NCERT Solutions Class 9 (social Science) History Chapter – 1 ‘The French Revolution’ Quesiton Answer
Q. 1. Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Answer:-
Circumstances Leading to the Outbreak of Revolutionary Protest in France
The French Revolution of 1789 was triggered by a combination of economic, social, and political factors that created widespread discontent among the people.
1️⃣ Economic Crisis
💰 Empty Treasury – King Louis XVI inherited a financially drained monarchy due to wars and extravagant spending.
📈 High Taxes & Debt – The government was burdened with huge debts, forcing increased taxation on the Third Estate (common people).
🍞 Rising Bread Prices – Poor harvests led to food shortages, making bread—the staple diet—too expensive for the poor.
2️⃣ Social Inequality
⚖️ Three Estates System – French society was divided into:
- First Estate (Clergy) – Paid no taxes and enjoyed privileges.
- Second Estate (Nobility) – Also exempt from taxes and held power.
- Third Estate (Commoners) – Paid heavy taxes but had no political rights.
📢 Growing Discontent – The Third Estate demanded equal rights and an end to feudal privileges.
3️⃣ Political Mismanagement
👑 Absolute Monarchy – King Louis XVI ruled without consulting the people, leading to frustration.
📜 Failed Reforms – Attempts to introduce new taxes angered the Third Estate, sparking protests.
🏰 Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789) – A symbolic attack on royal authority, marking the start of the revolution.
4️⃣ Influence of Enlightenment Ideas
📚 Philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu & Voltaire inspired people with ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy.
🌍 American Revolution (1776) – Encouraged the French to fight for their rights.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Economic hardship, social inequality, and political mismanagement fueled the revolution.
✅ The Third Estate demanded rights, leading to protests and uprisings.
✅ Enlightenment ideas & global influences played a crucial role in shaping revolutionary thought.
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?
Answer:-
Impact of the French Revolution on Different Social Groups
The French Revolution (1789) led to significant changes in society, benefiting some groups while forcing others to relinquish power. However, certain sections remained disappointed with the outcome.
1️⃣ Groups That Benefited from the Revolution
✅ Third Estate (Common People) – Peasants, artisans, merchants, and professionals gained political rights and social equality.
✅ Middle Class (Bourgeoisie) – Businessmen and educated individuals benefited from economic opportunities and abolition of feudal privileges.
✅ Urban Workers – Improved wages and better working conditions due to end of feudal restrictions.
2️⃣ Groups That Lost Power
🚨 First Estate (Clergy) – Lost tax exemptions, land privileges, and political influence.
🚨 Second Estate (Nobility) – Forced to relinquish feudal rights, special privileges, and hereditary power.
🚨 Monarchy (King Louis XVI & Royal Family) – The absolute monarchy was abolished, and the king was executed.
3️⃣ Groups Disappointed with the Outcome
⚠️ Nobles & Clergy – Lost their privileges and wealth, leading to resentment.
⚠️ Women – Despite their contributions, they did not gain equal political rights.
⚠️ Supporters of Monarchy – Those loyal to the king were disillusioned by the fall of the monarchy.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The Third Estate gained rights, while the nobility and clergy lost power.
✅ Women and royalists remained disappointed with the revolution’s outcome.
✅ The revolution led to democracy, equality, and the end of feudal privileges.
Q. 3. Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Answer:-
Legacy of the French Revolution
The French Revolution (1789) had a profound impact on the world, shaping political movements and inspiring struggles for liberty, equality, and democracy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
1️⃣ Spread of Democratic Ideals
📜 End of Feudalism – The revolution led to the abolition of monarchy and feudal privileges in France, influencing other European nations.
⚖️ Rise of Democracy – Ideas of popular sovereignty and human rights spread across Europe and beyond.
2️⃣ Influence on Nationalism & Independence Movements
🌍 European Revolutions (1848) – Inspired uprisings for constitutional governments in Germany, Italy, and Austria.
🇮🇳 Impact on India – Thinkers like Raja Rammohan Roy and Tipu Sultan were influenced by revolutionary ideas, fueling anti-colonial movements.
3️⃣ Social & Economic Reforms
🏛️ Legal Reforms – The Napoleonic Code introduced equality before law, influencing legal systems worldwide.
💰 Economic Changes – The revolution promoted free trade and economic liberalism, shaping modern economies.
