CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 The French Revolution: CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 The French Revolution help students understand key concepts, events, and impacts of the revolution. This chapter covers the causes of the revolution, the role of different social classes, key figures like Louis XVI and Robespierre, and the rise of democratic ideals.
By practicing these important questions, students can strengthen their knowledge of topics such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the Reign of Terror, and the fall of the monarchy. These questions also help in exam preparation by improving analytical and writing skills, ensuring a thorough grasp of the chapter.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 The French Revolution Overview
Chapter 1 of Class 9 History, The French Revolution, explores one of the most significant events in world history that led to the end of monarchy in France and the rise of democracy. The chapter covers the causes, key events, and consequences of the revolution, highlighting how it shaped modern political ideas.
Causes of the French Revolution
The revolution was triggered by multiple factors, including social inequality, economic crisis, and political conflicts:
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Social Causes: French society was divided into three estates. The First (clergy) and Second (nobility) estates enjoyed privileges, while the Third Estate (commoners) bore the burden of taxes.
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Economic Causes: Heavy taxation, food shortages, and financial mismanagement by King Louis XVI led to widespread discontent.
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Political Causes: The monarchy’s absolute rule and lack of representation for common people fueled resentment.
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Intellectual Causes: Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired the people to demand change.
Key Events of the Revolution
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The Estates-General and the National Assembly (1789) – The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, signaling the beginning of the revolution.
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Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789) – A symbolic event marking the fall of monarchy’s authority.
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Abolition of Feudalism and the Declaration of the Rights of Man (August 1789) – Ensured equal rights for all citizens.
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Execution of King Louis XVI (1793) – The monarchy was abolished, and France was declared a republic.
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The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) – Under Robespierre, thousands were executed, including Queen Marie Antoinette.
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Rise of Napoleon (1799) – The revolution ended with Napoleon Bonaparte taking control of France.
Impact of the French Revolution
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Ended monarchy and feudalism in France.
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Inspired democratic ideals across Europe and the world.
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Led to the rise of nationalism and citizen rights.
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Established concepts like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 The French Revolution PDF
Students preparing for the Class 9 Social Science History exam can access the CBSE Important Questions for Chapter 1: The French Revolution in the PDF format.This PDF contains a collection of key questions covering important topics such as the causes, events, and impacts of the revolution. These questions will help students revise effectively and enhance their understanding of the chapter. Download the PDF from the link below to strengthen your exam preparation.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 PDF
CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 with Answers
Here are the important questions for CBSE Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1: The French Revolution to help students prepare effectively for their exams. These questions cover key topics such as the causes of the revolution, important events, and its impact on France and the world.
Section – A [1 Mark]
Q.1. A kind of tax called Taille was a/an:
(A) Direct tax
(B) Indirect tax
(C) Indiscriminate tax
(D) Custom duty
Ans: (A) Direct tax
Q.2. The constitution begins with a declaration of the –
(A) Rights of Church
(B) Rights of the king
(C) Rights of feudal lords
(D) Rights of Man and Citizen
Ans: (D) Rights of Man and Citizen
Q.3. Which of the following was a patriotic song of France during the revolution?
(A) Long live King
(B) Long live Robespierre
(C) Versailles
(D) Marseillaise
Ans: (D) Marseillaise
Q.4. The National Assembly completed the drafting of the constitution in –
(A) 1791
(B) 1779
(C) 1782
(D) 1792
Ans: (A) 1791
Q.5. Which was the most famous political club formed by women during the French Revolution?
(A) The Jacobin Club
(B) The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women
(C) The National Assembly
(D) The French Women's Alliance
Ans: (B) The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women
Section – B [2 Marks]
Q.6. What was the main aim of the National Assembly?
Sol. The main aim of the National Assembly during the French Revolution was to create a constitution for France that would establish a representative government and limit the absolute power of the monarchy.
Q.7. What is a guillotine? Who invented it?
