History important notes

french revolution
introduction:

Before the French Revolution

Before the French Revolution, the French territories and society were like an
ancient regime. They had feudal lords who had taken over the political system of
the country. The French society was divided into three Estates. They were the
clergy, the nobility, and the peasants and workers. The upper two estates were
closer to the royals and hence received favours easily. The others had to pay
multiple taxes and had a life of suffering

The Initial Stage of the Revolution

When King Louis XVI sat on the throne, the financial condition of France was
horrible.
The king decided to convene the Estates-General to put more taxes on the citizens
on the Finance Minister’s advice.
The votes of the Estate General used to happen on a per-estate basis.
The people of the Third Estate demanded that the votes should happen on a per-
head basis.
The King did not agree with such a proposal so the representatives of the Third
Estate walked out of the assembly.

The French Revolution

In 1789, Paris was thrown into chaos early in the morning as rumours circulated that
the King planned to attack the citizens. This fear prompted people to assemble and
begin attacking government buildings in search of weapons. During these clashes, the
commander of the Bastille was killed, and the prison’s inmates were freed. The Bastille
was despised because it symbolised the king's authoritarian rule. Additionally,
protests erupted over the soaring bread prices, which triggered a chain of events that
eventually led to the King’s execution in France.

French Society in the Late Eighteenth Century

In 1774, Louis XVI became the King of France. The country's finances were strained due
to recent wars and the support provided to the American colonies in their fight for
independence from Britain. To cover regular expenses, including maintaining the army,
the court, and government functions, taxes were raised. Eighteenth-century France
was divided into three estates. The feudal system, rooted in the Middle Ages,
persisted in these estates. The majority of the population, about 90%, were peasants,
but only a small fraction owned the land they worked on. Nobles, the Church, and
other affluent members of the Third Estate owned 60% of the land. The clergy and
nobility, belonging to the first two estates, had certain privileges by their birth,
including exemption from taxes and special feudal rights. Members of the Third Estate
were required to pay various taxes, including a direct tax called taille and numerous
indirect taxes on everyday goods like salt and tobacco.

Struggle to Survive

As the population grew, the demand for food grains surged, but grain production
could not keep up with this increased need. This imbalance caused bread prices to rise
sharply. Low wages for labourers further widened the gap between the rich and the
poor. The situation deteriorated further whenever droughts or hailstorms damaged
the harvest.

A Rising Middle-Class Challenges Privileges

Peasants frequently rebelled against high taxes and food shortages. During the 18th
century, a new, prosperous middle class emerged, having gained wealth through
overseas trade and manufacturing textiles such as wool and silk. These textiles were
either exported or purchased by wealthier individuals. The middle class, which
included professionals like lawyers and administrative officials, valued education and
new ideas. They believed that social status should be based on merit rather than
birthright

Educated members of this new middle class supported the idea that no group should
have privileges based on their birth. They advocated for a government based on merit.
Rousseau proposed a social contract model for governance, where representatives
would be accountable to the people. Montesquieu suggested a separation of powers
within the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This model
was later implemented in the USA. Meanwhile, Louis XVI planned to impose additional
taxes to address the financial needs of the state.

The Outbreak of the Revolution

In France, the monarch could not unilaterally impose taxes and had to convene the
Estates-General, a political body representing the three estates, to approve any new
taxes. On May 5, 1789, Louis XVI called an assembly of the Estates-General to discuss
tax proposals. Representatives from the first and second estates attended, while the
third estate was represented by its more affluent and educated members. Each estate
traditionally had one vote, but the third estate demanded that each member of their
group have an individual vote

France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

In 1791, the National Assembly finalised a new constitution aimed at restricting the
monarch’s powers. The new system separated powers into distinct branches: the
legislature, executive, and judiciary, establishing France as a constitutional monarchy.

Citizens elected electors who, in turn, chose the Assembly. However, voting rights
were limited. Only men over 25 who paid taxes equivalent to at least three days’ wages
could vote. The Constitution began with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and
Citizen, which established rights such as life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion,
and equality before the law as ‘natural and inalienable,’ meaning they were inherent
and could not be revoked.

