The French Revolution - Class IX Notes
1. Introduction
French Revolution started in 1789. Brought end to absolute monarchy and rise of democracy in France. Led
to the rise of the modern nation-state.
2. French Society in the 18th Century
The Three Estates:
1. First Estate - Clergy (privileged, no taxes)
2. Second Estate - Nobility (privileged, no taxes)
3. Third Estate - Common people (paid all taxes): Peasants, Workers, Bourgeoisie
Taxes:
- Tithe: Tax to the Church
- Taille: Tax to the state
3. Causes of the Revolution
- Social inequality: Unequal privileges to First and Second Estates
- Economic hardship: High taxes, bad harvests, rising bread prices
- Political cause: Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI
- Philosophical ideas: Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu
- Immediate trigger: King called Estates-General in 1789 to raise taxes
4. Major Events of the Revolution
- May 1789: Estates-General meeting at Versailles
- June 1789: Third Estate forms National Assembly
- 14 July 1789: Storming of the Bastille
- 1791: France becomes a constitutional monarchy
- 1792: France becomes a republic
- 1793: King Louis XVI executed
- 1793-1794: Reign of Terror led by Robespierre
The French Revolution - Class IX Notes
- 1794: Robespierre executed
- 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte comes to power
5. Effects of the Revolution
- End of monarchy and feudal privileges
- Rise of equality, liberty, and fraternity
- Inspiration to other countries (e.g., Haiti, Latin America)
- Growth of nationalism
6. Important People
- Louis XVI: King of France during the revolution
- Marie Antoinette: Queen, unpopular due to extravagance
- Robespierre: Leader during Reign of Terror
- Napoleon Bonaparte: Took power after the revolution
- Philosophers: Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu
7. Key Terms
Bastille - Prison stormed on 14 July 1789
Guillotine - Machine for executing people
Tithe - Church tax paid by peasants
Taille - Direct tax to the state
Reign of Terror - Period of mass executions (1793-94)
Directory - 5-member executive after Robespierre