French Revolution class 9 history MCQ & SAQ

French Revolution class 9 history NCERT solution:

 

Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.

Circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France:

A society of estates, and the plight of the third estate

French society was divided into three distinct estates: the first estate comprising the clergy, the second estate composed of the nobility, and the third estate made up of tradesmen, merchants, court officials, lawyers, peasants, artisans, landless labour and servants. It was only the third estate that was made to pay taxes. The clergy and the nobility were exempt from this rule. In addition to the taxes that were to be paid to the state, peasants had to pay taxes to the Church and feudal dues to the noble lords. It was an unfair situation which led to the growth of a feeling of discontent among the members of the third estate.

Subsistence crisis

At this time, there was a greater demand for foodgrains. Due to greater demand than supply, the price of bread (the staple diet of the majority) rose. Due to rising prices and inadequate wages, most of the population could not even afford the basic means of livelihood. This led to a crisis of subsistence, and an increase in the gap between the rich and the poor.

A stronger middle class, and popularisation of democratic and social ideals

The middle class emerged educated and wealthy during the eighteenth century. The system of privileges as promoted by the feudal society was against their interests. Being educated, the members of this class had access to the various ideas of equality and freedom proposed by the French and English political and social philosophers. These ideas got popularised amongst the masses as a result of intensive discussions and debates in salons and coffee-houses, and through books and newspapers.

The assembly of the Estates General, and the proposal to increase taxes

In order to pass proposals for increasing taxes, the French monarch Louis XVI called together an assembly of the Estates General on 5 May, 1789. Each estate was allowed one vote in this assembly. The third estate protested against the unfairness of the proposal. They proposed, instead, that each member should have one vote. The king rejected this appeal, and the representative members of the third estate walked out of the assembly in protest.

The National Assembly, and the revolting subjects 

These representative members, led by Mirabeau and Abbe Sieyes, declared themselves a National Assembly, and took an oath to not disperse until they had drafted a constitution for France that would limit the powers of the monarch and do away with the unjust feudal system of privileges. While this organisation was busy drafting a democratic constitution, there were numerous localised rebellions that sought to displace the feudal lords. Meanwhile, the food crisis worsened and the anger of the masses spilled onto the streets. On 14 July, the King ordered troops to move into Paris. In response, several hundreds of agitated men and women formed their own armed groups. One such people’s militia stormed and destroyed the Bastille fortress-prison (representative of the king’s despotic power). This is how the French Revolution came about.

 

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?

The richer members of the third estate (the middle class) benefitted the most from the French Revolution. The clergy and the nobility were forced to relinquish power. The poorer sections of society and women would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution as the promise of equality was not fulfilled in full measure at the end of the revolution.

Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The French Revolution bore a rich legacy for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries because it was the first national movement that adopted the ideals of “liberty, equality and fraternity”. These ideas became the basic tenets of democracy for every nation in the 19th and the 20th century. The Revolution espoused the cause of the masses, sought to abolish the idea of divine right, feudal privileges, slavery and censorship, and upheld merit as the basis for social upgradation. These tenets are important even in the contemporary world for their emphasis on equality and a world free from prejudice. Feudal systems and later, colonisation were abolished by re-working the French Revolution ideals of freedom and equality. Indian leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy were deeply influenced by the ideas that the French Revolution propagated against the monarchy and its absolutism.

 

Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.

Democratic rights that we enjoy today whose origins can be traced to the French Revolution are: freedom of expression, right to equality, right to freedom, right to assemble and form unions (as long as they are not a threat to national security and peace).

 

Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain

The message of universal rights was beset with contradictions. Many ideals in the “Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen” were replete with dubious meanings. For example, “the law has the right to forbid only actions injurious to society” had nothing to say about criminal offences against other individuals. Also, the declaration stated that “law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation…All citizens are equal before it”, but when France became a constitutional monarchy, almost 3 million citizens including men under the age of 25 and women were not allowed to vote at all. This was in striking contrast to the ideals that the revolution espoused. When the Jacobins came to power, they were welcomed, but their policies were too harsh and this gave way yet again to the rise of the wealthier middle classes. The political instability of these regimes finally led to the rise of Napoleon. However, throughout these coups, ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity remained paramount in the French political movement.

 

How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?

The rise of Napoleon came right after the fall of the Directory in 1796. The Directors often clashed with the legislative councils, who then made attempts to dismiss them. The Directory was highly politically unstable; hence, Napoleon rose to power as a military dictator. Earlier, the Jacobins had overthrown King Louis XVI and established governance on their own module; but Robespierre’s administration was too harsh and relentless. Napoleon crowned himself the Emperor in 1804 and abolished dynasties. He viewed himself as a “moderniser of Europe” and was rightly seen as a liberator who introduced a uniform system of weights and measures, introduced laws to protect private property, etc. However, his quest for power led to his ultimate downfall with his defeat at Waterloo in 1815.

