The French Revolution

Class IX- History

French Society during late 18th Century (Before 1789)

(THE PERIOD BEFORE 1789 IN FRANCE WAS CALLED AS OLD REGIME)

Causes of the French Revolution:

(A) Increase in the burden of taxes: 1) King Louis XVI (belonged to Bourbon Family) , on ascending the throne,

found the treasure empty.

Reasons for empty treasury:

Luxurious lifestyle of royalty made the costs very high France had helped the America to get freedom from Britain. This led to a lot of

expenditure. France was in huge debt and burden of interest payments.

The king increased the taxes to meet the regular expenses of maintaining the army, court, running government etc.

( B) Division of society into three estates

First estate- Clergy (people who were given special position in the church)

Second Estate- Nobility (included king and people of his court)

Third Estate- included merchants, lawyers, peasants, landless labour, servants

1st and 2nd estate:

About 60% of land was owned by them

They enjoyed some privileges by birth, like:

(i) Exempted from paying taxes to state(ii) Had feudal privileges: this included feudal dues which they took from

peasants. They were feudal lords who were provided service by the peasants.

3rd estate:

They alone bore the burden of taxes.

They paid:

Taille- the direct tax paid to the state. Tithe- tax paid by the peasants to the Church. Indirect taxes- paid on purchase of everyday articles of consumption.

© Subsistence Crisis:

Meaning: an extreme situation where the basic menas of livelihood are endangered.

There was an increase in prices of food which made it unaffordable for many

Reasons:

Increase in population was more than increase in production, this led to shortage of food and increase in price.

Famines and drought led to damage of crops, this created shortage of food and increase in food price

Wages were not increased to match the increase in the price. This led to wide gap between rich and poor.

(D) Growth of Middle Class

Middle class were the merchants, businessmen of the third estate who earned money through trade and manufacturing of goods. Middle class also included lawyers and administrative officials.

They were educated and did not believe in divine rights of 1st and 2nd estate. They wanted society based on merit. They wanted society based on freedom and equality in opportunities for all. (an

idea put forward by philosophers like Rousseau and John Locke)

They discussed these ideas in salons, coffee shops, newspaper. They were read aloud for those who dint know how to read and write.

(Pg 4 to 7) Questions you should be able to answer by now:

1. Which dynasty did Louis XVI belong to? Why did he increase the taxes in France on accessing the throne

2. ‘The burden of financial activities of the state through taxes was borne by the third estate alone’ Explain.

3. One of the artists during French revolution, in his painting, showed the noblemen as a spider and the peasants as the fly. Can you explain why?

4. What kind of society did the educated middle class believe in?

5. How did the work of philosophers like Rousseau, John Locke and Montesquieu influence the middle class in the old regime?

Or

Explain the ideas proposed by various thinkers and philosophers which encouraged the people to protest against the monarch in France.

6. Briefly explain the causes that led to the French Revolution.

OUTBREAK OF THE REVOLUTION

Events that led to the outbreak of the revolution:

1. 5th May 1789- King called a meeting of the Estate General (a political body consisting of the representatives of all the estates) for passing proposal of new taxes.

2. Third estate was represented by educated people who had to stand at the back. Peasants, artisans and women of 3rd estate were not given entry to hall.

3. The representatives of thirst estate demanded- one man one vote instead of one estate one vote.

4. King rejected this proposal. The 3rd estate walked out in protest.

5. 20th June. 1789- Members of 3rd estate assembled in the tennis court of Versailles and decided to draft a constitution. These members formed National Assembly.

6. Tennis Court oath was led by Mirabeau and Abbe Seiyes. 7. Meanwhile, the French women got angry. There was a bad harvest and it

increased the price of the bread. Also the grains were hoarded. So they protested against high price of bread and hoarding of food.

8. Kings ordered troops to move into Paris.9. 14th July, 1789- the people Attacked Bastille to loot the ammunitions and

hoarded grains. Bastille was a symbol of despotic (dictatorial) power of King.10. Conditions on countryside: rumours spread in the outskirts that the army is

being sent to destroy crops. So, Peasants attacked Chauteaux (Residence of King or noblemen). They looted foodgrains which were hoarded.

11. The King finally recognised the National Assembly and accepted that his powers will be checked by constitution.

12. With this, France became a Constituional Monarchy

Result of King recognising the National Assembly

14th August 1789: After the king recognised the assembly, they passed a decree (verdict) according to which:

1. Feudal system was abolished2. Clergy was force to give up their privileges.3. Tithe was abolished4. Land owned by the Church was confiscated.

(Pg 8-9) By now you should be able to answer the following:

1. What was Estates General?

2. The meeting of Estates General called by Louis XVI on 5th may 1789 showed the social inequality in his court. How?

3. What were the demands put forward by the third estates in the Palace of Versailles? What was the king’s reaction to it?

