Ch 1 The French Revolution

Que 1. What was the reason for the French Revolution?

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was caused by a
combination of political, social, economic, and intellectual
factors:
1. Social Inequality: French society was divided into three
rigid estates:
o First Estate: Clergy (privileged)
o Second Estate: Nobility (privileged)
o Third Estate: Commoners (majority of the
population, heavily taxed and with little political
power)
2. Economic Crisis: France faced massive debt due to
costly wars (like the American Revolution), lavish
spending by the monarchy (especially Louis XVI and
Marie Antoinette), and a tax system that burdened only
the common people.
3. Enlightenment Ideas: Thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire,
and Montesquieu inspired people with ideas about
liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, and the social
contract.
4. Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI was indecisive and
failed to address the financial crisis effectively or
implement reforms.

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 5. Food Shortages: Poor harvests in the 1780s led to
skyrocketing bread prices and widespread hunger,
intensifying public unrest.
6. Failure of Reforms: Attempts to reform taxation and
governance were blocked by the privileged classes,
especially during the Estates-General meeting of 1789,
which exposed the unfairness of the system.
Together, these factors created a revolutionary climate that led
to the fall of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism.
Que 2. What were the features of the Constitution of 1791?
The list provides a concise overview of the Constitution
of 1791, highlighting the Third Estate's struggle for
equality and representation.
1. End of Absolute Monarchy:
o The king’s power was limited by a constitution—he
could no longer rule by divine right.
2. Popular Sovereignty:
o Power came from the people, not the king. Laws
were made by elected representatives.
3. Equality Before Law:
o Abolished feudal privileges of the First (clergy) and
Second (nobility) Estates.
4. Right to Property:
o Protected the property of all citizens, especially
important for the rising middle class.
5. Limited Suffrage:

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 o Only active male citizens (over 25, paying taxes)
could vote—not universal, but a start toward
representation.
6. Single Legislative Assembly:
o Law-making power was held by an elected body—
not the king or nobles.
7. Civil Liberties:
o Freedoms of speech, press, and religion were
guaranteed—values important to the Third Estate.
8. New Administrative System:
o France was divided into 83 departments with
elected local officials, reducing noble dominance.
Though the constitution didn’t fully satisfy all classes within
the Third Estate (e.g., poorer workers and women were still
excluded), it was a major step toward liberty, equality, and
fraternity.
Que 3. write note on Jacobin club?
The Jacobin Club, established in 1789, was a significant
political group during the French Revolution. It attracted
radical revolutionaries, including middle-class professionals
and artisans, and was led by figures like Maximilien
Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Jean-Paul Marat. The
Jacobins supported a republic, monarchy abolition, and
equality for the poor. They played a central role in the Reign
of Terror, where thousands of revolutionaries were executed.
The club lost support after Robespierre's execution and was
disbanded.

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Que 4. Explain the Reign of Terror?
The Reign of Terror, led by the Jacobin Club under
Maximilien Robespierre, was a violent and radical phase of
the French Revolution from September 1793 to July 1794.
The Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced thousands to death,
including King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, nobles,
clergy, and disloyal revolutionaries. Around 17,000 people
were executed, and the Reign of Terror ended with
Robespierre's arrest and execution in July 1794, marking a
shift towards a more moderate revolution.
Que 5. What were the reforms done by Robespierre?
Short summary of the reforms introduced by Robespierre
during his rule (1793–1794) as leader of the Committee of
Public Safety during the French Revolution:
1. Price Controls:
o Fixed prices for essential goods (like bread) to make
them affordable for the poor.
2. Rationing of Food:
o Ensured equal distribution of food, especially in
cities.
3. Abolition of Slavery:
o Slavery was abolished in all French colonies in
1794.
4. Land Redistribution:
o Land seized from nobles and clergy was
redistributed among peasants.
5. Promotion of Equality:
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 o Banned titles like “lord” and “monsieur,” promoting
the use of “citizen” for everyone.
6. Secular Measures:
o Attempted to reduce the influence of the Church and
promoted a new civic religion: The Cult of the
Supreme Being.
7. Education Reforms:
o Encouraged free and compulsory primary education
(though not fully implemented).
These reforms aimed to create a Republic of Virtue, but his
harsh methods during the Reign of Terror eventually led to his
downfall.
Que 6. What were the conditions of women before the
revolution?
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. Most women did
not have access to education or job training. Only daughters
of nobles or wealthier members of the third estate could study
at a convent, after which their families arranged a marriage for
them. Working women had also to care for their families, that
is, cook, fetch water, queue up for bread and look after the
children. Their wages were lower than those of men. Women
were expected to marry young and focus solely on housework,
motherhood, and obeying their husbands. Women had no role
in shaping laws and were excluded from intellectual, cultural,
and political life.

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Que 7. What were the conditions of women after the
revolution?
During the Napoleonic Revolution, women played a
significant role in the revolution, but they were denied voting
rights and public office. Schooling was made compulsory for
girls, and marriage was made a contract under civil law.
Divorce was legal, and both men and women could apply for
it. The Napoleonic Code (1804) reinforced male dominance,
limiting women's legal rights. Women could now train for
jobs, become artists, or run small businesses. However,
women's political clubs were banned in 1793. Despite their
active role, women's political and legal status remained
unchanged, and they continued to face discrimination. Women
like Olympe de Gouges, who demanded rights, were
suppressed.