French Revolution class 9 history MCQ:

Question: Society based on freedom, equal laws and opportunities was advocated by

• a) Philosophers such as John Locke and Rousseau

• b) Middle class and people of the Third Estate

• c) Clergy and nobility

• d) Englishmen Georges Danton and Arthur Young

Answer: Philosophers such as John Locke and Rousseau

 

Question: National Anthem of France

• a) Marseilles

• b) Vande Matram

• c) Roget de L Isle

• d) Le Moniteur Universal

Answer: Marseilles

 

Question: The Estates General was last convened in

• a) 1614

• b) 1604

• c) 1416

• d) 1641

Answer: 1614

 

Question: What did Bastille symbolize?

• a) Despotic power of the king

• b) Benevolence of the king

• c) Armed might of France

• d) Prestige and power

Answer: Despotic power of the king

 

Question: The Bastille was hated by all in France because

• a) It stood for the despotic power of the king

• b) Prison In charge tortured the inmates

• c) It was a fortress prison

• d) It housed dreaded criminals

Answer: It stood for the despotic power of the king

 

Question: Why was the subsistence crisis caused in France?

• a) Increase in population led to rapid increase in the demand of food grains

• b) The wages of the people were low

• c) There was widespread unemployment

• d) The government imposed various taxes

Answer: Increase in population led to rapid increase in the demand of food grains

 

Question: The tax called tithe was collected from French Peasants by

• a) The Church

• b) The emperor

• c) The Nobles

• d) Chief of the Army

Answer: The Church

 

Question: On what charges was Louis XVI guillotined?

• a) Treason

• b) Cruelty

• c) Absolute Role

• d) Misgovernance

Answer: Treason

 

Question: The French Revolution took place on

• a) July 14, 1789

• b) July 14, 1788

• c) July 14, 1786

• d) July 14, 1785

Answer: July 14, 1789

 

Question: The word Guillotine during French Revolution era refers to

• a) Beheading a person

• b) Awarding a person

• c) Taxing a person

• d) Threatening a person

Answer: Beheading a person

Question: Which of the following refers to the political body representing the three estates of pre-revolutionary France?

• a) Estates General

• b) Parliament of France

• c) National Assembly

• d) Estates Committee

Answer: Estates General

 

Question: What did the Red Cap worn by Sans Culottes in France symbolize?

• a) Liberty

• b) Brotherhood

• c) Love

• d) Equality

Answer: Liberty

 

Question: In the context of France the volunteers from Marseilles sang the Marseillaise, a patriotic song when they marched into Paris. Who composed this song?

• a) Roget de LIsle

• b) Maximilian Robespierre

• c) Marie Antoinette

• d) Mirabeau

Answer: Roget de LIsle

 

Question: French legacy to the world

• a) Liberty, Freedom and Equality

• b) Democracy

• c) Socialism and nationalism

• d) Republicanism

Answer: Liberty, Freedom and Equality

 

Question: Which of the following was a factor in the rise of Napoleon?

• a) Political instability of the Directory

• b) Fall of the Jacobin government

• c) Robespieres Reign of Terror

• d) Nationalist forces

Answer: Political instability of the Directory

 

Question: France on 21st September, 1792 was declared a

• a) Republic

• b) Socialist State

• c) Democracy

• d) Communist State

Answer: Republic

 

Question: Members of the Jacobin Club were known as

• a) San-culottes

• b) Conservatives

• c) Revolutionaries

• d) Terrorists

Answer: San-culottes

 

Question: National Anthem of France

• a) Marseilles

• b) Vande Matram

• c) Roget de L'Isle

• d) Le Moniteur Universal

Answer: Marseilles

  

Question: Which of the following were the national colours of France during the?

• a) Blue-white-red

• b) Blue-green-yellow

• c) Red-green-blue

• d) Yellow-red-white

Answer: Blue-white-red

 

Question: Which of the following symbolized Eternity?

• a) Snake biting its tail to form a ring

• b) Sceptre

• c) Eye within a triangle radiating light

• d) The Law Tablet

Answer: Snake biting its tail to form a ring

Question. That ‘each member should have one vote’ was advocated by :

(a) Georges Danton

(b) Rousseau

(c) Jean Paul Marat

(d) The Jacobins

Answer :   B

Question. On which of the following day did ‘Storming of the Bastille’ occur?

(a) 14th July, 1789

(b) 14th July, 1798

(c) 14th June, 1789

(d) 14th June, 1798

Answer :  A

Question. Which of the following constituted the privileged class?

(a) Clergy and peasants

(b) Peasants and nobility

(c) First and Third Estate

(d) Clergy and nobility

Answer :  D

Question. Who advocated government based on Social Contract?

