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The French Revolution was driven by social inequality, financial crisis, and Enlightenment ideas, leading to widespread unrest against King Louis XVI's absolute monarchy. The revolution primarily benefited the Third Estate, particularly the middle class, while the nobility and clergy lost their privileges, leaving many poor and women disappointed. Its legacy includes the promotion of liberty and equality, inspiring global reform movements and democratic rights that continue to influence societies today.

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5 views5 pages

Ch

The French Revolution was driven by social inequality, financial crisis, and Enlightenment ideas, leading to widespread unrest against King Louis XVI's absolute monarchy. The revolution primarily benefited the Third Estate, particularly the middle class, while the nobility and clergy lost their privileges, leaving many poor and women disappointed. Its legacy includes the promotion of liberty and equality, inspiring global reform movements and democratic rights that continue to influence societies today.

Uploaded by

sagarikabanik0506
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Ch.

1 The French Revolution


Q.1. Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of
revolutionary protest in France.
Ans: The French Revolution was the result of a combination
of social, political, economic, and intellectual factors.
(i) King Louis XVI was an absolute monarch who lived in
luxury and lacked strong leadership qualities.
(ii) French society was deeply unequal. The clergy and
nobility (First and Second Estates) enjoyed privileges and
were exempt from taxes. The Third Estate, which made up the
majority, faced heavy taxation and had no political rights,
leading to growing resentment.
(iii) France faced a severe financial crisis.The state treasury
was drained due to years of wars, support for the American
Revolution, royal extravagance, and a flawed taxation system.
The wealthy estates refused to pay taxes, leaving the burden
on the already suffering Third Estate.
(iv) Enlightenment thinkers challenged the divine right of
kings and promoted ideas of equality, liberty, and popular
sovereignty, inspiring the common people.
(v) The public had no role in governance. The Estates General
hadn’t met for 175 years. Corruption and inefficiency plagued
the administration. These conditions fueled widespread unrest
and led to the outbreak of revolution in 1789.
Q.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?
Ans. Benefited:
The Third Estate, especially the middle class—such as
businessmen, merchants, professionals, and lawyers—
benefited most. After the revolution, they gained equality with
the privileged classes and some were given political rights.
Relinquished Power:
The nobility, clergy, and aristocrats lost their privileges.
Church lands were also taken over by the state.
Disappointed:
(a) Poor peasants, landless laborers, artisans, and women saw
little improvement in their conditions and were disappointed.
(b) The clergy and nobility were also unhappy as they lost
their special status and privileges.

Q.3. Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the


peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries.
Ans. (i) The Revolution introduced powerful ideas of Liberty,
Equality, and Fraternity, which inspired reform movements
across the globe in the 19th and 20th centuries.
(ii) It promoted liberty as a fundamental right and laid the
foundation for a new, just social order.
(iii) It popularized the concept of national sovereignty and
inspired mass movements that reshaped nations, especially in
Europe and South America.
(iv) The French Revolution also influenced anti-colonial
struggles, including movements in countries like India.

Q.4. Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today


whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Ans: Many democratic rights we enjoy today have their roots
in the French Revolution. These rights are now reflected in
the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles
of the Indian Constitution.
• The right to equality, including equal protection under the
law and equal opportunities in employment.
• The right to freedom of speech and expression.
• The right against exploitation.
• The right to life and personal liberty.
• The right to vote and participate in the democratic process.
• The idea of fraternity, promoting unity and friendly
international relations.
Q.5. Would you agree with the view that the message of
universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Ans. Yes, the idea of universal rights during the French
Revolution was full of contradictions.
(i) Although the revolution had mass support from peasants
and the urban poor, it did not bring real equality, especially in
economic terms.
(ii) Voting rights were limited to those who paid a minimum
amount of tax—excluding many common people.
(iii) Women were denied political rights, equal pay, and the
right to hold office, despite participating actively in the
revolution.
(iv) Although France promoted liberty and equality, it
expanded its colonies through wars, contradicting those
ideals.
(v) The continuation of the slave trade also went against the
principles of human equality and freedom.

Q.6. How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?


Ans. (i) Impact of the French Revolution:
France was going through political and economic chaos after
the revolution, creating a power vacuum.
(ii) The Directory and Political Instability:
A new constitution set up a Directory with five members and
two legislative councils. However, frequent conflicts between
them led to further instability.
~ Napoleon used this discontent to seize power with army
support.
(iii) Military Successes:
Napoleon was a skilled general who led France to victory in
many wars, gaining popularity and control, although he failed
to defeat Britain and Russia.
(iv) Public Support:
People saw Napoleon as a product of the Revolution. They
believed he would protect their revolutionary gains, such as
land ownership and the end of aristocracy.

These conditions helped Napoleon rise and declare himself


ruler of France.

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