NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution
Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution:- In Class 9 History, Chapter 1 introduces students to the dramatic events and transformative ideas of the French Revolution. Spanning from 1789 to the early 19th century, this chapter explores how economic hardship, social inequality, and political discontent ignited a revolution that forever changed France and influenced global history. It covers key events such as the Storming of the Bastille, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting how these events shaped modern concepts of democracy, equality, and justice. Check out the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution from the below article.
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NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution
Go through the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution below.
Exercise Page No. 24
Q1. Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Answer: When King Louis XVI took over, France was in deep financial trouble. Years of expensive wars and lavish spending at Versailles had left the treasury empty. The French government had borrowed heavily to fund wars, leading to high interest rates and a huge national debt.
On top of this, taxes were unfairly placed on the Third Estate—common people and peasants—while the clergy and nobles paid little or nothing. This made life harder for the Third Estate, who also faced rising food prices and low wages. The population was growing fast, putting more pressure on food supplies and making bread, a staple food, more expensive.
Meanwhile, the rich got richer, widening the gap between them and the poor. Many people felt the monarchy didn't care about their struggles and favoured the wealthy.
These problems—financial crisis, unfair taxes, food shortages, and growing inequality—made people angry. They sparked a revolution as people demanded fair treatment, equality, and basic rights.
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Q2. Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?
Answer: The common people in the Third Estate benefited most. They included peasants, artisans, merchants, and professionals like lawyers and court officials who were burdened with taxes and lacked political power. The revolution aimed to give them more rights and opportunities.
The First and Second Estates—the clergy and nobility—were forced to give up their power. They had special privileges based on their birth, like not paying taxes. The revolution aimed to end these privileges and create a fairer society.
Members of the First and Second Estates likely felt disappointed. They had enjoyed special rights and social status for a long time. Losing these privileges would have been upsetting for them, as the revolution aimed to level the playing field and reduce inequality.
3. Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Answer: The French Revolution's legacy profoundly impacted the world in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired nationalist movements across Europe, leading to revolutions that aimed to replace monarchies with democratic governments. These movements, such as those in 1848, sought to establish systems where people could govern themselves and enjoy equal rights under the law.
Beyond Europe, the French Revolution influenced anti-colonial struggles. Leaders like Toussaint Louverture in Haiti and Simón Bolívar in South America drew upon its principles to fight for independence from colonial powers, advocating for national self-determination and the rights of oppressed peoples. The Revolution's emphasis on individual freedoms also resonated in the twentieth century, contributing to the development of modern concepts of democracy and human rights, as seen in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus, the French Revolution's legacy continues to shape movements for liberty and equality worldwide.
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4. Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Answer: The list of democratic rights are
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Right to vote
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Abolition of slavery
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Right to liberty
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Right to property
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Right to security
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Right to education
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Divorce laws
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Freedom of speech
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Freedom of expression
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Freedom of press
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Abolition of censorship
5. Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Answer: The idea of universal rights, as seen in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, faced contradictions in practice. Despite proclaiming equality for all, these rights often did not extend to women and marginalized groups. Women, for example, were frequently denied basic rights such as owning property and having a say in laws. The declarations were sometimes used to justify colonial rule, showing how universal rights were applied unevenly. These contradictions reveal that while the idea of universal rights aimed to promote fairness, its implementation often fell short, leaving many people without equal rights and protections.
6. How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte's journey to power began in the late 18th century amid France's turbulent post-revolutionary period. Born in Corsica, he quickly distinguished himself in the French military for his strategic brilliance and leadership skills. His victories in Italy and Egypt not only showcased his military prowess but also made him a hero in the eyes of the French people.
In 1799, facing political chaos, Napoleon seized the opportunity to overthrow the weak government in a coup. He emerged as the First Consul of France, effectively becoming the country's leader. His reforms aimed at bringing stability and unity included the creation of the Napoleonic Code, which modernized laws and promoted equality.
Napoleon's rise was fueled by his ambition and the support of those seeking order after the chaos of the Revolution. His leadership style, combined with military successes and visionary reforms, eventually led to his coronation as Emperor in 1804. His legacy as a leader who reshaped Europe with his ideas of governance and law remains significant in history.
Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution Summary
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political change in France. It was triggered by economic hardships, social inequality, and a growing discontent among the common people, exacerbated by France's financial crisis due to wars and extravagant spending by the monarchy.
Key events and concepts include:
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Estates General: The Estates General was convened by King Louis XVI to address the financial crisis. It consisted of representatives from the three estates - the clergy, nobility, and commoners (Third Estate). The Third Estate, representing the majority of the population, demanded equal representation and reforms.
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Formation of the National Assembly: Frustrated with the Estates General's structure favouring the privileged estates, the Third Estate declared itself as the National Assembly on June 17, 1789. They vowed to draft a constitution for France, signalling a challenge to the absolute power of the monarchy.
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Storming of the Bastille: On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority and tyranny. This event marked the beginning of widespread popular rebellion against the monarchy and the start of the Revolution.
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Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: In August 1789, the National Assembly adopted this document, which proclaimed fundamental rights such as liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. It laid the foundation for constitutional reforms and influenced revolutionary movements globally.
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Women's March on Versailles: In October 1789, thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles to demand bread and constitutional reforms. They forced King Louis XVI and the royal family to return to Paris, effectively ending the absolute monarchy's control over the capital.
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Constitutional Monarchy: The Revolution led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in France in 1791, limiting the king's powers and introducing a representative government.
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Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution FAQs
Q1. What were the main causes of the French Revolution?
Ans. Economic hardships, social inequality, and political discontent due to the absolute monarchy's policies, financial crisis, and privileges of the clergy and nobility.
Q2. What was the National Assembly?
Ans. The National Assembly was formed by the representatives of the Third Estate on June 17, 1789, after they were locked out of the Estates General meeting. It aimed to represent the common people's interests and draft a new constitution for France.
Q3. What was the significance of the Storming of the Bastille?
Ans. The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the people's revolt against royal authority and tyranny. It marked the beginning of the French Revolution and is celebrated as Bastille Day in France.
Q4. What was the role of women in the French Revolution?
Ans. Women played a significant role, particularly during the Women's March on Versailles in October 1789. They marched to demand bread and constitutional reforms, forcing the royal family to return to Paris and influencing political developments.
Q5. How did the French Revolution impact French society?
Ans. The French Revolution brought about significant social changes by abolishing feudal privileges, promoting equality before the law, and challenging traditional social hierarchies. It laid the groundwork for modern ideas of citizenship and democracy.
