English Version - NCERT Class ix History Chapter - The French revolution
Chapter – The French Revolution Chapter Introduction: • The French Revolution began in 1789 and led to the end of monarchy in France. • It introduced liberty, equality, and fraternity as guiding principles. • France shifted from an absolute monarchy to a democratic republic. • The revolution influenced political developments worldwide. 1. French Society During the Late 18th Century The Old Regime: • Society was divided into Three Estates: o First Estate: Clergy – church officials. o Second Estate: Nobility – lords and nobles. o Third Estate: Common people – peasants, workers, middle class. Privileges of the First and Second Estates: • Exempt from taxes. • Owned large amounts of land. • Enjoyed special privileges like access to high positions in government and the church. Third Estate: • About 98% of the population. • Paid all the taxes (taille – land tax, and others). • Included: o Peasants – worked the land. o Artisans and workers – lived in cities, often unemployed or poorly paid....
