Important Question and Answers from The French Revolution Class 9 CBSE
Q.1. what was the subsistence crisis? Why did it occur in France during the Old Regime?
Ans. 1- The population of France was on the rise. It rose from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789.This led to increase in the demand for food grains.
2-The production of food grains could not keep pace with the demand and the price of bread which was
thestaple diet of the majority Rose rapidly.
3- The wages also did not keep pace with the rise in prices. The gap between the Rich and the poor widened. This led to the subsistence crisis.
Q.2.What was the system of voting in the Estates General? What change did the Third Estate want in this
system?
Ans. Voting in the Estates General in the past had been conducted
1. According to the principle that each estate had one vote.
2. Members of the Third Estate demanded that voting must now be conducted by the assembly as a whole,
where each member would have one vote.
3. This was according to the democratic principles put forward by philosophers like Rousseau in his book, The Social Contract.
Q.3. Describe the incidents that led to the storming of the Bastille.
Ans. 1- National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution; the rest of France was seething with turmoil.
2- A severe winter had meant a bad harvest, the price of bread rose. Often bakers exploited the situation and hoarded supplies.
3- After spending hours in long queues at the bakery, crowds of angry women stormed into the shops.
4- At the same time, the king ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July, the agitated crowd stormed and destroyed Bastille.
Q.4. Describe how the new political system of constitutional monarchy worked in France.
Ans The constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly
elected. That is,
1. Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, however, had the right
to vote.
2. Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the
status of active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote.
3. The remaining men and all women were classed as passive citizens.
4. To qualify as an elector and then as a member of the Assembly, a man had to belong to the highest bracket of taxpayers.
Q.5.What was ‘natural and inalienable rights’?
Ans1-.The constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens
2- Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law were established as
‘natural and inalienable rights’, i.e., they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
3-It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural right.
Q.6Why did slavery begin and why was it abolished in French colonies?
Ans1-.The slave trade began in the 17th century. The colonies in the Caribbean – Martinique, Guadeloupe and
San Domingo – were important Suppliers of commodities.
2- But the reluctance of Europeans to go and work in distant and unfamiliar lands meant a shortage of labour on
the plantations.
3- Throughout the eighteenth century there was little criticism of slavery in France. The National Assembly did
not pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade
4- It was the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. This,
however, turned out to be a short-term measure. Napoleon reintroduced slavery.
5- Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.
Q.7. Explain what a revolution is. In what way did the French Revolution mean different things to different people?
Ans It is an attempt by a large number of people to change the government of a country, especially by violent action.
1. The Third Estate comprising the common men benefitted from the Revolution. The clergy and nobility had to
relinquish their power.
2. Their land was confiscated. Their privileges were finished. The people of lower middle class also benefitted.
3. Position of artisans and workers improved.
4. Clergy, feudal lords, nobles and even women were disappointed. The revolution did not bring real equality as
everyone was not given the right to vote meaning women who got it finally in 1946.
Q.8. Who was the people who comprised the Third Estate? Who paid the taxes and to whom?
Ans1-The people who comprised the Third Estate were big businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, artisans,
small peasants, landless labourers and servants.
2- These were 95 per cent of the population. They had to pay taxes to the state. Taxes included taille, tithes and a
number of indirect taxes.
Q.9Who formed the National Assembly? On what date is ‘Bastille Day’ celebrated and why?
Ans.1-The representatives of the Third Estate assembled at Versailles on 20 June and declared themselves a
National Assembly
2-The Bastille Day is celebrated on 14th July every year because on this day the unruly Paris mob stormed and
attacked the prison of Bastille which was considered a symbol of terror and despotism.
Q.10 Name three famous writers and philosophers who influenced the French- Revolution. What were their ideas?
Ans.1. Jean Jacques Rousseau – a French Swiss philosopher. His main idea was – man is naturally good and that
society of civilisation makes man anxious and unhappy.
2. Mirabeau – he brought about a journal and delivered powerful speeches to the crowds at Versailles.
3. Voltaire – A famous French writer. He exposed the evils prevailing in the Church and administration. The
numbers of the first two estates were the (i) Clergy and (ii) Nobility respectively.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS ( 5 MARKS ):
Q.1. Explain the importance of the following events on the course of the French Revolution:
(a) Storming of the Bastille (c) The passing of the Civil Constitution of the clergy
Ans. (a) On July 14, 1789, a mob of Paris stormed the fortress – the prison of Bastille – considered a symbol of
oppression and despotism. The Swiss guards were killed and prisoners set free. The mob stole arms and
ammunition. To this day, France celebrates ‘Bastille Day’ on 14thJuly every year.
