French Revolution Pdf Notes & MCQs Class 9 | World History | UPSC MCQS | EduCatn

Notes of French Revolution

In this post, we provide Notes & Objective questions asked in your class exams or competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, PSC, NTPC, Railway etc. Today's notes topic is from Class 9 Social Science History(India and Contemporary world) Chapter 1: French Revolution. This chapter investigates the underlying causes of the French Revolution, focusing on the social, political, and economic conditions that sparked widespread unrest across France. Notes are divided into the ,background and context of the French Revolution, its causes, key events, legacy, impact, key figures etc. Let's look into our most important MCQs and notes of French Revolution. Please join our subscribe family, if you find these notes useful please forward it to your group. and also join our family of YouTube and Telegram group. 

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Background and Context 

Old Regime: France was divided into three estates:

• First Estate: Clergy (about 1% of the population, owned 10% of land).

• Second Estate: Nobility (about 2% of the population, owned 25% of land).

• Third Estate: Commoners (97% of the population, included peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie).

Social Inequality: The Third Estate bore the burden of taxes and had little political power.

Causes of the Revolution

Economic Hardship:

• Financial crisis due to debt from wars (e.g., American Revolution).

• Poor harvests in the late 1780s led to food shortages and rising bread prices.

Political Discontent:

• Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI; lack of representation for the Third Estate.

• Enlightenment ideas promoting liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Social Inequality: Resentment towards the privileges of the First and Second Estates.

Key Events of the Revolution

• Estates-General (May 1789): Convened to address the financial crisis; Third Estate demanded more representation.

• Formation of the National Assembly (June 1789): Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, vowing to draft a new constitution.

• Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789): Members of the National Assembly pledged not to disband until a new constitution was established.

• Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): Symbolic act of revolution; marked the beginning of widespread violence.

• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 1789): Proclaimed individual rights and the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Radical Phase

• Rise of the Jacobins: A radical political group led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre.

• Reign of Terror (1793-1794): Period of political purges; thousands executed, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

• Committee of Public Safety: Established to protect the revolution from its enemies; led to extreme measures against perceived threats.

End of the Revolution

• Fall of Robespierre (July 1794): Executed by those who feared his power; marked the end of the Reign of Terror.

• Thermidorian Reaction: A backlash against radicalism; led to the establishment of the Directory (1795-1799).

• Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte: Coup of 18 Brumaire (November 1799) ended the Directory; Napoleon established himself as the leader.

Impact of the Revolution

• Political Changes: Abolished the monarchy; established the First French Republic.

• Social Changes: End of feudal privileges; secularization of society.

• Legal Reforms: Introduction of the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems in many countries.

• Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: Inspired revolutions and movements for democracy and rights across Europe and the world.

Legacy

• Ideas of Liberty and Equality: Fundamental principles that influenced future democratic movements.

• Cultural Impact: Changes in art, literature, and philosophy reflecting revolutionary ideals.

• Global Influence: The revolution served as a model for other countries seeking independence and reform.

Key Figures

• Georges Danton: Early leader of the revolution; known for his charisma and oratory.

• Maximilien Robespierre: Key figure during the Reign of Terror; advocated for radical changes.

• Jean-Paul Marat: Radical journalist; symbol of the revolution's more violent aspects.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

What was the primary cause of the financial crisis in France before the Revolution?

A) Overpopulation
B) Debt from wars
C) Natural disasters
D) Industrialization
Answer: B) Debt from wars


Which estate in France represented the clergy?

A) First Estate
B) Second Estate
C) Third Estate
D) None of the above
Answer: A) First Estate


What document proclaimed the rights of man during the French Revolution?

A) The Constitution of 1791
B) The Declaration of Independence
C) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
D) The Napoleonic Code
Answer: C) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen


Which event is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution?

A) The Tennis Court Oath
B) The Storming of the Bastille
C) The execution of Louis XVI
D) The formation of the National Assembly
Answer: B) The Storming of the Bastille


Who was the leader of the Jacobins during the Reign of Terror?

A) Georges Danton
B) Louis XVI
C) Maximilien Robespierre
D) Napoleon Bonaparte
Answer: C) Maximilien Robespierre


What was the main purpose of the Committee of Public Safety?

A) To draft a new constitution
B) To protect the revolution from its enemies
C) To manage the economy
D) To promote international relations
Answer: B) To protect the revolution from its enemies


Which of the following was NOT a result of the French Revolution?

A) Abolition of feudal privileges
B) Establishment of a constitutional monarchy
C) Spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe
D) Introduction of the Napoleonic Code
Answer: B) Establishment of a constitutional monarchy


What was the fate of King Louis XVI during the French Revolution?

A) He was exiled
B) He was executed
C) He was imprisoned
D) He was restored to power
Answer: B) He was executed


Which group was primarily responsible for the radical phase of the Revolution?

A) The Girondins
B) The Jacobins
C) The Royalists
D) The Sans-culottes
Answer: B) The Jacobins


What was the main outcome of the Thermidorian Reaction?

A) The rise of Napoleon
B) The end of the Reign of Terror
C) The establishment of the Directory
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above


Which of the following best describes the Napoleonic Code?

A) A set of laws promoting feudal privileges
B) A legal framework that protected private property and civil rights
C) A military strategy for conquering Europe
D) A declaration of war against Britain
Answer: B) A legal framework that protected private property and civil rights


What was the primary goal of the French Revolution?

A) To establish a monarchy
B) To promote social equality and democratic rights
C) To expand French territory
D) To maintain the status quo
Answer: B) To promote social equality and democratic rights


Which revolutionary figure was known for his radical journalism?

A) Maximilien Robespierre
B) Georges Danton
C) Jean-Paul Marat
D) Louis XVI
Answer: C) Jean-Paul Marat


What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

A) It marked the end of the monarchy
B) It was a pledge to draft a new constitution
C) It was a declaration of war
D) It was a call for peace
Answer: B) It was a pledge to draft a new constitution


Which of the following was a major consequence of Napoleon's rule?

A) Restoration of the monarchy
B) Spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe
C) Establishment of a feudal system
D) Isolation of France from the rest of Europe
Answer: B) Spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe


What was the primary reason for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte?

A) His military successes and political acumen
B) His royal lineage
C) His connections with foreign powers
D) His popularity among the clergy
Answer: A) His military successes and political acumen


Which of the following best describes the social structure of France before the Revolution?

A) Equal representation for all
B) A classless society
C) A society based on privileges and estates
D) A democratic republic
Answer: C) A society based on privileges and estates


What was the main purpose of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

A) To establish a monarchy
B) To outline the rights of citizens and principles of the revolution
C) To declare war on other nations
D) To promote feudal rights
Answer: B) To outline the rights of citizens and principles of the revolution


Which event marked the end of the Reign of Terror?

A) The execution of Louis XVI
B) The fall of Robespierre
C) The establishment of the Directory
D) The rise of Napoleon
Answer: B) The fall of Robespierre


What was one of the long-term impacts of the French Revolution?

A) The establishment of absolute monarchies in Europe
B) The spread of ideas about liberty and democracy worldwide
C) The end of all wars in Europe
D) The isolation of France from global affairs
Answer: B) The spread of ideas about liberty and democracy worldwide


What was the primary aim of the Estates-General when it was convened in 1789?

A) To declare war
B) To address the financial crisis
C) To draft a new constitution
D) To abolish the monarchy
Answer: B) To address the financial crisis


Which group was known for their radical approach and support for the revolution's most extreme measures?

A) The Girondins
B) The Jacobins
C) The Royalists
D) The Moderates
Answer: B) The Jacobins


What was the significance of the Women's March on Versailles in 1789?

A) It led to the execution of the king
B) It forced the royal family to move to Paris
C) It established women's rights
D) It ended the monarchy
Answer: B) It forced the royal family to move to Paris


Which of the following was a key feature of the Directory government established after the Reign of Terror?

A) Absolute monarchy
B) A return to feudalism
C) A more conservative approach to governance
D) Direct democracy
Answer: C) A more conservative approach to governance


What was the primary reason for the rise of nationalism in Europe following the French Revolution?

A) The spread of revolutionary ideas
B) The establishment of monarchies
C) The decline of the Catholic Church
D) The unification of Germany
Answer: A) The spread of revolutionary ideas


Which of the following best describes the impact of the French Revolution on Europe?

A) It isolated France from other nations
B) It inspired other revolutions and movements for change
C) It led to the restoration of absolute monarchies
D) It had no significant impact
Answer: B) It inspired other revolutions and movements for change


What was the purpose of the Napoleonic Wars?

A) To spread democracy
B) To expand French territory and influence
C) To establish peace in Europe
D) To promote feudalism
Answer: B) To expand French territory and influence


Which of the following was a major social change resulting from the French Revolution?

A) The re-establishment of the feudal system
B) The abolition of the class system
C) The end of privileges based on birth
D) The return of absolute monarchy
Answer: C) The end of privileges based on birth


What was the main reason for the failure of the French Revolution to achieve its goals?

A) Lack of popular support
B) Internal divisions and external wars
C) The strength of the monarchy
D) The influence of foreign powers
Answer: B) Internal divisions and external wars


Which of the following best describes the legacy of the French Revolution?

A) It was a complete failure with no lasting impact
B) It established a new social order based on equality and rights
C) It led to the immediate restoration of the monarchy
D) It isolated France from the rest of Europe
Answer: B) It established a new social order based on equality and rights