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

5. Mirabeau and Abbe Seyes played an important role during and after the tennis court meeting. Explain.

Or

It can rightly be said that the third estate had some support of first and second estate in framing of the constitution of France. In this light, explain the role of Mirabeau and Abbes Sieyes.

6. Highlight the countryside conditions in France after the attack on Bastille.

7. Describe the incidents that led to the storming of the Bastille

8. What changes were brought in the old regime after passing of the decree on 4 August 1789 by the National assembly?

France becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

The National assembly completed the draft of constitution in 1791.

Features listed in the constitution of 1791

a) France would be a constitutional Monarchy, that is, powers of the King will be limited by the constitution.

b) Powers will be divided between Legislature, executive and Judiciary Judiciary- consisting of Judges elected by the active citizens who were given the

right to vote. Executive- included King and ministers who would be controlled by legislature Legislature- consisting of National Assembly who were indirectly elected by

active citizens. It had power to make laws.

Active Citizens- only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes and were given right to vote.Passive citizens- remaining men and all women and children

c) Only men of richer section of Society who could pay taxes had the right to voted) No voting rights were given to women.

e) Constitution began with Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. It said that Rights like Right to life, Freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law belong to each human being and could not be taken away.

Pg 10- 11 Questions you be able to answer:

1. Explain how the new political system worked in France according to the constitution of 1791.

2. Who were active and passive citizens?3. What were the ‘natural inalienable rights’ of man according to the Declaration

of the Rights of man and Citizen?4. The majority of men and women in 18th century n France could not read and

write. So images were used frequently instead of printed words. Many symbols have been used to communicate the content of Declaration of Rights. Explain the meaning of each symble used: (see pg 13- NCERT for symbols)The Broken Chain, The Bundle of rods, Eye within a triangle radiating light, Sceptre, Snake biting its tail to form a ring, Phrygian Cap, The winged women, the Law tablet.

FRANCE ABOLISHES MONARCHY AND BECOMES A REPUBLIC

Events after the Formation of Constitution of 1791

1) Other countries with Monarchy were threatened by the happenings in France and made plans to send troops to put down the events

2) National Assembly in 1792, declared war against Prussia and Austria.3) Political Clubs were formed by people to discuss the policies and plans of

government. People were now questioning right to vote not being given to the women.

4) Popular Jacobin Club was formed- leader : Maxmillan Robespierre Members : belonged to less prosperous sections of society like shoemakers,

servants , shopkeepers, daily wage workers etc. Members were called Sans- Culottes

The club members were simple, wore long striped trousers and not the fashionable knee breeches like the nobles. Wore red cap. Women were not allowed to do so.

5) August10, 1792- Jacobins planned a rebellion and attacked the Palace of the Tuileries and imprisoned the king and his family.

6) Elections were held. All men 21 yrs and above could vote regardless of their wealth.

7) New assembly was elected called Convention

8) 21st Sep 1792, Monarchy was abolished and France was declared Republic, that is, their would be no rule of a hereditary king. People would elect their head. Robespierre was chosen as head.

9) 21 Jan 1793- Louis XVI was sentenced to death

Features of Jacobin Government- led by Robespierre

Reign of terror – Period between 1793-1794)

1) The government was very strict. Policy of severe control and punishment was followed.

2) He believed in governance with terror. Those who opposed republic and did not agree with his methods were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined (beheaded)

3) Slavery was abolished by him.4) Churches were shut and converted into Barracks and offices.5) The policies by his government that promoted equality: Wages and prices of goods were fixed. Meat and bread were made less expensive. Everyone was to eat inexpensive bread (equality bread). Use of expensive flour

to make bread was banned All French people were addressed as ‘citizens’ instead of Sir and Madame to

ensure equality to all.

Robespierre supporters could not take the strictness and wanted a government in moderation.

Robespierre was arrested in 1794 and guillotined

What after Robespierre-?

After Robespierre, a Directory ruled France

Jacobian Government fell.

Wealthy middle class forcibly took power.

New Constituition was made, in which,

Voting rights were not given to non propertied section Two legislative council was elected A directory (executive of 5 members) was appointed

Role of The Directory - wanted to avoid concentration of power in one man’s hand

Directory and Legislative Council always clashed

It led to Political instability

This led to the Rise of Dictator Nepoleon Bonaparte.

(pg 14-17) Questions you should be able to answer by now:

1. Why were Political Clubs formed in France?

2. What do you know about the Jacobin Club and its members?

3. Why did the Jacobins plan an insurrection (rebellion) of large number of Parisians?

4. What change did the Convention of 1792 bring in France? Who was chosen as its leader?

5. Period from 1793 to 1794 is termed as Reign of Terror under Robespierre. Why?

6. How does Robespierre government ensure equality in the society?

Role of Women in French Revolution

Condition of Women in French Society:

The 3rd estate women had to work to earn for living. No access to education and no job training was given. Only daughters of nobles and wealthier members could study at convent. Marriage was rranged for the girls of rich classes immediately after their

education. Women were paid lower salary than men. They were not given voting rights. Considered as passive citizens

What women did for themselves?

