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SST Ka Kaam

The French Revolution, beginning in 1789, ended absolute monarchy and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, driven by economic crisis, social inequality, and Enlightenment thought. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution had a profound impact on Europe and beyond, inspiring movements for democracy and civil rights while also addressing issues like women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

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18 views2 pages

SST Ka Kaam

The French Revolution, beginning in 1789, ended absolute monarchy and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, driven by economic crisis, social inequality, and Enlightenment thought. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution had a profound impact on Europe and beyond, inspiring movements for democracy and civil rights while also addressing issues like women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

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kzed19447
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Extended Short Note on the French Revolution

Introduction:

The French Revolution began in 1789 and marked a turning point in European history. It ended

absolute monarchy, challenged social inequality, and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and

fraternity.

Causes:

1. Economic Crisis: France was nearly bankrupt due to long wars (including helping American

colonies gain independence) and royal extravagance.

2. Social Inequality: French society was divided into three estates. The 1st (clergy) and 2nd (nobles)

enjoyed privileges and paid no taxes, while the 3rd (commoners) bore the burden.

3. Food Shortage: Poor harvests and rising bread prices led to widespread hunger and unrest.

4. Rise of Middle Class & Enlightenment: Educated middle class and philosophers like Rousseau

and Voltaire demanded equality, freedom, and end of feudal privileges.

Key Events:

- May 1789: Estates General called by Louis XVI to propose new taxes.

- June 1789: The 3rd Estate formed the National Assembly and took the Tennis Court Oath to draft

a constitution.

- July 14, 1789: Storming of the Bastille - symbolized the revolt against monarchy and oppression.

- August 1789: Feudal privileges abolished; Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen adopted.

- 1791: France became a constitutional monarchy with powers separated among legislature,

executive, and judiciary.

- 1792: War with Austria & Prussia; monarchy abolished; France declared a Republic.

- 1793-1794: Reign of Terror under Robespierre - mass executions by guillotine of anyone opposing
the revolution.

- 1795: Robespierre overthrown; Directory (5-member executive body) came to power but was

unstable.

- 1799-1804: Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who crowned himself Emperor in 1804.

- 1815: Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and exiled.

Role of Women:

- Women actively participated in protests and political clubs.

- Demanded voting rights, education, and legal equality.

- The revolutionary government introduced some reforms (state schooling, legal divorce), but

political rights were denied. Women gained voting rights in 1946.

Abolition of Slavery:

- Slavery was abolished in French colonies in 1794 by Jacobins but reintroduced by Napoleon.

- Final abolition came in 1848.

Impact:

- Spread revolutionary ideals across Europe and inspired global movements.

- Promoted democracy, secularism, nationalism, and civil rights.

- Influenced leaders like Tipu Sultan and Raja Ram Mohan Roy in India.

Conclusion:

The French Revolution dismantled centuries-old monarchy and social hierarchy. Though it faced

violence and setbacks, it laid the foundation for modern democratic societies and civil liberties

across the world.

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