CBSE Class 9 History Chapter 1 - The French Revolution led to the end of monarchy in France.
The chapter also discusses the Declaration of the Rights of Man, notions of equality and freedom,
anti-colonial movements in India and China, Africa and South America. Class 9 Social Science
History Note...
CBSE Class 9 Social Science History Notes
Chapter 1 - The French Revolution
CBSE Class 9 History Chapter 1 - The French Revolution led to the end of monarchy in France.
The chapter also discusses the Declaration of the Rights of Man, notions of equality and freedom,
anti-colonial movements in India and China, Africa and South America. Class 9 Social Science
History Notes of Chapter 1 enable students to study smartly and get a clear idea about every
concept discussed in Class 9 History syllabus. The notes contain all the important topics which help
in quick revision. By going through these CBSE Class 9 Social science History notes for Chapter 1,
students can boost their exam preparation and score higher marks in the exams.
The French Revolution
In 1789, in the wake of early morning, the city of Paris was in a state of alarm. Rumours spread that
the King would open fire upon the citizens. People started gathering and they started breaking a
number of government buildings in search of arms. The commander of the Bastille was killed in the
armed fight and the prisoners were released. People hated the Bastille as it stood for the despotic
power of the king. People protested against the high price of bread. A new chain of events began
which led to the execution of the King in France.
French Society during the Late Eighteenth Century
Louis XVI, in 1774, ascended the throne of France. Financial France was drained because of the
war. France, Under Louis XVI, helped the thirteen American colonies to gain their independence
from Britain. Taxes were increased to meet regular expenses, such as the cost of maintaining an
army, the court, running government offices or universities. The country of France was divided into
three estates in the eighteenth century. The feudal system was part of the society estates dated
back to the middle ages. 90 percent of the population was dominated by peasants but only a small
number of them owned the land they cultivated. 60 percent was owned by nobles, the Church and
other richer members of the third estate. The clergy and the nobility, members of the first two
estates enjoyed certain privileges by birth. These groups of members were exempted from paying
taxes and enjoyed feudal privileges. All members of the third estate had to pay taxes to the state
which included a direct tax, called taille, and a number of indirect taxes which were levied on
articles of everyday consumption like salt or tobacco.
The Struggle to Survive
Increase in population led to a rapid increase for food grains. Production of grains could not keep
pace with the demand due to which the price of bread rose rapidly. Due to low wages paid to the
labourers the gap between the poor and the rich widened. Things became worse whenever drought
or hail reduced the harvest.
A Growing Middle Class Envisages an End to Privileges
Peasants used to participate in revolts against taxes and food scarcity. Group of the third estate
had become prosperous and had access to education and new ideas. In the eighteenth century,
new social groups emerged, termed the middle class, who earned their wealth through expanding
overseas trade and by manufacturing woollen and silk textiles that were either exported or bought
by the richer members of society. The third estate included professions such as lawyers or
administrative officials. A person’s social position was dependent on their merit.
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