and equality.

Q14. What was the Reign of Terror?
Answer:
The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) was a period when Robespierre ruled France with extreme measures. Enemies of the revolution were arrested and many were executed by guillotine.

Q15. What changes were introduced by the Constitution of 1791?
Answer:
The Constitution of 1791 limited the power of the monarchy, established a constitutional monarchy, and created a National Assembly to make laws. Only active citizens could vote.

Short Answer Questions (continued: Q16–Q20)
Q16. What was the National Assembly?
Answer:
The National Assembly was formed by the representatives of the Third Estate on 20 June 1789. They declared themselves the true representatives of the French people and decided to draft a constitution that would limit the powers of the king.

Q17. What was the significance of the storming of the Bastille?
Answer:
The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 symbolized the end of the king’s absolute power and the beginning of the people’s uprising. It is now celebrated as France’s National Day.

Q18. What economic hardships did France face in the late 18th century?
Answer:
France faced a severe financial crisis due to expensive wars, lavish spending by the monarchy, a faulty tax system, bad harvests, rising food prices, and increasing poverty among common people.

Q19. What was the importance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
Answer:
It laid the foundation for modern democracy by asserting that all men are born equal, have natural rights to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It abolished privileges based on birth.

Q20. How did the political system of France change after the revolution?
Answer:
The monarchy was abolished, and France became a republic. Power shifted from the king to elected representatives, and efforts were made to implement equality, liberty, and fraternity.

Mid-Length Answer Questions (Q21–Q25)
Q21. Describe the social structure of France before the Revolution.
Answer:
French society was divided into three estates:
First Estate (Clergy): Enjoyed privileges, owned land, and paid no taxes.
Second Estate (Nobility): Owned vast lands, held high offices, and were also tax-exempt.
Third Estate (Commoners): Included peasants, artisans, and bourgeoisie. They paid all taxes and had no political rights. This inequality led to widespread resentment and became a major cause of the revolution.

Q22. What role did philosophers play in bringing about the French Revolution?
Answer:
Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu influenced public opinion through their writings:
Locke spoke of natural rights and social contract.
Rousseau advocated direct democracy.
Montesquieu promoted separation of powers.
Their ideas inspired people to challenge the absolute monarchy and demand liberty and equality.

Q23. What were the main features of the Constitution of 1791?
Answer:
It created a constitutional monarchy.
The king’s powers were limited by a constitution.
The Legislative Assembly was established to make laws.
Only active citizens (tax-paying men above 25) could vote.
Equality before the law was emphasized, though it excluded women and the poor.

Q24. Who were the Jacobins? What were their contributions?
Answer:
The Jacobin Club was a radical political group led by Maximilian Robespierre.
It included artisans, small shopkeepers, and wage earners.
They abolished monarchy, declared France a republic, and executed King Louis XVI.
They introduced price controls and universal male suffrage.
They played a key role during the Reign of Terror to protect the revolution.

Q25. How did Napoleon come to power in France?
Answer:
After the fall of Robespierre, the Directory ruled France but was inefficient and corrupt.
In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte, a military general, led a coup d’état, overthrew the Directory, and established himself as the First Consul. Later, he declared himself Emperor in 1804.

Long Answer Questions (Q26–Q30)
Q26. Explain the causes of the French Revolution in detail.
Answer:
The French Revolution was caused by a combination of political, social, economic, and intellectual factors:
Political Causes:
Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI.
Centralised power with the king; no representation of the common people.
Widespread corruption and inefficient administration.
Social Causes:
French society was divided into three estates.
The First (Clergy) and Second (Nobility) estates enjoyed privileges and were exempt from taxes.
The Third Estate (commoners) bore the entire tax burden and had no political rights.
Economic Causes:
Financial crisis due to war debts and lavish royal spending.
Rising prices of bread and essential goods.
Heavy taxation on commoners, while the rich were tax-exempt.
Intellectual Causes:
Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Their writings inspired the people to question the divine right of kings and demand democratic rights.
Immediate Cause:
A severe winter and poor harvest in 1788–89 led to food shortages and widespread starvation.
The Estates-General meeting in May 1789 turned into a revolution when the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly.

Q27. Describe the outbreak of the Revolution and the fall of the Bastille.
Answer:
Context:
France faced a severe financial crisis; Louis XVI decided to raise taxes.
He called the Estates-General on 5 May 1789.
The Third Estate demanded one man–one vote, but the king rejected it.
National Assembly Formation:
On 20 June 1789, the Third Estate formed the National Assembly, vowing not to disband until they had a constitution.
Tensions rose in Paris and the countryside.
Storming of the Bastille (14 July 1789):
The Bastille was a royal fortress-prison and a symbol of tyranny.
Revolutionaries stormed it to obtain arms and free prisoners.
The fall of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
Significance:
It symbolised the end of the king’s absolute power.
It showed that people could challenge the monarchy.
14 July is now celebrated as Bastille Day in France.

Q28. What was the Reign of Terror? What were its features?
Answer:
Period and Leader:
The Reign of Terror lasted from 1793 to 1794.
It was led by Maximilien Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.
Causes:
France was in chaos: internal revolts, food shortages, and war with foreign powers.
To protect the Revolution, Robespierre took harsh measures.
Key Features:
Harsh laws against ‘enemies of the Revolution’.
Mass executions by guillotine, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
Closure of churches and change in calendar to remove royal and religious influence.
Introduction of price controls and rationing of food.
End of Reign of Terror:
Robespierre’s growing tyranny caused unrest.
He was arrested and guillotined in July 1794, ending the Reign of Terror.

Q29. Discuss the role of women in the French Revolution.
Answer:
Participation in Events:
Women marched to Versailles in October 1789, demanding bread and forcing the king to return to Paris.
Many women joined political clubs, such as the Society of Revolutionary Republican Women.
Demands:
Right to vote and participate in government.
Equal pay and education.
Reforms in marriage and property laws.
Reforms and Limitations:
Some gains were made: schools for girls were established, and divorce was made easier.
However, the Constitution of 1791 excluded women from political rights.
In 1793, women’s clubs were banned.
Legacy:
Women’s activism laid the foundation for future feminist movements.
Olympe de Gouges, a notable activist, wrote The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen.

Q30. What was the impact of the French Revolution on France and the world?
Answer:
Political Impact in France:
The absolute monarchy was abolished.
France became a republic.
Power shifted to elected representatives.
Social and Legal Reforms:
Feudal privileges ended.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen introduced equality, liberty, and fraternity.
New laws promoted equality before the law.
Global Influence:
Inspired revolutions in Europe and Latin America.
Spread the ideas of democracy and nationalism.
Challenged monarchies across Europe.
Napoleon’s Role:
Napoleon later carried these ideas across Europe during his conquests.
Although he became an emperor, he preserved many revolutionary reforms like the Napoleonic Code.

ONE PAGE REVISION SHEET

🔹 Timeline of Key Events:
5 May 1789 – Estates General convened at Versailles
20 June 1789 – Third Estate formed National Assembly
14 July 1789 – Storming of the Bastille
1791 – Constitution of 1791 framed
21 January 1793 – King Louis XVI executed
1793–1794 – Reign of Terror under Robespierre
1794 – Robespierre executed
1799 – Napoleon seized power

🔹 Social Structure (Old Regime):
First Estate – Clergy (privileged, no taxes)
Second Estate – Nobility (privileged, no taxes)
Third Estate – Commoners (bourgeoisie, peasants, workers – paid all taxes)

🔹 Causes of the Revolution:
Inequality in society (estates system)
Economic crisis (debt, food scarcity, taxes)
Absolute monarchy & inefficient king
Enlightenment ideas (liberty, equality, fraternity)
Influence of American Revolution
Immediate cause: price rise and food shortage

🔹 Important Terms:
Taille – Direct land tax
Estates General – Political assembly of 3 estates
National Assembly – Body formed by the Third Estate
Jacobin Club – Radical group led by Robespierre
Reign of Terror – Period of extreme violence and executions (1793–94)

🔹 Reforms Introduced:
End of feudal privileges
Abolition of monarchy and Church control
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Constitutional monarchy (1791) → later became a republic
New laws for education, taxation, and justice

🔹 Role of Women:
Participated in marches, clubs, and political discussions
Demanded right to vote, education, equality
Not granted political rights in 1791; women’s clubs later banned
Olympe de Gouges wrote Declaration of Rights of Woman

🔹 Impact of the Revolution:
Spread of democratic ideas
End of monarchy and feudalism in France
Inspired other revolutions (Europe, Latin America)
Rise of Napoleon (1799), who later spread revolutionary ideas through Europe

✍ Motto of the Revolution:
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity