French_Revolution_Class9The French Revolution was a major event in world history that began in 1789 in France. It marked the end of monarchy and the rise of democracy and equality.

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The French Revolution (1789)

The French Revolution was a major event in world history that began in 1789 in France. It marked the end of monarchy and the rise of democracy and equality.


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Causes of the French Revolution

1. Social Inequality:
French society was divided into three estates:

First Estate: Clergy (very privileged)

Second Estate: Nobility (privileged)

Third Estate: Common people (had to pay all taxes, no privileges)



2. Economic Crisis:
France was in heavy debt due to wars and extravagant spending by the king and queen (e.g., Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette). The people faced high taxes and rising food prices.


3. Enlightenment Ideas:
Thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity. Their ideas inspired people to question the monarchy.


4. Weak Leadership:
King Louis XVI was indecisive and inefficient. His failure to fix the crisis angered the people.




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Major Events of the Revolution

1789: The Estates-General meeting turns into the National Assembly.

14 July 1789: Storming of the Bastille – a symbol of royal oppression.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen – all men are free and equal.

1792: France becomes a republic, monarchy is abolished.

1793: King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette are executed.

Reign of Terror: Led by Robespierre, many people were executed for being "enemies of the revolution."

1799: Napoleon Bonaparte comes to power, ending the revolution.



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Outcomes of the Revolution

End of absolute monarchy in France.

Rise of democratic ideas and republican government.
Spread of liberty, equality, and fraternity across the world.

1. The French Revolution Class 9 - NCERT

2. Introduction The French Revolution began in 1789 and marked the end of monarchy in France. It introduced new ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The revolution inspired struggles for democracy and freedom worldwide.

3. Causes of the French Revolution • Social Inequality – Division into Estates • Burden of Taxes on the Third Estate • Financial Crisis due to wars & lavish lifestyle • Rise of Enlightenment ideas • Influence of American Revolution

4. The Three Estates • First Estate – Clergy • Second Estate – Nobility • Third Estate – Common people (peasants, workers, bourgeoisie) The Third Estate had to pay heavy taxes but had no political rights.

5. The Revolution Begins (1789) • Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789) • Formation of the National Assembly • Storming of the Bastille (14 July 1789) • Spread of peasant revolts across France

6. Role of Women in Revolution • Women demanded equal rights and education. • They formed clubs and political associations. • Olympe de Gouges wrote ‘Declaration of the Rights of Woman’.

7. Reign of Terror (1793-1794) • Led by Robespierre • Harsh measures against enemies of revolution • Use of guillotine to execute opponents • Ended with Robespierre’s fall in 1794

8. Rise of Napoleon • Napoleon Bonaparte took power in 1799. • Crowned himself Emperor in 1804. • Introduced reforms but became a dictator. • Spread revolutionary ideas across Europe.

9. Legacy of the French Revolution • End of monarchy in France • Rise of democracy and nationalism • Inspired revolutions in Europe and world • Ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity became universal