France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic

In April 1792, the National Assembly declared war on Prussia and Austria, and the
"Marseillaise" became France’s national anthem. With many men away at war, women
managed household responsibilities. There was growing dissatisfaction with the 1791
Constitution, which only granted political rights to wealthier citizens. Political clubs
emerged, with the Jacobins becoming the most influential. The Jacobin club was
composed of small shopkeepers, artisans, and workers, who began wearing long
striped trousers similar to dockworkers, earning them the name sans-culottes,
meaning ‘those without knee breeches.’

On August 10, 1792, Jacobins stormed the Palace of the Tuileries, temporarily holding
the king hostage. Following this, elections were held, granting voting rights to all men
aged 21 and older. The monarchy was abolished, and France transitioned to a republic.

Did Women have a Revolution?

Women played a significant role in the French Revolution, leading to notable changes
in the country. Women from the third estate, who needed to work to support
themselves and their families, had limited access to education and job training.
Noblewomen of the third estate could study at convents, but working women had to
balance employment with family care. Their wages were generally lower than men’s.

Women also became politically active by forming their clubs and newspapers. The
Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was a prominent example,
advocating for equal political rights, including the right to vote and hold office. During
the revolutionary period, the government enacted laws to improve women's lives,
such as compulsory education, legal divorce, and the ability to run small businesses.
However, during the Reign of Terror, women’s political clubs were shut down, and their
activities were banned. It was only in 1946 that women in France finally secured the
right to vote.

The Abolition of Slavery

One of the most significant reforms of the Jacobin regime was the abolition of slavery
in French colonies. The transatlantic slave trade began in the seventeenth century,
involving the capture, branding, and transportation of slaves from Africa to the
Caribbean, where they were forced to work in harsh conditions. This slave labour was
crucial for meeting the European demand for sugar, coffee, and indigo.

Despite minimal criticism of slavery in France during the eighteenth century, the
Convention abolished slavery in French overseas territories in 1794. However,
Napoleon reinstated it a decade later. It wasn’t until 1848 that slavery was
permanently abolished in French colonies.

The Revolution and Everyday Life

The French Revolution brought significant changes to everyday life in France starting
in 1789. One major reform was the abolition of censorship, which occurred in the
summer of 1789. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established freedom
of speech and expression as fundamental rights. This led to a flourishing of diverse
opinions through the press, plays, songs, and festive processions, reflecting a broader
range of voices and perspectives in society.\
The Tennis Court Oath
The representatives of the Third Estate formed a National Assembly where they tried
to draft a constitution that would limit the powers of the monarchy. The King and the
Clergy ultimately conceded to the National Assembly. The legislative powers then
shifted from the hands of the King to the National Assembly.

The newly created Legislative Assembly was divided into various political groups.

The Constitutionalists
The Republicans (The Girondins and The Jacobins)

The Rise of The Jacobins

Due to war, France faced havoc. The Girondins lost power and the Jacobins became
the rulers. They declared France a Republic but it lost its value when they turned into
tyrants. It was a brutal period of terror that the French had to face. Their leader,
Robespierre was killed in 1794.

The Rise of The Middle Class

The middle class became powerful in the National Convention after the Jacobins
left power.
The National Convention again created a new constitution.
Now, the Legislative Assembly has become bicameral.
There were 5 directors in the Executive.
Two-thirds of the members were from the National Convention.
The public did not receive it well and attacked the convention in 1795.
Napoleon, who stopped this attack later became the commander-in-chief of the
French Army

important dates of french

revolution
Keywords and Timeline of Ch 1 French
Revolution| Class 9th History
09 Jul, 2017

Keywords and Timeline of Ch 1 French Revolution Class 9th History

Time Line

• 1774 - Louis XVI of the Bourbon family of kings ascended the throne of France.

