Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science

History Chapter 1 – The French Revolution

1. Who were the clergy in France during the revolution?

Ans: The clergy were members of the church in France. They were part of the First Estate,
which also included bishops and priests. They held significant power and wealth, owning large
amounts of land and receiving money from tithes (an income tax). The clergy enjoyed many
privileges and did not have to pay taxes like other citizens. This created resentment among the
common people who were burdened with heavy taxes. During the French Revolution, the
clergy's special status was challenged, and their power was significantly reduced as the
revolutionaries aimed to create a more equal society.

2. Summarize the key points of the French Revolution.

Ans: The French Revolution began in 1789 and was a period of major social and political
change in France. Key points include the fall of the monarchy, the rise of the republic, and the
introduction of new ideas about equality and rights. The Revolution started due to widespread
dissatisfaction with the king’s rule, economic troubles, and social inequalities. Major events
include the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror. The Revolution led to the end of
feudal privileges and inspired movements for democracy and human rights worldwide.

3. What was the Subsistence Crisis?

Ans: The Subsistence Crisis was a period of severe food shortage and economic hardship in
France during the late 18th century. Poor harvests led to high bread prices, making it difficult
for many people to afford basic food. This crisis caused widespread hunger and suffering
among the common people. The high cost of living and low wages exacerbated the problem,
leading to riots and unrest. The crisis was one of the key factors that contributed to the French
Revolution, as it highlighted the deep economic and social inequalities in French society.

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4. Who was the King of France during the French Revolution?

Ans: The King of France during the French Revolution was Louis XVI. He reigned from 1774
to 1792, a period marked by economic trouble and increasing dissatisfaction among the French
people. Louis XVI’s inability to address financial crises and social inequality led to widespread
unrest. His attempts at reforms were too little, too late, and failed to quell the growing
revolutionary sentiment. In 1792, the monarchy was abolished, and Louis XVI was put on
trial. He was found guilty of treason and was executed by guillotine in January 1793.

5. Describe the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

Ans: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was a key document adopted in 1789
during the French Revolution. It outlined fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens,
including liberty, equality, and fraternity. The declaration emphasized that all men are born
free and equal in rights and that these rights should be protected by law. It was inspired by
Enlightenment ideas and aimed to establish a more just and fair society. The declaration served
as a foundation for the French Republic and influenced human rights principles worldwide.

6. What does liberty mean? Mention the two differing views on liberty.

Ans: Liberty means freedom from restrictions and the right to live one's life as one chooses.
During the French Revolution, there were differing views on liberty. One view was that liberty
meant freedom from oppressive government control and the ability to enjoy personal rights
and freedoms. Another view was that liberty should include equality and social justice,
ensuring that everyone had the same opportunities and rights. These conflicting views created
debates about the best way to achieve true freedom and how to balance individual rights with
societal needs.

7. Write a brief overview of Olympe de Gouges, the revolutionary woman.

Ans: Olympe de Gouges was a French playwright and political activist during the French
Revolution. She is best known for her strong advocacy for women's rights and her work, "The
Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen," which challenged the exclusion

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of women from the revolutionary ideals of equality and liberty. De Gouges fought for gender
equality and social justice, emphasizing the need for women to have the same rights as men.
Her activism made her a prominent figure in the revolutionary movement, though she was
eventually executed for her outspoken views.

8. Why was the Bastille hated? Why did people storm the Bastille?

Ans: The Bastille was hated because it symbolized the oppressive power of the French
monarchy and was used as a prison for those who opposed the king. It was seen as a place of
unjust imprisonment and tyranny. On July 14, 1789, a group of revolutionaries stormed the
Bastille to seize weapons and ammunition and to show their opposition to the king’s regime.
This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and became a powerful symbol of
the fight against oppression and the demand for freedom.

9. List some basic rights outlined in Olympe de Gouges’ Declaration.

Ans: Olympe de Gouges’ Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen outlined
several basic rights, including equality before the law, the right to participate in government,
and the right to work and earn a living. It emphasized that women should have the same legal
rights and opportunities as men. The declaration also called for an end to discrimination and
the right for women to be involved in political and public life, advocating for a more inclusive
and equal society.

10. Discuss the abolition of slavery during the French Revolution.

Ans: The abolition of slavery was a significant achievement of the French Revolution. In 1794,
the revolutionary government declared the end of slavery in French colonies, freeing enslaved
people in places like Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). This move was influenced by revolutionary
ideals of equality and human rights. The decision was part of a broader effort to address social
injustices and promote freedom. However, slavery was later reintroduced by Napoleon in
1802, only to be permanently abolished in 1848.

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11. Provide a short biography of one revolutionary figure from this chapter.

Ans: Maximilien Robespierre was a leading figure during the French Revolution and a key
member of the Jacobin Club. He was known for his role in the Reign of Terror, a period of
intense political repression and mass executions. Robespierre was a strong advocate for
revolutionary ideals and believed in using radical measures to protect the revolution. His
efforts to enforce equality and justice were controversial, and he was eventually arrested and
executed in 1794. Despite his controversial methods, Robespierre remains a significant figure
in revolutionary history.

12. What led to the revolutionary protests in France?

Ans: Revolutionary protests in France were caused by a combination of economic hardship,

social inequality, and political mismanagement. Rising bread prices and economic difficulties
led to widespread suffering among the common people. The existing social structure, where
the nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges while the commoners bore the burden of taxes,
fueled resentment. Additionally, the ineffective leadership of King Louis XVI and his inability
to address these issues led to growing unrest, ultimately resulting in protests and the eventual
outbreak of the French Revolution.

13. Which groups in French society gained from the revolution? Which lost power?
Which groups were disappointed by the revolution?