Women started Political Clubs.

They thought that if they will participate in the revolt, then their condition can improve

They demanded the right to vote and right to be elected in the Assembly.

Work done for women by

Schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Were not forced to marry against their will. Divorce was made legal. Both women and men could apply for it. They received Job training and could take up small business However, the National assemble considered them as passive citizens and dint

give them right to vote

Under Jacobin Government

No right to Vote was given to women. Women clubs were closed down. Their political activities were banned. Women who were active and questioned the rule of Jacobinwere arrested No equal wages were given

Pg 18-20 Questions you should be able to answer by now:

1. How did the revolutionary government (National assembly) improve the condition of women in French society.

2. Highlight the women struggle for Political equality and equal wages during the French Revolution. When did the women in France finally get the right to vote?

3. Who was Olympe De Gouges? What role did she play in the French Revolution?

4. Olympes De Gouge drafted a Declaration in 1791 which questioned the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen which was given by the National assembly. Compare the two Declarations and tell what has Gouge tried to achieve? (refer to NCERT pg 20 for Declaration by Gouge and pg 11 for eclaration by the National assembly)

Abolition of Slavery

Why slavery existed?

There was a Shortage of Labour in French colonies in Caribbean which grew tobacco, indigo, sugar and coffee.

Demand for labour was met by triangular slave trade between Europe, Africa and America

French Merchants bought slaves from Africa and then sold them to plantation owners in caribbean.

Important ports for slave trade- Bordeux and Nantes (on coast of France)

Work done for abolishing Slavery by govt in France

The National Assembly did not abolish Slavery as they feared opposition from businessmen whose income were dependent on slave trade.

In 1794, Jacobin govt (Convention) abolished slavery. Napoleon reintroduced it later. Slavery was finally abolished from French colonies in 1848.

The Revolution and Everyday Life

Many changes were brought after July 1789- Attack on Bastille

The National assembly wanted to bring revolution (change) in the everyday life of people.

Censorship was abolished: In Old Regime (before 1789) , all the written material in Farnce was to be passed by the censors of the king. It was no longer needed.

Freedom of Speech was given- people could express views. Newspapers, pamphlets, books, poems became important to spread ideas of

liberty. Freedom of Press was given: views could also be given to oppose any event

happening.

Women talked about right to vote and wanted political equality.

NEPOLEAN BONAPARTE

1804- Crowned himself as an emperor of France He was seen as a Modernizer and a Liberator

Modernizer: He made laws for protection of private property. He introduced uniform system of weights and measures.Liberator: people though he would bring them freedom from orthodox thinking and introduce revolutionary ideas.

Later his armies were seen invading other parts of Europe to conquesr them. He was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815

Legacy (Inheritance) of French Revolution

The French revolution has given a lot to the French society. The ideas of Liberty and democratic rights are the most important

legacy. These ideals spread to other parts of Europe in which Feudal

system was got abolished. Tipu Sultam and Raja Ram Mohan Roy in India also took

inspiration from these ideas.

Pg 21 to 23: Questions that you should be able to answer by now

1. Which were the ports of France that owed economic prosperity due to slave trade?

2. Name the countries involved in slave trade.

3. Why was the slave trade started?

4. ‘The years following 1789 in France saw many changes in the lives of men, women and children’ Explain .

OR

What changed did the revolution bring in the everyday lives of people of France?

5. Why was Nepoleon Bonaparte seen as Modernizer and Liberator by French people?

6. Describe the impact of the abolition of censorship in France.

7. Which two ideas has been the legacy of French Revolution?

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. This led to increase in the demand for food grains. 

2-The production of food grains could not match with the demand. The price of bread rose rapidly. 

3- The wages did not increase 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 very angry with the chaos and disorder. 

2- A severe winter led to bad harvest and the price of bread rose. 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 angry crowd stormed and destroyed Bastille. 

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

Ans 

The constitution of 1791 gave the power to make laws to the National Assembly. This assembly was indirectly elected. That is, 

1. Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, 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’? 

Ans

1-.The constitution of 1791 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.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS ( 5 MARKS ): 

Q.1. Explain the importance of the following events on the course of theFrench 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 – as they considered it a symbol of oppression and cruelty. 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 give up their power. Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were taken away. 

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. 

Some Board Questions:

1. Describe the events that led to the insurrection of 1792 in France?

2. How did the laws introduced by the revolutionary government help to improve the lives of women?

3. Analyse the impact of French Revolution over Europe and other parts of the world.

4. Ideas of Liberty and democratic rights were the most important legacy of French Revolution. Explain.

5. Explain the socio economic causes of the French Revolution.