Revision Notes Class 9
Social Science - History
Chapter 1 – The French Revolution
Before the French Revolution
Before the French revolution the French territories and society was 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 upon 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 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 a 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 tyrants. It was a brutal period of terror that the French had to face. Their
Social Science - History
Chapter 1 – The French Revolution
Before the French Revolution
Before the French revolution the French territories and society was 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 upon 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 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 a 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 tyrants. It was a brutal period of terror that the French had to face. Their