• 14th July 1789 - The fortress-prison, the Bastille was demolished.

• 5th May 1789 - Louis XVI called together an assembly of the Estates General to
pass proposals for new taxes.

• 20th June 1789 - Members of the third estate assembled in the hall of an indoor
tennis court in the grounds of Versailles.

• 4th August 1789 - the Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of
obligations and taxes.

• 26th August 1789 - Declaration of the Rights of Man

• 1791 - The National Assembly completed the draft of the constitution which limits
the power of the king.

• April 1792 - The National Assembly voted to declare war against Prussia and
Austria

21st September 1792 – Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a
republic.

• 21st January 1793 - Louis XVI was executed publicly at the Place de la Concorde.
• 1793 to 1794 - The Reign of Terror

• July 1794 - Maximilian Robespierre arrested and beheaded.

• 1794 - The Convention free all slaves in the French overseas possessions.• 1804 -
Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France.

• 1815 – Napoleon defeated at Waterloo.

• 1848 - Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies.

• 1946 - Women in France won the right to vote.

Keywords

• Livre – Unit of currency in France which was discontinued in 1794

• Clergy – Group of persons invested with special functions in the church. Tithe – A
tax levied by the church, comprising one-tenth of the agricultural produce

• Taille – Tax to be paid directly to the state.

• Old Regime - Used to describe the society and institutions of France before 1789.

• Bastille – A fortress-prison in the Paris which stood for the despotic power of the
king.

• Nobility - Group of persons of high rank in state

administrationHomeClass9History-Timeline

• Democracy – A form of government in which power is in the hands of the people,

who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

• Constitutional Monarchy – A form of government in which a country is ruled by a

king and queen whose power is limited by a constitution.

• Subsistence Crisis - An extreme situation where the basic means of livelihood are
endangered
• Aristocracy - A form of government in which power is held by the nobility• Estates
General - A political body to which the three estates sent their representatives.

• Manor – An estate consisting of the lord’s lands and his mansion.

• Chateau – Castle or stately residence belonging to a king or a nobleman.

• National Assembly – An Assembly formed by the representatives of the Third

Estate of the Estates General. Convent – Building belonging to a community
devoted to a religious life.

• Parisians – People who live in Paris.

• Treason – Betrayal of one’s country or government

• Convention - The newly elected assembly formed after National Assembly.

• Guillotine - A device consisting of two poles and a blade with which a person is
beheaded.

• Reign of Terror - The period from 1793 to 1794 when Robespierre followed a policy
of severe control and punishment.

• Jacobin Club – A political club formed during French revolution whose members
belonged mainly to the less prosperous sections of society.

• Negroes – A term used for the indigenous people of Africa south of the Sahara.

• Emancipation – The act of freeing.

• Feudalism – A social system in which crown give lands to the nobility who fought
for him while the peasants were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him
homage and labour.

forest society and colonialism

What is Forest Society?
From an ancient time, Indian farmers were using the forest for their cultivation. In the British
period, the government thought that the farmers are destroying the forest for agriculture. To
put a restriction on the farmer’s use of the forest, the Britishers made several laws. Also, they
formed a society to supervise all the laws and their execution, which was named the forest
society. It was established in 1946. It was incorporated in 1955. The society was mainly for
forest preservation. Though conservation was the sole purpose, the British Government used
it for their commercial purpose. In this article, we are going to discuss the rise of commercial

forestry, and forest society and colonialism.Deforestation Under the British

Rule
During British rule, there was major deforestation in India. The problem of deforestation has
become more complicated for some reasons. For a huge increase in population, the food
demand increased and the cultivation area was extended by clearing forests. The British
government started cultivating commercial crops for which they had to clear a huge forest
area. These were the two main reasons for deforestation in the British period. They went for
deforestation and increased the land for cultivation. Between 1880 and 1920, this
deforestation occurred

The Rise of Commercial Forestry

The British rulers restricted the overused forests by the Indians. They started it for the
conservation of the forest. But later, they started using the forest for commercial purposes.
The British rulers had requirements of wood and some commercial crops. They used the
forest area for commercial crop cultivation, which increased the rate of deforestation. In
1865, they enacted the Indian Forest Act. After that, they introduced the term commercial
forestry in 1878. By this act, the forest was divided into three areas- reserved, protected, and
village forests.