(a) Darwin

(b) Spencer

(c) Rousseau

(d) Montesquieu

Answer :  C 

Question. Voting in the Estates General was conducted on the principle of

(a) Each member one vote

(b) Male adult franchise

(c) Universal adult franchise

(d) Estates General

Answer :  D

Question. The winged woman personified

(а) National colours of France

(b) Act of becoming free

(c) Personification of Law

(d) Rays of the Sun will drive away the clouds of ignorance

Answer :  C

Question. French women demanded the right:

(a) to vote

(b) to be elected to the assembly

(c) to hold political office

(d) all of the above

Answer :   D

Question. Which of the following statements is untrue about the Third Estate?

(a) The Third Estate was made of the poor only

(b) Within the Third Estate some were rich and some were poor

(c) Richer members of the Third Estate owned lands

(d) Peasants were obliged to serve in the army, or build roads

Answer :   A

Question. What was the name of tax which was directly paid to the state by the Third Estate?

(a) tithes

(b) livres

(c) taille

(d) all of these

Answer :   C

Question. Who said: The task of representing the people has been given to the rich?

(a) Mirabeau

(b) Jean-Paul Marat

(c) Rousseau

(d) Georges Denton

Answer :   B

Question. What was ‘Estates General’?

(a) Post of Army General

(b) A political body

(c) Head of all landed property

(d) Advisor of the king

Answer :   B

Question. On 20th June, the representatives of the Third Estate assembled in the indoor tennis court of Versailles for

(a) hunger strike

(b) drafting a Constitution for France which limited the king’s power

(c) declaring a revolt

(d) making an appeal to support the king in times of need

Answer :   B

1. That ‘each member should have one vote’ was advocated by :

(a) Georges Danton

(b) Rousseau

(c) Jean Paul Marat

(d) The Jacobins

► (b) Rousseau

 

2. How does a ‘Subsistence Crisis’ happen?

(a) Bad harvest leads to scarcity of grains

(b) Food prices rise and the poorest cannot buy bread

(c) Leads to weaker bodies, diseases, deaths and even food riots

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

3. The Third Estate comprised

(a) Poor servants and small peasants, landless labourers

(b) Peasants and artisans

(c) Big businessmen, merchants, lawyers etc.

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

4. Which of the following decisions was taken by the convention?

(a) Declared France a constitutional monarchy

(b) Abolished the monarchy

(c) All men and women above 21 years got the right to vote

(d) Declared France a Republic

► (d) Declared France a Republic

 

5. Which of the following statements is untrue about the Third Estate?

(a) The Third Estate was made of the poor only

(b) Within the Third Estate some were rich and some were poor

(c) Richer members of the Third Estate owned lands

(d) Peasants were obliged to serve in the army, or build roads

► (a) The Third Estate was made of the poor only

 

6. The word livres stands for:

(a) unit of currency in France

(b) tax levied by the Church

(c) tax to be paid directly to the state

(d) none of these

► (a) unit of currency in France

 

7.  In the war against Prussia and Austria, the army sang which patriotic song?

(a) 'Liberty', written by an unknown woman poet

(b) ‘Marseillaise’ written by the poet Roget de L’Isle

(c) ‘Viva France’ written by a French peasant

(d) None of the above

► (b) ‘Marseillaise’ written by the poet Roget de L’Isle

 

8. What was the ‘Subsistence Crisis’ which occurred frequently in France?

(a) An extreme situation endangering the basic means of livelihood

(b) Subsidy in foodgrains

(c) Large-scale production of foodgrains

(d) None of the above

► (a) An extreme situation endangering the basic means of livelihood

 

9. What was the name of tax which was directly paid to the state by the Third Estate?

(a) tithes

(b) livres

(c) taille

(d) all of these

► (c) taille

 

10. Who wrote the pamphlet called ‘What is the Third Estate’?

(a) Mirabeau, a nobleman

(b) Abbe Sieyes

(c) Rousseau, a philosopher

(d) Montesquieu

► (b) Abbe Sieyes

 

11. A guillotine was ___________

(a) a device consisting of two poles and a blade with which a person was beheaded

(b) a fine sword with which heads were cut off

(c) a special noose to hang people

(d) none of the above

► (a) a device consisting of two poles and a blade with which a person was beheaded

 

12. The term ‘Old Regime' is usually used to describe

(a) France before 1000 B.C.

(b) Society of France after 1789 A.D.

(c) Society and institutions of France before 1789 A.D.

(d) None of the above

► (c) Society and institutions of France before 1789 A.D.

 

13. What was ‘Estates General’?

(a) Post of Army General

(b) A political body

(c) Head of all landed property

(d) Advisor of the king

► (b) A political body

 

14. When did Louis XVI call an assembly of Estates General to pass proposals for new taxes?

(a) 2 January, 1775

(b) 10 March, 1780

(c) 5 May, 178

(d) 14 July, 1789

► (c) 5 May, 178

 

15. The term ‘Old Regime' is usually used to describe

(a) France before 1000 B.C.