Ans: The revolution benefited common people, including the bourgeoisie (middle class), who
gained more political power and social influence. The nobility and clergy lost their privileges
and power as the old social order was dismantled. The peasantry, who had hoped for more
immediate improvements, were sometimes disappointed as the revolution did not fully address
their economic struggles. The radical changes also led to new forms of inequality and
challenges, which left some groups dissatisfied with the outcomes of the revolution.

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14. What was the impact of the French Revolution on the world in the 19th and 20th
centuries?

Ans: The French Revolution had a profound impact on the world, inspiring other revolutionary
movements and spreading ideas about democracy, human rights, and equality. It led to the rise
of democratic governments and influenced the development of modern political ideologies.
The principles of liberty and equality from the French Revolution shaped political and social
reforms in many countries. The revolution's legacy continued to affect global politics and
inspire movements for change throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

15. List some democratic rights we have today that originated from the French
Revolution.

Ans: Many democratic rights we enjoy today were influenced by the French Revolution. These
include the right to vote, freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to a fair
trial. The revolution also promoted the idea of universal human rights and civil liberties. These
principles have become foundational in modern democracies and continue to shape laws and
policies around the world.

16. Do you think the idea of universal rights had contradictions? Explain your view.

Ans: Yes, the idea of universal rights had contradictions. While the French Revolution
promoted equality and rights for all, these principles were not fully applied to all groups, such
as women and enslaved people. The rights were often limited by the social and political
realities of the time. For example, the revolutionary ideals did not immediately end slavery or
fully extend rights to women. These contradictions highlight the challenges of applying
universal principles consistently across different groups and contexts.

17. How did Napoleon rise to power?

Ans: Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power through a combination of military success and
political manoeuvring. After gaining prominence as a military leader during the French
Revolutionary Wars, he capitalized on the instability in France. In 1799, he staged a coup

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d'état, overthrowing the existing government and establishing himself as First Consul. In 1804,
he declared himself Emperor, consolidating his power and leading France through a period of
significant political and military achievements.

18. What do “Tithes” and “Taille” mean?

Ans: “Tithes” were a tax paid to the church, usually one-tenth of a person’s income or produce.
The clergy collected this as a source of revenue. “Taille” was a direct tax imposed on the
common people by the French monarchy. Unlike tithes, the taille was a state tax and was a
heavy burden on the peasantry, contributing to the financial difficulties and dissatisfaction that
fueled the French Revolution.

19. Who wrote the book ‘Two Treatises of Government’?

Ans: The book ‘Two Treatises of Government’ was written by John Locke, an influential
English philosopher. Published in 1689, the book outlines ideas about government, natural
rights, and the social contract. Locke’s work argued for the protection of individual rights and
the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed. His ideas greatly
influenced political thought during the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.

20. What is the “middle class”? List three characteristics.

Ans: The “middle class” refers to a social class between the upper class (nobility) and the
lower class (working class). Three characteristics of the middle class include:

1) Economic Stability: They often have steady jobs and a reasonable income.

2) Education: Middle-class individuals typically have access to education and higher

learning.

3) Social Status: They may hold professional or managerial positions and have some level of
social influence.

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21. Why was the Bastille disliked by many?

Ans: The Bastille was disliked because it symbolized the king’s absolute power and was used
to imprison people without trial. It represented the repressive nature of the monarchy and was
a focal point of frustration for those opposing the king’s regime. Its storming on July 14, 1789,
marked the beginning of the French Revolution and became a powerful symbol of the fight
against oppression.

22. What rights did French women demand?

Ans: French women demanded the right to vote, be elected to the assembly, and hold political
office. They sought full participation in political and public life, which was a significant issue
during the French Revolution as they fought for equal rights alongside men.

23. What were the social classes in France before the French Revolution?

Ans: Before the French Revolution, French society was divided into three main classes.

• The First Estate included the clergy, such as priests and bishops, who owned a lot of
land and were exempt from many taxes.

• The Second Estate consisted of the nobility, including lords and barons, who enjoyed
special privileges and paid fewer taxes.

• The Third Estate was the largest and included peasants, workers, and the middle class.

• They bore the brunt of the taxes and had little power, which led to widespread
discontent and played a major role in sparking the revolution.

24. What were some key changes made by the National Assembly during the French
Revolution?

Ans: The National Assembly introduced several important changes during the French
Revolution. They ended the feudal system, removing the special privileges of the nobility and

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clergy. They created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which promoted equal
rights for all people. They also reorganized France into new administrative areas called
departments to improve governance. New laws were made to ensure fairness and justice for
everyone. Additionally, they took control of church lands and placed the church under
government supervision to address financial issues.

25. How did the French Revolution affect art and culture?

Ans: The French Revolution had a major impact on art and culture. Artists began to focus on
themes related to the revolution, such as freedom and equality, rather than traditional royal or
religious subjects. Revolutionary symbols like the new flag and the national anthem, "La
Marseillaise," became important cultural icons. Literature also shifted to reflect new ideas
about equality and human rights. Public celebrations and festivals were promoted to honour
revolutionary values. Initially, there was more freedom of expression, but later, censorship and
propaganda were used to control artistic output.

26. What was the Reign of Terror, and who was its main leader?

Ans: The Reign of Terror was a period of intense violence and political repression during the
French Revolution. It lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 and aimed to protect the
revolution from its enemies. Maximilien Robespierre was the main leader during this time,
heading the Committee of Public Safety. Thousands of people were executed by guillotine,
often on charges of being against the revolution. The Reign of Terror ended with Robespierre’s
arrest and execution, leading to a more moderate phase in the revolution.

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