French Revolution – Questions and Answers

1. In 1774, Louis XVI of the Bourbon family of Kings ascended the throne of which
country?
A. France

2. What was the newly elected assembly called?

A. The Convention

3. The burden of financial activities of the state during the Old Regime was borne by the
________.
A. Third Estate

4. In France, the eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of a social group termed as
the ________.
A. Middle Class

5. The American Constitution and its guarantee of individual rights was an important
example for political thinkers in which country?
A. France

6. The agitated crowd stormed and destroyed the Bastille on ________.

A. 14th July, 1789

7. The Constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the ________.
A. National Assembly

8. The Constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of ________.

A. Man and Citizen

9. The National Assembly of France voted in April 1792 to declare war against ________.
A. Prussia and Austria

10. Who introduced the Reign of Terror and where?

A. Robespierre introduced the Reign of Terror in France

11. The members of the Jacobin Club belonged mainly to which section of society?
A. The less prosperous sections of society

12. When was slavery finally abolished in French colonies?

A. 1848
13. One important law that came into effect soon after the storming of the Bastille in 1789
was the ________.
A. Abolition of censorship

14. In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself as Emperor of ________.

A. France

15. What was a 'Sceptre'?

A. A symbol of royal power

16. What was the political body representing the three estates of pre-revolutionary France
known as?
A. Estates General

17. Which theory was proposed by Montesquieu?

A. Theory of division of powers

18. Who proposed the Social Contract theory?

A. Jean Jacques Rousseau

19. A triangular slave trade started among which three regions?

A. Europe, Africa, and the Americas

20. When did women in France win the right to vote?

A. 1946

21. What did the French Revolution of 1789 stand for?

A. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity

22. What did the fall of the Bastille signify?

A. The end of the autocratic rule of the monarch

23. Name the special tax levied by the Church on peasants.

A. Tithes

24. On what principle was voting conducted in the Estates General?

A. Each estate had one vote

25. What was the Estates General?

A. A political body controlled by the French monarch that included representatives of the
three estates
 26. Who were denied entry to the assembly of the Estates General, called by Louis XVI on 5
May, 1789?
A. Peasants, artisans, and women

27. Why were images and symbols used in 18th-century France?

A. Because most men and women could not read or write, images and symbols were used to
communicate important ideas

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Describe the division of French society before the French Revolution.

A. Before the French Revolution, French society was divided into three Estates:
(i) First Estate (Clergy): It comprised persons who were involved in church functions. They
were exempted from paying taxes and enjoyed privileges by birth.
(ii) Second Estate (Nobility): This included people of high social and political rank. They
were also exempted from taxes and enjoyed feudal privileges, such as extracting dues from
peasants.
(iii) Third Estate: It included big businessmen, merchants, court officials, lawyers, peasants,
artisans, landless laborers, and servants. They paid direct taxes to the state called taille and
various indirect taxes on everyday items. Peasants also paid a tax called tithes to the Church.

2. How did the political system work in France under the Constitution of 1791?
A.
(i) The Constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which
was indirectly elected.
(ii) Citizens voted for a group of electors, who then elected the Assembly.
(iii) However, only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least three days of a
laborer's wage could vote.
(iv) All women and the rest of the men were considered passive citizens and were denied the
right to vote.

3. How was slavery abolished in France?

A.
(i) The National Assembly debated whether to extend the Rights of Man to the colonies but
took no action, fearing opposition from businessmen who benefited from the slave trade.
(ii) In 1794, the Convention passed a law to free all slaves in the French colonies.
(iii) However, Napoleon reintroduced slavery in 1804.
(iv) Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

4. Describe the concept of active and passive citizens in France.

A.
(i) Active citizens were men over 25 who paid taxes equal to at least three days of a laborer’s
wage and had the right to vote.
(ii) Passive citizens included the remaining men and all women, who had no voting rights.

5. What was the importance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

A.
(i) It abolished privileges based on birth that existed under the old regime.
(ii) It recognized basic natural rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech and opinion,
and equality before the law.
(iii) It declared that protecting citizens' natural rights was the duty of the state.

6. What was the Estates General? Which demand of the Third Estate did Louis XVI
reject?
A.
The Estates General was a political body where all three estates—the clergy, the nobility, and
the Third Estate—sent representatives.
(i) Traditionally, each estate had one vote.
(ii) The Third Estate demanded that voting should be conducted by head, where each
representative had one vote, but Louis XVI rejected this demand.

7. Describe briefly the contribution of Mirabeau to the formation of the National

Assembly.
A.
(i) Mirabeau, though born into nobility, supported the abolition of feudal privileges.
(ii) On 20 June 1789, he and Abbé Sieyès led the Third Estate to assemble in an indoor tennis
court at Versailles.
(iii) He gave stirring speeches and published a journal to spread revolutionary ideas.