(b) Society of France after 1789 A.D.

(c) Society and institutions of France before 1789 A.D.

(d) None of the above

► (c) Society and institutions of France before 1789 A.D.

 

16. In the meeting of the Estates General, the members of the Third Estate demanded that

(a) All the three Estates should have one vote altogether

(b) Each member of the three Estates should have one vote

(c) Each Estate should have one vote

(d) None of the above

► (a) All the three Estates should have one vote altogether

 

17. Which of these provisions were passed by the Assembly on the night of 4 August, 1789?

(a) Abolition of feudal system of obligations

(b) Clergy had to give up its privileges

(c) Tithes were abolished

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

18. On 20th June, the representatives of the Third Estate assembled in the indoor tennis court of Versailles for

(a) hunger strike

(b) drafting a Constitution for France which limited the king’s power

(c) declaring a revolt

(d) making an appeal to support the king in times of need

► (b) drafting a Constitution for France which limited the king’s power

 

19. Which of these people were entitled to vote?

(a) Only men above 25 years of age

(b) Men and women above 30 years of age

(c) Men who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage

(d) Both (a) and (c)

► (d) Both (a) and (c)

 

20. The new Constitution made France a

(a) Constitutional Monarchy

(b) Communist state

(c) Fully democratic state

(d) None of the above

► (a) Constitutional Monarchy

 

21. Which of these books was written by John Locke?

(a) The Spirit of the Laws

(b) Two Treatises on Government

(c) The Social Contract

(d) All the above

► (b) Two Treatises on Government

 

22. What did Louis XVI do, seeing the power of his revolting subjects?

(a) He accorded recognition to the National Assembly

(b) Accepted checks on his powers

(c) Ordered his army to crush the revolt

(d) Both (a) and (b)

► (d) Both (a) and (b)

 

23. Which of these people were entitled to vote?

(a) Only men above 25 years of age

(b) Men and women above 30 years of age

(c) Men who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage

(d) Both (a) and (c)

► (d) Both (a) and (c)

 

24. Who led the representatives of the Third Estate in Versailles on 20th June?

(a) Mirabeau

(b) Abbe Sieyes

(c) Louis XVI

(d) Both a and b

► (d) Both a and b

 

25. Which of these rights were not established as ‘natural and inalienable’ rights by the constitution of 1791?

(a) Right to life

(b) Freedom of speech and opinion

(c) Equality before the law

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

26. The new Constitution made France a

(a) Constitutional Monarchy

(b) Communist state

(c) Fully democratic state

(d) None of the above

► (a) Constitutional Monarchy

 

27. Which of these provisions form a part of the ‘Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen’?

(a) Men are born free

(b) They are equal in rights before the law

(c) Liberty means powers to do what is not injurious to others

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

28. Name the most successful ‘political club’ which became a rallying point for people who wished to continue the Revolution in France.

(a) Jacobin

(b) Arthur

(c) Mirabeau

(d) Dauphine

► (a) Jacobin

 

29. As a result of elections held after the Jacobins’ revolt in 1792, which of these steps were taken in France?

(a) Elections were held

(b) Monarchy was abolished

(c) France was declared a Republic

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

30. The National Assembly voted in April 1792 to declare war against

(a) Prussia

(b) Austria

(c) England

(d) Both (a) and (b)

► (d) Both (a) and (b)

 

31. The Assembly elected in 1792 was called

(a) Convention

(b) Congress

(c) Congregation

(d) Council

► (a) Convention

 

32. Which of the following events took place as a result of the revolt of Jacobins in 1792?

(a) The revolutionaries stormed the Palace of Tuileries

(b) Massacred the king’s guards

(c) Held the king hostage for several hours

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

33. Instead of the traditional Monsieur (sir) and Madame (madam), all French men and women were henceforth addressed as

(a) Citoyen

(b) Citoyenne

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) None of the above

► (c) Both (a) and (b)

 

34. On what charge was Louis XVI sentenced to death?

(a) Cruelty

(b) Treason

(c) Incapability

(d) Misuse of powers

► (b) Treason

 

35. Who among the following Indian individuals responded to the ideas coming from Revolutionary France?

(a) Bhagat Singh

(b) Rammohan Roy

(c) Mahatma Gandhi

(d) Sultan of Awadh

► (b) Rammohan Roy

 

36. Why is the period from 1793 to 1794 referred to as the ‘Reign of Terror’?

(a) Louis XVI’s successor became a tyrant

(b) Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment

(c) Jacobins opted for loot and plunder

(d) None of the above

► (b) Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment

 

37. Who among the following reintroduced slavery in France after it was abolished by Jacobin regime?

(a) Louis XIV

(b) Robespierre

(c) Napoleon

(d) Marat

► (c) Napoleon

 

38. In context of France the volunteers from Marseilles sang the Marseillaise, a patriotic song

when they marched into Paris. Who composed this song?