4️⃣ Global Influence on Human Rights
📢 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) – The principles of liberty, fraternity, and equality influenced global human rights movements.
🚨 Abolition of Slavery – Revolutionary ideals contributed to anti-slavery movements in the 19th century.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Democratic principles spread worldwide, influencing revolutions and independence movements.
✅ Legal and economic reforms shaped modern governance and trade policies.
✅ Human rights movements were inspired by the ideals of liberty and equality.
Q. 4. Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Answer:-
Democratic Rights Originating from the French Revolution
The French Revolution (1789) laid the foundation for many democratic rights that people across the world enjoy today. These rights emphasize liberty, equality, and fraternity, shaping modern democratic societies.
1️⃣ Right to Equality
⚖️ Equality before the law – No discrimination based on birth, caste, or status.
🚫 Abolition of privileges – End of feudal privileges and special rights for the nobility.
2️⃣ Right to Freedom
📢 Freedom of speech & expression – People can voice their opinions without fear.
🗳️ Freedom to participate in government – Citizens have the right to vote and elect leaders.
3️⃣ Right to Justice
🏛️ Rule of law – Laws apply equally to all, ensuring fairness in governance.
⚖️ Protection against arbitrary rule – Governments must follow legal procedures.
4️⃣ Right to Property
🏡 Protection of private property – Individuals have the right to own and use property.
5️⃣ Right to Education
📚 Access to education – Education is recognized as a fundamental right for all.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Equality, freedom, justice, and education are key democratic rights inspired by the French Revolution.
✅ Modern constitutions worldwide, including India’s, reflect these principles.
✅ The revolution promoted the idea of people’s participation in governance.
Q. 5. Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Answer:-
Contradictions in the Message of Universal Rights During the French Revolution
The French Revolution (1789) introduced the idea of universal rights, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, these rights were not truly universal, as certain groups were excluded from enjoying them.
1️⃣ Exclusion of Women
👩 Women were denied political rights and could not vote or hold office.
📜 The Constitution of 1791 categorized women as passive citizens, limiting their participation in governance.
⚖️ Olympe de Gouges protested against this injustice, demanding equal rights for women.
2️⃣ Limited Voting Rights
🗳️ Only property-owning men had the right to vote, excluding poor citizens and workers.
🚧 The revolution promised equality, but political power remained restricted to the wealthy.
3️⃣ Continued Slavery
🚨 Despite advocating freedom, France continued slavery in its colonies.
📢 Abolition of slavery came much later, in 1794, after protests by revolutionaries.
4️⃣ Suppression of Opponents
⚠️ The Reign of Terror (1793-94) saw mass executions of those who opposed the revolution.
🔪 Freedom of speech was suppressed, contradicting the ideals of liberty.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The revolution promoted universal rights, but women, the poor, and slaves were excluded.
✅ Voting rights were limited, favoring the wealthy.
✅ Freedom was denied to opponents, leading to contradictions in revolutionary ideals.
Q. 6. How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
Answer:-
The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a powerful leader in France following the political instability caused by the French Revolution (1789). His rise was driven by military success, political ambition, and public support.
1️⃣ Political Instability After the Revolution
⚖️ The fall of the monarchy and the Reign of Terror (1793-94) led to chaos in France.
🏛️ The Directory (1795-1799) was weak and corrupt, failing to provide stable governance.
2️⃣ Napoleon’s Military Success
⚔️ Victories in Italy & Egypt – Napoleon gained fame by defeating European rivals.
🚀 Strong Leadership & Strategy – His military tactics made him popular among the French people.
3️⃣ Seizure of Power (Coup of 1799)
🔄 In 1799, Napoleon overthrew the Directory and established the Consulate, making himself the First Consul.
👑 In 1804, he crowned himself Emperor of France, marking the beginning of his rule.
4️⃣ Reforms & Public Support
📜 Napoleonic Code – Introduced legal reforms, ensuring equality before the law.
💰 Economic Stability – Controlled inflation and improved trade, gaining public trust.
🏫 Education & Infrastructure – Strengthened schools and built roads to modernize France.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Napoleon rose to power due to political instability and military success.
✅ His reforms strengthened France, making him a popular leader.
✅ He crowned himself Emperor in 1804, marking the peak of his rule.