Explanation of Forest Society and Colonialism

The British rulers restricted the forest area with the thought that the farmers are wasting the
area by cultivation. Therefore, the British Government made a rule so that the forest areas
are not destroyed. Though the forest area was preserved, the colonial Government started
using it for their commercial purpose. Thus, the forest act and the forest society turned into
colonialism. The British rulers were taking advantage of the forest society and colonialism for
their commercial crop and wood production

Forest Society and Colonialism Summary

In this process of the forest society and colonialism, the large areas of forest were cleared for
cultivating commercial crops such as rubber, tea, coffee, etc. The British rulers used the areas
because they can produce the crops at cheap rates and sell them in Europe at a high price.

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9

Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 2What is Democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

Myanmar where the army rules, Dictator Pinochet’s rule in Chile, or President Nkrumah’s
rule in • Ghana was not democratic. They were not chosen by the people.
Hereditary kings, like the king of Nepal or Saudi Arabia, are also not democratic rulers.
They rule because they were born into noble families.

In a democracy final, decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

In Pakistan, President Musharraf had the power to dismiss national and state assemblies;
so the final powers rest with the army and the General himself. We cannot call it a
democracy. Now Pakistan has an elected government.

Democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a
fair chance of losing.
For example, in Mexico elections have been held every six years since 1980. But the same
party, PRI, has won the elections. Obviously, there has been rigging and malpractices, with
freedom denied to the opposition. This is not what a democracy should be.

In a democracy, people’s will is ascertained by each adult citizen having one vote and each
vote has one value. Democracy is based on the fundamental principle of political equality.A
democratic government rules within the limits set by constitutional and citizens’ rights.

A democratic government cannot do what it likes after winning the elections. It has to
respect certain basic rules and is accountable not only to the people but also to other
independent officials.

The Pillars of Democracy are The Sovereignty of the people, Government based upon the
consent of the government, Majority rule, Minority rights, Guarantee of basic human rights,
Free and Fair elections, Equality before the law, Constitutional limits on government, Values
of tolerance, Pragmatism, Cooperation and Compromise.

Why Democracy?

Points Against
There has been a criticism of democracy by various people. The charges are that:

It creates instability by changing its leaders frequently.

Democracy is about power play and political competition. There is no scope for morality.
 So many people have to be consulted before any issue is resolved. It leads to delay.
Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
It leads to corruption for it is based on electoral corruption.
Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, so decision-making should not be
left to them.

Alternative to Democracy
To overcome political instability and legislative gridlock associated with democratic rule,
expansions of executive power and limits on democratic freedoms are been looked for.

An exceptional example is that of Russia’s transition from unstable democracy in the 1990s
to economic growth and political stability

MCQ
1. Which of the following personalities quoted, “Democracy is of the people, for the people,
by the people”?

a) Mahatma Gandhi

b) Albert Einstein

c) Abraham Lincoln

d) Rabindranath Tagore

2. When was the constitution of India adopted by the Constituent Assembly?

a) 26th January, 1950

b) 26th November, 1949

c) 15th August, 1947

d) 24th January, 1948

3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a democratic government?

a) Rule of law

b) Universal adult franchise

c) Centralized decision-making

d) Respect for minority rights

4. What does the term "democracy" mean?

a) Government by the wealthy elite

b) Government by the military

c) Government by the people

d) Government by a single ruler

5. Which of the following is an essential requirement for a democratic government?

a) Censorship of the media

b) Suppression of political opposition

c) Free and fair elections

d) Rule by religious leaders

6. What is the significance of political equality in a democracy?

a) It ensures economic equality among citizens.

b) It guarantees the right to freedom of speech.

c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal say in decision-making.

d) It prevents corruption in the government.