(a) Maximilian Robespierre

(b) Marie Antoinette

(c) Roget de L’Isle

(d) Mirabeau

► (c) Rouget de L’Isle

 

39. Who seized power after the fall of the Jacobin government?

(a) Common people

(b) Descendants of Louis XVI

(c) Wealthy middle class

(d) Robespierre’s son

► (c) Wealthy middle class

 

40. Tax from peasants to Church was called:

(a) Taille

(b) Tithe

(c) Lagan

(d) Jazia

► (b) Tithe

 

41. In the context of France, ‘the fall of Bastille’ took place on:

(a) 14th July 1789

(b) 20th June 1789

(c) 4th Aug 1789

(d) 5th May 1789

► (a) 14th July 1789

 

42. The National Assembly of France voted in April 1792, to declare war against:

(a) Britain and Germany

(b) Prussia and Austria

(c) Italy and Germany

(d) Russia and Prussia

► (b) Prussia and Austria

 

43. In the context of France, what was ‘tithes’?

(a) A tax levied by the Church

(b) Direct tax levied by the State

(c) The tax levied on the articles of everyday consumption

(d) None of these

► (a) A tax levied by the Church

 

44. Who among the following proposed the Social Contract theory?

(a) Locke

(b) Thomas Paine

(c) Montesquieu

(d) Rousseau

► (d) Rousseau

 

45. The French Revolution led to the formation of National Assembly. Which statement is incorrect about the National Assembly?

(a) It abolished the feudal system of obligations and taxes

(b) It confiscated the land owned by the churches

(c) It abolished slavery in France

(d) It drafted the constitution

► (c) It abolished slavery in France

 

46. In which of the battle was Napoleon finally defeated?

(a) Russia

(b) Waterloo

(c) Versailles

(d) Paris

► (b) Waterloo

 

47. King Louis XVI belonged to which dynasty of kings?

(a) Hapsburg

(b) Bourbon

(c) Romanov

(d) Windsor

► (b) Bourbon

 

48. The term ‘Old Regime’ refers to:

(a) The society and institution under an old emperor

(b) Society and institution of France before 1789

(c) The society and institution of France after 1789

(d) The society and institution of France under Jacobins

► (b) Society and institution of France before 1789

 

49. Austrian Princess Marie Antoniette was the queen of which of the following French rulers?

(a) Louis XIII

(b) Louis XIV

(c) Louis XV

(d) Louis XVI

► (d) Louis XVI

 

50. The book ‘Two Treatises on Government’ was written by:

(a) Rousseau

(b) John Locke

(c) Montesquieu

(d) Karl Marx

► (b) John Locke

 

51. The term ‘Old Regime’ (France) refers to:

(a) The society and institution under an old emperor

(b) Society and institution of France before 1789

(c) The society and institution of France after 1789

(d) The society and institution of France under Jacobins

► (b) Society and institution of France before 1789

 

52. ‘The Spirit of Laws’ was written by:

(a) Montesquieu

(b) Rousseau

(c) Jean Paul Marat

(d) John Locke

► (a) Montesquieu

French Revolution class 9 history SAQ

Q.1. What was the subsistence crisis? Why did it occur in France during the Old Regime?

Ans. 1- The population of France was on the rise. It rose from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789.This led to increase in the demand for food grains.

 2-The production of food grains could not keep pace with the demand and the price of bread which was the staple diet of the majority Rose rapidly.

3- The wages also did not keep pace with the rise in prices. The gap between the Rich and the poor widened. This led to the subsistence crisis.

 

Q.2.What was the system of voting in the Estates General? What change did the Third Estate want in this system?

Ans. Voting in the Estates General in the past had been conducted

1.       According to the principle that each estate had one vote.

2.        Members of the Third Estate demanded that voting must now be conducted by the assembly as a whole, where each member would have one vote.

3.       This was according to the democratic principles put forward by philosophers like Rousseau in his book, The Social Contract.

 

Q.3. Describe the incidents that led to the storming of the Bastille.

Ans. 1- National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution; the rest of France was seething with turmoil.

 2- A severe winter had meant a bad harvest, the price of bread rose. Often bakers exploited the situation and hoarded supplies.

3- After spending hours in long queues at the bakery, crowds of angry women stormed into the shops.

4- At the same time, the king ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July, the agitated crowd stormed and destroyed Bastille.

 

Q.4. Describe how the new political system of constitutional monarchy worked in France.

Ans The constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected. That is,

1. Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, however, had the right to vote.

2. Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the status of active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote.

3. The remaining men and all women were classed as passive citizens.

4. To qualify as an elector and then as a member of the Assembly, a man had to belong to the highest bracket of taxpayers.

 

Q.5.What was ‘natural and inalienable rights’?

Ans1-.The constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens

2- Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law were established as ‘natural and inalienable rights’, i.e., they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away

3-It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural right.

 

Q.6 Why did slavery begin and why was it abolished in French colonies?

Ans1-.The slave trade began in the 17th century. The colonies in the Caribbean – Martinique, Guadeloupe and San Domingo – were important Suppliers of commodities.

2- But the reluctance of Europeans to go and work in distant and unfamiliar lands meant a shortage of labour on the plantations.

3- Throughout the eighteenth century there was little criticism of slavery in France. The National   Assembly did not pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade

4- It was the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. This, however, turned out to be a short-term measure. Napoleon reintroduced slavery.

5- Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

 

Q.7. Explain what a revolution is. In what way did the French Revolution mean different things to different people?

Ans It is an attempt by a large number of people to change the government of a country, especially by violent action.

1.The Third Estate comprising the common men benefitted from the Revolution. The clergy and nobility had to relinquish power.

2.  Their land was confiscated. Their privileges were finished. The people of lower middle class also benefitted.

3. Position of artisans and workers improved.

4. Clergy, feudal lords, nobles and even women were disappointed. The revolution did not bring real equality as everyone was not given the right to vote meaning women who got it finally in 1946.

 

Q.8. Who was the people who comprised the Third Estate? Who paid the taxes and to whom?

Ans1-The people who comprised the Third Estate were big businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, artisans, small peasants, landless labour and servants.

2- These were 95 per cent of the population. They had to pay taxes to the state. Taxes included taille, tithes and a number of indirect taxes.

 

Q.9Who formed the National Assembly? On what date is ‘Bastille Day’ celebrated and why?

Ans.1-The representatives of the Third Estate assembled at Versailles on 20 June and declared themselves a National Assembly

2-The Bastille Day is celebrated on 14th July every year because on this day the unruly Paris mob stormed and attacked the prison of Bastille which was considered a symbol of terror and despotism.

 

Q.10 Name three famous writers and philosophers who influenced the French- Revolution. What were their ideas?

Ans.1. Jean Jacques Rousseau – a French Swiss philosopher. His main idea was – man is naturally good and that society of civilisation makes man anxious and unhappy.

2.  Mirabeau – he brought about a journal and delivered powerful speeches to the crowds at Versailles.

3.  Voltaire – A famous French writer. He exposed the evils prevailing in the Church and administration. The numbers of the first two estates were the (i) Clergy and (ii) Nobility respectively.

.1What landmark decisions were taken by the National Assembly led by the Third Estate on 4th August, 1789

Ans.1- Louis XVI finally accorded recognition to the National Assembly and accepted the principle that his powers would be checked by a constitution.

2- On 4 August 1789, the Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes. Members of the clergy too were forced to give up their privileges

.3- Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were confiscated. As a result, the government acquired assets worth at least 2, billion lives.

 

Q.2. Describe the importance of Declaration of the Right of Man in France.

 Ans 1-The Declaration of the Right of Man in France was a landmark decision in the history of France.

2- The constitution began with a declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, were established as ‘natural and inalienable’ rights. That is, they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away

.3- It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen's natural rights. The declaration of the Right of Man and Citizens influenced revolutionary movements elsewhere too.

 

Q.3. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.

Ans. 1-Women played an important role regarding various activities.  In order to discuss and voice their interests women started their own political clubs and newspapers. About sixty women’s clubs came up in different French cities.

2.The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was the most famous of them, their main demands were that

(a) Women should be given the same political rights as men.

(b) They demanded the right to vote, to be elected to the Assembly and to hold political office.

3- In the early years, the revolutionary government did introduce laws that helped improve the lives of women. Together with the creation of state schools, schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Their fathers could no longer force them into marriage against their will. Marriage was made into a contract entered into freely and registered under civil law. Divorce was made legal, and could be applied for by both women and men. Women could now train for jobs, could become artists or run small businesses.

4- Women’s struggle for equal political rights, however, continued. During the Reign of Terror, the new government issued laws ordering closure of women’s clubs, and banning their political activities. Women’s movements for voting rights and equal wages continued through the next two hundred years in many countries of the world. It was finally in 1946 that women in France won the right to vote.

1. Describe the division of French society before the French revolution?

 

Answer

 

Before French revolution, French society was divided into three Estates:

(i) First Estate (Clergy): It comprised of persons who were involved in the functions of church. They were exempted from paying taxes and enjoyed certain privileges by birth.

(ii) Second Estate (Nobility): It comprised those persons who had high social and political rank. They enjoyed certain privileges based on birth and also exempted from paying taxes. They also enjoyed feudal privileges. They extract feudal dues from the peasants.

(iii) Third Estate: It comprises of big businessmen, merchants, court officials, lawyers, peasants, artisans, small peasants, landless labourers and servants. They pay direct tax to state called taille and a number of indirect taxes, levied on articles of everyday consumption. Peasants also pay called tithes to church.

