I. Complete the following statements by selecting the correct statements given below each statement:
(1) In the year 1789, the event that shook Europe was French Revolution .
(a) French Revolution (b) Unification of Germany
(c) Seven Year’s War (d) American War of Independence
(2) The First Estate in France was comprised of Clergy.
(a) Clergy (b) Nobility
(c) Common Masses (d) Slaves
(3) In France, the burden of taxation entirely fell on the members of Third Estate .
(a) First Estate (b) Second Estate
(c) Third Estate (d) Fourth Estate
(4) The Theory of Separation of Powers was advocated by Montesquieu .
(a) Rousseau (b) Voltaire
(c) Montesquieu (d) Benjamin Franklin
(5) The French Revolution took place during the reign of Louis XVI .
(a) Louis XIII (b) Louis XIV
(c) Louis XV (d) Louis XVI
II. Answer the following questions in one sentence each :
(1) What was regarded as the symbol of French Revolution?
Ans : The Bastille was regarded as the symbol of French Revolution.
(2) Which theory was firmly believed by the Bourbon Monarchs?
Ans : The Bourbon Monarchs believed in the Theory of Divine Rights of the Kings.
(3) Name any two philosophers who had ignited the minds of the French people by their writings.
Ans : Voltaire, Rousseau are thetwo philosophers who had ignited the minds of the French people by their writings
(4) Which book was considered as the ‘Bible’ of the French Revolution?
Ans : The ‘Theory of Social Contract’ was considered as the Bible of the French Revolution.
(5) Which event brought the ‘Reign of Terror’ to an end?
Ans : The arrest of Robespierre and his execution in July 1794, brought the ‘Reign of Terror’ to an end.
III. Answer the following questions in two sentences :
(1) Mention any two factors which proved the determination of the French people to overthrow French Monarchy.
Ans : (any two)
(1) The Storming of the Bastille prison (1789).
(2) The Drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789).
(3) Formation of the National assembly by the Third Estate (1789).
(2) What was the nature of the French society on the eve of the French Revolution?
Ans :
(1) The French Empire was going through a financial crisis after her participation in Seven Years war.
(2) The rulers and the members of the royal family led lavish lifestyles.
(3) The first two Estates were exempted from paying any taxes.
(4) The Third Estate was over burdened with taxes.
(3) ‘The French Revolution ended but France came under the rule of a single person’. Justify the statement giving two points.
Ans :
(1) Napoleon who was the commander of the French forces, overthrew the Directory.
(2) He first proclaimed himself as the First Consul in 1802 and as the Consul for life in 1804.
(3) Napoleon ruled France for a period of fifteen years.
IV. Give two reasons for the following statements :
(1) The rule of Louis XVI was based on inequality.
Ans :
(1) There were different laws for different social classes.
(2) Social privileges were given to the nobles and the clergy.
(3) The legal system favoured the upper and the noble classes.
(4) The common people were put in prison without any reason or trial.
(2) The French Empire had to go through a financial crisis on the eve of the French Revolution.
Ans :
(1) The ruler and the members of the royal family led a lavish life.
(2) The first two Estates were exempted from paying any taxes.
V. Answer the following questions in four sentences each :
(1) Why was it said that “France sneezes Europe catches a cold”?
Ans :
(1) The idea that the church and state are two different identities and should be separated and the power control lies with the people.
(2) The French Revolution made it easier for a secular system of government.
(3) Due to French Revolution Europe had a number of wars, thus the success of French people inspired the people of other countries to revolt against their own unjust government.
(4) The French Revolution popularised the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity in the International politics.
(2) Louis XVI was unable to rule effectively. Explain giving four reasons.
Ans :
(1) Louis XVI was not interested in the day to day functioning of the Empire.
(2) He did not have personal contacts with the common masses.
(3) He was unaware of the sufferings of the common man.
(4) He would impose new taxes on the people whenever there was shortage of money for his lavish spending .
(5) He did not see far in the political matter.
(3) How did bankruptcy exist in France on the eve of the French Revolution?
Ans :
(1) The French empire was going through a financial crisis after her participation in the Seven Years war.
(2) The rulers and the members of the royal family led a posh and rich lifestyle.
(3) The first two Estates were exempted from paying any taxes.
(4) The third Estate had to pay a lot of taxes.
VI. Match the following pairs :
A B
(1) Theory of Social Contract (a) Bastille
(2) Criticized the Church (b) Montesquieu
(3) Theory of Separation of Powers (c) Voltaire
(4) Symbol of French Monarchy (d) Rousseau
Answers:
(1) – (d), (2) – (c), (3) – (b), (4) – (a).