7. What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?

a) To pass laws and make policies

b) To represent the interests of the ruling party

c) To provide justice and protect the rights of citizens

d) To enforce military rule

8. What is the purpose of having a separation of powers in a democratic government?

a) To concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals

b) To prevent the government from functioning effectively

c) To ensure a system of checks and balances

d) To eliminate the need for elections

6. What is the significance of political equality in a democracy?

a) It ensures economic equality among citizens.

b) It guarantees the right to freedom of speech.

c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal say in decision-making.

d) It prevents corruption in the government.

7. What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?

a) To pass laws and make policies

b) To represent the interests of the ruling party

c) To provide justice and protect the rights of citizens

d) To enforce military rule

8. What is the purpose of having a separation of powers in a democratic government?

a) To concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals

b) To prevent the government from functioning effectively

c) To ensure a system of checks and balances

d) To eliminate the need for elections

6. What is the significance of political equality in a democracy?

a) It ensures economic equality among citizens.

b) It guarantees the right to freedom of speech.

c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal say in decision-making.

d) It prevents corruption in the government.

7. What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?

a) To pass laws and make policies

b) To represent the interests of the ruling party

c) To provide justice and protect the rights of citizens

d) To enforce military rule

8. What is the purpose of having a separation of powers in a democratic government?

a) To concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals

b) To prevent the government from functioning effectively

c) To ensure a system of checks and balances

d) To eliminate the need for elections

9. Which of the following is NOT a form of direct democracy?

a) Referendum

b) Initiative

c) Recall

d) Parliamentary elections

10. What is the role of political parties in a democracy?

a) To promote dictatorship

b) To represent the interests of the ruling class

c) To provide opportunities for citizens to participate in politics

d) To suppress dissent and opposition

11. What is the significance of the right to freedom of speech in a democracy?

a) It allows citizens to criticize the government without consequences.

b) It ensures that the government can control public opinion.

c) It grants unlimited power to the media.

d) It limits the power of the judiciary.

12. What is the importance of democratic decision-making?

a) It guarantees that all decisions are made by the majority.

b) It promotes citizen participation and accountability.

c) It eliminates the need for regular elections.

d) It concentrates power in the hands of a few individuals.

13. What is the importance of the concept of political equality in a democracy?

a) It ensures equal distribution of wealth among citizens.

b) It guarantees religious freedom for all citizens.

c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal right to vote and participate in decision-making.

d) It promotes economic development and prosperity.

14. Which of the following is an example of a social and political right in a democratic
society?

a) Right to private property

b) Right to own a personal vehicle

c) Right to free education

d) Right to consume alcohol

15. What is the role of civil society organizations in a democracy?

a) To enforce laws and maintain order in society

b) To provide social services to citizens

c) To represent the interests of political parties

d) To promote citizen engagement, advocate for public issues, and ensure government
accountability

answers
1. c) Abraham Lincoln

2. b) 26th November, 1949

3. c) Centralized decision-making

4. c) Government by the people

5. c) Free and fair elections

6. c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal say in decision-making.

7. c) To provide justice and protect the rights of citizens

8. c) To ensure a system of checks and balances

9. d) Parliamentary elections

10. c) To provide opportunities for citizens to participate in politics

11. a) It allows citizens to criticize the government without consequences.

12. b) It promotes citizen participation and accountability.

13. c) It ensures that every citizen has an equal right to vote and participate in decision-
making.

14. c) Right to free education

15. d) To promote citizen engagement, advocate for public issues, and ensure government
accountability.

Constitutional Design Class 9 Notes Social

Science Civics Chapter 3
Democratic Constitution in South Africa

Nelson Mandela, the South African leader of African National Congress, fought a long
battle against Apartheid.
Imprisoned for 28 years (1964-1992) emerged as the first President of the Republic of
South Africa.
People struggled against the horrible discrimination practised against them by the white
minority rulers.
Apartheid system began to fall apart in the 1980s. Finally; in 1994, the first free
multiracial elections were held.
Remarkable constitution, forgot past sufferings, sought co-operation of all the races
which made South Africa based on equality, democratic values and social justice.