2. How did the political system work in France under the constitution of 1791?

 

 

(i) The Constitution of 1791 gave the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected. 

(ii) Citizens were given the right to vote for an electoral group which in turn, elected the Assembly. 

(iii) But all the citizens were not given this right. Only those men older than 25 years who paid taxes equal to minimum 3 days of a labourer's wage were given this right. 

(iv) Rest of the men and women were classed as passive citizens and not given right to vote.

 

 

 

3. How was slavery abolished in France?

 

 

(i) The National Assembly held long debates about whether the rights of man should be extended to all French subjects including those in the colonies but it did not pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade. 

(ii) It was finally the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. 

(iii) However, ten years later, Napoleon reintroduced slavery.

(iv) Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

 

 

4. Describe the concept of active and passive citizens of France.

 

 

(i) Active citizens were those who had the right to vote. 

(ii) Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the status of active citizens.

(iii) Passive citizens were the remaining men and all women. They had no right to vote.

 

 

 

5. What was the importance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

 

 

(i) The Declaration of the Rights of Man did away all the privileges based on the birth which was prevailing in the old regime. 

(ii) It considered rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law as basic and natural rights that belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away. 

(iii) It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural rights.

 

 

 

6. What was the Estates General? Which demand of the Third Estate did Louis XVI reject?

 

 

The Estates General was a political body to which the three estates i.e., the clergy, the nobility and the third estate sent their representatives.

(i) In the past, voting in the Estates General had been conducted according to the principle that each estate had one vote. 

(ii) But the third estate demanded that voting now be conducted by the assembly as a whole, where each member would have one vote.

 

 

7. Describe briefly the contribution of Mirabeau in the formation of National Assembly.

 

 

(i) Mirabeau was born in a noble family but was convinced of the need to do away with a society of feudal privilege. 

(ii) On 20 June, representatives of the third estate led by Mirabeau and Abbé Sieyès, assembled in the hall of an indoor tennis court in the grounds of Versailles.

(iii) Mirabeau brought out a journal and delivered powerful speeches to the crowds assembled at Versailles.

 

 

 

8. How did peasants protest against the feudal lords or nobles in the countryside of France?

 

 

(i) In the countryside rumours spread from village to village that the lords of the manor had hired people who were on their way to destroy the ripe crops. 

(ii) Due to fear, peasants in several districts seized hoes and pitchforks and attacked chateaux.

(iii) They looted hoarded grain and burnt down documents containing records of manorial dues. 

(iv) A large number of nobles fled from their homes, many of them migrating to neighbouring countries.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Explain the impact of French Revolution on France in everyday life of people.

 

 

(i) In the Old Regime all written material and cultural activities could be published or performed only after they had been approved by the censors of the king but after the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen proclaimed freedom of speech and expression to be a natural right.

(ii) Newspapers, pamphlets, books and printed pictures flooded the towns of France from where they travelled rapidly into the countryside. 

(iii) They all described and discussed the events and changes taking place in France.

(iv) Freedom of the press also meant that opposing views of events could be expressed. 

(v) Plays, songs and festive processions attracted large numbers of people.

 

 

 

2. Why was the reign of Robespierre termed as ‘reign of terror’ despite various reforms introduced by him?

 

 

(i) Robespierre’s government adopted various reforms such as maximum ceiling on wages and prices, rationed meat and bread, fixed prices of grains, made whole-wheat bread compulsory for all and converted buildings of churches into barracks or offices.

(ii) However, his period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the Reign of Terror because Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment.

(iii) All those whom he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic – ex-nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his methods – were arrested, imprisoned and then tried by a revolutionary tribunal.

(iv) If the court found them ‘guilty’ they were guillotined.

(v) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters began to demand moderation.

 

(Para – 1, 2 and 3, Page No. 16)

 

3. What measures were taken by the Robespierre to bring about equality in the French society?

 

 

(i) Robespierre’s government issued laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices. 

(ii) Meat and bread were rationed. 

(iii) Peasants were forced to transport their grain to the cities and sell it at prices fixed by the government.

(iv) The use of more expensive white flour was forbidden and all citizens were required to eat a loaf made of wholewheat. 

(v) Instead of the traditional Monsieur (Sir) and Madame (Madam) all French men and women were henceforth Citoyen and Citoyenne (Citizen). 

(vi) Churches were shut down and their buildings converted into barracks or offices.

(Para – 2, Page No. 16)

 

4. Explain the role of philosophers in the French Revolution.

 

 

(i) The philosophers presented idea of a society based on freedom and equal laws and opportunities for all.

(ii) John Locke in his book ‘Two Treatises of Government’, sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch. 

(iii) Rousseau carried the idea forward, proposing a form of government based on a social contract between people and their representatives. 

(iv) In ‘The Spirit of the Laws’, Montesquieu proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.

