French Revolution Class 9 Notes Social Science

Be it the ICSE or CBSE class 9 syllabus, there are scores of topics which you will study in the Social Studies subject. Divided into Economics, Geography, Political Science, and History, its syllabus is exhaustive in nature. Amongst all, History, in particular, the French Revolution is considered the trickiest due to its vast timelines and the numerous events that unfolded in that phase. So, in this blog, we have collated the French Revolution notes in a clear and concise way to provide you with a better understanding of the topic.

Introduction to the French Revolution

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of significant political and social upheaval in France. The monarchy’s downfall, the rise of revolutionary ideas, and the eventual establishment of a republic challenged the traditional power structures of Europe.

Why Study the French Revolution?

• It highlights the emergence of democratic values like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• It provides insights into the socio-economic challenges that led to widespread rebellion.
• It serves as a case study of how revolutions can shape history.

French Revolution Notes: Some Important Dates and Events

The French Revolution unfolded through a series of significant events that reshaped France and influenced the world. Understanding these milestones is essential to comprehending the revolution’s impact. Below we have given some important dates and events of French revolution:

Timeline	Events
1774	France became a Republic, the Guillotine of the King, the Jacobin republic was squashed, and a Directory started ruling France.
1789	Convection of Estate Generals, rejection and revolt at the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille and revolts in the countryside.
1791	The Constitution is drafted and used to limit the Monarch’s powers and guarantee rights for everyone.
1793-94	France became a Republic, Guillotine of the King, the Jacobin republic was squashed, and a Directory started ruling France.
1804-1815	France became a Republic, Guillotine of the King, the Jacobin Republic was squashed, and a Directory started ruling France.

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French Society during the late 18th Century

Right after the war in 1774, with Louis XVI ascending the throne, these were the main traits shaping up French Society during the 18th century.

• Upholding traditional and hierarchical values, French society was divided into three estates. The first and the highest form of estates consisted of Clergymen, the second was the Nobles, and the third consisted of common people including peasants.
• Almost 60% of French land was owned by a small group of clergymen and nobles. On the other hand, the peasants who were 90% of the entire French population hardly owned any causing a very distinct difference in the living standards of these three societies.
• Although the clergymen and nobles sowed 60% of French land, they were exempted from paying taxes by the king. Only one-third of the entire French population which comprised the peasant class was required to pay taxes.
• Other than paying land tax to the King, the peasant community also had to pay feudal dues to the higher classes which added an extra burden to their financial situation and many ended up selling their lands to the feudal class.
• The church, which was the highest institution after the King, also levied religious taxes called ‘tithe’ on the French population. Other than that, the third estate was also charged with direct taxes called ‘taille’ and indirect taxes on tobacco, salt, and other such essential commodities.

What Were the Causes of the French Revolution?

When it comes to the French Revolution notes, the very first step is to understand the reason that led to the revolt. Enlisted are the major reasons for the start of the revolution.

Social Causes

French society was divided into 3 states:

• The first estate consisted of the clergy class. These people were exempted from paying any taxes.
• The second estate consisted of the nobilities. On top of being exempted from taxes, they also enjoyed favourable feudal laws and privileges. One of those privileges was feudal dues extracted from the peasants.
• The third estate consisted of the majority of the population. It comprised big businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, servants, and labourers. The third estate was oppressed with Taille taxes levied on essential daily items like salt and tobacco.

Economic Cause

• An overbearing population rise in France was one of the major causes of the French Revolution. The population grew from 23 million to 28 million in 1789. The increment in daily essentials was not met, breaking society.
• The labour class was employed on fixed wages, which remained the same through the inflation of prices. On top of it, the third estate had to meet three different taxes and feudal dues.
• All of this led to a subsistence crisis (people couldn’t meet the necessities of living).

Political Causes

Other than a failing political administration that focused on levying numerous taxes, these were the main political causes behind the French Revolution:

• 1774 saw the appointment of Louis XVI as the monarch king of France, also known as the puppet king. He faced an empty treasury, drained through years of wars. He was manipulated by the queen- Marie Antoinette.
• He was helping his overseas allies gain victory over Britain, their common enemy. But this drained their resources in an unprecedented manner.
• The heightened money demand to keep up necessities from the government caused a significant increment in taxes.

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The Role of Middle Class

The French Revolution was in major parts due to the rise of another social stratum, the middle class. The 18th century saw the rise of educated men who had the means to bring about large-scale changes and get their voices heard. The middle class consisted of overseas tradesmen, manufacturers, and large-scale business owners. They actively worked on spreading freedom philosophy and ideas against oppression. In the French Revolution notes, many political figures have been mentioned. Some of them have been listed below:

• Charles Montesquieu – A nobleman by birth, he was outspoken against oppressive policies. He was a lawyer and fought for the division of power inside the government, against the absolute power of the government.
  
