Here I am going to provide you CBSE Class 9 History Notes Chapter 1 - The French Revolution. You can also Download PDF of these notes. The French Revolution led to the end of the monarchy in France. The chapter also discusses the Declaration of the Rights of Man, notions of equality and freedom, and anti-colonial movements in India and China, Africa and South America. By going through The French Revolution Class 9 Notes you will acquire a better command on this chapter. So, use these notes and do your best!!
Introduction
- The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was not merely an event in the history of France—it was a landmark in the global history of political and social change.
- It marked the fall of monarchy, rise of democracy, and the birth of new ideas such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, which inspired countless revolutions around the world in the centuries that followed.
- France was one of the richest and most powerful countries in Europe, yet deep inequalities, absolute monarchy, and social oppression plagued its society. This contradiction led to an explosion of public anger, leading to the Revolution.
Key Event:
On 14 July 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a prison and a symbol of royal power. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
French Society in the Late 18th Century
Structure of Society: The Three Estates
The French society was divided into three estates, a rigid social structure inherited from feudal times. These were:
First Estate – The Clergy
- This group consisted of bishops, priests, monks, and other church officials.
- Though they made up only about 0.5% of the population, they had immense power and privileges.
- They owned nearly 10% of the land.
- The clergy collected a tax from the common people known as the tithe.
- They were exempted from paying taxes to the king.
- Many clergy lived lavish lives despite preaching humility.
Second Estate – The Nobility
- Comprising about 1.5% of the population, the nobles were landowners and aristocrats.
- They controlled 20–30% of the land.
- Held high positions in government, army, and judiciary.
- Also exempt from most taxes, but could collect feudal dues and perform manorial rights over peasants.
- Lived in large estates and luxurious châteaux (castles).
- Maintained their dominance through inherited titles and close ties with the monarchy.
Third Estate – The Commoners
- Made up 98% of the population.
- Internally diverse and stratified:
a) Bourgeoisie (Middle Class):
- Included merchants, doctors, lawyers, professors, bankers, and industrialists.
- Wealthy and educated, but had no political power.
- Were greatly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.
b) Peasants:
- Made up 80% of the population.
- Worked on land owned by nobles or clergy.
- Paid tithes to the Church, taille (land tax) to the state, and feudal dues to the nobles.
- Lived in extreme poverty, often without sufficient food or clothing.
c) Urban Workers:
- Artisans, small factory workers, servants, and daily-wage earners.
- Lived in overcrowded houses, often went hungry.
- Bread, the staple diet, became unaffordable during food shortages.
All of the Third Estate bore the burden of taxation while enjoying none of the privileges.
The Economic Crisis
France’s Growing Debt
- France was nearly bankrupt by the 1780s.
- The monarchy had borrowed heavily to:
- Fund wars, including the Seven Years' War and support for the American Revolution.
- Maintain the extravagant palace of Versailles and royal lifestyle.
- The interest payments alone consumed a large part of the national income.
Rise in Cost of Living
- Poor harvests in 1787 and 1788 led to shortages of grain.
- This caused bread prices to skyrocket.
- Starving urban workers and peasants grew restless and angry.
- The government kept taxing the common people while refusing to touch the clergy or nobility.
The Influence of Enlightenment Thinkers
A new wave of ideas emerged in 18th-century Europe, particularly in France. These ideas challenged the divine right of kings, inequality, and absolute monarchy.
Key Thinkers:
John Locke
- British philosopher.
- Advocated for natural rights – life, liberty, and property.
- Believed in government by consent, not by divine right.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- French philosopher.
- In The Social Contract, he stated that sovereignty belongs to the people.
- Supported a government formed by the general will.
Montesquieu
- In his book The Spirit of the Laws, he proposed:
- Separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judiciary.
- Believed this would prevent tyranny.
These ideas spread through books, newspapers, pamphlets, and discussions in salons and coffee houses. The educated classes of the Third Estate were deeply inspired.
Louis XVI and the Estates General
Who Was Louis XVI?
- Became King of France in 1774 at the age of 20.
- Married to Marie Antoinette, an Austrian princess.
- Lacked strong leadership qualities.
- His extravagant spending worsened France’s financial crisis.
Calling of the Estates General (May 5, 1789)
- The Estates General (last met in 1614) was a political body comprising representatives from all three estates.
- Louis XVI called it to propose new taxes.
- Each estate had one vote, which meant the First and Second Estates could outvote the Third, despite being a tiny minority.
- The Third Estate demanded voting by head, but the king rejected it.
Formation of the National Assembly
- The Third Estate walked out and declared themselves the National Assembly.
- Took the Tennis Court Oath on 20 June 1789, vowing not to disperse until a new constitution was written.
The Storming of the Bastille – 14 July 1789
- Fearing repression from the king, people stormed the Bastille, a fortress-prison in Paris.
- It symbolized royal tyranny.
- The mob killed the commander and freed prisoners (only 7).
- This event became a symbol of revolution and is celebrated as France’s National Day.
Revolts in the Countryside – The Great Fear
- Following the Bastille, rumors spread that nobles had hired brigands to destroy peasant crops.
- In fear and anger, peasants attacked manor houses, burnt documents, and destroyed feudal records.
- Known as the “Great Fear”, this led to the National Assembly abolishing feudal privileges on 4 August 1789.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 26, 1789)
Key Provisions:
- All men are born free and equal.
- Guaranteed freedom of speech, religion, and equality before law.
- Stated that sovereignty belonged to the nation, not the king.
- Emphasized liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
However, women and slaves were not included in these rights.
Women and the Revolution
- Women participated in food riots, protests, and political clubs.
- On 5 October 1789, thousands of women marched to Versailles, demanding bread and forcing the royal family to move to Paris.
- Olympe de Gouges, a revolutionary thinker, published the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen in 1791.
- Despite their efforts, the new laws excluded women from political rights.
The Monarchy is Abolished
- Following the king’s arrest, elections were held to choose a new assembly – called the National Convention.
- Voting rights were now granted to all adult males, not just the rich.
On 21 September 1792, the newly elected National Convention:
- Abolished monarchy
- Declared France a Republic
From this point on:
- There would be no king.
- All power would rest in the hands of elected representatives of the people.
Trial and Execution of Louis XVI
After the republic was declared, the king was put on trial.
Charges:
- Betrayal of the nation
- Conspiracy with foreign powers
- Working against the revolution
Execution:
- On 21 January 1793, King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason by the Convention.
- He was sentenced to death and executed by the guillotine in public in Paris.
- His wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, was also executed nine months later in October 1793.
The execution of the king shocked Europe. Monarchies across Europe were horrified, while French revolutionaries celebrated the event as the final break from centuries of oppression.
The Reign of Terror (1793–1794)
- Maximilien Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, took control.
- Established a dictatorship in the name of virtue.
- Thousands were executed by guillotine, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
- This period was called the Reign of Terror.
- Robespierre was eventually arrested and executed in 1794.
The Directory
After the fall of Robespierre in 1794, the Reign of Terror ended. But France still faced political instability, economic crisis, and fear of monarchy’s return. To restore order, a new government system was introduced.
Formation of the Directory (1795)
A new constitution was adopted in 1795.
Instead of one leader, power was given to a five-member executive body called the Directory.
Two elected legislative councils:
- Council of 500 (proposed laws)
- Council of Ancients (approved laws)
Aim: To prevent power misuse by dividing authority.
Problems with the Directory
Despite good intentions, the Directory became weak and corrupt.
- Political Conflicts: Faced pressure from both royalists and revolutionaries.
- Economic Issues: Inflation, food shortages, and high prices continued.
- Instability: Frequent power struggles between the Directory and councils.
- Military Dependence: Relied heavily on the army to maintain control, making generals very powerful.
Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
- Amid this unstable period, a young and successful general named Napoleon Bonaparte gained popularity.
- Known for military victories in Italy and Egypt.
- Seen as a national hero.
- The Directory started depending on him to defend the government.
Napoleon’s Coup – 9 November 1799
- On 18 Brumaire, Year VIII (9 November 1799), Napoleon staged a military coup.
- He overthrew the Directory and set up a three-member Consulate.
- In reality, Napoleon held all real power.
Napoleon Becomes Emperor
- In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France.
- Although he ended the revolution politically, he preserved many revolutionary ideas.
Reforms by Napoleon
Introduced the Napoleonic Code (1804):
- Abolished feudal privileges
- Ensured equality before the law
- Secured right to property
- Reorganized administration and education.
- Promoted merit-based appointments.
- Spread revolutionary ideas across Europe—but often by military force.
Dual Role of Napoleon
| Role | As a Reformer | As a Dictator |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Legal equality, end of feudalism | Centralized power in his hands |
| Governance | Merit-based jobs, education reforms | Limited press and political freedom |
| Revolutionary | Spread ideas of liberty & equality | Crowned himself, acted like a monarch |
Impact and Legacy of the French Revolution
Positive Outcomes:
- End of monarchy and feudalism.
- Established the foundation of modern democracy.
- Spread the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Inspired revolutions in Latin America, Russia, and across Europe.
Limitations:
- Rights were initially given only to men.
- Periods of violence and instability.
- Ended in military dictatorship under Napoleon.
Important Keywords
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tithe | Tax to the Church (10% of produce) |
| Taille | Direct land tax paid by the Third Estate |
| Estates General | Assembly of representatives from all three estates |
| Bourgeoisie | Educated, wealthy middle class |
| Guillotine | Execution machine with a falling blade |
| Jacobins | Radical political group |
| Sans-culottes | Working-class revolutionaries |
| Coup d’état | Sudden seizure of power |