Sol. A guillotine is a device used for carrying out executions by beheading. It consists of a tall, upright frame with a weighted blade suspended at the top. The condemned person is positioned beneath the blade, which is then released to swiftly fall and sever the head from the body. The guillotine was invented by Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician, in the late 18th century.
Q.8. What do you mean by ‘subsistence crises’? Why did it occur frequently during the Old Regime in France?
Sol. A subsistence crisis is a shortage of food and resources leading to hardship. In Old Regime France, factors like poor harvests, feudal taxation, and unequal distribution of wealth contributed to frequent crises.
Q.9. Why did Louis XVI want to raise taxes? Why was he opposed?
Sol. Louis XVI sought to raise taxes primarily due to France's dire financial situation, worsened by years of costly wars and extravagant spending by previous monarchs. He faced opposition from various quarters, including the nobility and clergy, who resisted efforts to tax them and demanded exemptions from taxation. Additionally, commoners were already burdened by heavy taxes and were increasingly frustrated by their economic hardships, leading to resistance against further taxation.
Q.10. State any two laws passed by Napoleon.
Sol. Two significant laws passed by Napoleon Bonaparte are:
(i) Protection of private property.
(ii) A uniform system of weights and measures provided by the decimal system.
Section – C [3 Marks]
Q.11. What was the Tennis Court Oath?
Sol. The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal event during the early stages of the French Revolution. Here's a summary in three points:
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Context: It took place on June 20, 1789, at the Palace of Versailles. The Estates-General had convened, and tensions were high between the Third Estate (commoners) and the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility).
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Action: Frustrated by being consistently outvoted by the privileged estates, the representatives of the Third Estate moved to a nearby indoor tennis court (Jeux de Paume) and took an oath not to disband until they had drafted a new constitution for France, asserting the sovereignty of the people.
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Significance: The Tennis Court Oath marked the first deliberate act of defiance by the representatives of the Third Estate against the monarchy.
Q.12. Who were the Jacobins? What role did they play in the emergence of the republic in France?
Sol. The Jacobins were members of a radical political club during the French Revolution, named after the former Dominican convent where they held their meetings. They were advocates of republicanism, egalitarianism, and secularism.
The Jacobins played a significant role in the emergence of the republic in France by:
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Promoting the overthrow of the monarchy.
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Advocating for the execution of King Louis XVI.
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Leading the Reign of Terror, which aimed to suppress counterrevolutionary activities.
Their influence helped pave the way for the establishment of the French First Republic in 1792.
Q.13. What role did the philosophers play in bridging the French Revolution?
Sol. Philosophers played a significant role in shaping the ideological underpinnings of the French Revolution.
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Ideological Foundation: Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire provided intellectual groundwork for concepts such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, which became central to the revolutionary ideals.
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Inspiration for Revolutionary Leaders: The writings of philosophers inspired revolutionary leaders and thinkers, influencing their vision for a more just and equitable society.
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Critique of Monarchical Absolutism: Philosophers challenged the legitimacy of monarchical absolutism and advocated for principles of popular sovereignty and individual rights.
Q.14. What was the impact of the French Revolution on the world?
Sol. The French Revolution had a profound impact on the world in several ways:
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Inspiration for Democratic Movements: The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired similar movements for democracy and social justice worldwide.
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End of Absolute Monarchy: It led to the abolition of absolute monarchy in France and the establishment of a republic, marking the decline of traditional monarchies and the rise of modern nation-states.
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Transformation of Society: The revolution brought about significant social changes, including the abolition of feudal privileges and the promotion of meritocracy.
Q.15. What was the Directory? What were its consequences?
Sol. The Directory was the government established in France after the end of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. It lasted from 1795 to 1799.
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Moderate Phase: The Directory marked a shift towards a more moderate phase of the Revolution compared to the radicalism of the Reign of Terror under Robespierre.
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Political Instability: Despite its attempts to stabilize France, the Directory faced challenges from both royalists and radicals, leading to political instability and frequent coups.
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Rise of Napoleon: The most significant consequence of the Directory was the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1799, he staged a coup overthrowing the Directory and establishing himself as First Consul, eventually leading to the establishment of the French Empire.