(c) In 1790, the Civil Constitution nationalised the church. The clergy or group of persons who enjoyed special
powers in the church were also forced to relinquish power. Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church
were confiscated.
Q.2. Describe the Reign of Terror and role played by Robespierre in it.
Ans.The period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the Reign of Terror.
1. Maximilian Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, followed the policy of severe control and punishment.
2. All those he saw as enemies of the Republic — ex-nobles, clergy, political opponents — were arrested, tried
and guillotined if found guilty.
3. He issued laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices.
4. Meat and bread were rationed.
5. Use of expensive white flour was forbidden.
Robespierre followed his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters began to demand moderation.
Finally, he was convicted, arrested and guillotined in July 1794.
Q.3What did the following symbols convey in the Declaration of Rights?
(i) The broken chain (ii) The bundle of rods or fasces (iii)Sceptre
(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring (v) Red Phrygian cap (vi)The law tablet
Ans. (i) the broken chains: Chains were used to fetter slaves. A broken chain stands for the act of becoming free.
(ii) The bundle of rods or fasces: One rod can be easily broken, but not an entire bundle.Strength lies in unity.
(iii) Sceptre: Symbol of royal power.
(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring: Symbol of eternity. A ring has neither beginning nor end.
(v) Red Phrygian cap: Cap worn by a slave upon becoming free.
(vi)The law tablet: The law is the same for all, and all are equal before it.
Q.4.write short note on Jacobins?
Ans.1- They got their name from the former convent of St. Jacob in Paris.
2-They belonged to the less prosperous sections of the society.
3-They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as
well as servants and daily wage earners.
4-Their leader was Maximilian Robespierre.
5-A large group among the Jacobin decided to wear long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers.
6-This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society especially the nobles who wore knee breeches.
Q.5. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans.From the very beginning, women were active participants in the events which brought about so many
important changes in French society.
1. They hoped that their involvement would pressurise the revolutionary government to introduce measures to
improve their lives.
2. Most women of the third estate had to work for a living. They worked as seamstresses or laundresses, sold flowers, fruits and vegetables at the market, or were employed as domestic servants in the houses of
prosperous people.
3. Most women did not have access to education or job training. Their wages were lower than those of men.
4. One of their main demands was that women should be given the same political rights as men.
5. Women were disappointed that the constitution of 1791 reduced them to passive citizens.
Q.7. Describe the causes for the fall of Jacobin government in France.
Ans. (i) The Jacobin government in France was based on extreme measures. The period from 1793-1794 is
referred to as the reign of terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe Control and punishment.
(ii)All those he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even
members of his own party who did not agree with his methods–were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. This
led to chaos and resentment among the people.
(iii)Robespierre’s government ordered shutting down of churches and converting church buildings into barricades
or offices. Thus the clergy turned against the Jacobin regime and hastened its fall.
(iv) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters turned against him. They began to
demand moderation and a middle path. Finally, he himself was tried by a court in July 1794, arrested and
guillotined.
HOTS
Q.1What landmark decisions were taken by the National Assembly led by the Third Estate on 4th August, 1789
Ans.1- Louis XVI finally accorded recognition to the National Assembly and accepted theprinciple that his powers
would be checked by a constitution.
2- On 4 August 1789, the Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes.
Members of the clergy too were forced to give up their privileges
.3- Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were confiscated. As a result, the government acquired
assets worth at least 2, billion lives.ORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Q.2. Describe the importance of Declaration of the Right of Man in France.
Ans 1-The Declaration of the Right of Man in France was a landmark decision in the history of France.
2- The constitution began with a declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Rights such as the right to life,
freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, were established as ‘natural and inalienable’ rights.
That is, they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
.3- It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen's natural rights. The declaration of the Right of Man and
Citizens influenced revolutionary movements elsewhere too.
Q.3. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans. 1-Women played important role regarding various activities. In order to discuss and voice their interests
women started their own political clubs and newspapers. About sixty women’s clubs came up in different French
cities.
2.The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was the most famous of them, their main demands were that
(a) Women should be given the same political rights as men.
(b) They demanded the right to vote, to be elected to the Assembly and to hold political office.
3- In the early years, the revolutionary government did introduce laws that helped improve the lives of women.
Together with the creation of state schools, schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Their fathers could no
longer force them into marriage against their will. Marriage was made into a contract entered into freely and
registered under civil law. Divorce was made legal, and could be applied for by both women and men. Women
could now train for jobs, could become artists or run small businesses.
4- Women’s struggle for equal political rights, however, continued. During the Reign of Terror, the new
government issued laws ordering closure of women’s clubs, and banning their political activities. Women’s
movements for voting rights and equal wages continued through the next two hundred years in many countries
of the world. It was finally in 1946 that women in France won the right to vote.
