NCERT solutions for class 9 History Ch1

Chapter - 1: The French Revolution

I. Answer the following questions.

1. Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.

Ans: The circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were multifaceted:

Social Inequality: French society was divided into three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate). The Third Estate, comprising the majority of the population, was burdened with heavy taxes and had little political power.
Economic Troubles: France faced a severe financial crisis due to excessive spending by the monarchy and costly wars, including support for the American Revolution. Poor harvests led to food shortages and rising bread prices, causing widespread discontent.
Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI was indecisive and unable to implement effective reforms. His attempts to tax the privileged classes were met with resistance.
Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspiring people to challenge the existing social and political order.
American Revolution: The success of the American Revolution demonstrated that it was possible to overthrow a monarchy and establish a republic based on democratic principles.

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:

Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of the revolution were the commoners, particularly the bourgeoisie (middle class), who gained political power and economic opportunities. Peasants also benefited from the abolition of feudal dues and serfdom.
Relinquishing Power: The nobility and the clergy were forced to relinquish their privileges, lands, and political influence. The monarchy was abolished, and King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed.
Disappointed Sections: Some sections of society, such as women, did not achieve equal rights despite their active participation in the revolution. The working class and the poor, who hoped for more substantial economic improvements, were also left disappointed as the new government often failed to address their needs.

3. Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Ans: The French Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on the world:

Spread of Democratic Ideals: The revolution popularized ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspiring numerous revolutionary movements worldwide.
Nationalism: The revolution fostered a sense of national identity and patriotism, influencing the development of nation-states.
Legal Reforms: The Napoleonic Code, established during Napoleon’s rule, influenced legal systems in many countries by promoting principles such as equality before the law and the protection of property rights.
End of Feudalism: The revolution accelerated the decline of feudal systems in Europe and beyond.
Human Rights: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen became a foundational document for human rights, influencing later documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4. Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.

Ans:

Freedom of Speech and Press: The revolution advocated for the right to express opinions and ideas freely.
Right to Equality: The principle that all citizens are equal before the law emerged from the revolution.
Right to Vote: The revolution promoted the idea of political participation and voting rights for citizens.
Right to Property: Protection of private property was a key demand during the revolution.
Right to Fair Trial: The revolution emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial judicial system.
Freedom of Religion: The revolution advanced the idea of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state.

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 indeed beset with contradictions:

Exclusion of Women: Despite the call for universal rights, women were largely excluded from political participation and did not gain equal rights.
Slavery: The revolution did not immediately address the issue of slavery in French colonies, and it was only later abolished, revealing a contradiction in the application of liberty and equality.
Class Inequality: While promoting equality, the revolution often favored the bourgeoisie, and the working class and poor continued to face economic hardships.
Reign of Terror: The revolutionary government, under the Committee of Public Safety, resorted to extreme measures and violence against perceived enemies, contradicting the ideals of justice and human rights.

6. How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?

Ans: Napoleon's rise to power can be explained by several factors:

Military Success: Napoleon’s brilliant military campaigns and victories made him a national hero and provided him with the support of the army.
Political Instability: The Directory, the government after the Revolution, was weak and corrupt, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and paving the way for a strong leader.
Support from the Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie supported Napoleon because they saw him as a defender of the property and stability they had gained during the revolution.
Charismatic Leadership: Napoleon’s personal charisma, ambition, and ability to appeal to different groups helped him gain broad support.
Coup d'état: In 1799, Napoleon orchestrated a coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate, with himself as First Consul, later becoming Emperor.