Question 1: Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France:
French society was divided into three distinct estates, leading to discontent in the third estate. A subsistence crisis, a stronger middle class with democratic ideals, the assembly of the Estates General, and the proposal to increase taxes all contributed to the outbreak. The National Assembly and local rebellions marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
Question 2: Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?
The richer members of the third estate (middle class) benefited the most. The clergy and nobility relinquished power. The poorer sections and women might have been disappointed as the promise of equality was not fully realized.
Question 3: Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The French Revolution's legacy includes the adoption of ideals like liberty, equality, and fraternity globally. It influenced democracy, abolished feudal systems, and inspired movements against colonization. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy in India were influenced by these ideals.
Question 4: Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Democratic rights originating from the French Revolution include freedom of expression, right to equality, right to freedom, and the right to assemble and form unions (within limits not threatening national security and peace).
Question 5: Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain
Yes, the message of universal rights had contradictions, such as ambiguous meanings in the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen and restrictions on voting rights. The ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity faced challenges in the political movements of the time.
Question 6: How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
The rise of Napoleon followed the fall of the Directory in 1796 due to political instability. Napoleon, a military dictator, crowned himself Emperor in 1804. While seen as a modernizer, his quest for power led to his downfall with defeat at Waterloo in 1815.