Q.1. what was the subsistence crisis? Why did it occur in France during the Old Regime?
Ans. 1- The population of France was on the rise. It rose from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789.This led to increase in the demand for food grains.
2-The production of food grains could not keep pace with the demand and the price of bread which was
thestaple diet of the majority Rose rapidly.
3- The wages also did not keep pace with the rise in prices. The gap between the Rich and the poor widened. This led to the subsistence crisis.
Q.2.What was the system of voting in the Estates General? What change did the Third Estate want in this
system?
Ans. Voting in the Estates General in the past had been conducted
1. According to the principle that each estate had one vote.
2. Members of the Third Estate demanded that voting must now be conducted by the assembly as a whole,
where each member would have one vote.
3. This was according to the democratic principles put forward by philosophers like Rousseau in his book, The Social Contract.
Q.3. Describe the incidents that led to the storming of the Bastille.
Ans. 1- National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution; the rest of France was seething with turmoil.
2- A severe winter had meant a bad harvest, the price of bread rose. Often bakers exploited the situation and hoarded supplies.
3- After spending hours in long queues at the bakery, crowds of angry women stormed into the shops.
4- At the same time, the king ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July, the agitated crowd stormed and destroyed Bastille.
Q.4. Describe how the new political system of constitutional monarchy worked in France.
Ans The constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly
elected. That is,
1. Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, however, had the right
to vote.
2. Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the
status of active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote.
3. The remaining men and all women were classed as passive citizens.
4. To qualify as an elector and then as a member of the Assembly, a man had to belong to the highest bracket of taxpayers.
Q.5.What was ‘natural and inalienable rights’?
Ans1-.The constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens
2- Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law were established as
‘natural and inalienable rights’, i.e., they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
3-It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural right.
Q.6Why did slavery begin and why was it abolished in French colonies?
Ans1-.The slave trade began in the 17th century. The colonies in the Caribbean – Martinique, Guadeloupe and
San Domingo – were important Suppliers of commodities.
2- But the reluctance of Europeans to go and work in distant and unfamiliar lands meant a shortage of labour on
the plantations.
3- Throughout the eighteenth century there was little criticism of slavery in France. The National Assembly did
not pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade
4- It was the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. This,
however, turned out to be a short-term measure. Napoleon reintroduced slavery.
5- Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.
Q.7. Explain what a revolution is. In what way did the French Revolution mean different things to different people?
Ans It is an attempt by a large number of people to change the government of a country, especially by violent action.
1. The Third Estate comprising the common men benefitted from the Revolution. The clergy and nobility had to
relinquish their power.
2. Their land was confiscated. Their privileges were finished. The people of lower middle class also benefitted.
3. Position of artisans and workers improved.
4. Clergy, feudal lords, nobles and even women were disappointed. The revolution did not bring real equality as
everyone was not given the right to vote meaning women who got it finally in 1946.
Q.8. Who was the people who comprised the Third Estate? Who paid the taxes and to whom?
Ans1-The people who comprised the Third Estate were big businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, artisans,
small peasants, landless labourers and servants.
2- These were 95 per cent of the population. They had to pay taxes to the state. Taxes included taille, tithes and a
number of indirect taxes.
Q.9Who formed the National Assembly? On what date is ‘Bastille Day’ celebrated and why?
Ans.1-The representatives of the Third Estate assembled at Versailles on 20 June and declared themselves a
National Assembly
2-The Bastille Day is celebrated on 14th July every year because on this day the unruly Paris mob stormed and
attacked the prison of Bastille which was considered a symbol of terror and despotism.
Q.10 Name three famous writers and philosophers who influenced the French- Revolution. What were their ideas?
Ans.1. Jean Jacques Rousseau – a French Swiss philosopher. His main idea was – man is naturally good and that
society of civilisation makes man anxious and unhappy.
2. Mirabeau – he brought about a journal and delivered powerful speeches to the crowds at Versailles.
3. Voltaire – A famous French writer. He exposed the evils prevailing in the Church and administration. The
numbers of the first two estates were the (i) Clergy and (ii) Nobility respectively.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS ( 5 MARKS ):
Q.1. Explain the importance of the following events on the course of the French Revolution:
(a) Storming of the Bastille (c) The passing of the Civil Constitution of the clergy
Ans. (a) On July 14, 1789, a mob of Paris stormed the fortress – the prison of Bastille – considered a symbol of
oppression and despotism. The Swiss guards were killed and prisoners set free. The mob stole arms and
ammunition. To this day, France celebrates ‘Bastille Day’ on 14thJuly every year.
(c) In 1790, the Civil Constitution nationalised the church. The clergy or group of persons who enjoyed special
powers in the church were also forced to relinquish power. Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church
were confiscated.