8. How did peasants protest against feudal lords or nobles in the French countryside?
A.
(i) Rumours spread that lords had hired bandits to destroy crops, causing panic among
peasants.
(ii) Armed with tools, they attacked the nobles’ chateaux.
(iii) They looted grain stores and burned records of feudal dues.
(iv) Many nobles fled to neighbouring countries to escape the violence. Here is your Long
Answer Type Questions (LAQs) section, revised for clarity, proper formatting, grammatical
accuracy, and with each answer marked by A. as requested:

Long Answer Type Questions (LAQs)

1. Explain the impact of the French Revolution on everyday life in France.

A.
(i) Under the Old Regime, all written material and cultural activities required approval by the
king’s censors. However, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen proclaimed
freedom of speech and expression as natural rights.
(ii) Newspapers, pamphlets, books, and printed pictures flooded French towns and spread
into the countryside.
(iii) These media sources discussed the ongoing events and changes taking place across
France.
(iv) The freedom of the press also allowed for the expression of opposing viewpoints.
(v) Plays, songs, and festive processions became popular and attracted large crowds, making
revolutionary ideas accessible to the masses.

2. Why was the reign of Robespierre termed the ‘Reign of Terror’ despite the reforms
introduced by him?
A.
(i) Robespierre introduced several reforms such as imposing maximum limits on wages and
prices, rationing bread and meat, making whole-wheat bread compulsory, and converting
church buildings into barracks or offices.
(ii) However, from 1793 to 1794, he enforced severe control and harsh punishments.
(iii) He considered ex-nobles, clergy, members of other political parties, and even dissenters
from his own party as enemies of the republic.
(iv) These individuals were arrested, imprisoned, and tried by a revolutionary tribunal. If
found guilty, they were guillotined.
(v) Robespierre’s extreme measures led even his supporters to turn against him, eventually
resulting in his arrest and execution.

3. What measures were taken by Robespierre to bring about equality in French society?
A.
(i) His government passed laws setting a maximum limit on wages and the prices of essential
goods.
(ii) Bread and meat were rationed.
(iii) Peasants were compelled to transport grain to urban areas and sell it at government-fixed
prices.
(iv) The use of costly white flour was banned, and everyone was required to consume whole-
wheat bread.
(v) Formal titles like Monsieur and Madame were replaced with Citoyen and Citoyenne
(Citizen) to promote equality.
(vi) Churches were shut down, and their buildings were repurposed for public use.

4. Explain the role of philosophers in the French Revolution.

A.
(i) Philosophers promoted the idea of a society based on equality, freedom, and equal laws
for all.
(ii) John Locke, in his work Two Treatises of Government, rejected the concept of the divine
and absolute right of kings.
(iii) Jean-Jacques Rousseau introduced the idea of a social contract between the people and
their government.
(iv) Montesquieu, in The Spirit of the Laws, proposed a separation of powers among the
legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
(v) Their ideas were widely discussed in salons and coffee houses and spread through books
and newspapers, influencing revolutionary thought.

5. ‘While the National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution, the rest
of France seethed with turmoil.’ Elucidate.
A.
(i) During the constitution drafting, a harsh winter caused crop failures, leading to a bread
shortage and rising prices.
(ii) Bakers hoarded supplies, and angry women stormed shops after waiting in long queues.
(iii) On 14 July, the king ordered troops to Paris, prompting citizens to storm and destroy the
Bastille.
(iv) In the countryside, rumours spread that landlords had hired brigands to destroy crops.
(v) Frightened peasants attacked noble estates, looted grain, and burned records of manorial
dues.

6. Explain how the emergence of the middle class gave the final blow to monarchy in
France.
A.
(i) Earlier peasant and worker revolts had been spontaneous and lacked planning or clear
goals.
(ii) The middle class gained wealth through trade and industry and became economically
powerful.
(iii) They were educated and believed in merit-based society rather than privilege by birth.
(iv) Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, they advocated for equal laws, freedom, and
opportunities for all.
(v) Their organized opposition and leadership gave strength to the revolution and undermined
monarchical rule.

Sure! Here's the revised set of properly structured questions and answers with improved
grammar and clarity:

7. What were the main features of the French Constitution of 1791?

A.
(i) The Constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which
was indirectly elected.
(ii) Its main objective was to limit the powers of the monarchy.
(iii) Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn elected the members of the Assembly.
(iv) Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least three days of a
labourer’s wage were entitled to vote.
(v) The Constitution began with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
(vi) It declared that the protection of each citizen’s natural rights was the duty of the state.

8. What is meant by a subsistence crisis? Mention two causes of this crisis in France.
A.
A subsistence crisis is a situation where basic means of livelihood, especially food, are
endangered.
Two causes of the crisis were:
(i) The population of France increased from about 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789.
This caused a rise in the demand for food grains, while production could not keep up, leading
to high food prices.
(ii) Most workers earned fixed wages that did not match the rise in food prices. The situation
worsened during poor harvests due to droughts or hailstorms, resulting in frequent food
shortages.