• Jean Jacques Rousseau – He is also known as the architect of the French Revolution. He proposed a social contract between people and their representatives, and if the government is found in violation of this contract, they had the right to take action against them.
  
• John Locke – A political thinker that refuted the divine doctrine and worked to empower the people.

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Phases of the French Revolution

The French Revolution unfolded in distinct phases, each characterized by unique events, ideologies, and outcomes. These phases represent the progression from monarchy to radicalism and eventually to stability under Napoleon Bonaparte. Understanding these phases helps to comprehend the revolution’s complexity and transformative nature.

Let’s understand these phases of the French Revolution one by one in detail:

The Moderate Phase (1789–1791)

The Moderate Phase marked the initial stage of the revolution, aimed at reforming the monarchy rather than abolishing it. It focused on addressing socio-economic grievances and instituting constitutional changes.

Key Events of the Moderate Phase

• Meeting of the Estates-General (May 5, 1789): The assembly convened to address France’s financial crisis but exposed deep divisions between the three estates.
• Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789): Members of the Third Estate vowed to draft a new constitution, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.
• Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): A symbolic attack on royal tyranny, this event ignited revolutionary fervor across France.
• Abolition of Feudal Privileges (August 4, 1789): The National Assembly dismantled feudal rights, marking a significant step toward equality.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 26, 1789): This document outlined individual rights and freedoms, laying the foundation for modern democracies.

Outcomes of the Moderate Phase

This phase weakened the monarchy and initiated a constitutional framework. However, unresolved tensions between reformists and radicals paved the way for further upheaval.

The Radical Phase (1792–1794)

The Radical Phase was the most tumultuous and transformative period of the French revolution. It witnessed the fall of the monarchy, the rise of extreme political factions, and the infamous Reign of Terror.

Key Events of the Radical Phase

• Fall of the Monarchy (August 10, 1792): King Louis XVI was arrested, and the monarchy was officially abolished, leading to the proclamation of the First French Republic.
• Execution of Louis XVI (January 21, 1793): The king was executed by guillotine, marking a definitive break from the past.
• Reign of Terror (1793–1794): Led by Maximilien Robespierre, this period saw mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.
• Committee of Public Safety: Established to protect the revolution, this body exercised near-dictatorial powers during the Reign of Terror.

Outcomes of the Radical Phase

While this phase established a republic, its extreme measures alienated many citizens. The fall of Robespierre in 1794 ended the Reign of Terror, ushering in a more conservative phase.

The Directory Phase (1795–1799)

The Directory Phase represented a return to moderation after the excesses of the Radical Phase. However, it was marked by political instability and corruption.

Key Features of the Directory Phase

• Establishment of the Directory: A five-member executive body governed France, balancing power among moderates.
• Economic and Social Challenges: Inflation, food shortages, and continued unrest plagued this period.
• Military Successes: The French army, led by generals like Napoleon Bonaparte, achieved significant victories, bolstering national pride.

Outcomes of the Directory Phase

The Directory failed to address underlying issues and was eventually overthrown in a coup led by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, marking the end of the revolution.

The Napoleonic Phase (1799–1815)

Although technically beyond the revolution, the Napoleonic Phase is considered conclusion of French revolution. Napoleon consolidated power, stabilizing France but curtailing some revolutionary ideals.

Key Developments Under Napoleon

• Rise to Power (1799): Napoleon assumed control as First Consul through the Coup of 18 Brumaire.
• Napoleonic Code (1804): This legal framework preserved revolutionary principles like equality before the law while centralizing authority.
• Empire and Expansion: Napoleon declared himself Emperor in 1804 and expanded French influence across Europe.

Legacy of the Napoleonic Phase

While Napoleon ended the republic, his policies institutionalized many revolutionary reforms. His downfall in 1815 marked the final chapter of revolutionary France.

The Outbreak of the French Revolution

Now that you have understood the primary reasons for the revolt, let us now, through the concise French Revolution notes go through the events that unfolded.

The Struggle to Survive (1780-90)

Right after the war, these were the proceedings that led to outrage in the French population.

• There was a sudden increase in the French population which led to rapid demand for food consumption. This started to cause food scarcity in society.
• The production amount of essential grains was comparatively less than the growing population required. Due to this, there were sudden hikes in food prices and the peasant class could hardly afford it.
• Natural calamities such as drought or hail were also major factors that affected an already submerging food production level of France.
• As labourers and peasants were getting paid very low wages during that time, the standard of living gap between the rich and the poor widened.

A Growing Middle Class Envisages an End to Privileges

Due to the ongoing problems, this is how the middle class started adapting to the problems in a distraught society.

• With access to education and new ideas, the third estate became aware of their rights and started participating in revolts against taxes and food scarcity.
• The emergence of new social groups that acted as the pressurizing factors to the monarchy started to earn a significant amount of wealth through overseas trading.
• This emerging middle class mostly consisted of lawyers and administrative officials as social positions started to be categorised through a person’s merit.
• These middle-class societies believed in meritious achievements and not in any form of privilege by birth.
• With philosophers and political thinkers such as Rosseau and Montesquieu proposing ideas on social contracts and a new type of government, France started inclining towards a future that looked less monarchical.