Q.2. Describe the Reign of Terror and role played by Robespierre in it.
Ans.The period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the Reign of Terror.
1. Maximilian Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, followed the policy of severe control and punishment.
2. All those he saw as enemies of the Republic — ex-nobles, clergy, political opponents — were arrested, tried
and guillotined if found guilty.
3. He issued laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices.
4. Meat and bread were rationed.
5. Use of expensive white flour was forbidden.
Robespierre followed his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters began to demand moderation.
Finally, he was convicted, arrested and guillotined in July 1794.
Q.3What did the following symbols convey in the Declaration of Rights?
(i) The broken chain (ii) The bundle of rods or fasces (iii)Sceptre
(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring (v) Red Phrygian cap (vi)The law tablet
Ans. (i) the broken chains: Chains were used to fetter slaves. A broken chain stands for the act of becoming free.
(ii) The bundle of rods or fasces: One rod can be easily broken, but not an entire bundle.Strength lies in unity.
(iii) Sceptre: Symbol of royal power.
(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring: Symbol of eternity. A ring has neither beginning nor end.
(v) Red Phrygian cap: Cap worn by a slave upon becoming free.
(vi)The law tablet: The law is the same for all, and all are equal before it.
Q.4.write short note on Jacobins?
Ans.1- They got their name from the former convent of St. Jacob in Paris.
2-They belonged to the less prosperous sections of the society.
3-They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as
well as servants and daily wage earners.
4-Their leader was Maximilian Robespierre.
5-A large group among the Jacobin decided to wear long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers.
6-This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society especially the nobles who wore knee breeches.
Q.5. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans.From the very beginning, women were active participants in the events which brought about so many
important changes in French society.
1. They hoped that their involvement would pressurise the revolutionary government to introduce measures to
improve their lives.
2. Most women of the third estate had to work for a living. They worked as seamstresses or laundresses, sold flowers, fruits and vegetables at the market, or were employed as domestic servants in the houses of
prosperous people.
3. Most women did not have access to education or job training. Their wages were lower than those of men.
4. One of their main demands was that women should be given the same political rights as men.
5. Women were disappointed that the constitution of 1791 reduced them to passive citizens.
Q.7. Describe the causes for the fall of Jacobin government in France.
Ans. (i) The Jacobin government in France was based on extreme measures. The period from 1793-1794 is
referred to as the reign of terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe Control and punishment.
(ii)All those he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even
members of his own party who did not agree with his methods–were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. This
led to chaos and resentment among the people.
(iii)Robespierre’s government ordered shutting down of churches and converting church buildings into barricades
or offices. Thus the clergy turned against the Jacobin regime and hastened its fall.
(iv) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters turned against him. They began to
demand moderation and a middle path. Finally, he himself was tried by a court in July 1794, arrested and
guillotined.
HOTS
Q.1What landmark decisions were taken by the National Assembly led by the Third Estate on 4th August, 1789
Ans.1- Louis XVI finally accorded recognition to the National Assembly and accepted theprinciple that his powers
would be checked by a constitution.
2- On 4 August 1789, the Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes.
Members of the clergy too were forced to give up their privileges
.3- Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were confiscated. As a result, the government acquired
assets worth at least 2, billion lives.ORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Q.2. Describe the importance of Declaration of the Right of Man in France.
Ans 1-The Declaration of the Right of Man in France was a landmark decision in the history of France.
2- The constitution began with a declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Rights such as the right to life,
freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, were established as ‘natural and inalienable’ rights.
That is, they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
.3- It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen's natural rights. The declaration of the Right of Man and
Citizens influenced revolutionary movements elsewhere too.
Q.3. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans. 1-Women played important role regarding various activities. In order to discuss and voice their interests
women started their own political clubs and newspapers. About sixty women’s clubs came up in different French
cities.
2.The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was the most famous of them, their main demands were that
(a) Women should be given the same political rights as men.
(b) They demanded the right to vote, to be elected to the Assembly and to hold political office.
3- In the early years, the revolutionary government did introduce laws that helped improve the lives of women.
Together with the creation of state schools, schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Their fathers could no
longer force them into marriage against their will. Marriage was made into a contract entered into freely and
registered under civil law. Divorce was made legal, and could be applied for by both women and men. Women
could now train for jobs, could become artists or run small businesses.
4- Women’s struggle for equal political rights, however, continued. During the Reign of Terror, the new
government issued laws ordering closure of women’s clubs, and banning their political activities. Women’s
movements for voting rights and equal wages continued through the next two hundred years in many countries
of the world. It was finally in 1946 that women in France won the right to vote.
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