9. What was the Tennis Court Oath? Why was it significant in the French Revolution?
A.
(i) The Tennis Court Oath was taken on 20th June 1789 by the representatives of the Third
Estate, who had been locked out of the Estates General meeting.
(ii) They gathered in an indoor tennis court at Versailles, where they declared themselves the
National Assembly.
(iii) They swore not to disperse until they had drafted a constitution that would limit the
powers of the monarch.
(iv) The event marked the first step in the formation of a constitutional government in France.
(v) The Constitution was completed in 1791, and the revolution eventually led to the
declaration of France as a republic in 1792.

10. What were the main causes of the financial crisis (empty treasury) under Louis
XVI?
A.
(i) Prolonged wars had severely exhausted the French treasury.
(ii) The extravagant lifestyle of the royal court, especially at the Palace of Versailles, added
to the financial burden.
(iii) France's financial support to the American colonies in their war against Britain added
more than a billion livres to the already mounting debt.
(iv) The total debt had exceeded 2 billion livres by the time Louis XVI came to power.
(v) Lenders began charging high interest rates—up to 10%—on government loans.
(vi) To meet regular state expenses, the government had to raise taxes, which angered the
common people and contributed to revolutionary unrest.

NCERT SOLUTIONS

1. Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in

France.
A.
The circumstances that led to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were:

• Social Inequality: French society in the 18th century was divided into three estates.
The first two estates — the clergy and the nobility — enjoyed privileges by birth and
were exempt from paying taxes. The third estate, which included peasants, artisans,
workers, and the middle class, bore the tax burden.
• Political Causes: Long years of war had drained France's finances. The country had
accumulated a debt of over 2 billion livres. To cover state expenses, taxes were
increased, which angered the common people.
• Economic Problems: France’s population grew from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million
in 1789. The demand for food grains increased, and prices of bread — the staple food
— rose sharply. Wages did not keep pace with inflation, resulting in a subsistence
crisis.
• Emergence of a Strong Middle Class: An educated and wealthy middle class
emerged. Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, they believed in equality, freedom,
and merit-based society. The writings of Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire spread
through salons and coffeehouses.
• Immediate Cause: On 5 May 1789, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General to pass
new tax laws. The Third Estate demanded voting by head rather than by estate, which
the king rejected. This led them to walk out and form the National Assembly.

2. Which groups in French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were
forced to relinquish power? Which sections were disappointed with the outcome?
A.
 • Benefited Groups: The Third Estate — which included peasants, workers,
businessmen, merchants, and professionals — benefited the most. They gained legal
equality and access to new rights and opportunities.
• Groups that Lost Power: The clergy (First Estate) and nobility (Second Estate) lost
their privileges, tax exemptions, and feudal rights.
• Disappointed Sections: Women were disappointed as they were denied political
rights such as voting or holding public office. The poorer sections of society also
remained economically disadvantaged despite legal reforms.

3. Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the
19th and 20th centuries.
A.

• The French Revolution left behind a lasting legacy of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• These ideas influenced political movements across Europe and inspired anti-
monarchical and anti-colonial struggles worldwide.
• The revolution encouraged the creation of sovereign nation-states by colonized
people.
• It introduced the concept of nationalism, making it a mass movement globally.
• In India, leaders like Tipu Sultan and Raja Ram Mohan Roy were influenced by
revolutionary ideals.
• The revolution made people around the world aware of their fundamental rights and
the idea of democratic governance.

4. Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins can be traced to the
French Revolution.
A.
The following democratic rights we enjoy today have their roots in the French Revolution:

• Right to equality before the law.

• Right to freedom of speech and expression.
• Right to freedom of profession and occupation.
• Right against exploitation.
• Right to life and personal liberty.
• Right to vote in a democratic system.
5. Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with
contradictions? Explain.
A.
Yes, the message of universal rights during the French Revolution was filled with
contradictions:

• While the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen spoke of equality, economic
inequality remained unaddressed.
• The right to vote was limited to wealthy men; poor men and all women were
excluded.
• Women continued to be regarded as passive citizens and were denied political rights.
• Despite preaching liberty, France retained and even expanded its colonies.
• Slavery continued in French colonies until 1848, undermining the principle of human
equality.

6. How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?

A.

• After the fall of the Jacobin government, political instability followed under the
Directory.
• People lost faith in the government, paving the way for a strong leader like Napoleon.
• His military success and leadership qualities earned him popularity.
• In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France.
• He introduced reforms like protection of private property and a uniform system of
weights and measures.
• However, his empire-building ambitions led to widespread wars.
• He was ultimately defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, marking the end of his
rule.