Do We Need A Constitution?

Yes. A constitution has written laws accepted by people living together in a country.
It generates trust and coordination.
It specifies how a government should be constituted.
It lays down limits on the powers of the government.
It expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.

Making of the Indian Constitution

From 1858 onwards, the British Government passed many Acts for the government of
India but could not satisfy Indian aspiration.
The demand for a Constitution was first raised in 1934 by the Indian National Congress.
In 1938, Jawaharlal Nehru formulated the demand for a Constituent Assembly.
In 1942, the British Government recognized that Indians should frame a new Constitution
by themselves.
Participation in Provincial Legislatures helped Indians in framing their Constitution.
The Leaders were inspired by the French Revolution, British Parliamentary System and
the Bill of Rights of the US.
They also learnt what the British were denying Indian citizens.

The Constituent Assembly

Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949, and enacted on 26th January
1950, when India became a Republic state.
The Constitution reflects the best minds of the country. The Constituent Assembly was
called Mini- India.
Every law was debated clause by clause and a consensus arrived at.
It is the longest written Constitution in the world.

Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

 The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949, and enacted on 26th January
1950, when India became a Republic state.
The Constitution reflects the best minds of the country. The Constituent Assembly was
called Mini- India.
Every law was debated clause by clause and a consensus arrived at.
It is the longest written Constitution in the world.

MCQ
1. Which of the following countries does NOT have a written constitution?

a) India

b) United States

c) United Kingdom

d) France

2. The Constitution of India came into force on:

a) 15th August 1947

b) 26th January 1950

c) 2nd October 1949

d) 14th November 1947

3. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India?

a) Mahatma Gandhi

b) B.R. Ambedkar

c) Jawaharlal Nehru

d) Vallabhbhai Patel

4. The Constitution of India provides for a __________ form of government.

a) Presidential

b) Parliamentary
c) Unitary

d) Federal

5. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?

a) Fundamental Rights

b) Directive Principles of State Policy

c) Preamble

d) Bill of Rights

The concept of 'checks and balances' in the Indian Constitution ensures:

a) Separation of powers among the three organs of the government

b) Equal representation of states in the Rajya Sabha

c) Protection of minority rights

d) Freedom of speech and expression

7. The first three words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are:

a) We, the People

b) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular

c) Justice, Liberty, Equality

d) India, that is

8. Which amendment to the Indian Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years?

a) 42nd Amendment

b) 44th Amendment

c) 61st Amendment

d) 73rd Amendment

9. The Constitution of India guarantees the right to equality under:

a) Article 14

b) Article 19

c) Article 21

d) Article 25

10. The power to amend the Indian Constitution is vested in:

a) The President of India

b) The Prime Minister

c) The Parliament

d) The Supreme Court

11. The 'emergency provisions' in the Indian Constitution are borrowed from:

a) The United States

b) The United Kingdom

c) France

d) Germany

12. The Indian Constitution recognizes ________ as the official language(s) of the Union.

a) Hindi

b) English

c) Hindi and English

d) Hindi, English, and regional languages

13. The Indian Constitution provides for ________ tiers of government.

a) Two

b) Three

c) Four
d) Five

14. Who appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court of India?

a) The President

b) The Prime Minister

c) The Chief Justice of India

d) The Law Minister

15. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy?

a) Part II

b) Part III

c) Part IV

d) Part V

answers
1. c) United Kingdom

2. b) 26th January 1950

3.b) B.R. Ambedkar

4. b) Parliamentary

5. d) Bill of Rights

6. a) Separation of powers among the three organs of the government

7. a) We, the People

8. c) 61st Amendment

9. a) Article 14

10. c) The Parliament

11. b) The United Kingdom

12. c) Hindi and English

13. b) Three

14. a) The President

15. c) Part IV