The Outbreak of the Revolution

The beginning of French Revolution started as mentioned below:

• On 5 May 1789, Louis XVI held an assembly to pass proposals for a new form of taxes which was boycotted by the third estate.
• They found the voting system unfair and swore not to attend any assembly unless a constitution is drafted limiting the power of the monarchy.
• On the other hand, rumours started spreading amongst the peasant community that the nobility was hiring bands of brigades to destroy ripe crops in order to increase the shortage of food production in the market.
• The peasants retaliated by looting stored grains and burning down records of mortgage payments while the nobilities fled.
• Louis XVI had to accord recognition to the National Assembly to bring an end to these uprisings
• On 14th August 1789, the National Assembly passed the decree abolishing the feudal system and unequal tax system.

France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

After the National Assembly gained recognition and power, the administrative system in France started to change as follows:

• 1791 was when the National Assembly drafted the constitution. It divided the powers to the judiciary, executive, and legislature, taking away powers from just one institution.
• An indirect election was used as the method to make laws in the national assembly.
• Citizens above 25 years of age and taxpayers of at least three days of labourer’s wage were termed active citizens and allowed to vote.
• Basic rights were ingrained in the Constitution. Freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality of law, etc. were some of those rights.

France abolished Monarchy and becomes a Republic (1792)

Other than France going on a war with Prussia and Austria initiated by the National Assembly, these were the main proceedings while abolishing the monarchy.

• Louis XVI started secret negotiations with the king of Prussia.
• Neighbouring countries wanted to seize the opportunities of the events ongoing due to the French Revolution. The National Assembly declares war on Prussia and Austria.
• The 1791 constitution gave political rights to the rich section of the public. This led to a revolt in Paris against the people. Later, the Royal families were imprisoned and elections were held.
• The newly elected assembly was termed the Convection. It abolished the Monarchy in 1792 and made France a republic.

The Reign of Terror

• From 1793 to 1794, Robespierre Convection used strict policies and brutal punishment to gain effective control.
• All opposers were shut down, imprisoned, or incarcerated.
• If found guilty, they were mercilessly guillotined in public settings to send a message.
• Meat and bread were rationed, and peasants suffered losses due to selling at fixed prices set by the government.

Directory Rules France

• A new constitution abolished voting on non-propertied sections of society.
• It introduced a directory that was elected by two legislative councils.
• The clashing of the directory with the legislative paved the way for the rise of the Military dictator, Napoleon Bonaparte.

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The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

• In 1804, Napoleon seized the reins of France and declared himself Emperor. He started conquering neighbouring nations and established his dominance by making kingdoms ruling through his family members.
• The feudal system was abolished. Bonaparte saw himself as a modernizer and introduced private property protection laws and equal weight & measure systems in decimals.
• Initially hailed as a liberator, his military tactics were soon termed crude, invading, and violent.
• The battle of Waterloo in 1815 saw his defeat.

Global Impact of the French Revolution

The French Revolution had a profound and far-reaching influence on global history, inspiring nations to challenge oppressive monarchies and adopt revolutionary ideals.

• Spread of Revolutionary Ideals: The French military played a significant role in spreading the principles of liberty and equality across the globe, influencing political and social systems beyond France.
• End of Feudalism: The revolution marked the collapse of feudal structures, setting the stage for greater individual freedoms and democratic reforms.
• Inspiration for Change: By radicalizing 18th-century political and social norms, France became a leading force, driving global movements toward equality and justice.

The legacy of the French Revolution endures as it laid the foundation for individual rights, democratic values, and societal equity worldwide.

Significance of the French Revolution

The French Revolution was a turning point in modern history, introducing ideas of liberalism, enlightenment, and democracy.

• Spread of Revolutionary Ideals: French wars helped spread these ideas across Europe, inspiring revolutions against monarchies.
• End of Feudalism: It dismantled the feudal system, promoting equality and individual rights.
• Inspiration for Future Revolutions: Though many uprisings were suppressed, they contributed to the fall of absolute monarchies throughout Europe.

Ultimately, the revolution paved the way for modern democratic values and individual freedoms.

Impact of the French Revolution

The French Revolution had profound and far-reaching impacts, both within France and globally. It not only reshaped the political landscape of France but also sparked waves of change across Europe and the world. Here’s how it impacted various regions:

On France

• Abolition of feudal privileges and establishment of a republic.
• Adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, promoting equality.

On Europe

• Inspired revolutionary movements across Europe.
• Monarchies re-evaluated their governance to avoid uprisings.

On the World

• Sparked global movements for democracy and human rights.
• Influenced revolutions in Latin America and other colonies.

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