Class 9 History Notes with Solved MCQs, Short-Answer and Long-Answer Questions

The French Revolution was one of the most important events in world history. It began in 1789 in France and brought major changes to the political, social and economic systems of the country. The Revolution challenged monarchy, feudal privileges and social inequality. It introduced important ideas such as liberty, equality and fraternity, which influenced democratic movements across the world.

These detailed French Revolution Class 9 notes are prepared for students of Dhingra Classes Nashik according to the important concepts generally covered in the Class 9 History syllabus.

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, students will be able to:

• Explain the main causes of the French Revolution.
• Describe the structure of French society before 1789.
• Understand the role of the National Assembly.
• Explain the significance of the fall of the Bastille.
• Describe the Reign of Terror.
• Discuss the role of women in the Revolution.
• Explain the impact of the French Revolution on France and the world.

What Was the French Revolution?

The French Revolution was a period of political and social upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It ended the absolute monarchy and challenged the privileges enjoyed by the clergy and nobility.

Before the Revolution, France was ruled by an absolute monarch, King Louis XVI. The majority of the population had very few political rights but carried the largest burden of taxation. The Revolution began as a movement against inequality, economic hardship and arbitrary royal authority.

The central ideals of the Revolution were:

• Liberty – freedom for individuals
• Equality – equal rights before the law
• Fraternity – brotherhood and unity among citizens

France Before the French Revolution

The Three Estates

French society was divided into three estates:

1. The First Estate – The clergy
2. The Second Estate – The nobility
3. The Third Estate – Peasants, workers, artisans, merchants, lawyers and the middle class

The First and Second Estates enjoyed several privileges. They were often exempted from paying many taxes. The Third Estate, which formed the majority of the population, paid most of the taxes.

Major Causes of the French Revolution

1. Social Inequality

French society was highly unequal. The clergy and nobility possessed land, wealth and privileges, while peasants and common people faced poverty and heavy taxation.

2. Economic Crisis

France had spent large amounts of money on wars, including support for the American War of Independence. The royal treasury became nearly empty. The government was forced to increase taxes.

3. Rising Food Prices

Poor harvests led to a shortage of food grains. The price of bread increased sharply. Since bread was the main food of the poor, ordinary people faced hunger and hardship.

4. Burden of Taxes

The Third Estate had to pay several taxes, including:

• Taille – a direct tax
• Tithes – taxes paid to the Church
• Indirect taxes on salt and other essential goods
• Feudal dues paid to landlords

5. Weak Leadership of Louis XVI

Louis XVI was unable to solve France’s financial problems. His extravagant court and ineffective administration further increased public dissatisfaction.

6. Influence of Philosophers

Thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu criticised absolute monarchy and supported freedom, equality and popular sovereignty.

• John Locke opposed the divine right of kings.
• Rousseau explained the idea of the social contract.
• Montesquieu supported the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary.

7. Influence of the American Revolution

The American Revolution inspired the French people. French soldiers who returned from America had witnessed ideas of liberty and republican government.

The Estates-General and the National Assembly

In 1789, Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General to approve new taxes. Each estate traditionally had one vote. The representatives of the Third Estate demanded voting by the entire assembly rather than voting by estate.

When their demand was rejected, the representatives of the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly on 17 June 1789.

On 20 June 1789, they gathered in an indoor tennis court and took the famous Tennis Court Oath. They promised not to separate until they had drafted a constitution for France.

The Storming of the Bastille

On 14 July 1789, an angry crowd in Paris attacked and destroyed the Bastille prison. The Bastille symbolised the despotic power of the king.

The fall of the Bastille became a turning point in the Revolution. It showed that ordinary people were ready to challenge royal authority.

Abolition of Feudalism

On 4 August 1789, the National Assembly abolished the feudal system. Nobles lost their special privileges, and peasants were freed from many feudal obligations.

This was an important step towards social equality.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in August 1789.

Its important principles included:

• All men are born free and equal.
• Every citizen has the right to liberty.
• Law should be the same for all.
• Sovereignty belongs to the nation.
• Citizens have freedom of speech and expression.
• Government must protect the natural rights of citizens.

The document became an important foundation for modern democracy and human rights.

France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

The Constitution of 1791 divided powers among different institutions:

• The king served as the executive.
• The National Assembly made laws.
• Courts exercised judicial power.

However, not everyone received voting rights. Only men who paid a minimum amount of taxes were considered active citizens and could vote. Women and poorer men were classified as passive citizens.

The Jacobins and the Republic

The Jacobins were a radical political group led by Maximilien Robespierre. They supported the abolition of monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

On 21 September 1792, the monarchy was abolished and France became a republic. Louis XVI was executed by guillotine in January 1793. Queen Marie Antoinette was also executed later in the same year.

The Reign of Terror

The period from 1793 to 1794 is known as the Reign of Terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe punishment against people considered enemies of the Revolution.

Thousands of people were arrested and executed by the guillotine. The victims included nobles, members of the clergy and political opponents.

Robespierre introduced certain reforms, such as:

• Price controls on essential goods
• Abolition of censorship
• Measures against hoarding
• A system of equality in public life
• Compulsory education plans

However, his strict policies created fear and opposition. He was arrested and executed in July 1794.

The Role of Women

Women played an active role in the French Revolution. They participated in protests, political clubs and demonstrations.

On 5 October 1789, thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles to demand bread and force the king to move to Paris.

Women demanded:

• The right to vote
• The right to education
• The right to hold public office
• Equal political rights
• Equal wages and property rights

Olympe de Gouges wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen in 1791. She criticised the exclusion of women from political rights. However, she was later executed.

Slavery and the French Revolution

France had colonies in the Caribbean where enslaved people worked on plantations. The French government earned large profits from the slave trade and plantation products.

The National Convention abolished slavery in French colonies in 1794, but Napoleon later reintroduced it. Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

After the fall of Robespierre, France was governed by the Directory. It was a weak government and faced political instability.

In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte took control of France. He later became emperor. Although he ended the republican phase of the Revolution, he introduced several reforms, including:

• Equality before the law
• Administrative reforms
• Protection of private property
• The Napoleonic Code
• Improved education and government administration

Napoleon conquered many parts of Europe but was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Impact of the French Revolution

The French Revolution had a lasting impact on France and the world.

Political Impact

• Absolute monarchy was challenged.
• The idea of popular sovereignty became important.
• Citizens began demanding political rights.
• Republican ideas spread to other countries.

Social Impact

• Feudal privileges were abolished.
• The power of the nobility and clergy declined.
• Equality before the law was introduced.
• The middle class became politically important.

Economic Impact

• Feudal dues were abolished.
• Taxes became more uniform.
• Private property received legal protection.
• Restrictions on trade and production were reduced.

Global Impact

The ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity influenced:

• Nationalist movements
• Anti-colonial struggles
• Democratic movements
• Constitutional reforms
• Human rights campaigns

20 Solved MCQs on the French Revolution

1. In which year did the French Revolution begin?

A. 1776
B. 1789
C. 1791
D. 1799

Answer: B. 1789
Explanation: The French Revolution began in 1789.

2. Who was the king of France at the beginning of the Revolution?

A. Louis XIV
B. Louis XV
C. Louis XVI
D. Napoleon Bonaparte

Answer: C. Louis XVI
Explanation: Louis XVI was the king of France in 1789.

3. Which estate paid most of the taxes in France?

A. First Estate
B. Second Estate
C. Third Estate
D. Royal Estate

Answer: C. Third Estate
Explanation: The Third Estate included common people and carried the main tax burden.

4. The First Estate consisted of:

A. Nobles
B. Clergy
C. Peasants
D. Merchants

Answer: B. Clergy
Explanation: The clergy formed the First Estate.

5. The Second Estate consisted mainly of:

A. Peasants
B. Workers
C. Nobility
D. Merchants

Answer: C. Nobility
Explanation: The Second Estate was made up of nobles.

6. What was the Bastille?

A. A palace
B. A prison
C. A church
D. A market

Answer: B. A prison
Explanation: The Bastille was a prison that symbolised royal despotism.

7. When was the Bastille stormed?

A. 4 August 1789
B. 14 July 1789
C. 21 January 1793
D. 20 June 1789

Answer: B. 14 July 1789
Explanation: The Bastille was attacked on 14 July 1789.

8. What was the Tennis Court Oath?

A. An oath to support the king
B. A promise to draft a constitution
C. A military agreement
D. A trade agreement

Answer: B. A promise to draft a constitution
Explanation: Members of the Third Estate promised not to separate until France had a constitution.

9. Who wrote The Social Contract?

A. Montesquieu
B. John Locke
C. Rousseau
D. Voltaire

Answer: C. Rousseau
Explanation: Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote The Social Contract.

10. Which document declared that all men are born free and equal?

A. Constitution of 1791
B. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
C. Napoleonic Code
D. Tennis Court Oath

Answer: B. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

11. France became a republic in:

A. 1789
B. 1791
C. 1792
D. 1799

Answer: C. 1792
Explanation: The monarchy was abolished on 21 September 1792.

12. Who led the Jacobins during the Reign of Terror?

A. Napoleon
B. Robespierre
C. Mirabeau
D. Louis XVI

Answer: B. Robespierre

13. The Reign of Terror lasted from:

A. 1789–1790
B. 1791–1792
C. 1793–1794
D. 1798–1799

Answer: C. 1793–1794

14. What was the guillotine?

A. A tax system
B. A machine used for execution
C. A political club
D. A weapon used in war

Answer: B. A machine used for execution

15. Who wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen?

A. Marie Antoinette
B. Olympe de Gouges
C. Charlotte Corday
D. Madame Roland

Answer: B. Olympe de Gouges

16. Which group represented the interests of the common people?

A. Jacobins
B. Clergy
C. Nobility
D. Royalists

Answer: A. Jacobins
Explanation: The Jacobins were a radical political group that supported republican government.

17. Which tax was paid to the Church?

A. Taille
B. Tithe
C. Salt tax
D. Customs duty

Answer: B. Tithe

18. Which government ruled France after Robespierre?

A. National Assembly
B. Directory
C. Consulate
D. Empire

Answer: B. Directory

19. In which year did Napoleon come to power?

A. 1789
B. 1792
C. 1794
D. 1799

Answer: D. 1799

20. Which slogan is associated with the French Revolution?

A. Peace, Land and Bread
B. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
C. Swaraj is My Birthright
D. Workers of the World Unite

Answer: B. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

15 Solved Short-Answer Questions

1. What was the Old Regime?

Answer:
The Old Regime was the political and social system existing in France before the Revolution of 1789. It was based on absolute monarchy and division of society into three estates. The clergy and nobility enjoyed privileges, while the Third Estate paid most taxes.

2. Name the three estates in French society.

Answer:
The three estates were:

1. The First Estate – clergy
2. The Second Estate – nobility
3. The Third Estate – peasants, workers, merchants and professionals

3. Why was the French treasury empty?

Answer:
The French treasury became empty because of costly wars, including support for the American Revolution. The royal court also spent large amounts on luxury and administration. France had heavy debts and insufficient income.

4. What was the taille?

Answer:
The taille was a direct tax imposed mainly on the members of the Third Estate. It was one of the major financial burdens on common people.

5. What was the Tennis Court Oath?

Answer:
The Tennis Court Oath was taken by representatives of the Third Estate on 20 June 1789. They promised not to separate until they had drafted a constitution for France.

6. Why was the Bastille hated by the people?

Answer:
The Bastille was a prison used by the king to imprison people without a fair trial. It symbolised the arbitrary and despotic power of the monarchy. Therefore, people hated it.

7. What was the importance of 14 July 1789?

Answer:
On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille. This event marked the beginning of the popular uprising against the monarchy and became a symbol of the French Revolution.

8. What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

Answer:
It was a document adopted by the National Assembly in August 1789. It declared that all men were born free and equal and had natural rights such as liberty, equality and freedom of speech.

9. What is meant by constitutional monarchy?

Answer:
A constitutional monarchy is a system in which the king remains the head of state but his powers are limited by a constitution. In France, the Constitution of 1791 established such a system.

10. Who were active citizens?

Answer:
Active citizens were men above a certain age who paid a minimum amount of taxes. They had the right to vote and participate in the election of representatives.

11. Who were the Jacobins?

Answer:
The Jacobins were a radical political club during the French Revolution. They were led by Robespierre and supported the abolition of monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

12. What was the Reign of Terror?

Answer:
The Reign of Terror was the period from 1793 to 1794 when Robespierre and the Jacobins followed severe measures against enemies of the Revolution. Thousands of people were arrested and executed.

13. What role did women play in the Revolution?

Answer:
Women participated in demonstrations, political clubs and protests. They marched to Versailles demanding bread and political rights. They also demanded education, voting rights and equality before the law.

14. Who was Olympe de Gouges?

Answer:
Olympe de Gouges was a French political activist. In 1791, she wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen. She demanded equal political rights for women.

15. Mention two effects of the French Revolution.

Answer:
Two important effects were:

• Feudal privileges of the nobility and clergy were abolished.
• The ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity spread throughout Europe and the world.

12 Solved Long-Answer Questions

1. Explain the main causes of the French Revolution.

Answer:
The French Revolution was caused by a combination of social, economic, political and intellectual factors.

French society was divided into three estates. The clergy and nobility enjoyed special privileges, while the Third Estate paid most taxes. This created serious social inequality.

France also faced a major financial crisis. The government had spent huge amounts on wars, including the American War of Independence. The royal court’s extravagant expenditure increased the national debt. As a result, the king tried to impose additional taxes on the people.

Poor harvests caused food shortages and increased the price of bread. Workers and peasants were unable to afford basic food. Unemployment and poverty further increased public anger.

The monarchy was also weak. Louis XVI failed to manage the financial crisis. Enlightenment thinkers such as Rousseau, Locke and Montesquieu criticised absolute monarchy and promoted liberty, equality and popular sovereignty. These ideas encouraged people to oppose the existing system.

2. Describe the condition of French society before 1789.

Answer:
Before 1789, French society was divided into three estates. The First Estate consisted of the clergy, and the Second Estate consisted of nobles. Both estates owned large areas of land and enjoyed many privileges. They were exempted from paying several taxes and occupied important positions in government and the army.

The Third Estate included peasants, workers, artisans, merchants, lawyers and other professionals. It formed nearly the entire population but had very few political rights. Peasants paid taxes to the state, tithes to the Church and feudal dues to landlords.

The middle class was educated and economically strong but had no political power. Workers faced low wages, unemployment and rising food prices. Thus, French society was unequal and unfair, which created the conditions for revolution.

3. Explain the role of the National Assembly in the French Revolution.

Answer:
The National Assembly was formed by representatives of the Third Estate on 17 June 1789. They claimed to represent the entire French nation rather than only one estate.

On 20 June 1789, members of the National Assembly took the Tennis Court Oath. They promised to remain united until they prepared a constitution for France.

The Assembly abolished feudal privileges on 4 August 1789. It also adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which promoted liberty and equality.

The Constitution of 1791 was prepared under its leadership. It limited the powers of the king and divided authority among the legislature, executive and judiciary. The National Assembly therefore played a major role in ending absolute monarchy and establishing constitutional government.

4. What were the major provisions of the Constitution of 1791?

Answer:
The Constitution of 1791 transformed France into a constitutional monarchy. Its major provisions were:

• The powers of the king were limited.
• The National Assembly was given the power to make laws.
• The king retained executive authority.
• The judiciary became independent.
• Government powers were divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
• Citizens were divided into active and passive citizens.
• Active citizens were men above a certain age who paid a minimum amount of taxes.
• Only active citizens could vote.
• Women and poorer men were denied voting rights.

Although the Constitution introduced representative government, it did not establish complete equality because a large section of the population could not vote.

5. Explain the importance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

Answer:
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted in August 1789. It was influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers.

The document declared that all men were born free and equal. It recognised liberty, equality before the law, freedom of speech and freedom of opinion as important rights.

It also stated that sovereignty belonged to the nation and not to the king alone. It opposed arbitrary arrest and unfair punishment. It demanded that laws should apply equally to all citizens.

The Declaration became the foundation of the French Constitution. It also influenced democratic and human rights movements throughout the world. However, its use of the term “men” showed that women were not granted equal political rights at that time.

6. Discuss the role of women in the French Revolution.

Answer:
Women played an important role in the French Revolution. They participated in protests and political activities. On 5 October 1789, thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles because of the shortage and high price of bread. They forced the king and his family to move to Paris.

Women formed political clubs and demanded equal rights. They asked for the right to vote, the right to education, the right to hold public office and equality in property laws.

Olympe de Gouges wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen in 1791. She argued that women should enjoy the same political rights as men.

However, women were not given voting rights during the Revolution. Women’s political clubs were later closed, and Olympe de Gouges was executed. Their struggle nevertheless influenced later movements for women’s rights.

7. What was the Reign of Terror? Explain its causes and effects.

Answer:
The Reign of Terror was the period from 1793 to 1794 when Robespierre and the Jacobins controlled France.

France was facing war with foreign powers, rebellion inside the country and economic problems. The Jacobins believed that strict measures were necessary to protect the Revolution. Persons suspected of being enemies were arrested and tried before revolutionary tribunals.

Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine. These included nobles, members of the clergy and political opponents. The government also introduced price controls on essential goods and punished people accused of hoarding.

The Reign of Terror created fear throughout France. Robespierre’s harsh policies led to opposition among his own supporters. He was arrested and executed in July 1794. After his death, the radical phase of the Revolution ended.

8. Explain how France became a republic.

Answer:
The constitutional monarchy established by the Constitution of 1791 did not solve France’s problems. The king was suspected of supporting foreign enemies and opposing the Revolution.

In August 1792, revolutionaries attacked the royal palace and imprisoned the king. Elections were held for a new assembly called the National Convention.

On 21 September 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. Louis XVI was tried for treason and executed in January 1793.

The republic faced internal rebellion and war with European monarchies. The Jacobins gained control and introduced radical measures. Although the republic experienced violence and instability, it marked the end of hereditary monarchy in France.

9. Explain the economic crisis faced by France before the Revolution.

Answer:
France faced a severe economic crisis before 1789. The government had borrowed heavily to finance wars. Its participation in the American War of Independence added to the financial burden.

The royal government spent a large amount on maintaining the luxurious court at Versailles. Tax collection was inefficient, and the privileged estates were largely exempt from taxes.

Poor harvests caused a shortage of food grains. The price of bread increased, while workers’ wages did not rise at the same rate. Families spent most of their income on food.

The government tried to impose new taxes, but the privileged classes opposed these measures. The financial crisis forced Louis XVI to call the Estates-General. This eventually led to political conflict and the beginning of the Revolution.

10. Describe the impact of the French Revolution on France.

Answer:
The French Revolution brought major changes to France. The absolute monarchy was abolished, and a republic was established in 1792.

The privileges of the clergy and nobility were removed. Feudal dues were abolished, and peasants gained greater freedom. Equality before the law became an important principle.

The Revolution introduced representative institutions and the idea that government authority came from the people. It weakened the power of the Church and transferred many Church lands to the state.

The middle class became politically influential. However, the Revolution also resulted in violence, economic instability and political conflict. Despite these difficulties, it permanently changed French society and government.

11. Explain the influence of the French Revolution on the world.

Answer:
The French Revolution spread powerful ideas across Europe and the rest of the world. Its ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity inspired people to challenge absolute rulers and social inequality.

The Revolution promoted the idea that citizens should have rights and that government should be based on the will of the people. It encouraged the growth of nationalism and democratic movements.

The abolition of feudal privileges influenced social reforms in other countries. Napoleon’s armies carried several legal and administrative reforms to different parts of Europe.

The Revolution also influenced anti-colonial struggles and movements against discrimination. Although the Revolution did not immediately provide equal rights to women or enslaved people, it created a language of rights that later reformers used to demand equality.

12. What was the role of philosophers in the French Revolution?

Answer:
Philosophers played an important role in preparing the intellectual background of the Revolution. They criticised the privileges of the Church, nobility and monarchy.

John Locke rejected the divine right of kings and supported the right of people to resist an unjust government. Rousseau argued that government should be based on a social contract between citizens and rulers. He believed that sovereignty belonged to the people.

Montesquieu proposed the separation of powers into the legislature, executive and judiciary. His ideas helped shape the Constitution of 1791.

These philosophers encouraged people to think about freedom, equality, justice and government. Their writings influenced the educated middle class and helped create opposition to absolute monarchy.

Quick Revision Points

• The French Revolution began in 1789.
• Louis XVI was the king of France.
• French society was divided into three estates.
• The Third Estate paid most of the taxes.
• The Bastille was stormed on 14 July 1789.
• The Tennis Court Oath was taken on 20 June 1789.
• Feudal privileges were abolished on 4 August 1789.
• The Constitution of 1791 established a constitutional monarchy.
• France became a republic on 21 September 1792.
• Louis XVI was executed in January 1793.
• Robespierre led the Reign of Terror.
• The Reign of Terror lasted from 1793 to 1794.
• Napoleon came to power in 1799.
• The major ideals were liberty, equality and fraternity.

📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik

• 📱 Phone: 98230 62106
• 📧 Email: dhingraclassesnsk@gmail.com
• 🌐 Website: www.dhingraclassesnashik.com
• 📍 Address: Plot No 3, XQ3G+H3M Deacon Homes, 301C, Opp. Metro Zone, Near Guru Govind Sing, Samarth Nagar, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422009