The French Revolution – Class 10 (CBSE)
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended the rule of absolute monarchy in France. French
society was divided into three estates. The First Estate consisted of clergy, the Second Estate
included nobles, and the Third Estate comprised peasants, workers, and the middle class. The
Third Estate paid all taxes while the other two enjoyed privileges. Economic crisis, heavy taxation,
rising prices of bread, and extravagant spending by King Louis XVI led to widespread discontent.
Inspired by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, people demanded political rights.
In 1789, the Estates-General was convened, leading to the formation of the National Assembly. The
Bastille was stormed on 14 July 1789, symbolizing the end of royal tyranny. Feudal privileges were
abolished, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was issued, guaranteeing freedom
and equality. France became a republic in 1792. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793. The period
of the Reign of Terror followed under Robespierre. Eventually, stability returned under the Directory
and later Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution laid the foundation for modern democracy
and inspired revolutions across the world.
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended the rule of absolute monarchy in France. French
society was divided into three estates. The First Estate consisted of clergy, the Second Estate
included nobles, and the Third Estate comprised peasants, workers, and the middle class. The
Third Estate paid all taxes while the other two enjoyed privileges. Economic crisis, heavy taxation,
rising prices of bread, and extravagant spending by King Louis XVI led to widespread discontent.
Inspired by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, people demanded political rights.
In 1789, the Estates-General was convened, leading to the formation of the National Assembly. The
Bastille was stormed on 14 July 1789, symbolizing the end of royal tyranny. Feudal privileges were
abolished, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was issued, guaranteeing freedom
and equality. France became a republic in 1792. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793. The period
of the Reign of Terror followed under Robespierre. Eventually, stability returned under the Directory
and later Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution laid the foundation for modern democracy
and inspired revolutions across the world.
