The French Revolution Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 CBSE Notes

The French Revolution was one of the most significant events in world history that transformed France and influenced modern democracies across the globe. This chapter is the first chapter in CBSE Class 9 Social Science History. 

It helps students understand how social inequality, economic hardship, and political mismanagement can lead to revolutionary change. The revolution began in 1789 and marked the end of absolute monarchy in France, replacing it with ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

These Class 9 French Revolution notes are designed to help students clearly understand the causes of the French Revolution, its major events, key personalities, and long-term impact. 

The French Revolution Class 9 Notes

The French Revolution Class 9 Notes are useful for students preparing for Class 9 students. Below are the concise notes for exam preparation:

What Was The French Revolution​?

The French Revolution refers to a period of major social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It fundamentally transformed French society, ending absolute monarchy and introducing democratic ideas. These notes focus on the reasons for the French Revolution, its critical phases, and its global influence. Understanding what was the French Revolution is crucial for studying modern world history.

What Were The Causes of the French Revolution?

The French Revolution was caused by social inequality, economic crisis, and absolute monarchy. The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges, while the Third Estate paid heavy taxes and had no political rights.

France faced financial problems due to wars and extravagant royal spending. Poor harvests increased food prices, causing hardship for common people. Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality inspired people to challenge the monarchy, leading to the french revolution.

French Society in the Late Eighteenth Century

In 1774, Louis XVI became France's King. French society was structured into three Estates. This system perpetuated deep inequality.

• First Estate: Comprised the clergy. They enjoyed privileges and were exempt from most taxes.

• Second Estate: Included the nobility. They held key positions and also did not pay many taxes.

• Third Estate: Consisted of peasants, workers, merchants, and professionals. They formed about 90% of the population. This Estate bore the burden of all taxes.

• Sixty percent of the land belonged to nobles, the Church, and rich Third Estate members. Peasants owned only a small part of the land they worked.

Economic Crisis and Struggle to Survive

France faced severe financial strain due to wars and support for the American colonies. King Louis XVI needed to raise taxes to cover government costs.

• Population growth increased food demand, but grain production did not keep up. This led to high bread prices.

• Low wages for labourers made life difficult, widening the gap between rich and poor.

• Droughts and hailstorms often destroyed harvests, worsening the situation.

Rise of the Middle Class

A new middle class emerged in the 18th century. They gained wealth from overseas trade and manufacturing.

• This class included lawyers and administrative officials. They valued education and believed status should depend on merit, not birth.

• Enlightenment thinkers, such as Rousseau and Montesquieu, influenced their ideas. Rousseau proposed a social contract. Montesquieu suggested separating government powers.

Outbreak of the French Revolution

On May 5, 1789, King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to approve new taxes.

• The First and Second Estates sent representatives. The Third Estate sent its educated members.

• Traditionally, each Estate had one vote. The Third Estate demanded voting on a per-head basis.

• The King rejected this. Third Estate members walked out and formed the National Assembly.

• On June 20, 1789, they took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing to draft a constitution limiting the monarch's power.

• On July 14, 1789, the Bastille prison was stormed by Parisians. This event marked the revolution's official beginning.

France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

By 1791, the National Assembly completed a new constitution. It aimed to restrict the King's authority.

• The constitution established a separation of powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.

• France became a constitutional monarchy. Voting rights were limited to men over 25 who paid significant taxes.

• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen guaranteed rights like liberty, speech, and equality before the law.

France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic

In 1792, the National Assembly declared war on Prussia and Austria.

• Political clubs, especially the Jacobins, gained influence. Jacobins were small shopkeepers and workers. They wore long striped trousers and were called 'sans-culottes'.

• On August 10, 1792, Jacobins attacked the King's palace.

• Elections followed, giving voting rights to all men aged 21 and older.

• The monarchy was abolished. France became a republic.

The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)

This was a period of extreme brutality led by Maximilien Robespierre and the Jacobin government.

• Robespierre followed a severe policy of control. Enemies of the republic were arrested, tried, and guillotined.

• He implemented strict wage and price controls. Churches were shut down.

• His policies were so harsh that even his supporters demanded moderation. Robespierre was guillotined in July 1794.

The Directory Rules France (1795-1799)

After Robespierre's fall, a new constitution was introduced.

• It denied voting rights to non-propertied sections.

• Two elected legislative councils appointed a five-member executive called the Directory.

• Conflicts between the Directory and the legislative councils led to political instability. This paved the way for a military dictator.

Abolition of Slavery

The Jacobin regime abolished slavery in French colonies in 1794.

• The transatlantic slave trade supplied labor for sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations.

• Napoleon later reinstated slavery. It was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

Revolution and Everyday Life

The French Revolution brought changes to daily life.

• Censorship was abolished in 1789. Freedom of speech and expression became natural rights.

• Newspapers, pamphlets, and books spread ideas. Plays and songs became common.

The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Political instability under the Directory allowed Napoleon Bonaparte to rise.

• In 1799, Napoleon seized power through a coup d'état. He crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804.

• He introduced laws like the protection of private property and a uniform system of weights and measures.

• Napoleon was seen as a modernizer who brought revolutionary ideas across Europe. He was defeated in 1815 at Waterloo.

Important Dates and Years Related to The French Revolution

Below are the Important Dates and Years Related to The French Revolution: