NCERT Solution For Class 9 History Chapter 1
The French Revolution
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a pivotal period of radical social and political upheaval in France that fundamentally changed the course of French history. It arose from widespread discontent with the monarchy’s oppressive rule, economic hardship, and social inequality. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the subsequent rise of radical groups like the Jacobins.
The revolution led to the fall of King Louis XVI, the establishment of a republic, and the Reign of Terror, a period marked by extreme political violence. Eventually, the revolution culminated in the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who declared himself Emperor, effectively ending the revolutionary era but spreading its ideals across Europe. The French Revolution is significant for its role in promoting democratic principles and challenging traditional structures of power.
NCERT Solution For Class 9 History Chapter 1
1.Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Ans: The revolutionary protests in France were caused due to the following reasons:
- France and Britain had fought wars for American independence which burdened the French economy. Thus, the public had to pay more taxes and was frustrated.
- Merit was replaced by birth privileges. The people being born in privileged families were given more important positions due to which the commoners had little scope for growth into the society.
- Due to the birth-based privileges, the power of the society was concentrated in the hands of a few families which again led to discontent among the people.
- Due to the emergence of the middle class, the revolution could sustain as they were not underprivileged and raised their voice against such unjust practices instead of simply giving in.
2.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?
Ans: The people from the lower class of the society benefited from the French Revolution as they had been opened to newer opportunities. This class had peasants, who worked on farms and cattle, the artisans, who used to construct several new buildings, etc. The influential people already, such as the nobles and the royal families, including the Church had to give up their power and they were disappointed with the outcome of the French Revolution.
NCERT Solution For Class 9 History Chapter 1
3.Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Ans: The French Revolution can be regarded as the beginning of the Colonial and Feudal systems in the world. After the United States of America adopted democracy as its mode of government, several people in France also advocated for the same which turned out to be successful. Due to this, most of the European nations abolished the feudal systems and became more democratic. Also, these ideas were spread to the European colonies as well which caused them to adopt democracy as well. In short, we can say that the world practices democracy because the French Revolution talked about its success to the world.
NCERT Solution For Class 9 History Chapter 1
4.Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Ans: The following democratic rights originated in France during the French Revolution:
- Right to Equality, before law and in opportunities
- Right to Freedom of Speech, Expression and against Exploitation
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
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5.Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Ans: Yes, the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions because the rights were given only to the males in the society. The French Constitution did not give any rights to women. In fact, initially, the women were ignored completely. Also, not every citizen was entitled to vote. So, although a lot was done with good intent, a lot of improvement was left at that point due to which the French Constitution has been changed multiple times since the Revolution.
NCERT Solution For Class 9 History Chapter 1
6.How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
Ans: After the Republication of France after 1791, the king gave the powers to the wealthier section of the society which led to exploitation of people and after his death, there was no king and a directory used to govern. However, the members of the directory did not share common interests and fought with each other leading to the collapse of the system. This gave Napoleon Bonaparte a chance to rise as a military ruler in France.