Section – D [5 Marks]
Q.16. Write short notes on:
(i) France Slave Trade
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French colonies in the Caribbean, such as Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti), Guadeloupe, and Martinique, relied heavily on enslaved Africans for labor in sugar, coffee, and other plantations.
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The French government regulated and profited from the slave trade through entities like the French West India Company.
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Despite the abolition of the slave trade in 1815 and slavery itself in 1848 in French territories, the legacy of France's involvement in the slave trade continues to impact social and economic structures in former colonies.
(ii) Reign of Terror
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The Reign of Terror was a period of extreme violence and political repression during the French Revolution, lasting from 1793 to 1794.
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It was characterized by mass executions, primarily through the guillotine, targeting perceived enemies of the revolution, including aristocrats, clergy, and political opponents.
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The Committee of Public Safety, led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, wielded dictatorial power during this period, justifying the use of violence as necessary for the preservation of the revolution.
(iii) Fall of Napoleon
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Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, rose to power during the French Revolution and became Emperor of the French in 1804.
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Initially, many saw Napoleon as a liberator who would bring freedom for the people. But soon, the Napoleonic armies came to be viewed everywhere as an invading force.
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He was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815. However, many of his measures that carried the revolutionary ideas of liberty and modern laws to other parts of Europe had an impact long after his fall.
Q.17. How did the teachings of Rousseau lay the foundation of democracy?
Sol. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s teachings played a significant role in laying the foundation of democracy through several key ideas:
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The Social Contract: Rousseau’s concept emphasized that legitimate political authority arises from the consent of the governed.
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Popular Sovereignty: He stressed that ultimate political authority resides with the people.
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General Will: He introduced the idea that political decisions should reflect the collective interest of society.
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Equality: Rousseau advocated for equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.
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Education and Civic Virtue: He emphasized that an educated populace is essential for a functioning democracy.
Q.18. Discuss the role of women in the revolutionary movement in France. When did women gain political equality in France?
Sol. Women played a significant but often overlooked role in the French Revolution.
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They participated as activists, agitators, and even combatants.
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Women were involved in political clubs like the Jacobin Club, advocating for their rights.
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One notable event was the Women’s March on Versailles in October 1789, where thousands of Parisian women demanded bread and better living conditions.
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Despite their contributions, women did not gain full political equality during the revolutionary period.
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Olympe de Gouges wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen in 1791, but women’s rights were largely ignored.
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French women gained full political equality in 1944, when they were granted the right to vote.
Section – E [4 Marks]
Q.19. Case-based Questions:
Read the information below and answer the questions that follow:
The Constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected. That is, citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, however, had the right to vote. Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a laborers wage were given the status of active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote. The remaining men and all women were classed as passive citizens. To qualify as an elector and then as a member of the Assembly, a man had to belong to the highest bracket of taxpayers. 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. It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural rights
(i) The Constitution of ______ vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected.
Sol. 1791
(ii) What was the criterion for voting?
Sol. Only above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a laborer’s wage were given the status of active citizens and were entitled to vote.
(iii) Which types of rights were established as natural and inalienable rights?
Sol. The Constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, establishing rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and equality before the law as natural and inalienable rights.
(iv) What was the line with which the constitution began?
Sol. The Constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
Benefits of Solving CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1
Solving important questions for Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 The French Revolution provides several academic and conceptual advantages. Here are some key benefits:
1. Strengthens Conceptual Understanding
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Helps students understand the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution.
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Clarifies key topics like the role of philosophers, the Reign of Terror, and the rise of Napoleon.
2. Improves Answer Writing Skills
3. Boosts Confidence for Exams
4. Enhances Retention and Revision
5. Develops Analytical Thinking
6. Improves Time Management
7. Aligns with CBSE Exam Pattern
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Important questions are curated based on the latest CBSE syllabus and marking scheme.
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Familiarizes students with objective, short-answer, and long-answer question formats.
