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French Revolution Notes

The French Revolution was caused by political, social, and economic factors. Politically, the French treasury was empty after years of war, and the king increased taxes to pay debts. Socially, French society was divided into estates with the clergy and nobility possessing most land and power despite being only 10% of the population. Economically, population growth led to food shortages as harvests declined, while wages remained low for most workers. The French Revolution established principles of liberty, equality, and justice that still inspire modern democracies today.

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141 views

French Revolution Notes

The French Revolution was caused by political, social, and economic factors. Politically, the French treasury was empty after years of war, and the king increased taxes to pay debts. Socially, French society was divided into estates with the clergy and nobility possessing most land and power despite being only 10% of the population. Economically, population growth led to food shortages as harvests declined, while wages remained low for most workers. The French Revolution established principles of liberty, equality, and justice that still inspire modern democracies today.

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yoyoyoyoyoyobd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FRENCH REVOLUTION-NOTES

Q.) Describe the factors responsible for the French Revolution.

Answer:
Political factors:
• Louis XVI came to power in 1774 at the age of 20
• French treasury was empty as long years of war had drained the financial resources.
• Louis XVI helped the 13 American colonies to gain their independence from the common enemy
Britain.
• France had taken 3 billion Livres loan from money lenders who began to charge 10% interest.
• To meet its regular expenses such as the cost of maintaining an army, the court, running
government offices or universities, the ruler was forced to increase taxes.
Social causes
• French society in the 18th century was divided into 3 estates - clergy, nobility and common
people.
• Clergy and nobility were 10% of the population but possessed 60% of land. Third Estate was
90% of the population but possessed 40% of the lands.
• Clergy and nobility enjoyed many privileges based on birth. The Church collected taxes from
people however they themselves were exempted from paying taxes.
• Nobles collected feudal dues from third estate people.
• Peasants were obliged to render services to the clergy and nobility to work in their houses,
fields, serve in the army or to participate in building roads.
Economic Causes:
• The population of France rose from 23 million to 28 million in 1789 which led to a rapid
increase in the demand for food grains.
• Production of grain was less because draught or hail reduced the harvest.
• Most workers were employed as labourers in workshops.
• Owners of the workshop did not increase the wages of workers.
• This led to a subsistence crisis of food grain in the cities which occurred frequently in France.
Q.) Explain the Legacy of the French Revolution to the world society.

Answer:
• The Legacy of the French Revolution is found in the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Justice that still
inspire modern democracies.
• The French fought to establish principles that would form the basis of freedom of human beings
everywhere.
• The revolution created foundation for fundamental rights of an individual
• Ordinary person could claim a voice in politics.
• It took more radical steps to broaden the definition of Liberty and Equality by concerning itself to
women’s rights and slavery.
• France became the first democracy to launch a war to spread its values.
• After the French Revolution feudal system in Europe was abolished.
• It introduced the idea of a sovereign Nation state to colonized people.
• The French Revolution is considered as an inspiring political movement.

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