(v) The ideas of these philosophers were discussed intensively in salons and coffee-houses and spread among people through books and newspapers.

 

 

 

1. ‘While the National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution, the rest of France seethed with turmoil.’ Elucidate.

 

(i) While drafting constitution, a severe winter resulted in bad harvest. The price of bread rose, often bakers exploited the situation and hoarded supplies.

(ii) Crowds of angry women stormed into the shops after spending hours in long queues at the bakery

(iii) At the same time, the king ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July, the agitated crowd stormed and destroyed the Bastille.

(iv) In the countryside rumours spread that the lords of the manor had hired people who were on their way to destroy the ripe crops. 

(v) Due to fear, peasants attacked castles of noblemen and looted hoarded grain and burnt down documents containing records of manorial dues.

 

 

1. Emergence of middle class and their belief gave last blow to monarchy rule in France. Explain.

 

 

(i) In the past, peasants and workers had participated in revolts against increasing taxes and food scarcity. But they lacked the means and programmes to carry out full-scale measures.

(ii) The middle class earned their wealth through an expanding overseas trade and from the manufacture of goods.

(iii) All of these were educated and believed that no group in society should be privileged by birth. Rather, a person’s social position must depend on his merit. 

(iv) These wanted a society based on freedom and equal laws and opportunities for all which were put forward by philosophers. Thus, they revolted against the cruel regime.

 

 

French Revolution class 9 history long question

Q.1. Explain the importance of the following events on the course of the French Revolution:

(a) Storming of the Bastille                     (c) The passing of the Civil Constitution of the clergy

Ans. (a) On July 14, 1789, a mob of Paris stormed the fortress – the prison of Bastille – considered a symbol of oppression and despotism. The Swiss guards were killed and prisoners set free. The mob stole arms and ammunition. To this day, France celebrates ‘Bastille Day’ on 14thJuly every year.

 (c) In 1790, the Civil Constitution nationalised the church. The clergy or group of persons who enjoyed special powers in the church were also forced to relinquish power. Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were confiscated.

 

Q.2. Describe the Reign of Terror and role played by Robespierre in it.

Ans.The period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the Reign of Terror.

1.   Maximilian Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, followed the policy of severe control and punishment.

2.   All those he saw as enemies of the Republic — ex-nobles, clergy, political opponents — were arrested, tried and guillotined if found guilty.

3.    He issued laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices.

4.   Meat and bread were rationed.

5.   Use of expensive white flour was forbidden.

Robespierre followed his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters began to demand moderation. Finally, he was convicted, arrested and guillotined in July 1794.

 

Q.3What did the following symbols convey in the Declaration of Rights?

(i) The broken chain                   (ii) The bundle of rods or fasces                       (iii)Sceptre

 (iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring (v) Red Phrygian cap  (vi)The law tablet

Ans. (i) the broken chains: Chains were used to fetter slaves. A broken chain stands for the act of becoming free.

(ii) The bundle of rods or fasces: One rod can be easily broken, but not an entire bundle.Strength lies in unity.

(iii) Sceptre: Symbol of royal power.

(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring: Symbol of eternity. A ring has neither beginning nor end.

(v) Red Phrygian cap: Cap worn by a slave upon becoming free.

(vi)The law tablet: The law is the same for all, and all are equal before it.

 

Q.4.write short note on Jacobins?

Ans.1- They got their name from the former convent of St. Jacob in Paris.

2-They belonged to the less prosperous sections of the society.

3-They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as well as servants and daily wage earners.

4-Their leader was Maximilian Robespierre.  

5-A large group among the Jacobin decided to wear long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers.

6-This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society especially the nobles   who wore knee breeches.

 

Q.5. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.

Ans.From the very beginning, women were active participants in the events which brought about so many important changes in French society.

1.       They hoped that their involvement would pressurise the revolutionary government to introduce measures to improve their lives.

2.       Most women of the third estate had to work for a living. They worked as seamstresses or laundresses, sold flowers, fruits and vegetables at the market, or were employed as domestic servants in the houses of prosperous people.

3.       Most women did not have access to education or job training. Their wages were lower than those of men.

4.       One of their main demands was that women should be given the same political rights as men.

5.       Women were disappointed that the constitution of 1791 reduced them to passive citizens.

 

Q.7. Describe the causes for the fall of Jacobin government in France.

Ans. (i) The Jacobin government in France was based on extreme measures. The period from 1793-1794 is referred to as the reign of terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe Control and punishment.

(ii)All those he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his methods–were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. This led to chaos and resentment among the people.

 (iii)Robespierre’s government ordered shutting down of churches and converting church buildings into barricades or offices. Thus the clergy turned against the Jacobin regime and hastened its fall.

(iv) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters turned against him. They began to demand moderation and a middle path. Finally, he himself was tried by a court in July 1794, arrested and guillotined.